Absence
Title: Absence
Author: alovelyvampire
Pairing: Demyx/Zexion(Demyx)
Rating: Let's say....PG-13. I think.
POV: Third, but Zexion-centric.
Summary: Zexion jumps through quite a few hoops to be with Demyx, but loves him, all the same.
Disclaimer: Everything related to Kingdom Hearts belongs to SquareEnix and Disney. I own the plot--that's it.
Author Notes: I felt there was a...lack of Zemyx in the fandom--so I wrote my own =)
Beta: A million thanks to
bubblegum_mileyfor beta-ing, you did a phenominal job =)
Warnings: Sexual refrences, and language. Nothing huge.
Number VI--
I have refrained from punishing you for your nighttime activities with Number IX, but I am afraid you must cease. Your behavior is reflecting an improper image upon the Core Six.
--The Superior
Zexion could hardly believe it had come to this.
These “nighttime activities” had started innocently--or, rather, they started without any emotion. Zexion now scoffed at the idea of Nobodies not being able to feel. Yes, they could cast aside these feelings, and create a blank mask--such as Xemnas, Saïx, and Marluxia had done--but people like Demyx and Axel had held on to them. Even though he knew this, it still shocked him to hear Demyx scream an “I love you!” instead of Zexion’s name or an obscenity during one of their nights together. It shocked him further to discover the feeling was mutual.
Instead of keeping anything and everything they did with each other in the bedroom, Zexion found himself staring at Demyx more often during the day. They made eye contact, sometimes had whispered conversations, and smiled (broadly in Dem’s case, softly in Zexion’s) when they saw each other in the hallways. These were the little things, but the biggest thing was they no longer had sex every night. Of course, it didn’t cease, but rather, it happened less often. They preferred to spend their nights kissing, talking and laughing, or just lying in the silence, enjoying having each other near. These were the nights that scared Xemnas and Saïx (though they would never admit it), because they might prove The Superior and his second-in-command wrong and say that yes, Nobodies could feel. Or it could all end horribly and leave a huge gash in the Organization. They both remembered how often jealousy and hurt could split people, and both Zexion and Demyx were well liked. They were more worried about the former reason than the latter.
Zexion smirked at the little slip of paper he had found under his door when he walked into his room that morning. Having spent the night in Demyx’s room, he was in an extremely good mood. The words didn’t even leave a mark on him, and the warning had found itself in his wastebasket as he went to go find himself some clean clothes to take a shower.
xXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxX
“Mmm…Zexy?” Dem snuggled his head further into Zexion’s shoulder. They were having one of their comfortable silence nights.
“Yeah, love?”
Demyx sighed a happy sigh. “I’m writing a song for you. I’m almost finished with it.”
Zexion shifted back and slightly up so he could look at Demyx right in the eyes. “You’re doing what for me?”
“I’m writing you a song.” Demyx smiled. “And it’s almost done. It’s gonna be great, I think you’ll really like it. You know, it’s well-thought out, and it’s got some serious meaning to it. Like all those books you read.” He positively glowed. Music was definitely Demyx’s thing.
Zexion laid back down so Demyx could squeeze the air out of him again. “That sounds great, Demy, I’m sure I’ll love it.”
“Don’t say that!!” This time Dem pulled back to look at Zexion. “You don’t even know yet!!! You haven’t heard it!!”
“Yes, love, but I’ve heard your other songs. And they’re amazing. So I already know that I’ll love it.” Zexion smiled softly, and Demyx felt reassured. It was startling to the blonde how much one little smile could do to him.
xXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxX
Number VI--
This is now the second request I have had to issue to you. I must insist that you stop meeting with Number IX after ten o' clock in the evening. It is improper, and I wish for the reputation of the Core Six to be upheld with vigor.
--The Superior
xXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxX
“Hey, Zexy!” Axel came bounding over to where Zexion was relaxing, reading a book in the courtyard. “You know what I’ve been hearing at night?”
“Besides Roxas’ moans and choice words?” Zexion rolled his eyes.
“Yeah, besides all of that…I’ve been hearing silence! It’s crazy! Normally I hear you and Demy gettin’ down, but lately it’s been quiet! I just don’t get it! What happened to you two? I mean, it used to be the occasional night when it’d be quiet, and I’d be all, ‘Aw, Roxy, they’re being sweet tonight!’, but now it’s like, ‘Whoa, have they broken up?’ What the hell?” Axel sucked in a breath of air before he continued. “So, like, what’s been going on?”
Zexion sighed. “We find enjoyment in each other without the need of sex. I suggest you and Roxas find some of the same enjoyment.”
“Huh…you know, we probably could. I guess it’d be like how we are during the day…” Axel’s lips pouted out in a way that meant he was thinking. “I’m gonna go find Roxy and ask him. See ya, Zexy!” Axel very nearly waltzed away. Zexion shook his head at his friend’s easy-going personality. It almost scared him sometimes, but more often than not, he found it as a source of what he might consider to be “good feelings”, such as the ones he got from being around Demyx, but in a much lesser degree.
Zexion was halfway through his book when Axel came back to bother him. “Hey, Zexy? Do you know where Roxas is? I can’t find him anywhere…”
“I can’t say that I do. I’m sorry, Axel.” Zexion’s eyes didn’t even lift from the page he was reading.
“Oh, well…hey, what’s this?” Axel picked up the slip of paper that Zexion had been planning to use for a bookmark. “It’s a letter…whoa, from the Superior! What have we got here? Ooh, Zexy’s in trouble?” Axel’s eyebrows shot up. “What have you two been doing that’s made Mansex so mad?”
“Absolutely nothing, and that’s what worries him.” Zexion took the paper from Axel’s hands and marked his place in his book. “We merely talk and sleep, and it scares him because he thinks that maybe I know more about the heart than he does, and that’s why I can feel--and I’ve taught Demyx how to feel, as well. And he doesn’t like to think I know more than him on any subject, because he is, as the paper says, ‘The Superior’.” Though his speech was said with a tired voice, he smirked. “But I’m going to completely disregard this, as I see no harm in spending time with Demyx, and after all, I do know best when it comes to myself. I think Xemnas would regret it if I do as he says.”
“Whoa, you’re really crazy about Demy, then. I thought it might have been more than slightly one-sided…but I guess not, if you’re willing to get into some big shit with Xemnas over him.” Axel smiled. “That’s sweeeet!!”
“All right, you’ve had your fun. Check the garden; Marluxia was supposed to be teaching Roxas about magic today.” Zexion waved his friend off and opened his book again.
“What? That creeper’s teaching my boyfriend? See ya, Zexy; I’ve got to go save Roxy!” Axel dashed off, leaving Zexion in peace for the second time that day.
xXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxX
Demyx flopped into Zexion’s bed. “Ugh. I’m glad the day’s over. Saïx wouldn’t stop bugging me the whole time he was supposed to be helping me with my battle skills! He kept on asking me about you, and what we do at night. When I told him it was none of his business, he kept on asking, saying that Xemnas wanted to know. So I hit him with my sitar when he told me to attack him, and he’s got a nice ugly bruise on his face. He wasn’t very happy with me, so I left before he could use any of his moon powers to kill me.” He smiled, despite his obvious exhaustion. “Was your day any better than mine?”
Zexion hummed slightly and pulled Demyx close. “Axel just kept on bugging me. He wanted to know the same as Saïx, except that his was concern for the both of us.”
“Oh.” Demy smiled as he hugged Zexion back, and planted a kiss on his forehead. “Axel’s a bugger sometimes.”
“More like most of the time…” Zexion mumbled, feeling himself slowly slipping into dreamland. “But don’t worry, I can handle him.”
“Aw, Zexy, stop talking and sleep. You’re tired. It’s 'cause you’ve been thinking too much. That song I wrote for you is just a few chords away from being done--I’ll play it for you tomorrow if you'd like.”
“I’d like that…” Zexion hardly remembered saying those words, for in the next moment, he was asleep.
xXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxX
Ienzo--
The time for warnings has passed--action must now take its place. You have continued to stay with Number IX, and, as punishment, are being sent to Port Royal, to make sure nothing unexpected has happened in our absence. You are to stay for three days and three nights to ensure this, and you will be departing at eight-thirty tonight. I will be dropping by your room sometime today to give you the reports to fill out while you are there--do not fail me, Ienzo.
--The Superior
Zexion didn’t miss Xemnas using his true name--in fact, it irked him to see Xemnas so mad. Though the man claimed not to feel, Zexion knew that he must, or he wouldn’t have used something so petty to get to him. Not that petty was below Xemnas.
But Zexion did notice how he had to leave before he could listen to Demyx’s song. It worried him a bit, wondering if maybe Saïx was wandering around at night, listening to what the two were saying to each other. He didn’t like that.
He decided not to tell Demyx his theory. He knew Demyx would probably figure it out on his own, though. Demyx was smart--but Zexion wouldn’t tell him, all the same. He could possibly be overthinking things, as was a habit of his. Sighing, he put the slip of paper into his pocket and went to take his shower. Afterward planning then to tell Demyx of the bad news.
xXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxX
“You’ve got to go to Port Royal for how long?” Demyx looked at Zexion with disbelief.
“Three days and three nights, exactly. And I leave at eight-thirty tonight.” Zexion’s face was upset. “And I don’t even get to hear your song.”
“Oh, don’t worry about that! Your books! They’ll get soaked! Not to mention I’ve got to stay for three whole days and three whole nights without you. I don’t know how I’ll survive!!!” Demyx’s face was a mirror of Zexion’s, except he had more of a puppy dog look that made Zexion chuckle.
“Oh, don’t worry, love, you can last three days. I’ll just be in Port Royal, and it’s not like he’s making me act like Luxord, trying to take everything over. It’s just a little reconnaissance mission. I’ll be home before you know it.” He gave his soft smile to Demyx, which in turn made the other grin.
“Yeah, I know I can last the days…it’s the nights I’m worried about.” Demyx laughed. “But you know that I’ll know the second you get home, because I’m just smart like that. Not to mention I’ll be waiting in the courtyard for you to come home--and you know what?” The look on Demyx’s face was one of excitement, “I’ll even bring my sitar with me, and I’ll play the song for you when you get home. It’ll be something to look forward to!!”
Zexion smiled a bit wider. “I’d like that--though you’re plenty to look forward to.”
Zexion felt himself being pulled into a hug. “Aw, Zexy, do you really mean that?”
He faked being shocked. “Why, of course! I love you, after all.” He gently kissed Demyx’s neck, which was all he could reach in his current position.
“Aw, I love you, too, Zexy.” He gave him one last squeeze, then shooed him off towards the bedrooms. “Go on, go pack, you can find me.”
Zexion turned around and did something unexpected. He stood on his toes and kissed Demyx’s nose. “Hey, what was that for?” Demyx blinked a couple of times rapidly.
“Um…I felt like it?” Zexion’s face was slightly red. He wasn’t used to these sudden displays of affection that sometimes happened.
“Aw…” Demyx leaned down and gently captured Zexion’s lips in his, though they quickly stopped, realizing they were in the middle of a wide hallway and anybody could walk in and see. Demyx attempted to get Zexion to go pack again, and this time, Zexion listened. “Find me when you’re done, I don’t want you to leave without saying goodbye.”
Zexion chuckled. “Of course. I don’t want to leave without seeing you, either.”
As Zexion walked away and Demyx turned to find Axel or Roxas, neither of them noticed a figure with long blue hair leaning against a nearby pillar, committing all of their conversation to memory to repeat to Xemnas later on.
xXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxX
Zexion had just folded the last black robe he would need for his stay in Port Royal and had put it in his bag when Xemnas walked into the room. “The Superior--I have been expecting you.” Zexion looked up at the older man, straightening to his full height.
“Yes, I expect you have.” Xemnas was tall, a good seven or eight inches taller than Zexion. Anyone else of Zexion’s size and stature would be afraid of Xemnas--but Zexion knew he was too smart, too clever, and too good of a schemer to be eliminated…as of yet.
“I have the reports you will need to complete in your stay, please give them to me upon your return.” Xemnas looked Zexion straight in the eyes. “It would seem, that you have been receiving my notes...?” When Zexion nodded, he continued, “Why, then, have you not heeded my words and ceased your activities? You know you cannot feel--the Melodious Nocturne knows he cannot feel, as well. Why continue the charade?”
“Because you know as well as I do that emotions and infatuations are conceived not in the heart, but in the mind.” Zexion’s voice was monotonous, but strong. “Whatever we may or may not have has created a strong bond between us, which in turn, strengthens the ties of the Organization as a whole. Isn’t that something that we all want and need to accomplish our goals?”
“Yes, but if this should end…badly, then there would be a larger hole in the Organization…which I am quite sure would be hard to mend…” If Xemnas could be smug, that expression would have been all over his face.
“I’m sure, Xemnas. Though I appreciate your concern, I think I know what is best for myself, and for Demyx.” Zexion very nearly glared, but he wanted to keep the “pleasant” air that they had.
“Yes, yes, fine. I urge you to finish packing--you leave in less than two hours.” Xemnas swept gracefully from the room. Zexion resisted the urge to roll his eyes.
xXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxX
“Do you really have to go?” Demyx whined softly in Zexion’s ear.
The shorter man chuckled. “Yes, I really do. Don’t worry, it’s only three days. You’ll live.” He squeezed Demyx a little bit tighter. “I swear you’ll live.”
Demyx sighed. “You’ll come back. You have to. You promised me you’d listen to my song.”
Zexion was puzzled. “Why do you say that?”
Demyx pulled out of the embrace, scuffed his toe on the ground, and blushed slightly. Zexion’s face went into an amused smirk. “Well, you know, there’s a lot of pretty girls in Port Royal, and, I don’t know, maybe you’d like one of them more than me…”
Zexion laughed softly, a deep, low laugh. “Oh, Demy, there’s something wrong with each and every single one of them. They all have the same problem, and it’s too big to ignore.”
Demyx looked up, confused. “What’s that?”
Zexion smiled. “None of them are you, love.” Demyx’s face went a little more red. If it was Zexion’s style, he would have commented about how cute Demyx looked at the moment, or melted to a puddle of goo on the inside. But, since that wasn’t his style, he decided to settle for a laugh and a hug.
“I’m gonna miss you…” Demyx mumbled while he squeezed all of the air out of Zexion.
“I’ll miss you, as well.” Zexion nearly sighed, but he regarded his fast-depleting air supply and decided not to. Breathing in as much as he could, he wheezed out, “I have to leave, love, it’s time.”
This was, apparently, the wrong thing to say, as Demyx only squeezed him tighter. “No…not yet…”
“Love! I need to breathe!” Zexion was quickly released and he gasped in a lungful of air. “I don’t want to leave…no more than you want me to, you know that, right?” Demyx nodded. “Good…I’ll be back soon.” Zexion found himself in another kiss with Demyx, though quickly pulled away when he heard footsteps. “I love you, Demyx.”
“I love you, too, Zexion…” Demyx’s pout was almost too much for Zexion to take. He turned around and opened a portal, and as he was about to step in, he was very nearly tackled by Demyx. “Please, please can I come with you?”
“Demy! No, this is to prove to Xemnas that we won’t cause trouble, more than anything. And, after all, ‘Absence makes the heart grow fonder‘.” Zexion smiled at Demyx’s confused look.
“Zexy, I don’t know what you mean. We don’t have hearts, remember? And I don’t wanna be away from you.” Demyx stayed attached to Zexion.
“Oh, Demyx…it means that when I come back, I’ll love you three times as much because I’ve been away for so long. Does that make more sense?” Zexion smiled softly.
Demyx huffed and let go of Zexion. “Okay, fine…I’ll be waiting. You better come back to me!” Demyx gave an evil smirk. “And if I find out about any girlfriends you might have had going on in Port Royal, you aren’t getting sex for, like, a month.” Zexion chuckled and waved to Demyx as he stepped into the darkness.
xXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxX
Being in Port Royal wasn’t exactly Zexion’s idea of fun. In fact, it wasn’t even close.
He would much rather have been in a warm library, curled up in a comfortable chair with a large book. Or sitting and watching the rain fall outside. Or listening to Demyx play his sitar, or watch Demyx dance in the rain, or possibly dance in the rain with him…
Demyx.
It was incredible how much he was in love with the boy. And how quickly it had all happened, too. He had always thought that this amount of… "romance” only happened in the books he read. Or in the songs Demyx loved to sing. Not in real life. But here he was, not-so-living proof that it didn't.
While he was mulling everything over in his always-too-busy mind, he almost failed to notice the small portal of darkness open up near his right hand, and to see a slender, slightly tanned hand slip out of it, holding a highly-folded piece of paper about the size of a wad of chewing gum. It startled Zexion, but he knew that hand anywhere. He attempted to take the wad of paper from Demyx, but the other held on tight. However, when he brought Demyx’s hand to his lips and kissed it lightly (he could almost hear the giggle he was sure Demyx gave), he found the piece of paper dropped on the desk. He was almost tempted to pull Demyx entirely through the darkness and into his lap, but he decided that he didn't want to hurt Demyx, and let him go. He turned his attention instead to the tiny piece of paper that he now attempted to unfold.
It was a lot harder than it sounded. Though Zexion’s fingers were usually nimble, they were shaking slightly with excitement and cold. After about fifteen minutes, Zexion had gotten the note as flat as possible, with only minimal tears to the edge. He smoothed it one last time and squinted in the dim light to read whatever Demyx had written.
Dear Zexion,
I miss you. A lot. It’s only been two days, six hours, and thirty-two minutes a little over two days since you left, but I still miss you. Xemnas and Saïx and Marluxia and sometimes Luxord keep on talking to me, and it’s kinda starting to freak me out. They keep on asking about you and me. I got to punch Luxord in the face, though, because we had to do this hand-to-hand combat stuff just in case we’re ever without our weapons or something, and he was up against me once. It was pretty great, especially when Axel had to fight Roxas. Nobody was watching except for me, ‘cause Luxord was getting his bloody nose taken care of, and Axel went all perverted and whatnot on poor Roxas…his face was beet red, like yours gets when I kiss you in front of those two.
But, anyway, that’s not why I was writing. I was writing to tell you that I love you and miss you and care for you. And that the bed is freezing cold without you here. Which means you have to come back really soon. ‘Cause not sleeping isn’t the greatest thing in the world for me.
Xigbar’s being kinda strange around me…he always comes and talks to me (which is a good thing, ‘cause he’s cool like that!), but he keeps on flirting with me. I tell him I’m not interested, but he doesn’t care. Oh, well, that just means you might have to smack him with one of your heavy books or something when you get back…
I was gonna put a verse of the song in here, but then I decided that that was a stupid idea. So I’m making you wait. Only ‘cause I love you.
And I do. I love you a lot. I miss you like crazy. I know that’s like the third time I’ve said it. But still.
Love,
Demyx
Zexion smiled. Not much could make him this happy.
xXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxX
Zexion stepped out of the darkness and into Xemnas’ office, reports in hand. “Ah, Number VI, it’s good to have you back.” Xemnas stepped out from behind his desk to talk to his colleague. “Good, you finished those, I’ll be sure to read them later tonight.”
“Very well, Xemnas.” Zexion had just remembered that this was the man who had so many people tail his poor Demy while he was away. Something very similar to anger flared in his chest, but he kept it mostly in check. “Now, I would appreciate it if you would stop sending all these people to stalk Demyx. He’s not going to do something drastic while I am away--that would be stupid and senseless. The Melodious Nocturne is neither.” Zexion very nearly glared again.
“But of course. Everyone has been sent to their own rooms--I expect that’s where you’ll find Demyx. Good evening to you, Number VI.”
Zexion nodded. “A good evening to you, as well.” Zexion opened up the darkness again and walked through to the courtyard, where he hoped Demyx would still be waiting.
xXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxX
When Zexion stepped into the courtyard, he listened very closely. He could hear Demyx’s voice faintly singing something, and the soft strum of his sitar. He opened his eyes (which he hadn’t even known he closed) and looked around to find his love a mere thirty feet away, sitting on a stone bench, looking content with life. Zexion smiled.
Demyx looked up when the portal closed behind Zexion, and his grin lit up his whole face. “Zexy! You’re home!” He carefully leaned his sitar against the bench, and ran over to give Zexion the biggest hug he could. “Zexy, I missed you sooooo much! I nearly died! It was awful! Next time you go anywhere, I’m coming with you. I don’t care what stupid Xemnas or Saïx says or anybody. I missed you too much!”
Zexion chuckled. “Relax, love, I’m here now. And I missed you, too.” He softly kissed Demyx’s cheek. “It’s good to see you again.”
“Gah! Understatement of the year!” Demy laughed. “But come here! I want you to listen to my song!! I really think you’ll like it.”
Zexion allowed himself to be dragged by the hand over to the bench, where Demyx promptly picked up his sitar and strummed it a few times. He played a little intro, with a few little licks, and then he started to sing.
Zexion couldn’t remember all of the words. He remembered a few phrases, such as “They tell me it’s not possible/Say I’ll get myself into trouble/But I know that they don’t have a clue”. And he especially remembered the chorus.
“I don’t understand this feeling/Though my heart’s not there, it’s beating/only for you and no one else/I’m filled with emotion all the way through/It’s telling me that I love you/And nobody can take that away”.
A few chords later, and Demyx was looking at Zexion expectantly. “Well? What do you think?” And for the first time in living memory, Zexion was speechless.
Zexion looked around. He tried to take everything in--the moonlight, the stars, the song, Demyx…nothing was quite comprehensible in his head. It was too much. In an overtly good way. Nobody had ever cared this much for him--as Ienzo or as Zexion. He bit his lip, looking desperately for the words. He saw Demyx’s face fall, and realized that he had taken too long to come up with an answer. Yet he still didn’t have any words, so he stopped trying to make his mind work and let his body do what felt right.
And what felt right was a simple kiss. Which turned into something more.
xXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxX
“Mmmm…Zexion?” Demyx shifted his body closer to his lover’s (something that anybody else would have thought impossible).
Zexion smiled. “Yeah, love?”
“Maybe I won’t go with you the next time you leave, if this is what I get for staying behind.”
Zexion laughed softly. “Yeah, I think you’re gonna have to stay behind, too. ‘Absence makes the heart grow fonder’,” he repeated.
“Yeah, I guess it does.” Demyx kissed the top of Zexion’s head. “G’night, Zexy, I love you.”
“I love you, as well.”
Con-crit very much appreciated, only the second story I've written for this fandom. Cross-posted a bit, apologies to whoever it inconviences.
Author: alovelyvampire
Pairing: Demyx/Zexion(Demyx)
Rating: Let's say....PG-13. I think.
POV: Third, but Zexion-centric.
Summary: Zexion jumps through quite a few hoops to be with Demyx, but loves him, all the same.
Disclaimer: Everything related to Kingdom Hearts belongs to SquareEnix and Disney. I own the plot--that's it.
Author Notes: I felt there was a...lack of Zemyx in the fandom--so I wrote my own =)
Beta: A million thanks to
bubblegum_mileyfor beta-ing, you did a phenominal job =)
Warnings: Sexual refrences, and language. Nothing huge.
Number VI--
I have refrained from punishing you for your nighttime activities with Number IX, but I am afraid you must cease. Your behavior is reflecting an improper image upon the Core Six.
--The Superior
Zexion could hardly believe it had come to this.
These “nighttime activities” had started innocently--or, rather, they started without any emotion. Zexion now scoffed at the idea of Nobodies not being able to feel. Yes, they could cast aside these feelings, and create a blank mask--such as Xemnas, Saïx, and Marluxia had done--but people like Demyx and Axel had held on to them. Even though he knew this, it still shocked him to hear Demyx scream an “I love you!” instead of Zexion’s name or an obscenity during one of their nights together. It shocked him further to discover the feeling was mutual.
Instead of keeping anything and everything they did with each other in the bedroom, Zexion found himself staring at Demyx more often during the day. They made eye contact, sometimes had whispered conversations, and smiled (broadly in Dem’s case, softly in Zexion’s) when they saw each other in the hallways. These were the little things, but the biggest thing was they no longer had sex every night. Of course, it didn’t cease, but rather, it happened less often. They preferred to spend their nights kissing, talking and laughing, or just lying in the silence, enjoying having each other near. These were the nights that scared Xemnas and Saïx (though they would never admit it), because they might prove The Superior and his second-in-command wrong and say that yes, Nobodies could feel. Or it could all end horribly and leave a huge gash in the Organization. They both remembered how often jealousy and hurt could split people, and both Zexion and Demyx were well liked. They were more worried about the former reason than the latter.
Zexion smirked at the little slip of paper he had found under his door when he walked into his room that morning. Having spent the night in Demyx’s room, he was in an extremely good mood. The words didn’t even leave a mark on him, and the warning had found itself in his wastebasket as he went to go find himself some clean clothes to take a shower.
xXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxX
“Mmm…Zexy?” Dem snuggled his head further into Zexion’s shoulder. They were having one of their comfortable silence nights.
“Yeah, love?”
Demyx sighed a happy sigh. “I’m writing a song for you. I’m almost finished with it.”
Zexion shifted back and slightly up so he could look at Demyx right in the eyes. “You’re doing what for me?”
“I’m writing you a song.” Demyx smiled. “And it’s almost done. It’s gonna be great, I think you’ll really like it. You know, it’s well-thought out, and it’s got some serious meaning to it. Like all those books you read.” He positively glowed. Music was definitely Demyx’s thing.
Zexion laid back down so Demyx could squeeze the air out of him again. “That sounds great, Demy, I’m sure I’ll love it.”
“Don’t say that!!” This time Dem pulled back to look at Zexion. “You don’t even know yet!!! You haven’t heard it!!”
“Yes, love, but I’ve heard your other songs. And they’re amazing. So I already know that I’ll love it.” Zexion smiled softly, and Demyx felt reassured. It was startling to the blonde how much one little smile could do to him.
xXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxX
Number VI--
This is now the second request I have had to issue to you. I must insist that you stop meeting with Number IX after ten o' clock in the evening. It is improper, and I wish for the reputation of the Core Six to be upheld with vigor.
--The Superior
xXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxX
“Hey, Zexy!” Axel came bounding over to where Zexion was relaxing, reading a book in the courtyard. “You know what I’ve been hearing at night?”
“Besides Roxas’ moans and choice words?” Zexion rolled his eyes.
“Yeah, besides all of that…I’ve been hearing silence! It’s crazy! Normally I hear you and Demy gettin’ down, but lately it’s been quiet! I just don’t get it! What happened to you two? I mean, it used to be the occasional night when it’d be quiet, and I’d be all, ‘Aw, Roxy, they’re being sweet tonight!’, but now it’s like, ‘Whoa, have they broken up?’ What the hell?” Axel sucked in a breath of air before he continued. “So, like, what’s been going on?”
Zexion sighed. “We find enjoyment in each other without the need of sex. I suggest you and Roxas find some of the same enjoyment.”
“Huh…you know, we probably could. I guess it’d be like how we are during the day…” Axel’s lips pouted out in a way that meant he was thinking. “I’m gonna go find Roxy and ask him. See ya, Zexy!” Axel very nearly waltzed away. Zexion shook his head at his friend’s easy-going personality. It almost scared him sometimes, but more often than not, he found it as a source of what he might consider to be “good feelings”, such as the ones he got from being around Demyx, but in a much lesser degree.
Zexion was halfway through his book when Axel came back to bother him. “Hey, Zexy? Do you know where Roxas is? I can’t find him anywhere…”
“I can’t say that I do. I’m sorry, Axel.” Zexion’s eyes didn’t even lift from the page he was reading.
“Oh, well…hey, what’s this?” Axel picked up the slip of paper that Zexion had been planning to use for a bookmark. “It’s a letter…whoa, from the Superior! What have we got here? Ooh, Zexy’s in trouble?” Axel’s eyebrows shot up. “What have you two been doing that’s made Mansex so mad?”
“Absolutely nothing, and that’s what worries him.” Zexion took the paper from Axel’s hands and marked his place in his book. “We merely talk and sleep, and it scares him because he thinks that maybe I know more about the heart than he does, and that’s why I can feel--and I’ve taught Demyx how to feel, as well. And he doesn’t like to think I know more than him on any subject, because he is, as the paper says, ‘The Superior’.” Though his speech was said with a tired voice, he smirked. “But I’m going to completely disregard this, as I see no harm in spending time with Demyx, and after all, I do know best when it comes to myself. I think Xemnas would regret it if I do as he says.”
“Whoa, you’re really crazy about Demy, then. I thought it might have been more than slightly one-sided…but I guess not, if you’re willing to get into some big shit with Xemnas over him.” Axel smiled. “That’s sweeeet!!”
“All right, you’ve had your fun. Check the garden; Marluxia was supposed to be teaching Roxas about magic today.” Zexion waved his friend off and opened his book again.
“What? That creeper’s teaching my boyfriend? See ya, Zexy; I’ve got to go save Roxy!” Axel dashed off, leaving Zexion in peace for the second time that day.
xXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxX
Demyx flopped into Zexion’s bed. “Ugh. I’m glad the day’s over. Saïx wouldn’t stop bugging me the whole time he was supposed to be helping me with my battle skills! He kept on asking me about you, and what we do at night. When I told him it was none of his business, he kept on asking, saying that Xemnas wanted to know. So I hit him with my sitar when he told me to attack him, and he’s got a nice ugly bruise on his face. He wasn’t very happy with me, so I left before he could use any of his moon powers to kill me.” He smiled, despite his obvious exhaustion. “Was your day any better than mine?”
Zexion hummed slightly and pulled Demyx close. “Axel just kept on bugging me. He wanted to know the same as Saïx, except that his was concern for the both of us.”
“Oh.” Demy smiled as he hugged Zexion back, and planted a kiss on his forehead. “Axel’s a bugger sometimes.”
“More like most of the time…” Zexion mumbled, feeling himself slowly slipping into dreamland. “But don’t worry, I can handle him.”
“Aw, Zexy, stop talking and sleep. You’re tired. It’s 'cause you’ve been thinking too much. That song I wrote for you is just a few chords away from being done--I’ll play it for you tomorrow if you'd like.”
“I’d like that…” Zexion hardly remembered saying those words, for in the next moment, he was asleep.
xXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxX
Ienzo--
The time for warnings has passed--action must now take its place. You have continued to stay with Number IX, and, as punishment, are being sent to Port Royal, to make sure nothing unexpected has happened in our absence. You are to stay for three days and three nights to ensure this, and you will be departing at eight-thirty tonight. I will be dropping by your room sometime today to give you the reports to fill out while you are there--do not fail me, Ienzo.
--The Superior
Zexion didn’t miss Xemnas using his true name--in fact, it irked him to see Xemnas so mad. Though the man claimed not to feel, Zexion knew that he must, or he wouldn’t have used something so petty to get to him. Not that petty was below Xemnas.
But Zexion did notice how he had to leave before he could listen to Demyx’s song. It worried him a bit, wondering if maybe Saïx was wandering around at night, listening to what the two were saying to each other. He didn’t like that.
He decided not to tell Demyx his theory. He knew Demyx would probably figure it out on his own, though. Demyx was smart--but Zexion wouldn’t tell him, all the same. He could possibly be overthinking things, as was a habit of his. Sighing, he put the slip of paper into his pocket and went to take his shower. Afterward planning then to tell Demyx of the bad news.
xXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxX
“You’ve got to go to Port Royal for how long?” Demyx looked at Zexion with disbelief.
“Three days and three nights, exactly. And I leave at eight-thirty tonight.” Zexion’s face was upset. “And I don’t even get to hear your song.”
“Oh, don’t worry about that! Your books! They’ll get soaked! Not to mention I’ve got to stay for three whole days and three whole nights without you. I don’t know how I’ll survive!!!” Demyx’s face was a mirror of Zexion’s, except he had more of a puppy dog look that made Zexion chuckle.
“Oh, don’t worry, love, you can last three days. I’ll just be in Port Royal, and it’s not like he’s making me act like Luxord, trying to take everything over. It’s just a little reconnaissance mission. I’ll be home before you know it.” He gave his soft smile to Demyx, which in turn made the other grin.
“Yeah, I know I can last the days…it’s the nights I’m worried about.” Demyx laughed. “But you know that I’ll know the second you get home, because I’m just smart like that. Not to mention I’ll be waiting in the courtyard for you to come home--and you know what?” The look on Demyx’s face was one of excitement, “I’ll even bring my sitar with me, and I’ll play the song for you when you get home. It’ll be something to look forward to!!”
Zexion smiled a bit wider. “I’d like that--though you’re plenty to look forward to.”
Zexion felt himself being pulled into a hug. “Aw, Zexy, do you really mean that?”
He faked being shocked. “Why, of course! I love you, after all.” He gently kissed Demyx’s neck, which was all he could reach in his current position.
“Aw, I love you, too, Zexy.” He gave him one last squeeze, then shooed him off towards the bedrooms. “Go on, go pack, you can find me.”
Zexion turned around and did something unexpected. He stood on his toes and kissed Demyx’s nose. “Hey, what was that for?” Demyx blinked a couple of times rapidly.
“Um…I felt like it?” Zexion’s face was slightly red. He wasn’t used to these sudden displays of affection that sometimes happened.
“Aw…” Demyx leaned down and gently captured Zexion’s lips in his, though they quickly stopped, realizing they were in the middle of a wide hallway and anybody could walk in and see. Demyx attempted to get Zexion to go pack again, and this time, Zexion listened. “Find me when you’re done, I don’t want you to leave without saying goodbye.”
Zexion chuckled. “Of course. I don’t want to leave without seeing you, either.”
As Zexion walked away and Demyx turned to find Axel or Roxas, neither of them noticed a figure with long blue hair leaning against a nearby pillar, committing all of their conversation to memory to repeat to Xemnas later on.
xXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxX
Zexion had just folded the last black robe he would need for his stay in Port Royal and had put it in his bag when Xemnas walked into the room. “The Superior--I have been expecting you.” Zexion looked up at the older man, straightening to his full height.
“Yes, I expect you have.” Xemnas was tall, a good seven or eight inches taller than Zexion. Anyone else of Zexion’s size and stature would be afraid of Xemnas--but Zexion knew he was too smart, too clever, and too good of a schemer to be eliminated…as of yet.
“I have the reports you will need to complete in your stay, please give them to me upon your return.” Xemnas looked Zexion straight in the eyes. “It would seem, that you have been receiving my notes...?” When Zexion nodded, he continued, “Why, then, have you not heeded my words and ceased your activities? You know you cannot feel--the Melodious Nocturne knows he cannot feel, as well. Why continue the charade?”
“Because you know as well as I do that emotions and infatuations are conceived not in the heart, but in the mind.” Zexion’s voice was monotonous, but strong. “Whatever we may or may not have has created a strong bond between us, which in turn, strengthens the ties of the Organization as a whole. Isn’t that something that we all want and need to accomplish our goals?”
“Yes, but if this should end…badly, then there would be a larger hole in the Organization…which I am quite sure would be hard to mend…” If Xemnas could be smug, that expression would have been all over his face.
“I’m sure, Xemnas. Though I appreciate your concern, I think I know what is best for myself, and for Demyx.” Zexion very nearly glared, but he wanted to keep the “pleasant” air that they had.
“Yes, yes, fine. I urge you to finish packing--you leave in less than two hours.” Xemnas swept gracefully from the room. Zexion resisted the urge to roll his eyes.
xXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxX
“Do you really have to go?” Demyx whined softly in Zexion’s ear.
The shorter man chuckled. “Yes, I really do. Don’t worry, it’s only three days. You’ll live.” He squeezed Demyx a little bit tighter. “I swear you’ll live.”
Demyx sighed. “You’ll come back. You have to. You promised me you’d listen to my song.”
Zexion was puzzled. “Why do you say that?”
Demyx pulled out of the embrace, scuffed his toe on the ground, and blushed slightly. Zexion’s face went into an amused smirk. “Well, you know, there’s a lot of pretty girls in Port Royal, and, I don’t know, maybe you’d like one of them more than me…”
Zexion laughed softly, a deep, low laugh. “Oh, Demy, there’s something wrong with each and every single one of them. They all have the same problem, and it’s too big to ignore.”
Demyx looked up, confused. “What’s that?”
Zexion smiled. “None of them are you, love.” Demyx’s face went a little more red. If it was Zexion’s style, he would have commented about how cute Demyx looked at the moment, or melted to a puddle of goo on the inside. But, since that wasn’t his style, he decided to settle for a laugh and a hug.
“I’m gonna miss you…” Demyx mumbled while he squeezed all of the air out of Zexion.
“I’ll miss you, as well.” Zexion nearly sighed, but he regarded his fast-depleting air supply and decided not to. Breathing in as much as he could, he wheezed out, “I have to leave, love, it’s time.”
This was, apparently, the wrong thing to say, as Demyx only squeezed him tighter. “No…not yet…”
“Love! I need to breathe!” Zexion was quickly released and he gasped in a lungful of air. “I don’t want to leave…no more than you want me to, you know that, right?” Demyx nodded. “Good…I’ll be back soon.” Zexion found himself in another kiss with Demyx, though quickly pulled away when he heard footsteps. “I love you, Demyx.”
“I love you, too, Zexion…” Demyx’s pout was almost too much for Zexion to take. He turned around and opened a portal, and as he was about to step in, he was very nearly tackled by Demyx. “Please, please can I come with you?”
“Demy! No, this is to prove to Xemnas that we won’t cause trouble, more than anything. And, after all, ‘Absence makes the heart grow fonder‘.” Zexion smiled at Demyx’s confused look.
“Zexy, I don’t know what you mean. We don’t have hearts, remember? And I don’t wanna be away from you.” Demyx stayed attached to Zexion.
“Oh, Demyx…it means that when I come back, I’ll love you three times as much because I’ve been away for so long. Does that make more sense?” Zexion smiled softly.
Demyx huffed and let go of Zexion. “Okay, fine…I’ll be waiting. You better come back to me!” Demyx gave an evil smirk. “And if I find out about any girlfriends you might have had going on in Port Royal, you aren’t getting sex for, like, a month.” Zexion chuckled and waved to Demyx as he stepped into the darkness.
xXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxX
Being in Port Royal wasn’t exactly Zexion’s idea of fun. In fact, it wasn’t even close.
He would much rather have been in a warm library, curled up in a comfortable chair with a large book. Or sitting and watching the rain fall outside. Or listening to Demyx play his sitar, or watch Demyx dance in the rain, or possibly dance in the rain with him…
Demyx.
It was incredible how much he was in love with the boy. And how quickly it had all happened, too. He had always thought that this amount of… "romance” only happened in the books he read. Or in the songs Demyx loved to sing. Not in real life. But here he was, not-so-living proof that it didn't.
While he was mulling everything over in his always-too-busy mind, he almost failed to notice the small portal of darkness open up near his right hand, and to see a slender, slightly tanned hand slip out of it, holding a highly-folded piece of paper about the size of a wad of chewing gum. It startled Zexion, but he knew that hand anywhere. He attempted to take the wad of paper from Demyx, but the other held on tight. However, when he brought Demyx’s hand to his lips and kissed it lightly (he could almost hear the giggle he was sure Demyx gave), he found the piece of paper dropped on the desk. He was almost tempted to pull Demyx entirely through the darkness and into his lap, but he decided that he didn't want to hurt Demyx, and let him go. He turned his attention instead to the tiny piece of paper that he now attempted to unfold.
It was a lot harder than it sounded. Though Zexion’s fingers were usually nimble, they were shaking slightly with excitement and cold. After about fifteen minutes, Zexion had gotten the note as flat as possible, with only minimal tears to the edge. He smoothed it one last time and squinted in the dim light to read whatever Demyx had written.
Dear Zexion,
I miss you. A lot. It’s only been two days, six hours, and thirty-two minutes a little over two days since you left, but I still miss you. Xemnas and Saïx and Marluxia and sometimes Luxord keep on talking to me, and it’s kinda starting to freak me out. They keep on asking about you and me. I got to punch Luxord in the face, though, because we had to do this hand-to-hand combat stuff just in case we’re ever without our weapons or something, and he was up against me once. It was pretty great, especially when Axel had to fight Roxas. Nobody was watching except for me, ‘cause Luxord was getting his bloody nose taken care of, and Axel went all perverted and whatnot on poor Roxas…his face was beet red, like yours gets when I kiss you in front of those two.
But, anyway, that’s not why I was writing. I was writing to tell you that I love you and miss you and care for you. And that the bed is freezing cold without you here. Which means you have to come back really soon. ‘Cause not sleeping isn’t the greatest thing in the world for me.
Xigbar’s being kinda strange around me…he always comes and talks to me (which is a good thing, ‘cause he’s cool like that!), but he keeps on flirting with me. I tell him I’m not interested, but he doesn’t care. Oh, well, that just means you might have to smack him with one of your heavy books or something when you get back…
I was gonna put a verse of the song in here, but then I decided that that was a stupid idea. So I’m making you wait. Only ‘cause I love you.
And I do. I love you a lot. I miss you like crazy. I know that’s like the third time I’ve said it. But still.
Love,
Demyx
Zexion smiled. Not much could make him this happy.
xXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxX
Zexion stepped out of the darkness and into Xemnas’ office, reports in hand. “Ah, Number VI, it’s good to have you back.” Xemnas stepped out from behind his desk to talk to his colleague. “Good, you finished those, I’ll be sure to read them later tonight.”
“Very well, Xemnas.” Zexion had just remembered that this was the man who had so many people tail his poor Demy while he was away. Something very similar to anger flared in his chest, but he kept it mostly in check. “Now, I would appreciate it if you would stop sending all these people to stalk Demyx. He’s not going to do something drastic while I am away--that would be stupid and senseless. The Melodious Nocturne is neither.” Zexion very nearly glared again.
“But of course. Everyone has been sent to their own rooms--I expect that’s where you’ll find Demyx. Good evening to you, Number VI.”
Zexion nodded. “A good evening to you, as well.” Zexion opened up the darkness again and walked through to the courtyard, where he hoped Demyx would still be waiting.
xXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxX
When Zexion stepped into the courtyard, he listened very closely. He could hear Demyx’s voice faintly singing something, and the soft strum of his sitar. He opened his eyes (which he hadn’t even known he closed) and looked around to find his love a mere thirty feet away, sitting on a stone bench, looking content with life. Zexion smiled.
Demyx looked up when the portal closed behind Zexion, and his grin lit up his whole face. “Zexy! You’re home!” He carefully leaned his sitar against the bench, and ran over to give Zexion the biggest hug he could. “Zexy, I missed you sooooo much! I nearly died! It was awful! Next time you go anywhere, I’m coming with you. I don’t care what stupid Xemnas or Saïx says or anybody. I missed you too much!”
Zexion chuckled. “Relax, love, I’m here now. And I missed you, too.” He softly kissed Demyx’s cheek. “It’s good to see you again.”
“Gah! Understatement of the year!” Demy laughed. “But come here! I want you to listen to my song!! I really think you’ll like it.”
Zexion allowed himself to be dragged by the hand over to the bench, where Demyx promptly picked up his sitar and strummed it a few times. He played a little intro, with a few little licks, and then he started to sing.
Zexion couldn’t remember all of the words. He remembered a few phrases, such as “They tell me it’s not possible/Say I’ll get myself into trouble/But I know that they don’t have a clue”. And he especially remembered the chorus.
“I don’t understand this feeling/Though my heart’s not there, it’s beating/only for you and no one else/I’m filled with emotion all the way through/It’s telling me that I love you/And nobody can take that away”.
A few chords later, and Demyx was looking at Zexion expectantly. “Well? What do you think?” And for the first time in living memory, Zexion was speechless.
Zexion looked around. He tried to take everything in--the moonlight, the stars, the song, Demyx…nothing was quite comprehensible in his head. It was too much. In an overtly good way. Nobody had ever cared this much for him--as Ienzo or as Zexion. He bit his lip, looking desperately for the words. He saw Demyx’s face fall, and realized that he had taken too long to come up with an answer. Yet he still didn’t have any words, so he stopped trying to make his mind work and let his body do what felt right.
And what felt right was a simple kiss. Which turned into something more.
xXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxX
“Mmmm…Zexion?” Demyx shifted his body closer to his lover’s (something that anybody else would have thought impossible).
Zexion smiled. “Yeah, love?”
“Maybe I won’t go with you the next time you leave, if this is what I get for staying behind.”
Zexion laughed softly. “Yeah, I think you’re gonna have to stay behind, too. ‘Absence makes the heart grow fonder’,” he repeated.
“Yeah, I guess it does.” Demyx kissed the top of Zexion’s head. “G’night, Zexy, I love you.”
“I love you, as well.”
Con-crit very much appreciated, only the second story I've written for this fandom. Cross-posted a bit, apologies to whoever it inconviences.