Soulmate - V. Taking Chances
Maybe I should’ve paid more attention to where I was going. But really why can’t they fix the sidewalks? I should sue the city…or whatever. I could’ve died! Well probably not, it’s not like I fell into oncoming traffic, just on some poor un-expecting man who got a face full of Starbucks. They should really put those lids on tighter.
“I’m so sorry,” I said picking myself up, the man just looked at his now ruined suit.
“Fucking idiot,” The man sneered. Well hey now that’s a little harsh, it’s not my fault the sidewalks are cracked. “This suit cost more than you’ll ever make!” He continued to shout. Oh so he’s one of those.
“Look I said I’m sorry,” I really didn’t want to stand here and get berated by someone I didn’t even know.
“Oh, now I’m Sorry, I didn’t realize a simple apology could fix my suit and guarantee I’ll get to work on time!” The man’s voice got louder as the sentence carried on. With a final huff the man obviously decided I wasn’t worth his time anymore and promptly stalked off. I watched as he crossed the street pulling out his cell phone to start shouting at someone to cancel his two o’clock.
“Whatever, jackass.” I said quietly to myself and continued on my way.
--
It was around four when I finally decided to make my way home. I’d been out all day and I didn’t even get my full morning coffee.
“Stupid sidewalk,” I grumbled kicking at the nonresponsive concrete. I was about to cross the street when my phone rang. I adjusted the bags I was carrying as I tried to fish the device out of my pocket.
“Hello?” I answered when I’d successfully maneuvered the phone to my ear, I’m sure that was quite a show.
“Roxas! Where the hell are you?” A voice shouted over the line.
“Hi Demyx, I’m just out doing all your grunt work,” I replied.
“Well get your ass over here the party starts in like two hours and we need to set up.” Demyx said, it sounded a bit like whining.
“You mean while I set up and you goof off?” I asked. There was a brief silence on the other end of the line.
“Just get over here!” Demyx shouted and the line went dead. I laughed and started putting my phone back, not paying attention to where I was going, again. Maybe this is the sidewalk’s revenge for kicking it I thought as I tripped over the curb. I was about to eat concrete when I was suddenly yanked backwards. I could head the bottles of vodka clashing together inside the bags as I was pulled back to my feet.
“Geez kid, watch where you’re going.” A voice teased. “Could’ve broken your face, and that would be such a shame.” I was saved by a flirt. I regained my composure enough to turn and face my ‘savior.’ The man smiled when I turned to face him. I was saved by a redheaded flirt with the most beautiful green….let’s stop that train of thought for right now.
“Uh..thank you?” I said, though it sounded more like a question than a statement. The man smiled and extended his hand.
“Axel,” He introduced himself. I offered a small smile of my own and took his hand. “Got it memorized?” Oh, you’ve got to be kidding me. He has his own catch phrase? “And you are?” Axel asked, still holding my hand.
“Roxas,” I said, trying to pull my hand back, the bags were getting kind of heavy after all. The man simply smiled and let go of my hand only to take some of the bags I was holding. Great, so first he saves me and then robs me? That’ll make an interesting status update.
“Chill Blondie, I’m not gonna rob ya or nothing.” Axel assured me. “Just looked like you could use some help.”
“Uh…well thanks, again.” I said, sheepishly scratching at the back of my head. It was a nervous habit and I was definitely nervous right now.
“So where you heading?” Axel asked, nosily looking through my bags.
“Tram station,” I answered. “Stop that.” I said and Axel looked up from the bags, not looking guilty in the least.
“Having a party?” He asked, looking slightly excited.
“Yeah. Well my friend is, I’m just his pack-mule.” I explained.
“But a very attractive pack-mule,” Axel said with a smirk that seemed to be permanently on his face when he was smiling.
“I don’t know if that’s a compliment or not,” I said and started walking, Axel quickly fell in step next to me. The redhead just shrugged and walked in silence next to me.
“So can I come to this party?” Axel asked. I spared a glance at the man beside me who was looking at me with a hopeful smile.
“Sure,” I said. “But you have to help set up.”
--
As it turned out Axel didn’t mind having to help set up, he actually seemed to enjoy it. He ever managed to get Demyx to help, how I don’t know. Demyx seemed to warm right up to the redhead, happily joking with him and flirting right back.
“Are you even old enough to look at alcohol?” Axel asked as he dug the bottles out of the bags.
“No,” I answered.
“How old are you?” Axel asked, there was some undertone in his voice I couldn’t quite place.
“Eighteen,” I said. I looked at Axel, who almost seemed relieved.
“And you bought this how?” Axel asked, waving a bottle of vodka in my face.
“Friend owns the store,” I said, shrugging. Axel ‘Oh’ed and continued to set up for the party.
“It’s so quiet,” Axel whispered. I couldn’t help but laugh a little, Axel smiled at the sound. “Yo! Ziggy Stardust, put some music on!” Axel shouted, using his new nickname for Demyx. I heard Demyx laugh from somewhere in the house, having skipped out on us about half an hour ago.
“He’s gonna play like Enya or his freaky sitar music,” I told Axel, who looked slightly disturbed. I laughed and made my over to the stereo, bumping Demyx out of the way.
“Hey!” He shouted playfully.
“We want good music,” I told him, sticking my tongue out childishly.
“Fine, no one appreciates my refined taste.” Demyx said in a mock huff. I simply shook my head and pulled out my iPod plugging it into the stereo. I scrolled through the mass of artists listed before settling on one that Axel was bound to like regardless of preference. I hoped.
“Good choice Blondie,” Axel yelled over the sounds of Yellowcard. Demyx looked at me and winked and for some reason I felt myself blush. I was trying to impress Axel with my musical taste…hell I was trying to impress Axel period. Obviously Demyx picked up on that. Perceptive bastard.
--
We finished an hour before the party was set to begin and I promptly fell onto a conveniently placed sofa. Axel was already sat down next to me appearing to be asleep. I allowed myself to look, really look, at him. He was lanky but yet he looked graceful sprawled out over the sofa the evening sun washing over him. I watched as his fingers moved against his leg in time with the music.
“So Roxie,” Axel said startling out of my thoughts. I looked back up at his face seeing that he had cracked his eyes open slightly, letting just a tiny bit of the emerald green to be seen. “Date much?” I just shook my head, no really trusting my voice right now. What the hell, I’ve known him for like two hours! I yelled inwardly. Do you want him to think you’re a slut or easy? Axel smirked and just nodded. I watched as his stretched, his shirt riding up to reveal a strip of pale skin. Look away, Roxas, just look away.
“You wanna dance?” Axel asked. I looked back at him, almost giving myself whiplash.
“Seriously?” I asked. God, I hope that didn’t sound desperate.
“Yeah, I probably won’t get the chance to ask you once the party starts.” Axel said as he stood, that damn shirt riding up again.
“What?” I asked, not quite understanding what he meant. Axel just chuckled and shook his head and instead of answering he offered me a hand.
“Dance with me?” He asked again. I took his hand and allowed myself to be pulled to my feet.
“It’s not even a slow song,” I said quietly, letting Axel pull me close to him. I felt his hands slip to my slim hips. This is so awkward, I’ve never done this before. Where do I put my hands!
“You look like a petrified bunny,” Axel teased.
“Shut up,” I retorted oh so cleverly. Axel just chuckled again, I could feel his chest vibrate with the sound.
“Around my neck Roxie,” Axel said answering my internal question for earlier. I slowly raised and wrapped my arms around Axel neck. God, he is tall. “Just like that,” Axel hummed and started to move. I tried my best to follow his lead and avoid stepping on his feet.
“I’ve…I’ve never danced before.” I admitted. “At least not like this.”
“Can barely tell,” Axel said teasingly. “Just relax and don’t try so hard to follow.” He advised. I let myself relax a little bit, letting my arms and shoulders slouch slightly. “There you go,” Axel said as he continued to move. I could hear Demyx moving about somewhere in the house not knowing what he was doing until the music abruptly stopped and started up again. Seriously Demyx, Celine Dion? Axel laughed but didn’t stop moving.
“I guess…it fits?” I said. Axel just smiled and nodded. I guess there is a song for every moment in your life. Though I wouldn’t have personally picked Celine Dion, but hey, I’m not gonna complain.
“So what’d you say?” Axel asked. I broke out of my thoughts to look up at him.
“To what?” I asked, confused. Axel just smiled and spun us around.
“To taking chances.”
--
another one that's kinda lengthy. i used Natasha Bedingfield's new song 'Touch' and 'Taking Chances' by Celine Dion as inspiration.
Demyx is too much fun to leave out. though i hated his ass when i had to fight him, god he was an evil bastard then, but then i felt bad for killing him and liked him again. for me his personality is that complete and total slacker, but caring, but also kind of clueless and innocent like. but you didn't come into this for Dem Dem no did you? no you came for Roxas and Axel so that's what i'll continue to give ya.
i need to write something angst ridden or not as fluffy. anyways i love reviews but don't demand them.