In My Eyes

Alex says: I'm really quite proud of this chapter. Even if it took a few days because I'm back on my feet and quite busy, I'm really quite fond of the fact that we only took a few days to write it. ^^ And also, I love the subject matter in this one. Lots of angst. Lots of stuff to wrench at your heartstrings.

Thank you all for the fantastic reviews so far!!! I know we don't have very many, but I'd like to give special shout-outs to: Bbritishchik, BullKitty, Micky, queenaoshi, and Parker Rowe. :]

Enjoy chapter 4!!

Chapter 4.

    The mornings had become a sort of routine for the gang. Gather up near the fountain in front of the school, with Axel sitting up on the ledge, Roxas in his lap, his lips usually attached to something: a bagel, cup of coffee, cigarette or, like today, Roxas's neck. Riku refused to sit with them, but occasionally Sora would sit on the ground scribbling down homework that he forgot to do the previous night.
    Now with Demyx joined into their group, he’d taken his assigned position leaning against the wall of the fountain either doing the same as Sora or humming some hypnotic tune that he seemed to make up on the spot.
    Zexion was abnormally late that day, which was rather curious since he always seemed to arrive earlier than everyone.
    Zexion joined their group about five minutes before the minute warning bell rang. He was looking quite pale, wearing his usual dark colors with his hair hanging in front of one eye, and a bandage across his nose.
    Roxas looked instantly concerned. "What happened, Zex?"
    Zexion touched the bandage across his bruised nose tenderly and replied, "I was learning to roller blade yesterday, but turns out there's a lot of cracks in the sidewalk by my house, and I fell and busted my nose. It's not a big deal." He looked up at Roxas with a smile, which the blonde couldn't help but return.
    Axel finally removed himself from Roxas's neck and raised a brow curiously.
    "That's odd...you hate anything physical...and didn't your doctor say to take it easy ‘cause of your anemia?" he asked slowly, obviously not buying the story. He picked Roxas up and set him down next to him on the ledge before pressing a kiss to his cheek and jumping off.
    "I'll meet you in front of your locker before second hour, ‘kay babe?" he said to the blonde, grinning brightly before hooking his arm around Zexion's thin shoulders. "Walk with me, Zexy," he said. It was not a request.
    Zexion shivered; normally Axel was warm, but all Zexion felt from him was chilly inquisition. He seemed to shrink with the taller boy's arm around him; it didn't help that he was a good two feet shorter.
    "W-what do you want, Axel...?" he said quietly. Axel knows.
    "Come on, Zex. You know what I want," Axel sighed, his face losing the beaming grin to take on a more serious face.
    "Zex, we've been buds since elementary and you think I ain’t noticed the bruises on you all these years? Really, I'm almost insulted. Come on, Zexion, we both have abusive dads. I've come to terms with it. When are you?" he asked, leaning against the wall and watching his friend.
    "Even if you don't think nothing's wrong...Can't you at least try not to lie to me of all people? Really.”
    Zexion stared at the wall and tucked his arms around himself protectively.
    "You don't know what you're talking about," he said, his voice low and wary. "You may have an abusive dad, but I'm just accident prone. My parents love me."
    He turned from Axel, shaking his head. "I'm not stupid, Axel, so don't lump me in as the same type of kid you are."
    Axel glared and almost lost his temper but, surprisingly, he kept calm. He dug his nails into his palms, to keep himself cool.
    "Zexion. We've played this game for eleven years. Eleven years," he sighed, running his hands through his hair, not noticing the traces of blood on his palms.
    "You may not remember since you were four at the time but I'll try and refresh your memory. I was six, still the punk ass kid I am today only a lot shorter and not as handsome. I had run away from home ‘cause my mom finally left and she left me behind. I ran all the way from Twilight Town to Oblivion and hid in the park. I stayed there for three days. Everyone ignored me. ‘Cept you. You were there with your Nanny, playing all by yourself on the swings when you saw me. You came over and shared your snack with me."
    Axel smiled a bit at this part of the memory.
    "You were a stupid little kid. You didn't even notice what a street urchin I was. Your Nanny was stupid too, so she let us play together," he lost the smile just as quickly.
    "Then your dad came..." he grit his teeth. "He grabbed your arm and dragged you back to the car. You were crying. You didn't understand. You kept asking what you did wrong. Then, I guess he must’ve got aggravated with your crying and struggling ‘cause then he hit you. He hit you so hard. No one else cared to notice. They knew who your dad was and what he could do. But I didn't. So I ran over and tried to help you but he just kicked me away and kept hitting you..." Axel stopped, tears pooling in his eyes, threatening to spill over. He grabbed Zexion and pulled him close, holding him gently but keeping a strong grip so Zexion wouldn't pull away.
    As much as he tried to push Axel away, he couldn't. Whether it was because he really was weak or didn't have the willpower...
    "Axel..."
    And he did remember. But he didn't want to, not with all of what was contained in those painful memories. Axel was there for him, but not once did Zexion thank him. Nor did he ever sit and talk with the taller boy, or anyone else.
    "I love my parents, Axel...They're my parents," he said, a stinging sensation prickling behind his eyes.
    "I...I know you do...and I'm so proud of you for it..." Axel said softly, his voice cracking. "I honestly wish I could still love my dad but I just can't anymore...and that shows how much stronger you are than me...you're so strong Zexion…" he sighed, pressing an affectionate kiss to the top of Zexion's head.
    "Just...please confide in me...? You don't have to do what I did, and if you don't want me to I won't tell anyone, but please...can't you just trust me...?"
    Zexion took a deep breath.
    "No one can find out, Axel...I'll be in so much trouble," he said, lowering his eyes to the ground. "If anyone ever found out, he said he'd---"
    The minute warning bell chimed throughout the grounds, cutting Zexion off. The younger boy took this moment to push himself away from Axel and into the crowd of bustling students, away from prying eyes.
    Demyx clapped his hand on Axel's shoulder.
    "Everything alright, dude?" he asked, seriousness in his tone.
    Axel sighed and closed his eyes, running his hands through his hair again.
    "No...everything sucks..." he paused and looked up at Demyx. "Hey...what kinda shit you got on you...?" he asked slowly, pulling out a lighter and giving the druggie a small smile, his brow furrowed sadly.
    "I got the strong need to get my mind off of things...and I'm in no mood to listen to fucking Vexen this early in the morning."
    Demyx smiled slightly and pulled Axel by the arm into the building.
    "Me and Xigbar found a janitor's closet that they don't use anymore--we can go in there," he explained. He made sure there was no one around and pulled the door open, letting Axel in and shutting the door behind him.
    He pulled out a baggie of pre-rolled joints and passed one to Axel.
    Axel snorted. "Xigbar? You're hittin’ it up with the gym teacher?" he shook his head and took the joint, lighting it up and taking a drag. He held back a cough and exhaled slowly.
    "So...he givin’ you 'A's at least?" he asked curiously, taking another inhale, longer this time.
    "I don't know," Demyx said honestly. "I'm only good at swimming, and we're not doing that yet, so I hope so."
    He took the joint from Axel and breathed in deep, holding his breath and then letting it go, feeling his head begin to swirl as the pot took its effect.
    "Can I tell you something, Ax? You can't tell anybody, though..." Demyx said, passing the pot back to Axel.
    "Shoot, dude. I'm good at keepin’ secrets," he said with a nod, taking another drag and holding it in like Demyx had done. Truthfully, he had never smoked a joint before.
    "Whoa..." he said, blinking repeated before shaking his head and laughing. "Wow that was weird...anyway, go on dude." he said, passing the joint back to him.
    Demyx took another drag and held it before exhaling through his nostrils.
    "I think I wanna get fucked by Xigbar," he said, giving the joint back to Axel. "I totally dig him, dude. Is that really weird?"
    Axel snorted and laughed, unable to take another drag so he passed it back. Then he calmed down instantly and shook his head.
    "Nah, man, nah. Ain't weird none. I remember when Roxy-...Ah, can't tell you that. Secret,” he said with a shrug, and continued, “Well...ah! I remember another time when I had the biggest crush on the nurse Marluxia," he nodded, giggling madly.
    Demyx grinned at the fact that badass Axel was a lightweight when it came to pot. He took another drag off of the joint and leaned back against the wall.
    "Marluxia? Don't know him," he said. "Well, I haven't seen a lot of the staff yet, I'm still a newbie here. But oh man...Xigbar's got the most amazing ass, Axel...and the math teacher, too, Xaldin--he's like...surprisingly sexy. Y'know what I mean?"
    "You'll meet him soon enough...Oh! If you wanna talk about a nice ass, you have to see Marluxia in his nurse outfit...aw shit..." he let out a low whistle and took the joint again to take another drag.
    "Aren't you dating Roxas? Maybe you should keep your eyes on him for a while, man," Demyx suggested, suddenly imagining a fiery Roxas beating Axel down. He shivered at the frightening thought.
    He looked back at Axel, who looked dazed but happy. He then looked down at his watch: it read 9:08.
    "Ah...Roxas...He. Has. A great. Ass," Axel chuckled then he snapped out of it when he heard Demyx speak again.
    "Axel, we should probably finish up here. It's almost time for third hour...we've been in here for two hours."
    "Aw, fuck my life!" he swore, scrambling to his feet. "Shit shit shit! I was supposed to meet Roxas at his locker before 2nd hour! Shit shit shit!"
    Demyx stood and stretched.
    "He'll understand; tell him you were stressed and took a nap and woke up late or something," he suggested, snuffing out the joint in a little bucket in the corner of the conveniently large closet. He opened the door for Axel cautiously, first checking if anyone was coming and then getting out with the boy, looking nonchalant.
    "Second hour's not out yet, so give me one last quick piece of advice, Axel," Demyx said, grabbing the boy's arm, causing him to turn. "Do I tell Xigbar?"
    Axel paused and stared at Demyx long and hard, deep in thought. Then he split out in his signature grin and said
    "Yeah, dude. Go for it. You're cute and Xigbar's an understanding dude. Go for it," he grinned, giving Demyx a thumbs up. "And...If it doesn't work out, you can give me and Rox a call," he said with a wink.
    Demyx pulled Axel into a quick hug and then released him, waving with a smile.
    "Thanks, Ax," he said, "I'm going to go do that, right now. Xigbar's got prep until 5th hour."
    He walked off, hands shoved in his pockets, humming a strange little tune.
    Axel grinned and gave a slight wave goodbye before running off in the opposite direction, heading to his locker. He dodged around the other students with something that could almost be compared to as skill.

[~~~~~]

    Roxas was leaning against Axel's locker, arms crossed over his chest, an irritated look on his face.
    "What the hell was Axel doing that he forgot about me?"
    Riku, who had the misfortune of having his locker near Axel's, looked over at Roxas and smirked.
    "He was probably cheating on you with that kid...Oh what's his name...? Zexion...?" he said, brushing his hair behind his ear. "I happened to catch a glimpse of them together on the side of the school. Very well hidden, might I add," he nodded.
    "Or it could be with the new kid. I saw him dragging Axel off to the old freshman wing. To a...janitor's closet," he smirked, wickedly.
    Roxas glared over at him.
    "Yeah, right. He and Zexion are old-time friends, and the Axel's not stupid. He wouldn't cheat on me, because he knows I can kick his ass," he explained angrily. Something told him Riku wasn't lying, however.
    With a glare off to the side, Roxas added, "Like I'd listen to what you say, anyway. Everybody knows you hate Axel."
    "Be that as it may...you can't really, honestly tell me you haven't seen those brilliant green eyes wandering...?" he asked with a smirk, leaning down to whisper in the blonde's ear.
    "Remember last year...? All those unnecessary trips to the nurse's office...?" he purred wickedly. He chuckled and stood up straight.
    "Just think about it, Roxas!" he called over his shoulder as he left. And just as he left, Axel turned down the hallway and jogged over to Roxas. He leaned against the locker, panting.
    "Sorry...I'm late...Roxy..." he said between gasps. "Fell...asleep on the roof...Just woke up..." he grinned up at the blonde.
    Roxas sent him a dull glare.
    "Oh really? I heard from the grapevine that you and Demyx were seen going into a janitor's closet. Alone," he said, obvious discontent in his voice. What Riku said had struck a chord within him, and he couldn't help but feel ashamed that he'd listened to him at all.
    Axel blinked, looking stunned
    "Who...who did you hear that from...?" he asked slowly, brow furrowed with slight annoyance. Who could have possibly seen them? And even if someone did see them, who was brave enough to tell Roxas without fearing Axel coming to kick their ass?
    And then it hit him.
    "Riku..." Axel growled, slamming his fist into the locker. "That fucking bitch was talking shit to you?!" he snapped.
    "Axel, if it wasn't true you wouldn't be so nervous about it," Roxas said, shaking his head. He grabbed his books out of his locker and frowned at Axel.
    "If you like Demyx more than me, Ax, just say so, okay? We can break it off easy that way, no hard feelings."
    Axel sighed and reached out to take Roxas' hand but the blonde wouldn't let him. He sighed again.
    "Roxy...I'm not cheating on you...but...I can't tell you what I was doing ‘cause I know you'd still be mad at me, if not more so. But you gotta believe me! I would never cheat on you! Roxas...you're my life and you know it! I just...I don't even understand why you take Riku's word over mine..." he sighed again, running his hands through his hair. He turned away and leaned against the locker.
    "Roxas...I'm not my father..." he muttered.
    Roxas leaned on the locker next to Axel. A pain made itself known in his heart.
    "I'm sorry, Axel. You're right; whatever you were doing isn't my business. I was just aggravated, I guess. And I wasn't really going to take Riku's word over yours but then you proved him right, so what was I supposed to think?"
    He tightened his arms around his books.
    Axel turned and pulled Roxas tight into his arms, nuzzling his neck.
    "Damn it, Roxas...I love you...I know I'm stupid sometimes...but I love you," he whispered, not letting go, even when the warning bell rang out loud. The bell didn't matter. It was as if he didn't even hear it.
    Roxas closed his eyes and smiled a little.
    "I know you do, Ax, I know," he said quietly. "I love you too, and I'm sure I've done stupid things before, too. And I don't want to be late for chemistry or Vexen's gonna be screeching. Don't you have history or something to go to?"
    A wicked grin split across his lips. He pulled back from the hug and squeezed Roxas's shoulders.
    "Skip with me, Roxas," he said, beaming. "I've already missed two classes and you're due for sex in the janitor's closet," he winked playfully.
    Roxas raised an eyebrow at the look on Axel's face.
    "You're nuts, but Vexen's lectures sound so much worse than sex right now," he said, giggling mischievously and shoving his books back into his locker. "Let's go."
    "Yes!" Axel cheered, pumping his fists into the air and grabbing Roxas' wrist, running off with him.

[~~~~~]

    Demyx took a deep breath and let it out before approaching the open door of Xigbar's office. He leaned against the frame, almost trying to hide inside of it and knocked on the frame gently. So gently that Demyx was afraid Xigbar wouldn't hear him. So he knocked a bit louder, clearing his throat nervously.
    Xigbar set his clipboard down and leaned back in his chair, which squeaked warningly.
    "Come on in," he said gruffly, looking over at the doorway. He was almost shocked to see his favorite little druggie.
    "Demyx? What brings you to the stinky bowels of the boys' locker room?"
    He laughed lightly and scuffled into the office.
    "Oh...you know...skipping class..." he said with a slight shrug. He walked over and sat down on the edge of Xigbar's desk.
    "So...whatcha doing...?" he asked, brushing a few strands of hair from his eyes.
    "I could ask you the same thing, kid," Xigbar grinned lopsidedly. "Don't tell me you want 'swim practice' early. Because you know I can't during school hours, I have a lot of friggin' responsibility."
    He stood up and offered Demyx his chair, clearing off the surface of a stool and setting it near his desk and sitting on it.
    Demyx offered another light laugh.
    "Nah...Already had some," he said with a bright smile. "I was just uh...looking for company I guess..." he said, rubbing his arms nervously. He ignored the chair, preferring to sit on the edge of the desk, since it was closer to stool where Xigbar was sitting.
    "And I uh...I kinda had something to tell or rather ask you..."
    Xigbar squeezed Demyx's knee and stood, turning to a small, dirty mirror on his wall and pulling the tie out of his hair. He shook it out with his fingers, loving the feel of it free. He looked at Demyx in the mirror.
    "I'm glad you picked my company. I'm bored out of my skull. So go ahead and spill, kid, I'm all ears," he said.
    A flush of pink made itself known across Demyx's face all the way to his ears. A pink that turned red when he saw Xigbar with his hair down. He cleared his throat and stood up, moving to stand close to the teacher, almost standing between his knees. He reached up and boldly ran his fingers through his hair.
    "I...I really like your hair..." he muttered softly, under his breath.
    Xigbar suppressed a shiver and turned to look at Demyx.
    "Kid, are you still high or somethin'?" He put his hand on the student's forehead and looked into his eyes; almost normal.
    He frowned and crossed his arms. "For some reason, I doubt whatever you were gonna say to me had anything to do with my hair," he said.
    "No...No, I'm not high..." Demyx sighed, stroking Xigbar's hair for awhile then moving on to stroking the teacher's face, fingers lingering at his facial scars. He pressed closer so he was standing between Xigbar's knees.
    "Xigbar...What do you think of me...?" he asked, softly.
    Xigbar pressed himself against the wall, eyes wide.
    "I uh..." he grabbed Demyx's wrist and said, "I think you're a great kid, Demyx. Why?"
    He had a feeling he knew what Demyx was asking, but if he admitted it, he'd end up like Luxord. Which wasn't all that bad, actually.
    Demyx followed, pressing closer. He leaned down and brushed his lips against the hand that held his wrist.
    "Is...That all you think of me...? Just a kid...?" he asked, looking up to meet Xigbar's eyes. The deep aquatic orbs held so much emotion. Sadness, longing, and a past full of pain and suffering that yearned to be soothed.
    Xigbar felt his stomach sink. The kid was for real.
    He put his free hand on the back of Demyx's neck.
    "I don't know what it is you see in me, kid..." Xigbar snickered and lowered his lips to Demyx's, pushing his tongue into the student's mouth to deepen the kiss.
    Demyx blushed brighter and closed his eyes, moaning softly as he returned the kiss with such emotion it almost seemed desperate. He pressed himself against his teacher, his hands gripping the elder man's shirt, as if to hold onto to the man like he thought he might disappear like an insubstantial dream.
    Xigbar moved his hands down to grip the boy's ass. His lips moved from Demyx's mouth to his jaw to his neck, and he suckled along his student's jugular, loving the feel of the steady pulse.
    "Why me...?" he asked gruffly against the boy's perfectly smooth skin. He slipped his hands up his student's shirt and caressed the silky bumps of his spine. Man, was he skinny.
    He felt a shiver run down his spine to his cock. The man's hands were so warm and felt so safe.
    "I...could feel it...y’know...? You're the same as me..." he said after a slight pause for thought. "In here..." he pressed his hand against Xigbar's chest, above his heart, to demonstrate what he meant.
    "They say everyone's heart beats to a different song...But I think ours beats to the same one," he smiled, brightly.
    Xigbar stared into his student's eyes. He burst out laughing, gripping the kid's shoulder for support.
    "You're such a trip!" he exclaimed.
    He straightened up, a grin on his face. "I like that. You're a really cool kid. And I think you're right. But I don't want to hurt you, Demyx," he said, seriousness in his tone. "It's dangerous for a teacher and a student..."
    Demyx pouted and punched Xigbar lightly on the chest.
    "Don't laugh at me! I'm being serious!" he whined before furrowing his brow and looking away. "I...I know..." he paused and sighed, wrapping his arms around Xigbar's neck and resting his cheek against his chest.
    "I...I wanna risk it...If you'll have me..." he said, softly, clinging to the elder man timidly.
    Xigbar wrapped his arms around him, rubbing his back lightly.
    "I'd love to, kid," he said simply. He put his hand under the boy's quivering chin and lifted it so that he was looking at him. He kissed him, a simple, loving kiss, innocent and tremendous.
    He leaned his forehead against Demyx's and smiled.
    "Maybe you'll be good for me," he said.
    He smiled and giggled slightly, tears cascading down his cheeks without anyway to prevent them. He kept giggling though. So it seemed they were tears of happiness.
    "Can I stay with you tonight...?" he asked, rubbing his sleeves against his eyes, trying to dry his tears which kept falling, still smiling at his teacher.
    “Stop crying, Dem,” Xigbar said, pulling the boy against him. “Yeah, you can come stay with me tonight as long as you go to all your other classes today. And what about your parents?”
    “Lame! Okay. I’ll tell them I’m staying the night at a friend’s or something,” he explained simply, closing his eyes and sniffling lightly. “Thank you, Xigbar.”

[~~~~~]

    Zexion was currently seated in Luxord's lap, back pressed against the edge of his desk while his tongue and lips danced with his teacher's. He loved the feel of the large, surprisingly soft hands roaming beneath his uniform, over his flesh. He felt one of those hands brush against the throbbing purple bruise on his side and he hissed, pulling his lips away from Luxord's for a brief moment.
    "Sorry--I'm just a little sore from yesterday..." he said with a nervous chuckle, leaning back and pushing his hair out of his face.
    Luxord blinked and was instantly concerned.
    "Did I accidentally hurt you yesterday? Or is it from the skating accident?" he asked, beginning to unbutton Zexion's uniform. "Is it bad? Let me see...I'm not a doctor, but my friend is a nurse," he said, not particularly bothered by anyone coming in and seeing them; he’d made sure to lock his door and he had a poster covering the door window.
    Zexion grabbed Luxord's hands.
    "N-no--please, it's fine," he said quickly, buttoning his shirt back up and standing, moving away from the desk. He tucked his shirt back in, careful of his side, and straightened his tie. Looking back at Luxord, he frowned.
    "I'm really sorry...but I uh...I've..." he glanced at the door nervously, as if he was in need of escape. "I've got some...h-homework that I didn't finish..."
    Luxord blinked, slightly stunned; this wasn't like his Zexion. His brow furrowed in concern again and he slowly got to his feet, crossing over to Zexion's side.
    "Zexion...What's wrong...? Is there something you're worried about? It is us? You're...acting so strange..." he said softly, taking a gentle hold on Zexion's arms and caressing them affectionately.
    "Well, it's--I'm really sore from the skating accident, and I'm bruised up and it's...it's not a big deal, I promise," he said, looking up at Luxord, giving him his best smile. He laid his ear gently against Luxord's chest, listening to his heartbeat.
    "I'm sorry I'm acting so weird...I'm just a little shaken, I guess," he explained quietly.
    Luxord smiled back and kissed the top of Zexion's head, holding him close but keeping a very loose grip so as not to hurt his young lover.
    "I've got some stuff at home that'll help with the aches of the bruises as they heal. I'll bring it to you tomorrow. Today I just want you to get home and get some rest...And Zexion...? Please...No more skating..." he chuckled, kissing the top of his head again.
    A smile spread across his lips. He wrapped his arms around Luxord and nuzzled his chest, reveling in how perfectly they fit together, as if they were two puzzle pieces that were meant to be connected.
    "I hate skating, anyway. I figured I could get some exercise in that way, though, because I hate everything else too. Guess it's not my calling; what do you think of skydiving?"
    Luxord would've fallen over right then and there if it weren't for Zexion holding him up.
    "Kid...you're bound and determined to kill me, aren't you...?" he sighed, nuzzling the boy's hair. "Please...you're skinny enough...If you want exercise, I'll buy you a treadmill or a gym membership or something..."
    "Nah, that's okay. Did you know that sex is one of those most vigorous exercises you can do? You burn tons of calories at a time," Zexion informed his teacher, pulling away from him just a little.
    "Then we'll just have to continue given you a healthy dosage then, won't we?" Luxord grinned, and then all amusement was quickly lost at the boy’s next sentence.
    "And also...I think I may have hurt one of my ribs in the accident. Can you tell by looking at a bruise?"
    "Your...ribs...? Good God, Zexion! Did you crash into a moving car?" he asked, beginning to strip the boy again. "Let me see! Zexion! Let. Me. See!" he snapped when the boy struggled.
    His struggle was futile; as harmless as the man looked, Luxord was indeed quite strong, and succeeded in divesting Zexion of his shirt. He embarrassedly covered his chest, as if the man had never seen it or there was anything weird about it, which, thankfully, there wasn't.
    Zexion wasn't proud of what his torso looked like at the moment. There were vague hand-shaped bruises on his neck and a large purple and green splotch of color on his right side. Standing there under the watchful gaze of his teacher, he felt naked, cold, and lonely, and thus, he shivered and turned his face away.
    There was a long moment of silence in which Luxord just stared at his student. Taking in every bruise, every mark, and every obvious example of abuse before his knees went weak. He set his hand on his desk to steady himself and he used the other to cover his face.
    He glanced up again for a moment before sighing and running his hands through his hair.
    "Bloody fucking hell...Zexion...Who did this to you...?" he asked, his voice barely above a whisper. He was faced with silence, which made him angry, so he repeated his question.
    "Zexion! Who did this to you!?" he snapped, slamming his fist onto the desk.
    Zexion jumped and backed away from his teacher, eyes wide and trained on the floor.
    "You already know what happened, Luxord. It was an accident---a really bad accident," Zexion murmured, quickly moving to gather his clothes, pulling his shirt on and buttoning it up with haste, fumbling when his fingers tripped over themselves to fasten his tie.
    "Zexion, you can't tell me that and think I'll believe it. These marks where made by human hands!" he said, undoing the tie and pulling open the first three buttons with no trouble at all.
    "They--…" and he stopped. He stared. He hesitantly reached up but faltered when his fingers almost brushed against the mark on Zexion's neck. He paused again, looking like he would almost break into a million pieces. He sighed and shook his head, leaning down to shower the injury in gentle kisses.
    Zexion inhaled sharply and jerked away from his teacher, balling his hands defensively in front of his neck. When Luxord gave him a puzzled look, he glared back at the man.
    "You're calling me a liar? I landed funny--this mark was made by my own hands," he said quietly, aggression evident in his tone. He continued his slow retreat from his teacher, breathing erratically. No one can find out.
    Luxord glared and strode forward and reached out and pulling Zexion's hands away before setting his own on the bruises in the exact pattern. But he did not squeeze. He would not. He barely even touched the skin for fear of what he might do in his anger.
    "Your hands landed like this...?" he asked, bitterness in his voice. "God damn, Zexion, for such a smart kid, you're a terrible liar," he snarled.
    "Did you know that when a person chokes another person, head on, with their hands...It makes the shape of a butterfly? That's why they call it 'The Mark of the Crimson Butterfly', Zexion..."
    Zexion grabbed Luxord's wrist with both of his hands, small and trembling, but didn't make a move to really pull away. He bowed his head and shook it, hair falling back into place over his eye.
    "Luxord...no one can find out about this," he said, voice thick with emotion, tears threatening to spill from his eyes. "No one or I'm in trouble..."
    "God damn it, Zexion..." he muttered, letting go only to take hold of Zexion around the waist and pull him in close to hold him.
    "God damn it..." he sighed, resigning for now. "Zex...I can't stand by and watch your father, yes--based on everything, I can safely assume it's your father--hurt you like this...but...I'm not going to take drastic measures that may very well ruin your life...but...Oh, God damn it..." he sighed, nuzzling the blue-nette’s hair.
    Zexion rested his head against Luxord's chest, ignoring how the throbbing from his side was moving to his temples, causing his head to positively ache.
    "It's not what you think, Luxord..." he said. He realized that if he said what he thought, that his parents loved him and he loved them, Luxord would mock him, He could almost feel it oozing from the man, his mockery, his pity.
    Luxord shook his head, sighing. He couldn't take it anymore.
    "No more...Just no more today...Please...Do that for me...Let's not talk about this anymore today..." he sighed again, pressing a kiss to the top of his head again, a habit very quickly forming due to Zexion's height.
    Zexion closed his eyes and nodded slightly.
    "Please, just forget this ever happened...I think I'll be okay, so..." he shrugged and sighed. "I can't come for tutoring today..." he looked up at Luxord, reaching up and touching the man's neatly trimmed facial hair.
    Luxord nodded, slowly and sighed
    "I understand...I understand..." he muttered.
"Most guys don't look very good with facial hair, but you do, it's kind of strange..."
    Luxord blinked, slightly surprised, then let out a bemused chuckle.
    "Zexion, my master at changing subjects...Well...Thank you, love. It suppose it’s part of my British charm..." he grinned.
    Zexion pushed against Luxord's chest, an annoyed smile on his face.
&nsbp;   "What charm? You disgust me!" he cried theatrically, buttoning his shirt back up--hopefully for the final time--and tying his tie. "Lux, I've gotta get to 4th hour. Lunch is almost over," he explained, nodding toward the clock.
    Luxord laughed and nodded, brushing Zexion's hands away and very easily finishing up the tie for him, a taunting grin on his lips. He leaned down and kissed Zexion passionately, attempting to take his breath away before he pulled back and whispered against his lips, so softly it could barely be heard:
    "Be safe...My precious one..."
    And take Zexion's breath away he did; Zexion felt a blush rise in his cheeks and he nodded hastily.
    "I will...and please, Luxord..." Zexion gripped the man's hands in his much smaller, paler ones. "Please don't tell anybody, please...please don't make a big deal out of this...my parents love me, but dad got kinda mad...my grades aren't their best, after all..."
    Luxord nodded and pressed a kiss to the outside of each hand as well as to each of Zexion's knuckles.
    "I...I promise...I won't do anything unless you want me to..." he said, looking up at Zexion and kissing his forehead once again.
    Zexion threw his arms around Luxord and hugged him tightly, burying his face one last time in the man's warm chest.
    "Thank you so much for understanding, Luxord..." he said quietly before hurrying off to his next class as the warning bell chimed throughout the school.

[end chapter 4.]

Ren says:Someone shoot me, I'm actually starting to like the Xigbar/Demyx pairing. o__O Also, Bitch Riku is all mine. HE'S MINE!
Alex says: We love reviews, folks! Also, I hate my life. And html.