The House of Chanterelle

The House of Chanterelle

Episode Five

"Sundays Always Get Me Down"

Zexion stretched in his office chair. Morning had once again snuck up on him in the throes of his work and he had a fantastic crick in his neck that he hadn't noticed until he moved. He spun in his chair and looked at the rising sun with disdain. His eyes were strained and bloodshot, his mind was weary, and his head was just so heavy. The clock read six-thirty in the morning which was pretty good compared to most nights when he ended up working until dawn and falling asleep. Overnights were the worst and since the higher-ups often took the weekends off, he was highly overtaxed. He decided to shut down his computer and call it a day. No reason in keeping himself awake for two days straight when he had managed to finish everything he was supposed to. He tried to crack his neck but it was too painful for him to even lift his arms. He checked his watch to find that somehow the week hadn't gotten away with him. It was Sunday already. Something was supposed to happen today, right? Wasn't there somewhere he was supposed to be?

Oh well, he wasn't perfect. He couldn't remember everything. He walked out of the office noticing a few stragglers like himself who greeted him tiredly. At least he wasn't the only one so devoted to keeping the place running smoothly; he just bore the brunt o the work. On his way to the elevator, he passed Sephiroth's office and kept his eyes averted when Scarlet came out of the office adjusting her skirt. The only reason Sephiroth kept her around was for readily available sex. She really thought that sleeping with him would get her head of him and she hated his guts. Her brown eyes cut to him as she fixed her bottle blonde hair.

"Careful Tyr, you don't want anyone to think that crook in your back is from something undignified," she called.

He sighed deciding to give her what she wanted. "I suppose the crook in my back does look bad to someone who's so worn out that they don't have worry about such trivial things."

It took her a moment to follow what he'd said but the effect was still worth it. "You little bastard! I'm sure if I sucked Axel's dick once in a while, Lae would keep me around too!"

Zexion stooped to a lower level and said. "Careful, Scarlet, your tits are crooked; wouldn't want to damage the silicone what with how much Sephiroth paid for them. Oh and here," he pulled a disposable handkerchief out of his pocket and handed it to her. "You have a bit of something on your mouth. I didn't know lip gloss came in white."

During her indignant growl, he turned away and got onto the next available elevator. Thank whatever power up there for small victories. They always said that sleeping your way to the top would get you there…but they never tell you that it won't keep you there. Scarlet had been passed around as deal maker by every CEO who'd employed her simply because her body was something to be desired. Million dollar deals were made with her being offered up on good faith. Once she was employed by Crescent Industries, however, the passing around stopped. Number one, Sephiroth never used her for anything other than a personal stress-relieving blowjob every now and then. The man preferred his own son for anything else which was disturbing in itself and Zexion would take that secret to his grave. Number two, Crescent Industries didn't need a show of good faith when they made deal. Sephiroth and Riku's word alone was enough for any business they wished to acquire. Despite their hate for each other, their charisma together was amazing. Not that Flammel Inc. was anything to be trifled with. No, Axel's charisma was what lured him on out of college in the first place. Yes, in the world of Flammel and Crescent Conglomerate, a woman like Scarlet was nothing more than cheap decoration. People like Zexion were the real go-getters even when they did the most menial tasks. A small smile of pride came to Zexion's lips as he waited for the doors to open to the bottom floor.

They slid open and Zexion was practically tackled before he could take a step. Axel had him pinned to the back wall of the elevators. Riku had already pressed their floor and door's closed. Zexion stared at the younger Flammel with an annoyed expression. Axel smirked and pressed his face to Zexion's neck. Their bodies were pressed tightly together with the redhead's thigh pressed firmly between his legs. He felt Axel freakishly sharp canines brush his throat and he winced at the almost tickle feeling. He tilted his head back exposing his neck in submission and let Axel's mouth close around it. See, this was why people thought he was sleeping with Axel. He slid his hand up his superiors back with deceptive gentleness until he was able to wound his fingers in Axel's hair and yank his head back hard.

"Ow, ow, ow, ow!" Axel exclaimed.

Riku chuckled. "You should be use to this by now."

"Axel, if it wasn't so amusing seeing you in pain, I'd file harassment charges against!"

"Yeah, I know!" Axel hissed in pain. "Easy on the hair, I just washed it! Come on let go."

Zexion released him long enough for him to sweep the redhead's legs with his own. The hard thud set off laughter from Riku and a shout of pain from Axel before Zexion got off at random floor and left them to themselves.

"Oh come on, Zexion," Axel called. "Not even a little?"

"I'm afraid your company does nothing for me, Axel," Zexion said as the elevator doors closed. He figured he'd just take the stairs this time.

Once in the parking garage, he passed the night watchman who was just getting off work. They cast weary nods at each other as he went to the garage elevator. That man was useless actually. He wasn't the stereotypical fat guard but he was still lazy. He doubted the man would even bat an eye if any of the cars were tampered with. He should really talk to Lae about that guy since two company cars were stolen out of the garage in the past three months. That was simply unacceptable.

When he got into his car he rested there for a while and stared at the skyline with a certain depression. His back and neck were killing him, his head had this overbearing pressure on it that just wouldn't ease, and finally, he was dead tired. That stunt he pulled on Axel hadn't helped at all. Lae was lucky that he paid him well for this nonsense. He managed to control his body well enough to start the car. The sooner he got home, the quicker he could blackout for the rest of the day. As the engine roared to life he found himself looking down at a crumpled card on the floor. He picked it up and unfolded it, revealing the card that Kairi girl gave him last week. That's right, he took it out of his pocket when he was digging for his wallet on the way home Sunday. Absentmindedly, rubbing his neck he thought of what she had said. She said it was a place to get a massage, meal, and a good night's sleep. Hmm, sounded like a fancy hotel.

"She said Sunday," Zexion muttered. He turned his head only to wince at the pain. "Why not?"

He plugged his cell into the car charger and pulled out of the parking garage.

"Kairi!" Naminé gasped as her lover's hand slid up her torso to gently squeeze her breast. She almost bit her tongue off when she felt Kairi's fang brush over her clit. Her hands tried to find something to grab onto but ended up knocking her blacklist on the floor. She whined and whimpered as Kairi sucked gently on the nub, scraping teeth over the sensitive skin. "Wait…too much."

A giggle vibrated against her. "It's supposed to be too much. It's been a while, hasn't it?"

She clawed the table praying that she didn't scream too loud. "Why in my study, Kairi!"

"Because I've always wanted to have you writhing on your desk," she laughed. "Come on, Naminé. It's been a long time since I've tasted you; gimme!" she said playfully.

"Oh god!" Naminé shouted when Kairi's fingers entered her. "No, no, I'll scream too loud."

"So?" Kairi's said between licks. "This is a pleasure house and I want mine, Nami."

Naminé could only respond with a moan before her back arched off the table. Her hips rocked against the invading fingers and she trembled when her g-spot was brushed against. "Not there, not there, Ah!"

Knock-knock.

"Oh no!" Naminé whispered hoarsely. "Get off! Get off!"

"The doors locked, calm down. They'll go away!" she stroked her sweet spot firmly forcing Naminé to cover her mouth to muffle her moans. "Shh, don't want them to know we're in here."

"Kairi," she pleaded. "What if its Yuffie? We'd never live it down!"

"She'll let it go if she likes her paycheck," Kairi said going back to her ministrations.

Naminé's mind went blank and she ignored the consistent knocking. It either had finally stopped or she couldn't hear it over her own muffled moans and heart pounding in her ears. As Kairi continued swirling her tongue, she let her hand slide down between her own legs and up her skirt. They didn't hear the door creak open.

"As nice of a view as this is, I think there are other things that you could be doing right now."

Naminé felt her heart stop and just knew her head was about to explode from the amount of blood rushing to it! They both looked toward the door to see a blushing but amused Sora standing there with Cloud, their commander. Naminé practically threw Kairi off her and pulled her panties up. Kairi grumbled about untimely interruptions and fixed her skirt before facing her superiors. Sora was biting his lip trying to hide the smile on his face. Naminé looked as though she could just die as the blond man walked in with few extra papers. His blue eyes scanned the lists that were scattered on the floor with a small smile.

"I suppose I should think of a good lecture for you but I'll leave that to Tifa. You just better hope Yuffie doesn't find out about you two having sex on the desk," he said placing the papers in Naminé's trembling hands.

Kairi acted as if she wasn't embarrassed but the hot blush on her face wasn't only from being interrupted. "Um, SO! What are those, Cloud?"

"Orders from Valkyrie to watch Sephiroth from now on," Sora said smiling a bit at Kairi's face.

"Sephiroth?" Naminé looked to Cloud. "Isn't he…"

"Yeah," Cloud nodded. "But it's what mother wants. It's less suspicious for the Jezebels to watch him than me considering he's still my client on occasion."

Sora nodded. "He's become a bit more hostile and he's hurting Riku again and we both know that's not allowed. Riku's under my protection and I rather not have to explain why my okiniiri is being abused."

Naminé read over the papers. "We'll take care of it personally, danna-ue."

"Sora, you alright, you look pale?" Kairi asked gently.

He shook his head. "I didn't get to get a client last night. I passed out from protecting Riku."

"He can't keep guarding him from a distance; it's too much of a strain so Val passed it on to us. You sure you both can handle it without getting distracted?"

Sora snorted earning a flustered glare from Kairi. Naminé hid her face with the papers and whispered a meek "yes, we got it!"

"Good," Cloud said with a lighthearted smile. "Make sure you report to me every day. And Kairi please get to work, you're behind. You can play with Naminé later tonight."

"Yes, sir!" they said immediately.

Sora waved. "Bye guys," he teased. "Make sure you get that wet spot before it stains!"

Kairi promptly flicked him off as they disappeared out the door. She glanced at Naminé out the corner of her eye. "What are you doing?"

She was bent over the desk wiping it down with a Kleenex. "He…wasn't lying."

Cloud walked with Sora to the lobby so that they could enjoy a cup of coffee. Sora noticed that the man was quieter than he normally was around him. He watched the fair features on his youthful face contort into silent worry. Cloud Strife was a beautiful man. He was this wonderful sunny blonde with eyes bluer than anything had ever seen. He was proud and strong but gentle and kind making him perfect as both a working butterfly and as one of the militia. Unlike Sora and Roxas, Cloud had joined Chanterelle when he was twenty-one when his best friend Zack made a deal with Madame Valkyrie to save his life. In exchange, Cloud lived with Valkyrie and was never able to see Zack again. Zack couldn't let go of his humanity and therefore couldn't go with Cloud. Sora could never imagine what that would be like and hoped he'd never have to experience it. Madame Valkyrie had told him that Cloud didn't smile again after he'd heard about Zack's passing until she brought him and Roxas home. Since then, Cloud had been the supportive father/brother figure they'd always needed in their lives while Madame Valkyrie became their mother. He never let his pain get in the way of their happiness…so what was the problem now he wondered.

"You're thinking too hard," Sora said suddenly.

"What?"

"I said you're thinking too hard. You're doing that thing where you bite your lip. You're going to draw blood."

He smiled. "You know me too well Sora."

"Come on, Cloud, you can tell me."

"Its nothing, Sora." He ruffled the brunette's hair. "I'm just trying to decide how to deal with Leon. We're fighting again."

"Aren't you always?"

"Yeah, he just won't let it go that I'm still servicing… Sephiroth…"

Sora followed Cloud's line of vision and saw Sephiroth at the check-in desk. He narrowed his eyes. "Speak the devil's name and he shall appear before you."

"Sora," Cloud whispered. "Go on back to Roxas. It'll be no good if you get all worked up in your weakened condition."

Sora growled low in his throat. "Just because he gave one of his sons to the house doesn't mean he has free reign to do what he wants."

"He hasn't broken the rules yet, Sora. Just go on, and don't tell Yazoo that he's here."

Sora nodded, his eyes meeting Sephiroth's briefly before turning and leaving. Cloud watched him go and turned around to meet Sephiroth's eyes and the blatant possessiveness in those eyes. There was good reason for Cloud not to be the one to observe Sephiroth. Sephiroth could smell a rat a mile away so there was no way they'd put the rat right under his nose. Cloud closed his eyes for a moment before a lazy smirk came to his lips and he opened his eyes showing frosted blue Vampire eyes. His bore his fangs and ran his tongue over them seductively. The only good that came out of this was that he wouldn't be hungry. Sephiroth wanted control…he could smell it before the man even approached him. So when those strong arms wrapped around him and jerked him into a forced embrace, his body melded into it. Sephiroth pressed him against the wall not caring who saw and brushed his lips slowly over Cloud's forehead, cheek, and lips never actually kissing. Cloud trembled in a way that Sephiroth loved tilting his head back submissively. He let out a breathy sigh when teeth found his neck.

"Seph," he gasped. "Not here…"

"Why are you in uniform, Cloud?" he asked his breath calm and even as if he weren't the slightest bit affected by having the blonde pressed against him.

"I didn't," Cloud cleared his throat. "I didn't know you were coming."

"Mm, of course you didn't, which is why I expect you to be ready for me at anytime."

Cloud chuckled darkly deciding to push his boundaries a little. "As if you're the only client I have."

"Oh, playful today? Perhaps I should've waited until your hands were covered in some poor traitor's blood before I came. Heaven knows I love it when you're on your knees bathed in blood and fangs bare." He lifted Cloud up the wall pulling his legs around his waist and hand around his throat. "But for that comment…I think you should be punished."

Cloud shuddered reliving the last time they'd done that very thing in his mind. Sephiroth had popped up unannounced in his room after he'd fed off a blacklist target and his family. He was soaked in it and made Sephiroth even more dominate than he'd ever seen him. He was pulled out of that little fantasy by Sephiroth biting his ear. Though he knew Sephiroth wouldn't go too far in public, he still didn't trust the man to leave him with his dignity. He put a hand between them and forcefully pushed him back knowing it would anger the man but at least they could get back to the privacy of the room. His feet found the floor and he met the angry green fire that was Sephiroth's glare.

"You know better," he said breathlessly. "We can continue this in my room."

With that, Cloud walked away knowing that taller man would follow. He felt those hungry eyes on him the whole walk back and was glad to be wearing his gear rather than his normal loose tunics. The last thing he needed was to give Sephiroth something that would give with enough force. He'd like to think he had a little bit of shame as a vampire. They made it to his room with Sephiroth practically breathing down his neck and making him shudder every now and then. He reached for the door but a hand grabbed his wrist and slammed it against the locked door. His front was pressed solidly against the wood and he felt Sephiroth's tongue tracing the Aporia Crataegi on the back of his neck. He was the only butterfly branded as such and it was a source of constant stimulation if played with correctly. His blue eyes rolled and his head dropped giving Sephiroth more access.

"You're supposed to take your clients in the room, Strife."

Sephiroth slowly turned away from his obsession and glared coldly at the man standing a few feet away. Cloud clawed the wood feeling more annoyed than he should have. He pushed himself away from the door and leaned back into Sephiroth's possessive hold. Sephiroth held him around his waist firmly and Cloud almost thought the man would growl.

"Leon," Cloud said with irritation.

"Leonhart," Leon corrected. "and like I said, have some decency to do your clients in privacy."

Cloud's eyes narrowed as Leon's frosted to almost pure white. Sephiroth smirked at the exchange having never liked the brunette man. Out of spite, he placed an almost gentle kiss to the spot just behind Cloud's ear making the blonde's eyes roll and his fangs lengthen. As petty as it was, he knew Cloud wasn't above making his lover jealous when they were having one of their little fights. Who was he not to take advantage of it? Leon growled at the display.

"Cloud, my dear Aporia," Sephiroth whispered against his skin. "You still owe me. How about we do Leonhart a gratuitous service and take our activities into privacy. He won't see but I can't guarantee he won't hear."

Cloud shuddered and a smirk came to his face. "I'm sure he won't mind. He's been talking about you for weeks anyway. Maybe he wants to hear," he said coldly.

"Sorry, but I rather not hear a bitch in heat," Leon snarled before walking past him and forcibly bumping Sephiroth's shoulder.

They both watched him go but with two different expressions. One only watched with disinterest and small triumph while the other held a secret hurt behind the fury burning within. Sephiroth didn't give Cloud the time to think about it once they got into his bedroom.

"Are you sure he'll be here, Kairi?"

"Yes," Kairi said distractedly. She mouthed the names on the list that had been given to her that morning and Demyx was becoming an unwanted distracted. He was working her nerves with talks of Zexion. "He seemed like the punctual type and he really needed it. You know they're only drawn in if they need it."

"Yeah, yeah, I know how the game works. I've been doing it longer than you!"

"Then stop pestering me!" Kairi whined.

"But what if he doesn't show up?"

"Then we lost the gamble," Kairi murmured. "They don't always come when they need it. Free will happens to be a bitch!"

"But I like him!"

"You only saw him once!"

"You only saw Naminé once and now she's one of us!"

Kairi growled and got up taking her work with her. "Wait by yourself then!"

Demyx winced and grabbed her arm. "You have to stay! He'll recognize you and you'll make sure I get him, right Kai?"

Kairi groaned at those big crystalline eyes that Demyx had managed to widen into an annoyingly irresistible puppy pout. She could only look for a minute before sitting down and beating her head on the table. She would've been happier if she'd finished things with Naminé. Demyx cheered.

"Yay! I can't wait to see those pretty violet eyes and sexy pale hair. Do you think it's natural? What do you think it is? Blue? Gray? I bet it's blue!"

Kairi checked off someone on her paper. "Ugh! If he hangs around you long enough you'll make it natural! And it's called slate, Demyx!"

"Neat! How did you get so smart anyway?"

"Shut up, Demyx."

Demyx fidgeted impatiently. "What should I do for him? Should I dance, sing, play something?"

Kairi dropped her head on her desk. "Damn, I wish I'd gotten my nookie!" she grumbled. "Just do what he needs for you to do like always!"

"But, I don't' want to run him off!" Demyx whined. "Oh no, what if he's like the others I've had?"

Kairi narrowed her eyes a bit. "Then he won't be your problem anymore; he'll be mine. Besides, he seemed very kind…he was just depressed."

"I know, those eyes of his made me feel bad for him. I wanted to stop and get to know him then but he seemed in a hurry."

Kairi smiled. "I know you'll be good for him."

"Kairi…how come you haven't had a client in so long? I mean you're one of the few who're allowed out to scout for customers."

She inhaled deeply. "Because I'm fine, I have Naminé now so I only need one client every little while. I get my fill when I do my night jobs."

Demyx made a gagging gesture. "That must taste awful. I don't see how you jezebels do it!"

"Not any worse than usual. Now calm down, you're acting like an uke!"

"Am not! Besides, I'm equal freakin' opportunity! Though there is no way I'm letting fluffy top me!"

"Um…fluffy?"

"He's a fluffy in case you haven't noticed! I mean, he's never been with a guy at like…all! Didn't you smell it? Total uke material!"

"ZOMG!" Kairi said in mock surprise. "You should like totally get hobby!"

"Very funny! Besides, he's gonna be my hobby, sweets spot and all."

"…that's nasty…" she said with a blank stare.

Zexion wasn't sure what to expect when he had walked into the red and gold building. It was beautiful and seemed so peaceful in the shining sun. The quiet talking of other customers and servers gave the place a lively gentility. The beautiful clothing adorning some of the workers made them sensually alluring without giving away too much. The smell of the place was wonderful and made him feel calm as soon as he breathed in. It was impressive to say the least.

He was greeted nearly at the door by a petite girl of Asian descent. She barely looked eighteen with short black hair and jade green Chinese shirt. A loose pair of kaki Capri pants covered her legs and her dainty feet were encased in flat slippers. From the touch confident way he'd been approached, Zexion believed she had never worn a skirt in her life. She smiled brightly which made Zexion feel better about coming here. Did they all have that nice soothing effect?

"I'm Yuffenia Kasuragi. You can call me Yuffie! How can I help you?"

Zexion glanced around the place once more before giving Yuffie the crumpled card. "Um, a girl gave me this card to come here today."

"Oh?" she looked at the car turning it over. "Ah! Kairi's your girl! You're lucky she's right in the lobby. This way!"

He ended up following her into a nice area filled with comfortable chairs and polished tables. People were relaxed being served tea or coffee while reading or working. Zexion was very impressed by then. The idea of coming more often to get work done rather than stay cramped in his office was very tempting. They came to the redhead he'd met along with the man he had bumped into. Their eyes only met briefly and a cheery smile appeared on the blond one's face. Zexion turned away not sure of why he even looked in the man's direction. Kairi smiled and rested her face on her hands.

"No baby today, Mr. Tyr? I'm glad you came to see me," she said gently. "Thank you, Yuffie!"

"No problem, Kai! Oh, mother wants to see you later on, when you're not busy."

She nodded and waved for Zexion to take a seat. "So, what can I do for you today, Mr. Tyr?"

"Well, you said I could get a good massage here and a good night's rest, right?' Zexion said sitting down with a grimace. He was still painfully stiff and he wondered how long it would take for it to go away.

Kairi made a pained face. "You look awful, to tell the truth. Normally, I would take care of you myself but as you can see by all these papers I'm totally swamped. But my friend Demyx here is open and ready-"

She blinked when she realized Demyx wasn't next to her anymore. Zexion tensed when he felt gentle hands slide over his shoulders, his eyes involuntarily twitching. A light rub relaxed the tension and then the hands made their way up to either side of his jaw. In a quick motion and a loud crack that made Kairi jump and grasp her own neck, Zexion's neck was twisted fast to the side.

"Ah!" he cried out painfully and pulled away from the offending hands. He glared back at the grinning man and held his neck protectively. "What is wrong with you?"

"How's your headache?" Demyx asked cheerfully.

"Wha…" he paused, realizing all the pressure in his temples was gone and his neck could move freely. He looked at the man in amazement. "Oh, but, how did you know?"

Demyx smiled sweetly. "I could tell by how stiff you were. It's not healthy to walk around like that."

"Thank you…" Zexion muttered still rubbing his neck.

"He's not our only Ulysses Butterfly for nothing," Kairi said still rubbing her own neck wondering how Demyx managed not to break the poor man's spine. "Will he do?"

She got the feeling that neither of them really heard her, but Zexion gave a curt nod as he flexed his neck. That was the most painful experience he had ever had but damn if didn't feel a heck of a lot better. He figured if this "Demyx" man knew what he was doing then it wouldn't hurt to try him out. Kairi smiled and stood.

"You'll probably be here all day. I'll need a driver's license or form of identification, your car keys, and your cell phone."

"You want my keys and cell phone?"

"Well, the keys and license are to make sure you don't ice skate the bill or drive home drunk and the cell phone is to make sure you're not disrupted in your session…" Kairi trailed off as she looked toward the check-in desk. "Um Demyx, you can handle signing him in. Something just came up."

Demyx furrowed his brow and glanced in the direction she was looking. He caught sight of one of their regulars being checked in with Naminé. He almost cringed at the sight of strawberry blonde hair but shook his head hoping that Kairi could handle it. Naminé was just like any other butterfly. She had to take in clients. He took Zexion's arm and led him to a different desk. It was so cute how lost the man seemed in these surroundings. It was easy to tell that he was use to always being control of the situations he was in. Well, that needed to be fixed and he would make sure that he was the only one to do it. He took Zexion to the counter and got him to hesitantly turn in his keys and cell. All that was left was to lead him to Demyx's humble dwelling within the house.

Even though his neck felt wonderful and his headache had dissipated, Zexion still felt apprehensive about leaving his cell phone. If he was needed at work, he would never know it. Lae would give him an earful and he was lucky Sephiroth never stayed to work on Sundays. Another thing on his mind was what exactly this place was. He had never heard of it and that was shocking because he knew all the playgrounds of the rich and powerful. So, what was this place?Kairi was really upset about not getting her nookie! I spent all night on this chapter literally. Its like 4:16 am right now XD. So um yeah sorry about any spelling errors and sorry about the wait. Reviews are ALWAYS welcome XD tell me what you think and my ass is going to bed! XD