★ Gravity Gave Mercy ★

     You can’t afford to misrepresent me; I want an imitation of reality | Highly Selective|   

[nijuukoo]

813 Month 2016 - Day 3 - Vampire (Word from @roxas-heart-13​)

“Do you remember the promise you made me, Axel? That we’d meet again in the next life?”

Keep reading

[drexm-eater-deactivated20190312]

                                                  ☽ ┊ Random Starter! ┊ @axeltxt.   ❞

It’s difficult, to say the very least, spending his days going between the apartment and the studio - sometimes not, sometimes just lingering in the studio and staying overnight - and not being able to go about his usual routine. Well - he supposed, he had a new routine, now; which typically consisted of spending time getting used to the crutches he’s been given, the ones he clung to and the ones he cherished, mind constantly uneasy and unsettled.

There were some days when he reduced himself to the state Axel had found him, once - staring blankly out the window with unresponsive eyes, simply contemplating anything and everything he should’ve been doing but couldn’t. It hurt, to have his feet be so useless to him; to have to change bandages every few hours, see the scars and, if he worked himself too hard, streaks of crimson from wounds re-opened. It all hurt, so very very much - but he was learning to get on with it.

In a way - Axel was being the most supportive crutch to him right then; one he hoped never to hurt or damage, or take advantage of. No; not Axel - not someone who had been by his side since before the incident, had stuck by him through it and would, hopefully, continue to linger even after.

If anyone walked in on the studio, rather empty, they’d find him with his legs angled so his feet lingered just below his head, teal hues glancing down as pale fingers picket at the bandages; Six weeks, at least - but Riku figured it would be more like six months, at this stage. Each day not dancing, doing what he’d been practically born to do, felt like a heavy weight on his heart, acid in his veins- it stung, it burned, and he hated it do. But, pressuring and forcing himself wouldn’t help, either - it would only prolong the pain.

So; he would be patient - he would wait, for as long as he had to. As much as he knew he was hurting Axel, too; perhaps that was what hurt most. But— soon. It would all be over soon.

[axeltxt-blog]

Riku's apartment had become a second home to Axel. He wasn't quite sure if Riku had noticed yet but the bathroom was filled with his things; a toothbrush, bobby pins he often stuck in his hair to keep it out of his face, deodorant, a small bottle of perfume, plus, one of the shelves was currently being used to hold clothing of his. It made his life easier having his belongings near by instead of running across town to his own apartment. Besides convince, Axel quite enjoyed being around Riku.

Being just a room away meant Axel could easily hear Riku's movements. While mostly silent, Axel had once or twice happened to hear Riku's heavy breathing as he attempted to do something his feet prevented him from accomplishing. And Axel would wait for Riku to push through and prevail or for the breathing to grow long and ragged; that's when he would step in.

Though often, Axel wished he could do more. As he loomed over the boiling water, he frowned at his distorted reflection. Cooking was a skill he lacked, and while he preferred to stay out of the kitchen, this time around, he didn't have a choice. Carefully he poured the water out of the pot and into a mug. Placing a teabag and a spoon in the steaming water, Axel then carried it, slowly, making sure to not spill the liquid. Sometimes, he swore cooking was more difficult than dancing...

Slipping into Riku's room, Axel wasn't surprised when he caught him picking at the bandages on his feet. Clicking his tongue against the roof of his mouth, Axel settled down across from Riku and placed the cup between them.

"You know, if you keep poking at the them, they're only going to grow worse." A long, bony finger tapped at Riku's hands. "Stop messing with those and drink your tea."

[baconxkitty-blog]

“Yea well I’d love more room though..I mean I find broken instruments all the time and it’s kind of become my hobby to fix them. I guess I could sell or give away some of the ones I repaired to make room.” He hummed in thought as he handed Axel a soda and opened a bag of chips. “And if it’s so boring you know…you know you’re always welcome to hang out with me. Watch or play something.”

Dem smiled at him before picking up his book and turning the show back on. “I mean most of the time I hang out by myself, I really wouldn’t mind the company.”

[axeltxt-blog]

Axel wasn't sure why he avoided all the Organization Member's like the plague, but, he almost felt a hinge of guilt poke at his non-existing heart the moment Demyx mentioned is solitude.

Seeing as the guy wasn't half as bad as the rest, Axel considered attempting to reach a peaceful stand with him. Then again...Axel wasn’t the friendliest guy around.

Opening the can up with one bony finger, Axel then gulped half of it down. It wasn't until his throat burned that he placed the drink down.

"That's kind of weird...I was sure you got along with the other members, y'know, like Larxene...?"

Fuck...He really didn't know a thing about Demyx did he?

[drexm-eater-deactivated20190312]

Riku’s last intention was to come across as rude or cynical, and he hoped that showed - he was appreciative of the gift, really, even if it did remind him of how useless he was at that moment.

His lips curled, just slightly, at Axel’s invitation and, with a small nod, he tried his own hand at getting up; Not exactly the most successful attempt, and he did end up extending a hand for some help - but he had growing confidence that he’d get the hang of it with time.

He appreciated all Axel was doing for him, really, even if their relationship hadn’t really been firmly established; being honest, Riku really had no idea what they were - the line was too firmly blurred, it was too difficult to tell if they’d passed the line of friendship or not.

Friends did things like this for each other without question, but – was that really all Axel was doing it for? Riku sometimes wondered; and then chastised himself for such critical thinking.

“… I really do want to thank you,”

However he could do it, he really wouldn’t mind - even if it was just by bettering himself,

“For everything.”

[axeltxt-blog]

For a second, he was sure Riku would ignore his help but when he felt the tip of his fingers brush against his palm, Axel's pleased smile stretched across his face.

Instantly, Axel laced his fingers with Riku's.

It was almost instinct, taking and initiating the exact position each time they engaged in a dance, only this time, there was no music and both their feet lacked ballet shoes. Leaning in closer, Axel bumped his nose against Riku's cheek, traveling upwards until his lips tickled the shell of his ear.

It's a whisper - his voice - it snakes from his throat, low and warm.

"Really, it's my pleasure."

As soon as the words bounced into the air, Axel pulled back. And just like that the moment itself dissolves, as if it had never existed. Axel won't linger on it, for how can he dote on something that never occurred?

Replacing his fingers with the crutch he held in his left hand, he made sure Riku had a good grip on it before he retreats, takes exactly one step back.

"Go on then, let me know if you think they'll be of use to you.”

[kingseifer]

“…Alright, that’s it! You’ve crossed the line for the last time! Nobody thinks I’m gay ‘cept you! Slandering my good name and my fashion sense! And if Roxas and Hayner have problems they can come to me themselves ‘stead of hiding behind you with their tales tucked between their legs!”

[axeltxt-blog]

“Hear ya loud and clear, but y’know, that’s a bit disappointing. You and the camo kid make quite the pair. Too bad the prissy boy beat ya to it, guess he had his head in the game.”

[freischutz]

The ideal start of the day didn’t circulate around a healthy breakfast and watching the sunrise from picture perfect balconies, no; it consisted of a warm cup of coffee grasped steady in one’s palms, coupled with the sweet taste of sarcasm to ease the bitterness off the drink. It was enough to drag The Organization’s Number II out of his lingering sleepiness, and it seemed Axel had already gifted him with a half of his morning ideals. If his apex of the morning hadn’t been complete made up bullshit, he’d be thankful.

“As much as my heart withers in appreciation of you tryna’ shove words down my throat,” he asserted, one hand meeting his hip as the other motioned in the air next to him, “that wasn’t why I was askin’. Jus’ curious, that’s all.” 

Body leaning forwards, as if mock-lecturing the boy, he carried on. “I trust your schedule is overflowing with plans. Trainin’ and studyin’ until sunset, right?” He leaned back, grinning, wide enough to bare a couple of teeth. “Sleepin’ in some more would be out of the question.”

Right. As if that wasn’t his own plan for the day. He had a nagging feeling that he was going to be awake for a while now, though, at least until it was time for a nap. 

He figured he might as well entertain himself while the sun was still risen; both their resume-to-dreamland fantasies weren’t calling just yet. He had time to spare. (If anything, the only thing ringing his line at the moment was his craving for fucking coffee. Guess not everything about his morning routine had been idiocy speaking.)

[axeltxt-blog]

Axel could set Xigbar's hair on fire, but such a petty move would only make him look like a sore loser that couldn't handle a few rounds of sarcastic remarks. All he could really do now was play along despite his desire to turn on his heels and head back to bed. It was too early for mind games, and even he (at times) preferred to hold back on the endless cycles of banters him and his comrades tended to engage themselves in.

"Yeah, right. I don't need the practice, I mean, have you seen me?" Flexing his fingers, as if he carried the weight of his unsummoned Chakram's across the outstretched digits, Axel tilted his head to the side, and smirked. "I don't need ANY practice."

He then waved one hand in the air, "But of course, I can understand if you need the practice..."

Perhaps he was pushing it. Perhaps he was following down a road he'd later regret. Maybe, when it was all said and done, he'd wish he had simply ignored the other man, and proceeded to sleep the day away, but for now, his tongue was sharp, sharp enough to injure, and sharp enough to get him trouble.

"After all, you are pretty old. Bet when you move, your joints puff out clouds of dust. If that's the case, I can understand why you're spending today practicing while the rest of us kick back and relax."

[baconxkitty-blog]

“It’s not a mess its organized chaos.” He rebutted before leading him into his room. True it was crowded but it wasn’t like Dem didn’t have a certain order to things. He had one wall covered in various guitars, another in violins all of which he found and repaired. In one corner somehow he’d managed to get a baby grand in his room.

Near his bed was a large tv and a few game consoles with games in neat stacks on either side. A loveseat pulled in from who knows was where his book was already setting waiting marked. Plopping down he patted the cushion. “See chaos but organized. Not messy. Just..don’t have that much space for all the shit I want.”

[axeltxt-blog]

When they reached Demyx' room, Axel leaned against the doorframe, as a small whistle slipped past his lips.

It wasn't what he'd expected. He’d been sure he was walking towards a maze of clothes and junk, but while the room was in fact messy, it had a certain aspect to it that lead him to believe only Demyx could easily find any of his belongings without a problem.

Taking the seat next to Demyx, he was ready to spit out an other sarcastic remark when the loud growling of his stomach interrupted him.

"Well...That's what you get when all you eat is Ice Cream for two days straight. Man...These missions just don't give me the time to eat anymore." He sighed, taking an other glance around the room, before he continued, "But what else do you even want man? You got a pretty sweet thing going on already. You should see my room, it's completely bare. You'd die of boredom."

[soralovesyou-deactivated2023081]

“You know I can’t say no to you. You pretty much earned ice cream for life.”

[axeltxt-blog]

“Aww kid, you’re sweet..”

“It ain’t like I can exactly keep myself from spoiling you either. Next time, it’s on me!”

[sketchvviiitch]

“O-oh…” She felt some of the tightness in her chest from the surprise recede. Looking down at the paper and drawing supplies in front of her, she considered the past months she had spent away from Castle Oblivion and the Organization.

“Yes, I suppose I am,” she answered. And since it was only polite to ask, she continued, “And how have you been?” 

Did the Organization send you…? was what she really wanted to ask. She really hoped that after Marluxia’s defeat, she would be free from their influence. Regardless, she had to atone for her mistakes, no matter what happened to her from here on.

[axeltxt-blog]

Vivid greens danced from the paper, to the crayons scattered across the table and then, paused briefly on calming, blue hues. By the looks of it, she was keeping herself entertained, or perhaps, it was a comforting hobby of hers?

He didn't know Namine. He didn't know her gestures, her usual tone of voice, or the things she did to keep herself at ease...And so, he was forced to take the seat across from hers and ask for the information he wanted to obtain.

Long, bony arms stretched over his head as he tipped his body back in the chair.

"That is, of course, a secret." He shrugged, "But, consider this a free therapy session. Anything been bugging ya lately kid?"

[kingseifer]

“D-Don’t presume to know anything about me! I’m straight, you got it?! I’m not walking in circles, I’m walking in a straight line! I couldn’t care less about Hayner and that band of flying monkeys he calls friends! A..and neither should you, yeah?!”

[axeltxt-blog]

"Unlike you, I'm not in denial."

"Roxas is involved, so of course, I'm going to listen to what he has to say. Now don't start losing your shit over it. It was only an...Explanation of some sort. You can't be mad at ME 'cause people think you're gay..."

"Though, those crop tops sure do speak for themselves..."

[drexm-eater-deactivated20190312]

Riku watched with intrigue - a tiny bit of caution, though not much; knowing Axel seemed to hold a knife on-hand ( perhaps at all times? ) said a lot not only about him, but about the place they lived in– or, at least, the place he thought they lived in - and blinked at the sight of the crutches eventually procured from the cardboard box.

Crutches, huh…..

Originally, a small flash of offense hit his heart and, hopefully, not his face– Being stuck in the studio sucked, yes, but at the very least he didn’t have to look so pathetic as to have crutches–

And then that thought was shoved down; covered by appreciation for the fact Axel had done such a thing in the first place, going all the way across town from where Riku knew the nearest hospital or physiotherapist was; and a small, soft smile covered his features instead.

Fingers brushed lightly over the metal frame of one, soft and smooth and new, eyes drawn in to the small tint of blue - he hadn’t been aware crutches could be personally made like that, with specific colours, but the more you knew - before teal hues switched back to the red-head sitting in front of him.

“Axel….”

He was– sort of wordless, really, and perhaps that in and of itself was enough– but he knew, he’d never really be able to repay the other for all he’d done; sticking by him, doing something like buying him the crutches he needed— He’d told him about his financial issues, yes, but he certainly hadn’t expected this— If it had been anyone else, he might have mistaken it for pity; but not Axel. Axel said it like it was, no sugarcoating; and that was all Riku asked.

“… Thank you. I… don’t really know what to say…”

A small bit of guilt twitched through him, however, at recollection of the word ‘slave’ that had been used; Had he really driven him so far?

“I’m sorry– for taking up so much of your time, having you do so much…”

[axeltxt-blog]

He worried the gesture would be seen as rude or offensive. It had been his biggest (and perhaps his only) concern. The gift could be misunderstood, it could easily connect itself with pity, but when Axel had picked out the crutches he'd only had time to think of Riku's well being.

Which is why his lips mimic Riku's soft smile. A wave of relief rolls over his body, and Axel is of course, completely shocked by it. He hadn't realized how nervous he actually was until he came face to face with the situation.

Taking the other crutch into his hand, bony fingers twist against the metal as his thin body used it as leverage. With one easy pull, Axel hauled himself upwards and away from his spot on the floor.

Sturdy, without question, it would hold Riku's weight without a problem.

Shaking his head, Axel was more or less bothered by the reply he received. He hadn't meant to come off as if he didn't enjoy doing all the things Riku was temporarily unable to do, but he wasn't exactly willing to admit to that either.

"You know I was joking right? It ain't like I do anything for you that's out of my way."

Lies, thin and harmless, but lies nonetheless. On several occasions, Axel had dropped whatever he'd been doing (regardless of its importance) and leaped into action each and every time Riku happened to need help...

Pushing that thought away, he continued.

"But, whatever, see, the thing here is you'll be able to move around, at least around the place, 'cause I don't think you really should be going outdoors. Not yet. I'll keep taking care of that stuff for ya." An excuse to keep himself around Riku...A shrug bounced off his shoulders as he extended a hand towards Riku. "Now,  you wanna try these out?"

[drexm-eater-deactivated20190312]

Axel’s entrance was an obvious one, one that he didn’t even bat an eye to—- And that in and of itself told a lot about just how close they’d grown to each other lately; how comfortable he was with Axel, to the point he didn’t really care about how he had a key to both his apartment and his home– something done for a momentary decision, but one he’d never asked to be returned.

He’d sort of expected Axel to be madder than he was, and yet, at the same time, this lack of rage was also something he’d expected - Axel was a bit two-faced like that, or perhaps that wasn’t the word— maybe unexpected was more precise - so teal hues draw themselves from the wall-length window to the red-haired youth and the box he carried; Teal hues rose in slight curiosity, the most emotion he’d really felt all day - and the smell of food ( Chinese? His favourite ) wafted from nearby.

Axel’s question almost sounded rhetorical, but Riku knew him better - his lips twitched and, with a small sound, he perched himself up properly against the wall from his slumped position, eyes twinkling with curiosity;

“Open it.”

It probably sounded pathetic of him, but having bandaged and practically ruined feet had somehow taken all of his energy out of him; for the moment, he didn’t feel like doing much of anything— Luckily, Axel was somehow able to change that; make him laugh and talk and actually do things, when nobody else really could— Not that there was really anybody else; he’d told all of his students about the cancelled classes over the last few weeks, and any who visited only stayed a minute or two.

[axeltxt-blog]

"How boring of you."

A snort escaped him as he lowered his eyes back on the cardboard box below his fingertips.

But he'd seen it...

The way Riku's face had lit up, the way his eyes had sparkle, the very same glitter that could be found each and every time Riku was in front of his students, teaching one of his many classes. In that time frame, Axel had leaned against the wall and watched him, carefully, entranced and completely in awe with his swift and gentle movements.

Seeing it again brought a smile to his own face; a smile that had been quickly drawn into a smirk. Too much emotion was dangerous after all.

Pulling out a small knife from his pocket, Axel flipped the blade towards the outside and plunged it into the box. He dragged the sharp object across the thick surface, only satisfied when he could easily dig his fingers into the opening and pull it apart. Doing just that, Axel ripped into the packaging and opened it up for Riku to see.

Laying against the jagged remains of the box were a set of crutches, long and shiny against the setting sun spilling in from the window. Tainted a faint blue, Axel had made sure to pick out ones that would fit Riku, much like ballet shoes once adorned his feet. He'd also made sure to adjust them to Riku's height (embarrassing how he knew how tall his dancing partner was...) so he wouldn't have any trouble doing it himself later.

Holding out one of the crutches to Riku, Axel tapped his fingernails against the metal frame.

"Now you can come with me when I go pick up our food. Consider me your slave no more!!"

A joke obviously, but Axel faintly (very vaguely) hoped Riku would appreciate the gift.

[soralovesyou-deactivated2023081]

“You’re so dramatic. As if I could forget about you and your silly love of ice cream dates.”

[axeltxt-blog]

“Am I?”

“I think I’m the right amount of dramatic, but whatever. Soooo does that mean you’re willing to hit me up with the first round of Ice Cream?”

[heroiciism]

“Oh, yes, you must excuse me. My heart trembles with utmost excitement to be in your presence.”

The sarcasm is thick, and Marluxia knows that Axel can palpate it in the air since the other Nobdoy tends to use it as a weapon quite frequently. 

“And to what do I bestow this high honor?”

[axeltxt-blog]

Quite accurately, it’s as if Axel snatched the sarcasm Marluxia omits into the air and used it against him like a weapon.

“Aww...That’s awfully sweet of you, but, don’t get too full of yourself now. I’m not here to see you, unless you’ve suddenly claimed the kitchen as your own?”

“I’m only here for a cup of coffee. I like mine with lots of sugar so perhaps you should cut back on the bitterness, eh?”

[baconxkitty-blog]

“I…..well..I mean…if you wanna come eat them WITH me I wouldn’t mind that too much…I’m mostly watching anime and reading up on something. But I guess company might be nice for once.” He smiled warmly at him. “I don’t mind sharing snacks.”

He reached in somewhere in the pantry and pulled out more soda and chips. “c’mon!”

[axeltxt-blog]

Axel would've made a snarky 'Wait, you know how to read?' comment but his stomach would literally kill him if he were to be suddenly denied the invitation simply because his tongue had a mind of his own.

Swallowing back his sarcastic remarks, Axel nodded, more than eager to dig into the snacks Demyx had managed to stash (he’d have to remember to ask him how he’d done it later on). He figured he could eat till his tummy was satisfied and then head straight to bed. No need to engage in pointless conversation.

Get the snacks and then get out.

Following after Demyx, Axel spoke up if only to question the other, "And where exactly are we headed? 'Cause from what I've heard...Your room is a mess and quite frankly I rather starve to death than enter the death trap you dare call a bedroom."

Untrue...But Demyx didn't need to know that.

[freischutz]

→ @axeltxt

“Look who finally decided to join the rest of us! Mornin’ sunshine.”

Speak for yourself, Xigbar; he’d only just rolled out of bed himself a couple of minutes ago. It was barely 10 in the morning, not even that late – though later than Saix preferred, usually banging at his door by quarter-to, insisting that he started with his day already. It hadn’t happened today, however; and he’d noticed why the second he’d strolled into the Grey Area. 

Vacation day. 

He’d been on his way back to his room when he’d crossed paths with the other, deciding to strike up a little bit of conversation before he took off.  “You been to the Grey Area yet? Got the day off.” Finally. “Any plans?”

[axeltxt-blog]

The schedule was always the same: get up, wash is face, brush his teeth, get dressed, all before Saix had the chance to poke his head in and throw a tantrum on how Axel was always late. Most of the time, the Nobody had a ninety-five success rate, but everybody had their bad days.

This day being one of them.

Axel had over slept and had scrambled around looking for his coat and boots only to messily toss everything on. He must have looked like he was dragged through hell and back when he bumped into Xigbar in the hall.

Admittedly, Axel had completely overlooked him, it wasn't until Xigbar spoke that the taller of the two arched and eyebrow, and then smirked.

Wow, well he'd worried over nothing. 

More than ready to head back into his room and catch up on much wanted (not needed) sleep, Axel is caught off guard by the next string of words that slip through the shooter's mouth.

Ever suspicious about Xigbar's motives, Axel proceeds carefully.

"Dunno...Probably nothing important. Why? Don't tell me you wanted to spend time with me? Geez, I'm flattered...I might be able to squeeze ya into my frantic schedule if you have something interesting in mind."

Sarcasm would rot his teeth...

[apeiiro-deactivated20161028]

Sniffs. “No, I’m not sick.” He barely suppresses a cough as he slumps into the couch he’s been lounging on, miserably, for the past hour. “…well, maybe just a little.”

[axeltxt-blog]

He snorts, how amusing to see their valued, and supreme leader down with a cold.

“I figured as much. So, if you’re sick, why are you still up and about? You should be resting, trust me buddy, Kingdom Hearts won’t suddenly fall out of the sky if you take your eyes off of it for a few hours. That being said, do you need me to escort you to bed?”