Disclaimer: Axel and Demyx belong to Squeenix. "A Praise Chorus" is by Jimmy Eat World. We don't own anything. Don't sue us, we're broke.

A big thanks to our beta, shimaspawn! ENJOY (and review)!

Love: Red and Dodge

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Ah, spring in California! It's warm and muggy, and when you live in Los Angeles, it's hot, muggy and smelly. One especially notices these things when walking home--be it from work or, in a certain redhead's case, band practice. Axel trudged along, the guitar case strapped to his back proudly proclaiming "Fuck you" scrawled in messy white letters that were chipping in places.

The sound of his heavy booted footsteps and his bondage straps clicking together echoed off the damp air and alley walls around him. His fire engine red hair that was normally spiked in impossible ways fell limp in his eyes. Hours of sweating at band practice had started to kill the spikes; the damp air had finished it off.

Grumbling to himself about smelly people--an odd thing from someone who didn't smell too good himself, he pulled his keys out of his pocket and unlocked the door to the house he shared with his boyfriend. He set his guitar down near the door while kicking the door closed. Kicking off his boots behind him, he walked into the apartment.

"Demyx! I'm home." He called, as he rounded the corner into the living room. The blonde was sitting on the couch, which faced away from the entrance to their house and looked out the window--and consequently towards the television.

Demyx didn't stir as the door slammed shut, nor did he respond as Axel called his name. He was staring--as he had been for the last hour or so--at a piece of paper which sat in his hands. It was a letter. Beside him was the almost unrecognizable envelope it had come in, partly shredded from the haste with which it had been opened.

His blond hair was falling out of its faux-hawk, locks coming down around his blank face. His lips moved silently as he re-read the words for the billionth time.The redhead frowned. This was not the welcome he'd become so accustomed to; the one where his blond boyfriend would bound out from one of the rooms and greet him at the door with affectionate kisses.

Circling around to the front of the couch, he discovered that Demyx was staring at a letter. So hard that Axel was worried he'd burn a hole right through it with his mind. Sitting down next to the blond, he slung an arm over the back of the couch. "Whatcha got there, Dem?" he asked. Curiosity had won out over annoyance.

"I got in…" his light voice was full of disbelief. "I…I thought I messed the audition up, but…I got in…" He was torn between whoops of joy and sobs of frustration; so much so that nothing showed on his face but a vague look of shock. He passed the letter to Axel, blinking dazedly at the redhead.

Taking the letter, Axel read it over once, twice, even thrice until the message finally sank in. Demyx had been accepted into UC Berkley school of music, an incredible feat considering how high their standards where. He threw his arms around the blond's neck.

"Dem! You did it! Christ I'm so proud of you!" He praised, ruffling his hawk affectionately. Demyx gave a little laugh, leaning into Axel's hand. He was excited. Hell, he was really excited! It was the opportunity of a lifetime! But… He savored the feeling of Axel's fingers in his hair. If he went, he'd miss this terribly.

"Axel…" He stopped, not knowing what to say.

The redhead's smile fell a bit. He knew the tone in Demyx's voice; something was bothering him. But what could possibly be bothering him? He'd gotten into UC Berkley; he'd been positive that he'd fouled up the audition yet his accepted letter was clenched in Axel's hand.

"Dem, why you frownin'? You're supposed to be celebrating!"

Demyx nodded. He should be, but there was still... "Yeah, but it means I'm gonna have to live out there." He pointed out quietly.

Axel's smiled faltered; he bit his tongue to keep himself from swearing. He was supposed to be excited for his boyfriend, not thinking about himself and how he'd be lonely. Some things just can't be helped though.

"Oh...yeah." He paused and rubbed the back of his neck, looking down and frowning, "And I can't go with you.."

"Yeah," Demyx replied softly. He hadn't expected him to. Axel's whole life was in this city: his band, his friends, everything he'd ever known. He'd barely left it ever and Demyx couldn't take him away from that. "We…could try the long distance thing." He suggested after a moment of somber contemplation.

Axel closed his eyes and chewed on his lip ring--a habit of his that meant he was deep in thought. He reopened his eyes and looked at Demyx, acid green staring into ocean blue. "I'd do just about anything for you." He paused and nodded, "We'll give it a try."

Demyx's face lit up. It would be hard. Things like that always were. But he wouldn't be losing him. And--well shit, he'd visit every chance he got. L.A. wasn't that far from Berkley... He leaned forward, kissing Axel, then pulled back smiling.

"Great. Now that that's settled, what say we celebrate?"

There wasn't much that Axel wouldn't do to keep that beautiful smile on his boyfriend's face. He'd find a way to get the moon, stars and sun if it meant that smile was turned in his direction. The redhead smiled back and leaned forward pressing his forehead against Demyx's.

"A celebration is indeed in order," he said, laying back and pulling his boyfriend on top of him, "and I think we should start by getting in as much personal time as possible. Then maybe we can call up the boys and go to the bar."

"I like personal time!" Demyx grinned, settling his knees on either side of Axel and trying not to giggle. Axel always put a smile on his face. His smile softened and he leaned down, kissing his boyfriend hard, trying not to think about how much he would miss this. Miss him.

Axel looped his arms around Demyx's waist and kissed back just as hard. They were both trying to ignore the fact that soon enough they wouldn't get to kiss or hug or touch at all. They could think about it when it happened; for now, the redhead was determined to enjoy his blond boyfriend's company as much as possible. Starting right now.