Part 5: Merry Christmas

“I’m not going.” He muttered, staring out the window.
“Vexen said that they want you to come as well.” He finished packing the bags. “I know it will be a little awkward but that’s in the past and they aren’t holding any grudges.” Saix smiled, walking over to the man in the chair. “Xemnas, please.”
He looked at the man, his expression pensive. “They really want me to come?”
“Yes.” Saix smiled. “Now come on, help me pack.”
He sighed. “Alright.” Standing up they finished packing their bag. Both Saix and Xemnas had found a nice secluded cottage in the forest not far from the Beast’s castle. Xemnas had said he felt he should stay away from people for a while. Guilt was beginning to set in and he was feeling worse and worse about all he’d done. Granted Saix kept in contact with Vexen and the others and they always sent them well wishes, he believed it only out of politeness. Now they were going to Castle Oblivion for Christmas and he wondered if he should just stay away. It had only been a little over half a year since everything had taken place and he wasn’t sure he was ready to talk with them normally. Yet Saix was optimistic and when the man looked at him like he usually did he found it hard to deny him. They didn’t talk much, but that seemed to be their biggest strength; they didn’t need to they just understood each other.
Once packed Saix went to make sure the gummi ship coming for them was on time as Xemnas waited. The Berserker was patient with him and though their relationship had reached intimate levels he still felt awkward at times. He wanted to actually say things he thought, but it was hard. Saix seemed to understand and never pressured him, but he still felt guilty. Why the man was so understanding he didn’t know but he did know he’d never meet someone else who could read him like that.  They loaded into a gummi ship an hour later and headed for Oblivion, Xemnas still nervous about going.


“Vexen, where do you want this?” Marluxia held a box of ornaments, the other three decorating the tree.
“I don’t know…just stick it anywhere.” He muttered, annoyed that Demyx felt the need to just decorate one side of the tree.
Marluxia grinned. “Are you sure? Last time you said that you weren’t happy where I stuck it.” He set the box down by the tree though.
The blond turned to him, an annoyed look on his face. “Ha ha.” He snorted and went back to decorating. “Demyx, dammit the rest of the tree needs ornaments too, that’s enough.”
“But it looks bare still.” The other blond pouted.
“Just wait till the lights are on, little dude.” Xigbar ruffled his hair. “Why don’t you go get the star?” He grinned, watching the boy run off.
“Oh brother.” Vexen rolled his eyes as he evened out the tree.
“What?” Xigbar looked at him.
“You. You’re smitten.” He muttered.
“Look who’s talking?” The other man laughed and hung a bulb on the tree. “Marluxia bats his eyes at you and you’re putty.”
Vexen flipped him off and finished up the tree. Once they were done they all stood back staring up at it. “So…how are we getting the star up there again?” Vexen muttered.
Xigbar handed him the star. “You on Marluxia’s back.” He smirked.
“WHAT?” The man looked at him.
“Upsy-daisy.” Marluxia came up behind him and hoisted him up. Vexen flailed a bit. “Stay still or I will drop you.” He laughed, getting steady. “Now put the star on.”
Vexen steadied himself and held up the star. “Closer…closer….CLOSER!”
“OKAY!” The assassin yelled back up, practically in the tree now. “Okay I am now officially an ornament, is that close enough?”
“Yeah.” He put the star on.
“It’s a little crooked.” Xigbar called up.
“How about now?” Vexen shifted it.
“A little to the left.”
“There?”
“No, too far, back to the right.”
“There?”
“No too far again.”
“Grr….there?”
“No too…”
“Oh for the love of god just put the damned thing on!” Marluxia growled.
“Xigbar, is it straight?” Vexen glared at him.
“Nnn….yeah. I was just screwing with you, it was straight the first time.” Xigbar laughed.
“You sonuva…Let me down, Marluxia.” Vexen struggled to get down so he could beat the crap out of the scarred man.
“Yeah, yeah.” The man let him down. He watched as his lover chased Xigbar around the room before heading to the kitchen to finish preparing the meal, their guests arriving in the next few hours.


He was sure he was dreaming. The night before, right now, it all had to be a dream. He stared at the blond for quite a while, his heart pounding even doing that. He’d been sure things were reaching a breaking point but not in this way. Reaching up his hand brushed the man’s jaw line, moving slowly down it.
“Ngh…Mmm.” Luxord’s eyes fluttered and then opened slowly, clear blue eyes looking at him as they tried to focus. “Mmm…morning.”
“Morning.” He smiled. He’d woken many nights from dreams where he had the man like this in them, and now he could wake up with him still there. “Sleep okay?”
“Yeah.” He stretched a bit then settled against him.
Xaldin watched him then looped his arm around the blonde’s waist a little tighter. “So, about what you were thinking?” He grinned.
Luxord looked at him and smiled back. “Oh yeah.” He lowered his eyes, thinking more. “Well…I was thinking maybe we could just have one bedroom now.” He looked back up, his smile more shy, his face a little pink. “If you want to, that is?”
Xaldin laughed. “You’re asking me?” He pulled him close, their noses touching. “Lux, I have been dying for months to do just this.” Leaning the rest of the way he kissed him, hearing the man give a faint moan. As he pulled away he rubbed his face against him. “So that idea is more than fine with me.”
“Good.” He whispered, looking at him. Luxord hadn’t been sure how this would go when he raced home yesterday; he only knew that he needed to do something. Months of waiting, anticipating this moment had truly been too long. He should have done this when they first bought the bar, hell even before that. He should have said something when he kissed the man that first time, knowing he felt the same as him.
Xaldin held him close, closing his eyes. “We should probably get ready. We need to get to Castle Oblivion.” He murmured.
“Oh yeah, the Christmas party. I hear Marluxia is making quite a feast.” He smiled. Wouldn’t they be surprised, or relieved? He wasn’t sure, everyone had been more than supportive of this little debacle.
“Yeah.” He opened his eyes again and shifted to get up. He brushed some of the dreads of hair from his face, stretching.
Luxord watched him, realizing he could touch him however he wanted. Reaching out he ran his hand up the man’s back as he sat up. He couldn’t remember how many times he had stared at him while the man’s back was turned, realizing how attractive he found him.
Xaldin shivered and glanced at him, a faint smile on his lips and also a look of confusion. “What?”
“Nothing.” He muttered and stared at him. “I...don’t know.” He laughed. “Sorry I guess this is going to be a bit awkward till we get used to it.”
“No,” He reached over and took his other hand, kissing it. “I think it won’t be that bad. Just let my brain catch up.” He looked at him, his violet eyes dark. “I’ve been holding back for a long time.
He flushed at that, that look having something feral in it. “I…I know.” He mumbled, lowering his head. He should probably give up the ghost and explain to the man what had really been going on. “Xaldin, I…have something I need to tell you.”
“What?” He tilted his head.
Taking a deep breath he began, explaining that he had overheard Larxene and him talking that night, the kiss he snuck in, the months of the crazy dreams and attempts at tempting him. He even explained why he really went away. “I know I should have just said something, but…I…I didn’t want to mess things up. I wanted to be sure and,”
“Lux….LUX!” He looked at him. “You didn’t want to hurt me if you were wrong, right?”
“Uh…yeah.” He swallowed a lump in his throat.
“Then it’s okay.” He cupped his face. “When you told me you loved me last night, I was really happy. I think the happiest I have ever been, and now, knowing all that, I know you really meant it.” With his heart pounding he pulled him against his chest. “It doesn’t matter how we got here, but we’re here now. I…I just want to be able to do this and know that you feel the same way back. You’re still my best friend but now you’re my lover too.”
He squeezed his eyes shut, embarrassed and happy. “Yeah.” This felt so odd, to be able to be with Xaldin like this now. He remembered so many times he felt nervous being near him. Now they were lying against each other, a thin sheet all that was between them. “We...should get ready.” He muttered.
“I know.” Xaldin whispered back, but he held him closer.
“We don’t want to be late.”
“I know.”
Luxord felt his body shaking and closed his eyes. “Want to...go take a shower?” It was a long shot, he wasn’t even sure if his point got across and when there was a long pause he began to panic.
“Okay.” Xaldin shifted and lifted the man into his arms, sheet and all.
“Blood hell! Xal!” He clung to him, looking at the man red faced.
The other man laughed. “What? You expect me to be completely calm when you proposition me like that?” He cocked a brow at him, his confidence coming back. He had lost it almost when things began to get tense between them. Now that he knew the Brit felt the same he was able to do all the things he had wanted to.
Luxord looked at him, still pink in the cheeks but grinned back. “I was suggesting we clean up, what were YOU suggesting?”
The man grinned, and faced forward as they entered the bathroom. “Getting dirty enough to clean up, of course.” He slammed the door shut with his foot and moments later the shower water started running...followed by some rather curious...noises.


When Vexen opened the castle door and saw Zexion he grinned. “It figures you both show up early.” Then he looked around. “Where’s Lexaeus?”
Zexion pointed to the mountain of presents next to him. “He’s here.”
“Can you just hold the door open so I can get these in there.” The mound said.
“Oh.” Vexen got out of the way as the presents moved and as they went though the door he realized Lexaeus was behind them and carrying quite a few. “Need help?”
“No...I got it.” He wobbled a bit but headed for the main dining room with the tree.
Zexion smiled. “I got a bit carried away with the gifts.” He entered the castle, Vexen closing the door and trailing behind him. “The others here yet?”
“No, you’re the first. Dinner isn’t till six anyways.” He smiled. “And we are expected to have a new official couple among us.” At least they hoped.
“Oh? Those two idiots finally decide to get off their asses and do something?” Zexion raised a brow as he looked back at him.
“We can hope. Luxord took off from the cafe we were at. He seemed like a man on a mission. Though with our luck he pansied out at the crucial moment.” He muttered. If those two didn’t do something soon he’d get annoyed. He was tired of picking up after their messes.
“Most likely, but we’ll have to see.” Zexion entered the room where Xigbar and Lexaeus were putting the presents under the tree.  “Oh and we also have some presents from the kids as well. Sora and Kairi were at the castle when we left so...” He smirked. “I...never would have thought a year ago we’d be doing these things again.”
“I know.” Vexen sighed, never remembering a Christmas quite like this even before everything that had happened. “Well, I need to help Marluxia in the kitchen.” He left Zexion and Lexeaus to put their things under the tree and headed for the kitchen. Entering the kitchen he found the assassin hard at work. “Need any help?” he asked.
Turning the man’s face lit up a little. “No, I got it.” Marluxia stared back at him a moment before going back to cooking.
The blond stood in the doorway before entering the room and leaned back against the counter, watching the other man cook. Marluxia’s hands were graceful even when he was rushing to get things done. Though he supposed knowing EXACTLY what those hands could do didn’t help. It seemed like forever ago when he had run from the man’s touch, so afraid of losing him and thus shunning his own feelings. Marluxia had given him something precious, a chance at being more than he had ever been. Regardless of what name he used or what life he had before, or even all his past mistakes, Marluxia loved him. He wondered how he had managed to deserve such a thing.
“You have that pensive look.” Marluxia looked at him. “What are you pondering about?” He smiled.
He couldn’t count how many times he had withered under that smile, forgetting himself. “Nothing.” He smiled and looked down, feeling rather content just being near him.
Knowing better than to push it Marluxia went back to cooking though his eyes strayed to the man frequently.
Vexen sometimes wondered when Marluxia would get fed up. Regardless what people thought they still fought and bickered, and sometimes he would be so annoyed with the man he could think of the cruelest things to say in his rage. However, when the time came to yell them he found they wouldn’t leave his lips. Something in him had softened over time and he knew Marluxia was the reason. “If you need any help let me know.” He said and stood up. “I’ll be in our room.” He left the kitchen heading to their bedroom. Locking the door behind him he went to the bed and pulled out a present from underneath it He had thought long and hard about what to get the man for Christmas. He wanted to give him something that expressed his feelings, expressed the love he felt that he had no words for. Months in the lab had finally produced the gift. He had also searched high and low for the perfect container for it. He only hoped that this gift would make the man feel more connected to him. Taking the gift he left the room, heading to put it under the tree.


The walk to Castle Oblivion had never been so nice. He squeezed the hand in his, glancing over at the blond. Luxord looked back, something warm in his gaze. He was carrying a sack with the presents in it, now wishing this had happened sooner so he could have gotten Luxord something else. He had played it safe, resisting giving anything too romantic. Now he wanted to, though he supposed he had time. “I can’t wait for all the looks we’ll get showing up like this.” He smiled.
“Oh, you mean together?” He squeezed his hand back. “Yeah, though it’ll be a sigh of relief.” The Brit laughed. Lord knew everyone was tired of their dilly-dallying. Oddly enough they had fallen into being lovers rather easily. The awkwardness he had expected to feel was faint. It was more an issue of staying away from the man rather then trying to get closer but being too embarrassed to do it. Luxord had realized after a very long shower and another tussle on the bed that he was addicted to the man. Once they got too intimate his brain shut down any rational thought. Xaldin’s kiss, his touch, everything set him off.
Xaldin was of the same mind, almost wishing he could have just stayed home with the man. For months he had toyed with different fantasies and ideas of what he would do if he could get his hands on the Brit, now he had him and there didn’t seem like enough hours in the day to even sate his appetite. He’d never been like this before, even with girlfriends and lovers. There was something about the man that sparked an insatiable need to take everything he could from him and give everything.
“What are you thinking?” Luxord smiled, that smug look on his face.
“Nothing.” He answered, looking at the castle coming into view.
“That’s a filthy lie.” The blond chuckled and stared at him with one brow raised. “You’re undressing me with your eyes.” He accused.
Oh no, here they go. He stopped, tugging the man against him. “Don’t put ideas in my head.” He stared at him, that desire building up in him again. It was like some switch had been hit. Once he knew there was nothing to hold him back it was all he could do to hold back...at least in public.
Swallowing Luxord looked up at him, his eyes darkening just a little. “I can’t put something there that was already there to begin with.” He argued though his voice had taken on a deep velvety tone.
His heart was pounding, and his let his hands graze over the man’s sides, sliding over his back and pulling him closer. Dammit, he needed to calm down.
The blond wasn’t any better off, struggling to gain some sense. Who knew he would be so addicted to the others touch. “We’re going to be late.” He muttered.
“You have no idea how much I don’t care right now.” He whispered, pulling him closer and lifting his chin.
“Xaldin...” His comment died in his throat as he felt the man’s breath on his face. Mere millimeters from each other and then he felt something cold hit his cheek. They both blinked, looking up. Thousands of little white fluffs fell from the sky. “It’s snowing.” He muttered, holding out a hand to catch a flake before it melted.
“Huh.” Xaldin smiled, seeing the flakes fall and stick to the ground. “Looks like it’s gonna be a white Christmas for us.”
Luxord looked at him, both glad and disappointed they seemed to have their heads on straight again. “Come on, let’s go before we get distracted again.” He took his hand walking towards the castle.


“I’m going back.” Xemnas turned around, determined to not go when Saix grabbed his coat.
“Stop worrying.” He smiled. “I told you they aren’t holding grudges and they insisted you come as well.” The Berserker walked close to him. “Please come with me.” He titled his head.
Xemnas looked at him. Dammit, how could he say no? “Alright.” He sighed. “But if it gets too uncomfortable I’m leaving.” He grumbled. He still felt so odd. After adjusting to his somewhat emotions he still felt like he wasn’t quite normal. Though Saix being with him gave him a closer form of completeness. He couldn’t explain it though and was too embarrassed to really say it out loud to the man. How could someone be so loyal to another? What drove Saix to be so dedicated to him? Had he truly given him such a reason to be this way or was it for some reason he could not see?
They walked toward the castle where Vexen greeted them. “I saw you from upstairs.” He grinned, leaning on the door. “Xemnas.”
“Vexen.” The darker man said, wondering if there was tension or if he was imagining it.
“Saix.” Vexen nodded to the other man then stepped back to let them in. “We’re just waiting on our last pair.” E gave a faint smirk, wondering when they’d show up or if they’d made it out of bed. He had no doubt Luxord finally confessed and Xaldin was a moron to change his mind now.
The Berserker nodded, fallowing Xemnas inside and taking his hand when the man’s slowed a bit. He stayed close to him as they greeted the others, an awkward atmosphere coming over the group but one that was slowly dissolving the more Xigbar teased Xemnas until it was just like old times.


When Xaldin and Luxord did finally show up they were covered in snowflakes and shook off as they entered the castle, Demyx giving them a big grin as he looked at them. He said nothing though and led them to the main room where everyone else was. “They’re here!” he announced.
“It’s bloody cold outside.” Luxord said shivering a bit and then was surprised when Xaldin put his arm around him. He was probably more awkward about the looks that they got.
“Hey.” Xaldin smiled, looking much like he usual self instead of the wreck he’d been the past few weeks.
Xigbar sighed. “’Bout time. Please, please tell me you two sealed the deal and did it?”
“Not that it’s any of your business but we did actually,” Xaldin began.
“Nope, don’t want details. That’s all I need.” The other man held up a hand to stop him.
“Xigbar, you douche.” Luxord murmured then went to get a drink but his mannerisms were all playful.
Xaldin’s eyes followed him and he sat down.
Larxene frolicked over to Luxord as he got a drink. “So...was he good?” She asked, her female gossiping needs needing fulfilled.
Luxord flushed but cleared his throat. “Yeah...really good.”
“And is he...you know...?” She grinned.
The Brit just looked at her and grinned. “That’s something I want to keep to myself for now.” But his smile said it all.
“Ah.” She giggled, getting a drink herself.
Xigbar leaned over to Xaldin. “So, seriously, you guys are all sunshine and rainbows now?”
“Yes.” Xaldin sighed then smiled, unable to hide it. “I’m still thinking it’s a dream.”
“Hm.” Xigbar smiled and clapped him on the back. “Congrats, man. Just treat him good. I think it was real hard for him to come to terms with it all.”
“I know.” He nodded then looked up when Luxord came over and sat next to him. It didn’t take long for them to get just a bit closer, secret looks and smiled passing between them.
“Okay, everyone to the table, food’s ready.” Marluxia said, looking a bit tired. He’d pretty much been cooking all day.
The crew got to the table, sitting down and digging into the food. For the apprentices this was the first time they’d all sat down together in such a normal way since that day they turned their lives upside down. Now they were together again and with a whole other addition to their odd family. Xemnas was awkward but soon they were laughing about odd things from their youth.
“So then Xemnas said that we should test it out, but get Master Ansem’s permission first.” Xigbar said.
“Which you didn’t.” Vexen smirked.
“No.” The man snorted. “SO yeah we conned Xemmy here to help me and Xal out an we got it all ready but then I think we mixed it wrong so when Xaldin went to add the last part it,”
“Blew up in my face. The man groaned.
“Hey you’re eyebrows grew back.” The scarred man argued.
“And that’s the story of why Xaldin’s eyebrows are so funky.” Vexen grinned and took a drink, shifting as a napkin was thrown at him.
“This is natural.” The larger man growled.
“Yeah and Xigbar isn’t an ass.” Xemnas snorted. “They were never that bad till after that incident.
Xigbar laughed. “Burn.”
Xaldin flipped them both off. “Dicks.”
Luxord leaned over, whispering in the man’s ear.
Xaldin’s eyes widened a bit and then a faint grin spread across his lips.
“Ah man, don’t be talking sex at the dinner table.” Xigbar moaned.
“Hey, we had to listen to your drunken sex stories about Demyx a few months back when you were too drunk to stand. I can make promises in hush tones if I bloody well want to.” Luxord argued.
“That was,”
“You WHAT?” Demyx went red. “What did you tell them?”
“Nothing...” Xigbar laughed nervously.
Xaldin looked at Demyx with a grin. “Yeah, nothing, little sex nymph.” He chuckled.
Demyx flushed darker. “XIGBAR!”
“LIES! ALL LIES!” The man screamed before everyone else cracked up.

Xigbar should have been in the doghouse the rest of the night but the excitement of Christmas had Demyx jumping around with his Santa hat. “Present? Canweopenpresents? Ireallythinkweshouldopenpresents. It’s time,
weshouldopenpresents. present? present!”
Xigbar laughed. “Okay calm down.” He patted his head. “You can start passing them out.” He had everyone sat down as Demyx quickly bounced around checking tags.
They took care of the presents from Sora and the kids, which were all really sweet thoughtful gifts, before passing around the gifts to each other.
Xigbar held up his shirt from Luxord, where across the front in big black letters was “Douche Master” “Ha ha.” He looked at the Brit.
Luxord smiled. “Like it? I saw it and thought of you.”
“You’re a dick...but good one.” He grinned and folded the shirt as he reached for another present.
“Thank you.” The man laughed and opened his present from Xaldin. When he saw the deck of cards he gaped at them. ‘These are...”
“Took me a while to find those. You know they only made like two hundred of them. I found it in an antique store.” He smiled.
The man opened them carefully, the design along the back marking them as a rare set. “These are just....” he looked at the man. “Thank you.” He smiled, staring at Xaldin. If he loved the am before he really loved him now. Even before Xaldin knew they’d be like this he’d gotten him something so thoughtful and special. He flushed a bit. “Uh...now I wish I had gotten you something better.”
Xaldin laughed. “Why, what’d you get me?” he opened the present finding the scarf with an intricate yet bold blue and violet pattern.
The blond smiled sheepishly. “I was trying to go for subtle and it came out a bit girly.” He muttered.
“Aw, that’s so cute.” Xigbar said seeing the gift. “Did you knit it yourself...ow!” He looked up at Larxene who smacked his head.
“Shut it. I helped him pick that out. It took us all day to find the perfect one.” She muttered then looked at Xaldin. “It’s a long one so you can both wrap up in it.” She winked.
Xaldin laughed again and looked at Luxord, taking his hand as he wrapped the scarf around them both. “It’s perfect, and given the weather now I can see us using it a lot.”
Luxord smiled, giving a faint laugh but his heart was racing.
Zexion held up the intricate bookmark in his hands, reading the quote. “Thank you.” He looked at Lexeaus.
“Dude, you couldn’t get him something better.” Xigbar scoffed.
Lexeaus looked at the man.
Zexion spoke before the big man. “Shut up. It’s got a quote from Nietzsche and this is an extremely nice bookmark.” He looked at the man who gave it too him. “And I’ll be sure not to lose this one.” He smiled. Zexion was famous for losing his bookmarks but to get such a special one from the person he loved, he’d always keep it close.
“Nietzsche? That like a disease or something?” The scarred man said titling his head.
Zexion rolled his eyes. “Xigbar, read a book sometime. It might help that dull brain of yours. Who knows, you might develop some manners.”
“Pshh, never.” He said sitting back and looping an arm around Demyx as the boy opened presents.
As the presents dwindled Marluxia got up, going over to where he’d hidden Vexen’s present.
Those that knew, and it was most of them, what the man had gotten stopped what they were doing, looking over.
Vexen looked around a bit confused then looked up at Marluxia. “What?”
The man tilted his head, his blue eyes staring at the blond in the chair. “Wanna open my present?” he smiled, his voice a little tense.
The blond looked at him. “Sure.” He felt excitement build in him but also confusion at the man’s odd behavior. Everyone had stopped talking, looking over at them.
Marluxia didn’t go back in his chair, instead kneeling on his knees and putting the present aside to take the man’s hands. “Now I know that it’s a bit odd but...this gift is more a symbol than anything.”
“Okay.” Vexen stared at him, his focus solely on the man who seemed so serious.
The pink haired man took a deep breath. “Vexen, in all the stages of our relationship, from the odd hate to the dependence I had when you found me as a Heartless.” He smiled.
Vexen gave a faint smirk.
“To what we have now...in all my life in any form I’ve never felt more a part of someone as I have with you.” He laced their fingers together, staring at their hands a moment. “When I’m with you I’m complete, I’m happy, I feel like my life is really there and I’m not just letting it pass me by.”
“Marluxia,” Vexen leaned closer but was silenced by the man’s finger.
“So this gift is to show you that, no matter what happens, no matter where you are or where I am, no matter how many fights or tears we shed, or the laughs we share that I will never feel as complete as I do right now, looking at you.”
The blond was speechless and watched as Marluxia reached down and grabbed the present, taking the ribbon off the wooden box and grabbing the lid.
“We don’t have to do anything I just want you to have something to remind you that I’m never going to want to be with anyone else but you...ever.” He lifted the lid revealing the rings.
The silver metal of the band wove back and forth so that when the rings were placed on top of each other they fit together perfectly. One band had a vine looping around it loosely with a flower here and there while another was laced with tiny diamonds. “One for you.” Marluxia said taking the diamond one out and grabbing Vexen’s hand.
Vexen had heard of moments when the world stopped and nothing else existed outside a moment. He was sure he’d felt it before, he was wrong. He looked at Marluxia then the ring as it slid over his ring finger, his throat tightening.
Marluxia smiled and grabbed the other ring, giving it to Vexen and offering his hand. “And one for me.”
He lowered his eyes, his hand shaking as he slipped the ring on Marluxia’s finger. When he glanced up again his eyes were watery and he leaned into Marluxia, feeling the man nuzzle at his face.
Marluxia smiled, maybe a bit misty eyed himself, and kissed the man’s brow and the bridge of his nose. “I love you.”
“I love you too.” He murmured, then sighed. “Did you have to do this in front of everyone?” He covered his face, feeling the pairs of eyes on them.
Marluxia laughed and wrapped his arms around the man. “Of course, I don’t half ass anything.” He chuckled.
Vexen could have died of embarrassment as everyone else stared at them...well except Demyx, who was crying about how beautiful the moment was. He wiped his eyes and reached down for a small box. “Alright, so my gift to you...” he wallowed. “I actually have never done this before so it was very hard to find a gift.” He looked at Marluxia. “I...thought long and hard about what would suit you and then I stumbled across this.” He undid the ribbon around the box. “I was experimenting with light, our light actually, to try and figure things out. Well out of curiosity I mixed yours and mine and,” he opened the box. There was an amulet and at the center of a glass crystal was a bright light, swirls of violet, pink, yellow, gold and blues all mixing and fading out as other colors became more noticeable. Even staring at it anyone could feel the warmth radiating from it.
Marluxia stared and then looked at Vexen.
The blond smiled faintly. “It was like watching myself from outside my body, seeing how I am with you.” He took it out of the box and put it around Marluxia’s neck. “It’s why I want you to have it, so you’ll always see and feel the difference you’ve made in me.”
Marluxia laughed, but he couldn’t stop the tears. To see such a thing, feel the sensations off it, he had to think Vexen some sort of angel to capture such a thing. “It’s beautiful.” He laughed and hugged him.
Xigbar sat back. “Man, they make the rest of us look bad.” He muttered.
Demyx snuggled against him. “But I think this is the best Christmas ever.” He murmured.
“Yeah?” The man looked at him as he looped an arm around the boy’s shoulders.
“Yeah, cause I get to spend this Christmas with you.” He smiled warmly at him, his teal eyes content and loving.
The man might have gotten a bit choked up at that, and maybe he felt his throat tense as he tried to not get teary eyed. “Well, hm...” he cleared his throat. “I guess I feel the same,” he whispered against his cheek and gave him a kiss.
Once the presents were passed out they had somehow managed to get into a card game, and not just any card game, a game of Strip Poker to be exact. Surprisingly Luxord was not winning on account of Marluxia’s tenacity to get Vexen undressed. Larxene had dropped out with only shedding her shoes, deciding it was much more fun to watch them.
Vexen sighed and stood up. “What should I take off now?” he stared at Marluxia.
The assassin sat back. “Your belt.” He purred.
Vexen started to when Larxene snapped. “No, no no! Slower, dammit, take it off slower. I might as well get something good out of being here around you homos.”
The blond rolled his eyes and made a show of undoing the belt and taking it off very very slowly, cocking his hips a bit.
Marluxia dropped his cards.
“Dude, no ogling while you’re in the game.” Xigbar snapped. Demyx was leaning over his shoulder the pair playing as a team since Demyx wasn’t good at cards. Luxord snorted. “Says the one who doesn’t have temptation in the gaming circle.” He looked at Xaldin was down to barely anything. True he might have been using his skills to get the man undressed but it was fun.
After a few more turns everyone was getting down pretty close. Zexion had managed to one-up Luxord enough to make them all about even with the exception of Marluxia who was mostly dressed and Xaldin who was...well was he actually wearing any clothes?
Xigbar glanced over, “Xal, why are you still playing, you don’t have any clothes left?”
“Yes I do. I have a sock.” The man said, checking over his hand.
The scarred man glanced down at the larger man’s feet. “No, you don’t.”
Xaldin smirked.
It took the other man a moment but his eyes began to drift up and then he groaned and looked away. “OH DUDE! Why, why?”
Demyx looked over. “That’s a big sock.”
“Yes it is.” Luxord grinned and set down his hand. “Royal flush, sock comes off.” He held out his hand to take it.
The game ended with Marluxia the winner...technically but he forfeited in the last two rounds because Vexen was tempting him as he played, forcing the man to get up and haul the man off to the bedroom. In the end they deemed Zexion the winner and he carefully gathered up everyone’s clothes. “Come, Lexeaus, let’s go have sex on their clothes.” He cackled, reveling in the fact that he could back at most of them for past deeds.
Larxene laughed and stared at the mostly naked group, getting up. “Well boys it’s been a blast, but I think I’m off to bed.” She giggled and left.
Xemnas groaned. “I will kill Zexion some day.” He muttered.
Xigbar leaned back, crossing his legs and hiding himself. “Well it could be worse.” He said. “Anyways I think I’m off to bed too. Good game gentlemen.” He got up, using Demyx’s shirt as covering as he and the blond boy left. Moments later the other couples left to their rooms. The castle had never seen so much excitement as it had that Christmas eve, snow falling silently outside to greet them in the morning.