KH- Another Life pt.17

Part 17: Impossible Challenge

When Xaldin walked into the lab he found Xigbar there along with Demyx, Marluxia and Vexen. “Well, they finally confessed. Both of them.”
Xigbar grinned and nodded.
“Speaking of confessions, good luck, Romeo.” Marluxia grinned.
“What?”
Demyx turned around in his chair. “Xiggy told us you have a crush on Luxy. Good luck!”
“We’re routing for you.” Vexen said flatly as he typed at the computer.
“Xigbar.” Xaldin growled and looked at the man.
Raising a finger, Xigbar sat up. “Hey, you said I couldn’t tell Luxord or interfere with him, you never said a thing about not telling everyone else.” He was a slippery son of a bitch. It was half of his charm really.
“I should have known you’d find some loop hole, you bastard.” Xaldin clenched his fists.
The scarred man shrugged.
“In all sincerity though, Xaldin,” Marluxia interrupted, “good luck with that.”
The dark haired man looked at him. “Is it really such a thing to give me that look? You all act as though it’s impossible.”
“Well,” Demyx bit his lip, “Luxy is kinda resistant.”
Annoyed Xaldin crossed his arms.
“If it were anyone else it would be an impossible feat.” Vexen stopped typing. “For you though, it’ll just be very difficult.”
“Which is why he needs our support!” Demyx threw his arm in the air.
Xigbar flashed a smile at Xaldin.
The man who they were cheering on shook his head, his dreadlocks shifting along his back. The cocky bastard had told the others so they would support him. As much of a dick as he was he always had good intentions…well most of the time.
“So out of morbid curiosity,” Marluxia smirked, “what is your plan?”
Xaldin looked at the flowery assassin. “Well,”
“So this is where everyone is.” Luxord strolled into the lab. “It’s been so quiet that I was wondering if you all left.”
“And leave you all alone?” Xigbar said shocked. “Never.”
“What are you all jabbering on about anyways?” He looked at the cluster of poofs near the computer, and then at Xaldin who was still halfway between them and the door. “What?”
“You’re a douche bag.” Xigbar said with a sigh. “That’s really all there is to it.”
“What the hell?” He glared at the scarred man. “Why can’t you just bloody leave me alone? You always have to act like a dick when I’m around.”
“Actually he acts like a dick all the time to everyone.” Vexen said typing. “However, you seem to think you need to be an exception to that rule.”
Laughing, Xigbar looked at the Brit. “’Fraid it’s true, blondy.”
“Well you know what I think, Xigbar?” Luxord clenched his fist. “You sir,” he pointed at him, “are a giant bag of douche. Good day.” Spinning around he stormed out of the lab.
Blinking Xigbar suddenly grinned, “Well chaps, I think I was told off right well.” He said mocking the angry man’s British accent before laughing again.
Xaldin groaned. “Very nice, Xigbar.” Shaking his head he turned and followed the blonde.
“Good luck!” They all called and waved, except Vexen who was still typing.
Once the Whirlwind Lancer was gone Marluxia, who didn’t turn his face from the door, said, “Fifty Munny says he breaks and tries to jump him tonight.”
Xigbar smirked, still facing the door as well, “You’re on.”



Luxord grumbled all the way down the hall. He needed to be away from those jerks for a while. What was the deal? Every time he entered a room Xigbar acted like a dick. Sure, he was like that most of the time but he couldn’t shake the feeling that they were hiding something, and everyone knew about it except him. Was he not trusted? Sure he’d been really homophobic for a while after waking up but he was getting used to it. He was making an attempt to accept everyone without freaking out. Wandering out onto the terrace he flicked out his cards and started shuffling them. Life was so much easier when it was win or lose. He’d never been one for cheating, but sometimes he wish he could at life. People had too many secrets and pieces to them to really ever know if you were right. He’d never taken enough time to try and see if he could learn everything about one person. It seemed like too much work anyways. With a heavy sigh he sat down and hung his feet over the edge. The feeling of something cold on his cheek made him jump. “HUH?” Turning he found himself face to face with a glass of what he assumed was alcohol.
“Figured you could use a drink.” Xaldin held the cup in front of him, a smirk on his lips.
“Thanks.” He gratefully took the glass and held it between his hands, not sipping it yet.
Xaldin sat down next to him, a glass of his own in his hands. “He’s not always that bad, you know?” He muttered.
“Hm?” Luxord looked at him. “You mean Xigbar?” Receiving a nod in answer, the blonde Brit sighed. “That’s really not the problem.”
The dark haired man’s violet blue eyes turned to him, “Oh?”
“I guess I just feel left out is all. I mean it’s probably my fault for acting like such a whiner when I found out everyone was gay, but I mean, come on, can you blame me?” He sipped his drink. “I just feel like I’m left out of the loop is all.”
Xaldin stared up at the night sky. “Perhaps, it’s something you’re better off not knowing for now.”
“Why? I mean and it’s just me who doesn’t know, right? I assume you know.” He raised a brow as he pouted.
The strands of hair that hung over Xaldin’s eyes shifted as his head turned falling across his face. “It could be just some gay thing you don’t want to know about.”
This threw off the blonde and his gaze shifted to the grass. “Well, if that were the case why do you get to know? I mean, you’re not gay. You fit in just fine with them, so why am I the one left out?” He was mumbling down.
Xaldin smiled at him, that same confident cocky grin that pissed Xigbar off. “How do you know?”
“Huh?” The Brit blinked, his blue eyes wide. “How do I know, what?”
Now that grin became almost seductive, and his eyes narrowed. “That I’m not gay?” He leaned near Luxord, “I could be the same as them, and who knows, I could be the one who has his sights on you.”
Leaning back, Luxord looked away. “That’s really not funny, Xal. Your jokes bloody suck.”  
Annoyance suddenly passed over Xaldin’s features and with one hand he pushed the blond onto the stone floor. “Do they?” He raised a brow.
Luxord stared up wide-eyed. “What are you doing?” He squeaked.
“I could,” he leaned closer, “kiss you right now and you wouldn’t be able to react until after I did it. Hell, I could have my way with you and you probably wouldn’t he able to overpower me.” His face hovered just over Luxord.
The Brit was frozen, his blue eyes fearful.
It would take Xaldin a simple matter of an inch to steal the blonde’s lips, but as quickly as he had pinned the man he sat up, laughing. “Honestly, Luxord, if you just give in like that you won’t be able to protect your virtue.”
Shakily, Luxord sat up. “You were kidding? Really?”
Reaching over he patted the shaken Brit’s shoulder. “Don’t worry, you’re safe with me. Even if I was joking I couldn’t just jump you when you were so scared.”
Luxord sat up, his breathing strained as he tried to slow his heart rate. When had that happened? He was trying to process Xaldin’s words when he paused. He had said if he were joking, “Xaldin,”
“You should maybe get some sleep. I hear we’re going to actually have to do some work tomorrow.” Xaldin looked at him. Even if he was a frightening opponent in battle his calm collected nature made him seem so comfortable to be around. Especially now that he laughed and joked like any normal person.
Swallowing his question Luxord nodded. “Yeah, thanks for the talk, Xaldin.” Steadily he got up. “I guess I need to relax more.”
“You know, Luxord,” Xaldin’s voice seemed to echo around him, “if you ever need to talk, I’m a good listener.”
“I know, it’s why I told you what was bothering me earlier.” He didn’t look at the man still sitting on the terrace until he was almost in the castle. He watched Xaldin’s broad back for a moment. He must have been kidding. He was probably just trying to take him mind off the other worries he had. That had to be it. Turning he finally left to go back to his room.
On the terrace Xaldin exhaled at the sound of retreating footsteps. He’d almost screwed up. As confident about the whole thing he still found it hard to restrain himself. It would have been so easy to kiss him, but then he’s run the risk of losing any chance at a continuation. Sighing he sipped his drink and thought back to the past. When he was sixteen he received a letter from Ansem the Wise. The owner of the shop he worked at during that time was apparently an old friend of the acclaimed scientist. Xaldin never stayed anywhere long, he had no friends of family or even a home to go back to. He made the best out of that life. People always told him he had a good head on his shoulders if he’d only apply himself. The shop owner got in contact with Ansem and told him about Xaldin’s potential. He could have refused going to meet the famous scientist, but seeing as how his current boss went to so much trouble he decided to at least meet the guy. So he packed his bags and headed for the train station that would take him to Radiant Garden.
When he entered the train station he started to wonder if this was what he was supposed to do. He got his ticket and headed for the platform. Sitting down on the bench he watched as the other passengers boarded their trains.
“Pick one.”
He turned to see a deck of cards arranged out before him. “What?”
A blonde boy looked at him. “Pick one. I’ll guess what it is.” His mischievous grin sparked a curiosity in Xaldin.
He reached out and snagged a card.
“All right!” The boy folded the other cards up and looked at him. “You picked the,” he grinned, “the Jack of Hearts.”
Looking down at his card he smiled. “How did you know?”
Taking back the card the blond boy shrugged. “Don’t know. I guess I see what kinda person you are and then the card just comes to me.” He shuffled the cards.
“So what kinda person do I seem like?”
The boy paused. “You’re someone who doesn’t want to be a leader but you still managed to rise high up on the scale. People look to you.” He pulled a few tricks of making a card appear and disappear.
“So a Jack.” Xaldin sat back.
“It’s a face card. Its value is more than most other cards. A king is a leading card but that’s not you. And an Ace which beats all,” he grinned, “that’s the hero of the game. That’s not you either, though.”
He smiled. “No, it isn’t.” Staring at the track he asked, “What about the suit?”
The blond produced Xaldin’s card again. “I don’t know. It just seemed like the right one for you though. I don’t know why the cards come to me but I’m never wrong.” His blue eyes looked back at Xaldin. “Here.” He handed the card to him.
“Are you sure?” He reached out for the card. Just then he heard someone announce the arrival of his train over the loudspeaker.
“Yeah.” The bay placed the card in Xaldin’s hand. “Maybe it’ll bring you luck.” He winked.
Taking the card Xaldin stood as he saw his train pulling into the station.
“That your train?” The blond asked.
“Yeah.” Xaldin tossed his bag over his shoulder. “Maybe I’ll see you around.” He glanced over his shoulder.
The blonde smiled. “Maybe. Good luck.”
“You too.” Then he boarded the train and went to meet his new life.
Xaldin sighed, his mind snapping back to the present. If only he had that card. Maybe he’d feel luckier now. However, could a good luck charm work against the one who gave it away?


Vexen answered the latest email from Sora and Riku. They had found out where Larxene’s Heartless was and were in pursuit. Clicking the send button he stretched and stood from his desk.
“Done?” Marluxia lounged at the other desk. The other had all retreated for the evening after Xigbar and Marluxia found out there was no winner to their bet.
“Yes.” He turned to the pink haired man.
“So,” the other man stood and sauntered over to him, “my room or yours tonight?” His devilish grin was hard to resist.
“We are going to have a busy day tomorrow. We should actually get some sleep.” The blonde shot him down as he went to the door.
“But everyone else in the castle doesn’t have to sleep now. In fact they’re all doing what I want to be!” Marluxia pouted.
Pausing Vexen glanced over his shoulder. “Which is why we have to be the responsible ones.”
“I don’t want to be!” The pink haired man growled. Wrapping his arms the back of Vexen he purred into his ear. “I’d much rather be having my way with you.”
“No surprise.” Shoving off the man Vexen continued his way out of the lab. “Would it kill you to just go to sleep?”
“Maybe.” Something in Marluxia’s voice made the other man pause.
Looking back Vexen could see the confusion on the pink haired man’s face.
“It’s just that I feel like if I don’t take all I can from these moments you’ll just change your mind.” Running his fingers through his hair he shrugged. “Never mind. It’s my own worries again.”
“It’s not that I,” he paused, “I just need a little more time. I have been thinking about it.” He had. It was the subject of love again. It wasn’t as though he were refusing to tell Marluxia for no reason. There were other things he had to deal with before he felt comfortable enough to tell him.
“Then that’s fine.” Marluxia walked toward him. Taking his hand he smiled. “As long as you’re thinking about it, then it’s fine.”
Staring down at their joined hands, Vexen sighed. “I have.”
“If you ever want to tell me anything,” Marluxia began staring down at their hands as well, “I’ll listen. Whatever it is I’ll listen if it’ll help you.”
Vexen sighed. “Talking about it means remember it, and I…” He trailed off. He didn’t want to think about this. Things were actually going well with life. He was happy that he had Marluxia, but subjects like love and the past only threatened to destroy that peaceful life he gained. He felt the warmth of someone’s skin on his face.
Marluxia lifted Vexen’s face. His blue eyes full of concern. “Vexen?”
He felt his heart rate rise at the sound of his name from this man’s mouth.
“So is it my room or yours?” A smile played on his lips.
Vexen pushed him away and turned. “I knew it.” Even though he tried to be mad he still laughed. Trying to hide his smile from the other man he walked down the hall.
Marluxia’s deep laugh sounded behind him. “Well?”
Vexen stopped. “Mine.” Looking over his shoulder yet again he let his smile be seen by his lover. If only the past never existed.


EVEN, RUN! Get inside and don’t come out!


Early the next day Vexen had everyone gather in the lab. “So Marluxia, Xigbar, Demyx and I will be going to The World That Never Was in order to find out if Xemnas has started to build Kingdom hearts.” He had just received an email from Sora saying they found Larxene but she keeps dodging their advances. “Zexion I was wondering if you and Lexaeus would offer to stay at the castle and help Larxene when she wakes up. It should be any day now as long as our Keyblade wielders can catch her.”
The blue haired man nodded. “Of course. It would be no trouble.”
Lexaeus stood a few inches behind him. The pair didn’t act much different from before except for the tension between them was gone.
“All right.” Vexen nodded.
“What about us?” Xaldin asked as he leaned on a desk. Luxord sat on the desk next to him.
“Well, we still need to find Axel’s Container.” The blonde sighed. “I was wondering if you could try and find out any information. Luxord you don’t have to go if,”
“I’ll go.” The blonde Brit said quickly. “I can’t stay cooped up her anyways, besides I should bloody well earn my keep.”
Vexen nodded, a tiny grin on his face. “All right then. Does everyone know what they are doing?” He received nods all around. “Good.” He sent Marluxia to pack their bags; Xigbar and Demyx went to get food for the trip.
Xaldin slipped away from the other four left in the room. “Are you going to be okay?” He asked Vexen who was answering another email.
“Of course. Why?” The blonde answered without looking up.
“If it’s Kingdom Hearts…well,” He paused. “I don’t know the details but I know that it’s a touchy issue with you.”
I’m fine. I’m not a child, Xaldin.” Standing straight Vexen turned to him. “You do best to look after yourself as well. I trust you to make any preparations you need.”
The dark haired man grinned. “It’s funny hearing you sound so leader-like.” He laughed. “And the rest of us are listening to you without question.”
“I didn’t ask for this job but everyone seems to be looking to me for help.” The blond mumbled.
“It’s cause you were the first awake, and the one who helped all of us. It’d be rude to not help find everyone else.” Crossing his arms, Xaldin’s eyes darted to Luxord who sat on the desk shuffling cards.
“Good luck.” Vexen said after a few moments.
Xaldin turned to him. Catching his friend’s meaning he nodded. “It’s harder then I thought it would be.”
Vexen nodded. “Yes, but he offered to go along with you so it looks promising. Maybe spending some time with you will help in your cause.” He turned at the sound of the door.
Marluxia gestured over his shoulder. “I got the bags packed. I’m going to go pick up the Gummi Ship.”
“All right.” Vexen nodded.
When Marluxia was gone Xaldin smirked. “So when are you going to tell him how you really feel?”
“What?” Thrown off by the comment Vexen turned to the other man.
“Even, it’s written all over your face. I know you have this thing about trying to distance yourself from everything but even if things are content now, you might lose them if you hesitate.”
“You’re as bad as Xigbar.” The blonde scoffed. “I suppose I am being unfair, but I am not without a reason.”
“I know that, and I’m sure that Marluxia does too, but maybe you should give it a try.” He scratched his head, “Not that I’m one to talk, but you have a better shot than me at this point.”
Vexen simply nodded. “I will take it into consideration.” He sat quietly for a few moments before grabbing his coat. “I think I shall join Marluxia, I should stretch my legs before we are cooped up in a Gummi Ship for four hours.”
Xaldin laughed as the blonde quickly left the room in an attempt to catch up with his lover.
An hour later and the four companions loaded into the Gummi Ship. Zexion and Lexaeus saw them off. Xaldin and Luxord said goodbye as they set out towards town to get a Gummi Ship of their own.
The trip to The World That Never Was ended up being uneventful and the four chatted and speculated about what they would find waiting for them when they arrived at their destination.