Chapter one:
X-ray is taking a walk alone just wanting to relax a little during the time that villains have been quiet in. He stretches slightly as he walks under the light of the full moon.
The slight chill in the air is rather soothing and the peacefulness is beautiful.
The street lamps lighting up the darkness and moonlight softly illuminating some places that it can reach but the street lamps can't.
Truly a perfect time to walk through a field as the sky is clear not to mention the beautiful full moon in the sky.
X-ray sighs happily glad that he had decided to take a walk at this time; though he knows he'll probably have to go to bed when he gets back. He clapped his eyes for a moment to take in the tranquil atmosphere around him. He opens his eyes only to spot someone a little bit ahead of him. He's standing at the edge of where a street lamps light is shinning not standing under it.
This makes him a little hard to make out but X-ray has a good idea of who that is.
X-ray glances around but sees no one not even in a house window. He turns back to the figure contemplating between approaching the figure or turning and leaving. He raises his head high figuring that the figure probably won't have enough stuff to win so he approaches.
As he gets closer and closer it only gives him more confirmation that it is who he thinks it is.
Finally he is standing rather close yet still keeps a gap between them.
The figure turns to look X-ray in the eyes.
"Mad King." X-ray states as a final confirmation it is indeed the other. He hadn't seen the Mad King ever since his defeat so X-ray wonders where he had been hiding.
"Ah. X-ray. It's been awhile." The Mad King greets. "It's rather late to be wandering alone."
"You're the one to talk." X-ray points out wanting to cross his arms over his chest but doesn't in case he must fight.
"Well. You with your slim body you look more vulnerable compared to me." The Mad King points out. "I am less likely to be attacked."
"Yeah whatever." X-ray says a little annoyed now because he knows that the Mad King is right. He knows that depending on the attacker his powers might not be able to save him. "Never mind that. What are you doing here?"
"Like you I am having a stroll." The Mad King responds smoothly.
"Probably thinking of some master plan." X-ray points out making the Mad King chuckle.
"I am thinking of something. Though not what you would expect dear X-ray." The Mad King says after a few chuckles.
"Well whatever you are planning you won't win." X-ray says confidently.
"I cannot do much as is." The Mad King shrugs. "But that does not mean I can't plan."
"It'll probably take you forever to be able to really do anything now that I think about it." X-ray turns away. "I doubt you have any possible plans already."
"There is one thing I wish to speak with you about before you go." The Mad King says and X-ray glances over his shoulder. "Something that will interest you I'm sure."
"What is it?" X-ray turns too curious to turn away.
"A deal." The Mad King says making X-ray slightly blink in surprise. "I will leave the others especially your friends alone with something that I require from you."
X-ray raises an eyebrow.
"This has been something on my mind for a while but I wish to have you at my side." The Mad King explains.
"As a helper?" X-ray asks uncertain about this.
"No." The Mad King says making X-ray a little confused. "As my bride."
X-rays eyes widen. "Wha-what!?" He gasps as his mind is still trying to wrap around what has been said.
"Agree to be my bride and you can save the hassle of another battle along with who knows how many more against me. Protecting lives of citizens and your friends. All I ask is for you to be my bride and I will not be a threat any longer." The Mad King brings a hand out to X-ray offering it to him. "So? What do you say?"
X-ray looks down to the hand offered to him and he swallows harshly only to bite his bottom lip. He has no idea what he is supposed to do as he could do this to get rid of the Mad King as a threat for good... Or... Reject it and go against the Mad King who knows how many times. He's not fully sure what he wants right now as this is all just so sudden!
The Mad King will definitely keep trying until he takes down the two however it can all be stopped if X-ray agrees.
Such a heavy burden feels like it's resting upon X-rays shoulders.
The fate of the city somewhat rests on the decision that he makes here.
"How long until I have to answer?" X-ray asks unable to even think probably from the shock.
"Tonight." The Mad King responds.
X-ray closes his eyes a little tightly for a few moments knowing that he must make a decision. He stands there for a few minutes and the Mad King seems patient in waiting.
Finally X-rays eyes open and a little slowly he raises a hand only to place it on the Mad Kings hand.
"Fine. As long as you hold up your end then... It's a deal... You break this promise and it's off." X-ray tells him.
The Mad Kings hand curls gently around X-rays hand. "You won't regret it." He tells him.
"I hope not." X-ray says quietly to himself.
"Oh. And with the agreement in place there is something you should know."
X-ray looks up into the others eyes.
"My name is Ryan Haywood." The Mad King informs him. "Something that I will only share with you as my bride."
"Ryan." X-ray tries it out. "Well then I guess you can call me by my true name." He says. "Ray. Ray Narvaez jr. Haven't used that name in a while." He admits.
"A fitting name." The Mad King says. "I like it."
This makes the smallest hint of pink rise to X-rays cheeks.
"Uh thanks. I like your name too." X-ray responds. He really does think that the Mad King does truly look like a Ryan especially after his true name is revealed.
"Shall we take a walk?" The Mad King offers.
"Sure." X-ray agrees and hand in hand they continue with X-rays walk. "So... How is this going to work?" He asks the other.
"I still own a section of Monarch Labs that is my living space." The Mad King explains. "Only I have access to it so no one really knows about it. You could live there with me. It is a decent size."
"Would you show me?" X-ray asks.
"Of course I can." The Mad King agrees. "When would you like to do so?"
"Tomorrow. Still processing all of this." X-ray admits.
The Mad King gently tugs X-ray closer. "Tomorrow sounds good. We'll have plenty of time for you to explore." He agrees.
X-ray blinks. He had never thought that the Mad King could be like this.
He's gentle in the way he holds X-ray and he actually lets X-rays opinion to be added.
X-ray never knew that the Mad King held such a side to him and it makes him wonder about what is under that cold surface. He figures that maybe this really won't be so bad if he can expect this.
"What time must you return?" The Mad King asks snapping X-ray back to reality. "You will need your rest. It is good for you."
"Probably soon." X-ray admits. "It's is pretty late."
"Yes. It is late." The Mad King agrees. "Allow me to walk you back. To make sure you make it there safely."
"You're so kind." X-ray says before his mind can even process what he is saying.
"My dear X-ray. It is something only selected few truly ever see of me." The Mad King explains as they begin walking in the direction to where X-ray lives.
"Yeah. It's new." X-ray nods. "I actually kinda like it." He adds before the Mad King could ask if he doesn't like it.
"I'm glad that you like this side of me." The Mad King smiles and X-ray notices that it looks more genuine than smiles before he agreed to be with the other.
"Yeah. I could truly get used to being with you." X-ray admits out loud only to blush when he realizes this.
"It is good I make you comfortable enough that you can get used to it." The Mad King simply responds. "I hope to keep this feeling."
X-ray smiles and his worries about all of this start to melt away.
They begin aimlessly chatting the rest of the way there sharing their opinions on certain topics. They find out that neither of them drink for their own reasons after they noticed a drunk exiting a bar. They finally reach X-rays place in which they slow to a stop.
"Here it is." X-ray says. "Maybe I could show you my apartment sometime." He says figuring that if the Mad King is showing him his then it's polite to do the same.
"It'll be interesting to see." The Mad King responds. "This is where we part ways tonight." He turns to X-ray.
"I'll see you tomorrow then." X-ray responds. "Where should we meet?"
"We can meet outside of Monarch Labs." The Mad King responds. "How about at around noon?"
"Sounds good to me." X-ray agrees then he tries something. He gives a hug to the other who returns it.
They stay like that for a few moments before pulling away.
"I'll see you tomorrow then." X-ray says.
The Mad King digs into his pocket then pulls out something. "Here." He gives it to the other who takes it to examine it.
It's the missing piece from the Mad Kings crown.
X-ray looks back up to the Mad King who gives him a smile.
"I'll see you tomorrow. Rest well my dear X-ray." The Mad King says then he heads off.
X-ray looks down to the piece then curls his hand around the object finding a smile coming to his face. He heads to go inside to his apartment going straight to his bedroom. He flops down onto the bed so his back is against it. He brings the hand holding the gift to his chest bringing his other hand up to cover his hand holding the gift.
Warmth fills his heart at the thought that the Mad King gave him his first gift.
He puts it on his nightstand and let's himself just relax to get some sleep. He reasons that he has seen and heard enough to let himself give the other a second chance. He of course will still be alert for any trickery until he is completely sure of the other. He's not going to let the Mad King slip anything past him as he gives the other a second chance. He finds himself drifting off into sleep deciding to leave everything for tomorrow. He awakens the next morning and gets up heading out trying to decide what to eat for breakfast today.
Vav comes over into his apartment. "Hey X-ray."
X-ray turns. "Hey Vav."
Vav pauses and examines X-rays face making the other feel a little confused.
"What? Do I have something on my face?"