Disclaimer: I do not own anything from the Kingdom Hearts games except the games and a few merchandise. :3 Also don't own this "Needs More Love" Story Challenge… Nope, that belongs to Fruity-Fruit-Cups!

A/N: Seriously, I'm actually having fun writing this. :D Maybe it's because I didn't give myself a maximum word cap… I dunno, but I promise the chapters are going to be no more than 1000 words… Oh, I just gave myself a cap. Oh well. :P LOL
In any case! This takes place some days after Xehanort's become an apprentice and he has just started living in the Land of Departure. I've experienced what he has, but that's probably because I'm weird. ;)

Anyways! Thanks for reading and reviewing guys! Means a lot to me! Please enjoy and R&R!


.: Cold :.
~ A subjective word for temperature; another word for cynical ~

:: :: :: :: :: :: :: ::

He hadn't been here for very long, but Xehanort had only one word to describe his settings:

Cold.

To him, the temperature in his new surroundings – this new world – …was cold. Perhaps it was because the sun on Destiny Islands continuously shone down during the day, making every moment hot and unbearable. Xehanort never imagined he would miss the scorching heat of the sun from his homeworld…

"Xehanort, would you be willing to…" He heard Eraqus trail off as the younger apprentice entered the den. Curious as to why Eraqus stopped, Xehanort ripped his gaze away from the large window to look at his fellow student. The younger apprentice stared at him in bewilderment, a book held in his hands. Xehanort cleared his throat and that snapped Eraqus out of his stupor. "Er… Are you perhaps…cold?"

To this, Xehanort replied sarcastically, "What suggested that idea?"

"You're wearing a sweater, Xehanort. In the middle of summer," Eraqus answered, continuing with his approach.

The silver haired apprentice looked down at his black long-sleeved top, finding nothing wrong with it. It was something he usually wore during the winter months, but even then it wasn't all that thick. He traced his eyes back to Eraqus's grey ones and asked, "Does it appear oddly out of place?"

"No. I understand your need to adjust, but it really isn't all that cold outside," Eraqus reassured with a small upturn of his lips. Taking a seat beside Xehanort by the window, the black haired youth suggested, "You'll feel stuffy wearing something like that during the summers here, Xehanort. Trust me."

Xehanort thought about Eraqus's proposition for a moment before turning away. "I'll do what I like."

"Ah! I didn't mean to offend you if I have."

"You haven't."

"…You speak so little." Eraqus rubbed his neck and nervously lowered his gaze. It didn't appear on his face, but Xehanort was rather amused by Eraqus's attempts to make friends with him. Unfortunately, Eraqus had his work cut out for him; Xehanort was rather antisocial in nature.

"What is that?" Xehanort spoke up after his momentary boredom had been satisfied. His amber eyes were fixated on the thick green book beside Eraqus.

Blinking, Eraqus looked down and smiled. Handing Xehanort the book, Eraqus explained, "It's a book of spells. I actually wanted to ask if you wanted to practice magic with me."

"Magic?" His eyes widened slightly. So it wasn't just Keyblades that existed… Magic did too.

"Yes. I know the Master has yet to show you the fundamentals, but maybe getting an early start wouldn't be so bad. How about it?" Eraqus asked with a light in his grey eyes.

Xehanort flipped through the pages of the book with interest. He reworded, "You want to teach me?"

Eraqus cleared his throat. "Well… If you want…"

The silver haired apprentice purposely hummed before smirking. Standing up, Xehanort replied, "I suppose since I have yet to receive my own Keyblade."

"Then it's settled." Eraqus smiled. "We'll head to the training grounds by the Mountain Path. Oh, and Xehanort?" At the mention of his name, he spared Eraqus another glance. The black haired apprentice wittily commented, "Performing magic expends the energy of the body… You might feel hot in that sweater."

Xehanort blinked in surprise before sighing in defeat. Shrugging, he noted, "Persistent little bastard. Fine. If it'll appease you, I will change into something 'appropriate.'"

Eraqus merely laughed in response and Xehanort let out a curt chuckle. Maybe training with Eraqus would have its merits of entertainment.