Dedicated to all fans of this grievously neglected story.
I, unfortunately, have been going through a very rough time (a break up + unbelievable trouble with my parents), so I'm sorry, this is the only update for now. I understand you guys may be very frustrated, but I'm doing all I can, what with exams and all.
It's short and second-rate, no, third-rate. Forgive me?
I think my profile has the abridged story of my hiatus status... Not sure.
Xion sighed as she reached their office on the twelfth floor.
Why the hell is the elevator blocked from going to the six floor and up? That's plain stupid!
She panted heavily as she leaned exhaustedly on the doorframe, but tried in vain to silence her breathing as Vanitas walked calmly up behind her.
"My, my, you really are out of shape," he said with a smirk. It seemed as though he had not broken a sweat, and his breathing was barely labored.
Wow, he must be really fit, thought Xion, but straightened up and brushed off her clothes in an attempt to look respectable as she entered their shared office.
Walking into the clean, white hallway, Vanitas, followed by Xion, passed the empty secretary's room, Xehanort's office, and eventually reached their shared office.
It was a cramped office, but had its own waiting room and examination room, which both were grateful for.
Plopping down with a happy sigh into her own chair, Xion stared at the blank wall in front of her.
I really should decorate this… it's so boring to look at! Besides, our room could do with a bit of color… its all black and white and gray and blue… but Vanitas says that the decorations I brought with me before were a 'distraction'…
"—and he says to finish by tonight," said Vanitas, interrupting her thoughts. She looked up blankly at him.
"Excuse me?" He sighed, clearly irritated at her lack of attention.
"Xehanort wants you to go through this stack of papers, review and evaluate the patients' needs, and finish the paperwork by tonight." Xion looked at her desk.
"What stack of papers?" she asked, then mentally kicked herself.
Xion, you are so out of it today…
"This stack of papers, sweetheart," said Vanitas with a grin as he carried a pile of paperwork and consults over to her desk and placing them down with a THUD.
"Enjoy…" he said in a singsong voice. Xion stared, dumbfounded at him, but found her voice not long after.
"H-hey, wait! What about you? What work will you be doing?" she asked. There was no way she'd be the one to do all the work without Vanitas at least contributing.
Vanitas looked over at her from his desk.
"I will be working on that bugged program that Xehanort wants fixed because that secretary of his stuck a virus to it by 'accident'…"
It was clear from his tone of voice that he clearly did not like Isa.
"Oh well," Xion said cheerfully. "I'm sure Xehanort will pay you more for your trouble!" Vanitas rolled his eyes.
"You really believe that?" he asked, disbelieving. Xion frowned and nodded.
"Why not?"
His reaction was not one that she was expecting.
He stared at her for a moment before bursting out in laughter. He laughed for a few minutes, a tear leaking out of his eye, and sighed, looking at Xion with… contentment?
"You are so naive," he said, in a teasing-yet-affectionate way.
Affectionate? No way. I'm imagining things. Vanitas? Affectionate?
Xion rolled her eyes and turned her back to him, starting on her work.
Today's just not a good day…
It took her nearly the whole afternoon, but once she finished, she felt a feeling of glowing satisfaction within her, strange and yet welcome at the same time.
Wow. I really did it. She sighed. It took a lot outta me, though…
She buried her head in her hands and leaned them down onto the table, tired, but in a good way.
A shuffling noise made her look up. Vanitas was standing in front of her desk, grinning at her.
Xion felt her cheeks heating up.
Why am I blushing? she thought with a hint of panic.
"Y-yes?" she asked nervously, hoping she hadn't done anything wrong.
"Hey, you're done with your work," Vanitas said smoothly. "How about going out with me tonight?"
What?
Xion stared at him.
"Come again?"
"You know, go out for drinks. Just a couple, my treat, and then I'll drive you home. You've worked hard today, and I just thought maybe you should relax." He shrugged nonchalantly. "It's fine though, if you don't want to. It was just an offer." He turned away when Xion found her voice.
"Wait!"
He turned around.
"Yes?"
"I… Are you serious?" Vanitas arched an eyebrow.
"Is there a reason I wouldn't be?" Xion's mouth moved, but no sound came out as she attempted to find words to fit her feelings. Moments passed and she gave up.
"A-alright. Just... Is it alright if I go home first? I want to change out of my work-clothes, if we're going out for drinks..." She had no idea how to wash alcohol out of her outfits, and knew from experience how clumsy she was after one drink. The faintest of blushes tainted her cheeks at Vanitas's grin.
"Sure thing. I'll drive you there, and then we'll go. I know just the place."