When Saix entered the lab, it was in ruins, the table where Vexen usually sat laying smoldering on the floor near the side of the room, various instruments, beakers and other implements smashed and broken. He eyed the carnage for a moment, then looked at the three who still stood amongst it, clenching his jaw for a brief second as his eyes fell on Axel.

"What's going on here, Number IV?" He asked calmly, the Chilly Academic throwing a look of undisguised disgust at Xigbar, who shrugged and donned his best 'I didn't do it' face. "The commotion was unnecessary. The way you responded, Vexen, it's almost as if you forget yourself and your lack of a heart."

Vexen's eye twitched, and he lifted his chin.

"What might the second in command be doing here, may I ask? You're not usually one to be wandering about the halls. I expected you'd be up in Xemnas' chambers, going over plans." He spoke in his usual high voice, though the hint of ice that was in it was a little more pronounced than normal today.

Saix kept his breath even. He was painfully aware of Axel's eyes on him, and he could swear the man leaned forward ever so slightly as if in anticipation of Saix' reaction to the comment Vexen had made. He met Number IV's gaze, tilting his head ever so slightly to the side.

"I've been temporarily relieved of my duties, pending my recovery from a mission last night that went badly." He said calmly, and Vexen's face broke into a grin. Xigbar grimaced slightly, stepping back, but Vexen's hand shot out to grab ahold of his robes, keeping him from escaping.

"Oh, that's unfortunate to hear, Saix... that does, however, mean you're free at the moment?"

Able to clearly see where this was going, Saix felt the hair on the back of his neck rising in irritation. He clenched his jaw again, then nodded.

"Yes... I happen to be free at the moment."

"Oh, good... as you can see, I happen to have a mess to clean up courtesy of Number II." Vexen shook Xigbar none too gently as he spoke, and the superior Nobody didn't attempt to escape, actually grinning sheepishly in Saix' direction. "Perhaps you can put your idleness to use?"

"I don't see why that would be a problem." Saix' response was as calm as ever, but Vexen didn't miss the way the muscle in his jaw jumped before he spoke, a smirk crossing Number IV's face. "Just tell me where to start."

"Looks like you won't be needing me after all, Vex." Axel said casually, standing straight and putting his hands into his pockets. "I wouldn't want to crowd you, so I'll just be going."

"Of course, Axel..." After the younger Nobody teleported away, Xigbar pulled himself out of Vexen's grip and moved to put out the fire, leaving Vexen to speak softly to Saix. "Forgive me, if it seems I'm playing favourites right now. I can sense the tension between you two, and my lab is already enough of a mess. I figured it would be best for him to leave..."

"You have no need to explain yourself to me, Number IV." Saix murmured, Vexen chuckling softly and arching an eyebrow, folding his arms across his chest.

"If your gloves were off, your knuckles would be white... and did you know your eyes glow when you're about to kill someone, Saix?" Saix looked up at him as he spoke, the smile on Vexen's face growing wider. "Why... it's almost as if you forget yourself and your lack of a heart."

With that, the pale haired Nobody turned from Saix, moving to reprimand Xigbar again for the mess he had helped make. Saix unclenched his hands, unaware that he had clenched them in the first place, exhaling slowly to keep his temper in check.

"Oh, if you wouldn't mind... there's a broom in the closet." Vexen gestured to the side of the room vaguely. "Over there. You can get all that glass cleaned up."

Saix nodded, walking stiffly to the cupboard to take the broom out. His pointed ears twitched when he heard Xigbar hiss something quietly to Vexen, who replied calmly and just as quietly.

"You think it's safe to give him a broom, dude?"

"Please... Saix has more to lose for beating us to death with a broom than he's willing to risk. It's fine."

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Xaldin looked up as footsteps descended the stairs, exchanging a glance with Luxord as Saix came into view. Luxord shrugged and returned to his game of solitaire, but Xaldin dug the tip of his lance into the ground, the hand not holding it resting on his hip as he faced Saix.

"Number VII." He said respectfully, Saix bowing his head in return.

"Number III. Number X."

"Evenin'." Luxord offered him a salute and a smile, Saix quickly turning his attention back to Xaldin.

"I came to see if you'd be interested in a sparring match or two? I've been feeling a little restless the past few days due to my confinement." He asked, his gaze turning briefly to the moon, eyes half closing. "I came out for some fresh air, and saw that you were here. I figured it wouldn't hurt to ask."

Luxord and Xaldin exchanged a glance, the former turning his gaze immediately back to his game with a masked grimace, the latter lifting his chin ever so slightly as he looked back at Saix.

"I'm afraid that is out of the question, this evening." The large man muttered. Saix frowned in confusion.

"I don't..."

"Well, by the Superiors orders... we're not to let you engage in any sort of strenuous physical activities until you've completely recovered, Saix."

The Luna Diviner frowned more deeply, his hands slowly clenching into fists at his sides.

"But, I'm FINE. I don't need to be... sheltered and fussed over like a child! I'm not going to hurt myself with a simple sparring match, not unless it was your intention to kill me!" He growled, Xaldin sighing deeply.

"Your quarrel is not with me, Saix. I suggest you take it up with the Superior if you have problems." He said, Luxord watching cautiously over his cards. Saix twitched a few times, then grit his teeth and nodded, unclenching his hands at last.

"Forgive me, Number III. You're right. I'll go speak to Xemnas now." He turned and walked stiffly up the stairs, Luxord giving Xaldin a curious look and a raised eyebrow.

"It's really taking its toll on him, hm? " He drawled, Xaldin glancing over before turning back to watch Saix disappear inside.

"How would you feel if someone told you, no more gambling, or took your cards away and wouldn't give them back?" He smirked ever so slightly at the look on Luxord's face.

"Touche, mate... touché..." Luxord muttered, running his hand over his short, pale hair before returning to his game. Frowning a little further, Xaldin glanced up at the window of the Superior's chambers, dislodged his lance and turned to continue practicing.