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: I'm sorry this didn't get posted yesterday. I was busy with many things. xD In any case, there's a little bit of progress here, but Xehanort still hasn't summoned his Keyblade. :P Instead, he's becoming quite the mage because, let's face it, he used magic more than his Keyblade in BbS. O.o LOL Also, there's a mention of person here. She will be one of the reasons why this story is only semi-canon. And just to clarify, I'm only using her as a plot device. :P
In any case! Thanks everyone who read and reviewed! :) Please enjoy and R&R!
.: Laugh :.
~ Do you laugh out of happiness…or malicious intent? ~
:: :: :: :: :: :: :: ::
Far and in between, Eraqus was slowly cracking the shell that Xehanort had built around himself when they first met. Xehanort smiled slightly every so often and he engaged in lengthier conservations with Eraqus. Those conversations were something Eraqus found valuable more than anything. Xehanort was quite the philosopher of life and his insights on the universe were so broad… It was a wonder how he had learned so much from living on such a tiny island! However, as much as Eraqus was thrilled that Xehanort was becoming more and more comfortable within the Land of Departure…not once had he laughed.
Well he did, but, Xehanort never truly laughed. The silver haired man chortled or curtly chuckled out of obligation when their Master teased them during training…but his laughter never reached his eyes. Eraqus believed Xehanort just wasn't the type to laugh, but honestly, how could a person live like that?
"You're thinking hard?" Xehanort's smooth voice broke Eraqus's concentration. Sitting up on the grassy hillside, the raven haired apprentice glanced at Xehanort's back as he stood up with one hand in his pocket and his other played with a small ball of fire; tossing it up and down.
Truthfully, Xehanort had grasped the concept of magic fairly quickly. Perhaps it was because he still couldn't call forth his Keyblade…which was just as strange. Eraqus would've understood the delay if they were children…but he and Xehanort possessed matured hearts. Why hadn't his Keyblade come forth yet?
"Eraqus, my friend, are you drawing a blank?" Xehanort dismissed his ball of fire and looked over his shoulder to smile at Eraqus.
Shaking his head, Eraqus sighed with a slight curl of his lips. "Not quite. Though I have to say, this is the first time you're probing me to speak, Xehanort."
"Consider that I find it strange when you're not talking," Xehanort replied, fully turning around to face Eraqus and offering his hand. "Let's be honest: that's my job."
At that, Eraqus began chuckling and took Xehanort's outstretched hand. Xehanort let a low chuckle escape his throat and Eraqus had remembered his small concern about the silver haired apprentice and his inability to laugh. Thinking of how to broach the subject, Eraqus shrugged. It wasn't like Xehanort would feel offended if he asked…he was hardly offended by anything really. "Xehanort?"
"Hmm?" Xehanort responded as they walked down the Mountain Path.
"Do you ever laugh? I mean really laugh?"
"…That's a strange question coming from you."
"Forgive me," Eraqus apologized preemptively, "I've noticed that you hardly ever do."
Xehanort threw him an even look and answered, "To be frank, I hardly find anything worth laughing about."
"Doesn't that bother you?" Eraqus asked in surprise.
"Not really." A light breeze ran through Xehanort's hair as he looked up at the cloudless sky. "It's silly to laugh at something without purpose."
Eraqus turned his eyes away. That seemed like a response Xehanort would use…unfortunately. Sighing, Eraqus dropped the subject; knowing there was no point in trying to sway Xehanort's decision otherwise. But then a thought occurred to the raven haired apprentice. What if Xehanort was just shy?
…Preposterous!
Without thinking, Eraqus allowed himself to laugh at the idea and Xehanort blinked in a mixture of curiosity and confusion. Looking incredulous, Xehanort asked, "What?"
"You remind me of Sofia—" Eraqus slipped before stopping in his step and quickly looking away. "T-That is…!"
"Sofia?" Xehanort replied before slowing grinning. Nudging Eraqus, he slyly provoked, "Correct me if I'm wrong, Eraqus, but isn't that the name of a girl and not a spell?"
Eraqus slapped his face and groaned, "Xehanort…"
The older apprentice ignored him, throwing his arm around Eraqus's shoulder and teased, "Is Sofia from your homeworld? A lady in waiting?"
"Are you done?" Eraqus frowned with a narrow of his eyes. The only thing in the worlds Eraqus was hoping Xehanort wouldn't be: A man who took pleasure in teasing about the opposite sex.
Eraqus's response must've triggered something, because at that moment, Xehanort started laughing to the high heavens…and this one reached his eyes. The younger apprentice stared in amazement. Xehanort looked like a completely different person when he laughed. Slapping Eraqus's back, Xehanort pointed out with a smirk and continued down the path. "You see? I only laugh when there's purpose."
"Ah…right," Eraqus lamely responded as he watched Xehanort walk ahead.
Well…at least he knew Xehanort was capable of truly laughing, but Eraqus had a new problem: Was Xehanort laughing with him or at him? Xehanort's laughter was real, yes…but the look in his eyes held something devious…