Chapter 7: Suspicion
Xaldin walked up to a certain door and knocked twice. "Come in," said a cool and smooth yet icy voice from inside the room. Xaldin opened the door and entered. "What is it, Xaldin?" A man with long silver locks asked with his back remaining to Xaldin.
"Xemnas, I thought you should know that Xigbar has not been himself lately." Xaldin said but stopped when Xemnas held up his hand.
"I know – I have had peace lately." Xemnas said as he wrote something down. "Xigbar has been quite disturbed and sullen as of late. It is something to be slightly concerned; however, seeing that Xigbar is Number II, I feel no need to concern myself with his trivial problems." He said then waved Xaldin off.
"You know I think Xigbar has lost it." Axel said as he sat in his bed.
"I disagree – I think it's cool! He's risking a lot – to find his heart – for her." Demyx said with a smile as he sat on his bed. Axel and Demyx had to share a room, like a few of the others had to. The only ones that had a room to themselves was Xemnas, Xigbar, Xaldin, Saix, and Larxene, not that Larxene was alive to have a room; however, those that had to share grew accustom to their roomies and didn't fuss.
"I still say he's lost it." Axel repeated as he folded his arms. Demyx just pulled his blanket over his head in response. Axel growled and lit the blanket on fire. Demyx yelped, jump out, and put the fire with his glass of water on his nightstand. In revenge, Demyx splashed Axel with a wave of water. "Argh! My hair!" He shouted and fire flew again.
The next morning, Ceres opened her eyes and sighed at the most wonderful dream. She dreamt Braig returned home and they spent the evening together. "Wait!" She shouted and sprang forward in the bed.
"Hmm, what's wrong Ceres?" Xigbar yawned, raising his head from his arms, which rested on the side of the bed. Ceres whipped to face him. Suddenly she glomped him and pressed her lips to his. The power of her kiss left him stunned for a bit before shaking it off. "Are you alright?"
"Yeah," she sighed, " I'm just happy it wasn't a dream." Ceres smiled happily at him, and he looked at her gently before placing his hand on her cheek. She released a small gasped with her lips only parting a bit and opened her eyes in a cute shock. They looked into each other's eyes for a second and then she beckoned him to sit beside her.
"What is it?" He asked as she laced her arms behind his neck and rested her head on his chest. "Ceres," he sighed and embraced her tightly.
After a while, Xigbar let her go and got up to get dressed. Ceres watched him for a moment, and he blushed because he sensed her gaze. Then she walked up to his topless body and wrapped her arms around his waist. Xigbar instantly tensed up, but it didn't bother her any. His body was built but not buff – strong enough to protect a loved one.
Xigbar closed his eyes and placed his hand on hers. Ceres began to leave delicate kissed on his back, which sent wonderful chills through his spine. His fingers gently skimmed up her arms as though they were feathers. Scenes once again ran through his head, and the warmth in his chest grew.
"I love you," Ceres whispered against back.
"I know – And I want to love you, but I can't – just yet." Xigbar whispered back, he voice drenched in sadness.
"I understand, but it's all right. I have enough love for the both of us – for now." Ceres said with a smile. She let go and got in front of him. "I'll never let you go," she whispered and then kissed him gently. After the kiss, Xigbar reached for his cloak.
"I have to go, so you stay here. I'll bring you food." Xigbar said as he opened the door. "Later," he said as he closed the door.
"Be careful," Ceres whispered but wasn't too sure if he heard her.
Xigbar walked through the hall and passed Saix without saying a word. Saix was a little confused; Xigbar would at least say "hello" - usually.
Suddenly Axel and Demyx appeared out of nowhere. "So how is she?" Axel asked kind of loudly.
"Shh! You moron! What do you think would happen if we were overheard?" Xigbar growled as he looked over his shoulder.
Unbeknown to Xigbar, his fear had been realized; Saix was lurking just around the corner. " 'She' – hmm, Larxene's dead, so there should be no 'she' mentioned in this castle." Saix deducted quietly to himself. Then he headed straight for Xemnas' chamber.
