Ah, good night's sleep, Axel thought and stretched, leisurely heading to get his day's missions. The halls were fairly quiet this morning; he guessed it was only that way, however, because everyone had already left on their own missions. Which meant he'd probably woken up later than usual. His mouth twisted.

He heard a long yawn that ended in a groan from around the corner he'd been about to pass. He stopped, waiting to see who it was, and Demyx walked into sight, slouching deeply and scratching the back of his neck. The red-head suppressed a powerful urge to kick a wall.

When he saw Axel, he straightened his posture. "Dude!" He smirked slightly, waving. "Wanna hear something interesting?!"

Axel sighed. "Not really."

"Well, I'm gonna tell ya' anyways, 'cause I'm positive you'd want to know!" Demyx took a dramatic breath. "Apparently, Xigbar and Nalax still haven't come back from their mission!"

Axel raised his brows. "Seriously? Why?"

"Pft, I don't know, man!" He laughed. "But can you imagine being on a mission for -- like -- more than fourteen hours or something?! That's crazy!"

"I wonder what they're doing," Axel wondered aloud. "Saïx said it was a very important mission."

"Don't got a clue," Demyx said, yawning again. "But that better not become the new thing. Day-long missions… no, thank you!"

Axel rolled his eyes. "Uh-huh." He started towards the Grey Area again, shoving past Demyx as he went.

"Hold up a minute," Demyx called. Axel stopped and turned around. "What is your problem lately? Somebody steal a chakram or something?"

Axel squinted. "More like what's your problem, man."

"Huh? I don't have any beef with you!"

"That's not what I'm talkin' about."

"Then what?!"

"Look, I know you've always hated combat missions, and that your laid-back and whatever, but now you're just plain lazy. And, plus, you put your laziness over stuff like what could be going wrong in the Organization. I'm sorry, but seriously, I've begun to lose respect for you."

Demyx frowned. "Just because I'm lazy? That's kinda stupid."

"Sheesh, Demyx! It's more than just your laziness!" Axel rolled his eyes, closed them, and then took a deep breath. "You know what? Forget it. Just don't let your lack of responsibility get in my way." He took off once more, faster than before. "See ya'."

He heard him scoff and mumble to himself.

Axel huffed. Wonder if Saïx would tell me about Nalax's mission. He almost laughed at himself. Probably not, but I guess it couldn't hurt to ask.

He entered the Grey Area after another moment. Larxene was leaning against the wall looking smug, and she called to him as he passed.

"Does Axel miss our little puppet?" she cooed.

He stopped and turned to look at the Nymph. "Huh?"

She merely smirked.

Axel raised an eyebrow at her, but promptly turned to walk up to Saïx, who was standing where he usually did these days, but was turned and looking out the giant window.

"Saïx."

"Hm?" he said, but didn't turn around.

Axel joined him at the window. "What's taking Xigbar and Nalax so long?"

He was quiet for a moment, just staring at the night sky. "Their mission requires that they take their time."

"Why? What's their mission?"

Saïx looked at him then. "It's of no concern to you."

"Can't be sure about that, now can I?"

"Don't hold a grudge against me, Number XIII."

"Well isn't that the pot calling the kettle black?" Axel retorted.

Saïx scoffed.

"What's their mission?"

"…All in good time. Don't worry."

"Do you have a fetish for secrets or something?"

"Axel." Saïx faced him fully now. "Since when have I ever informed a Nobody of another's mission? This is no exception. Everyone will understand soon enough, but as for now, you have missions of your own to carry out. I suggest you get to them."

Axel sighed, wanting to glare, but nodded. "…Fine." He turned to leave.

"…Wait a minute, Axel."

He turned around.

"I must inform you of something else. Something important." Saïx turned to face the window again. "…And you will be the first to know."