A/N: My first real shot with Xaldin, and by far one of the most sassy character I've come across in a while :) Have a bit more fluff.

XXVI. At Snail's Pace

By the end of the week, I had familiarised myself with the members of the Organisation, the same way I had done with the folks in Twilight Town. True, it wasn't getting information from a local newspaper, but Saix apparently thought it appropriate for me to mingle slightly.

I woke up early every morning out of habit, and it was unsurprising that when I went to the Grey Area, only two other people were already awake. Or awake and already on standby.

"Luxord, once Lexaeus is ready to go, you two are to head out to Olympus." Saix ripped off a sheet of paper from his clipboard and forced it into my hand.

"That's the target?" I asked as I examined the circular body of a rather large Heartless. Its emblem was plastered across its entire body, making my suggestion reasonable.

However, perhaps it was too obvious as Saix rolled his eyes. "I would have been happier if you asked if it was going to be your partner," he remarked icily, then turned on his heel towards the large windows.

I had yet to see Saix be anything happier than his current mood.

I gave the sheet of paper one last look before folding it into quarters and putting it in a pocket. There was nothing much for me to do except wait for Lexaeus.

I decided to sit next to the only other person awake. He was of a considerable build, and it was the first time I had seen him with his hood off. I knew already that Xaldin was Number III and was considerably burlier than everyone else in the Organisation, however his wild look certainly had a new perspective. I respected his appearance, battling my subconscious thoughts of unkempt eyebrows and little care in sideburns.

He sat with his arms folded and straight backed. I sat with my back against the cushions with one leg over the other. In a way, we mirrored each other.

"Are you waiting for someone as well?"

Xaldin grunted at the question. "Demyx. Lazy, good-for-nothing slob, if you want my honest opinion."

I blinked. I didn't ask for it, but it certainly gave me an insight of what both members in question was like. Xaldin's tongue had bite like a snake, and Demyx was hardly punctual. "Sounds like you'll be waiting for a while."

"You bet," he snapped. "I'd die of old age if Nobodies could do such a thing in the first place. Seems to think he can go at a snail's pace and expect everyone to be fine about it. Bloody cheek."

I laughed at his comments. For somebody who couldn't show emotion, he did have a lot of venom in his voice. I chose not to look at him, instead summoning up cards onto the coffee table directly in front of us. I could tell that Xaldin was watching my every move, and I didn't let that bother me as I placed the five of diamonds over the six of clubs. "Everyone has their own way of approaching things, although it's only natural for people not to accept the different attitudes."

Xaldin grunted. "Wait until you get paired up with him. I'd like to see you last ten minutes with Number IX. If he does the work, he spends most of his time getting killed and if not, then he shoves everything onto you." He nodded sagaciously at his comment. "Let me know when you get paired up with him."

"Very well," I replied as I brought a hand to my chin. I had the tugging feeling of what my next move should be. Solitaire was always a game that required intellect of what the card beneath contained.

He pointed to the game, noticing how much concentration I had on it. "What's this then? It doesn't look like pairs."

"Pairs is a game for the younger audience." I finally settled with the Jack of diamonds, and flipped over the one that was beneath it. Being the manipulator of the cards, I didn't have to physically pick them up, but it was infinitely more fulfilling to do everything myself. "Solitaire is the more sophisticated way of putting the suits in chronological order."

Xaldin furrowed his bushy eyebrows. "If it's the adult way to do things, is there a way to lose?"

"Naturally," I confirmed as I leaned back in my seat. "There are a lot of unknown cards that can't be reached unless others are uncovered, and it makes things especially challenging. It sounds simple enough, but you'll understand once you give it a go."

"It's not my thing," he said bluntly. "The way I see it, the game looks like something a loner would do in his spare time."

I cracked a smile as I took the interpretation with grace. "I wouldn't disagree with you – you hold a valid point. However, stimulating the mind in times of idle moments are what I think is more valuable than waiting like what you have been doing until now."

The solitaire game I was half way through disappeared in an instant, snapping back into my hand as if they had never left. I was still rather entranced by my weapon choice, considering the fact both Jokers loved cards a lot more than I did. Roulette was what I considered my top pastime. "Besides missions, do you do anything else?"

Xaldin gave me his most deadpan face yet. "When there's work to be done, there's no need to do anything else."

"And yet here you are," I added smarmily, and I let my smile grow wider. "And there's another thing that's been bothering me. It's so quiet I can hear my own voice." I didn't elaborate how I had been accustomed to speaking slightly louder than normal to be heard over the immensely cheery music or the disputes at the betting tables. I also didn't mention that I found the noise to be normal and a comfort, and that it was exceptionally lonely to be left in silence now that it had gone with the wind.

Xaldin scoffed. "Then you should treasure this moment."

"I have the perfect remedy for this." I placed the cards on the table, dealing out five cards each. I knew that I had Xaldin's interest once more – capturing your audience's attention was crucial in delivering an idea. I had applied that knowledge many times in the past when suggesting improvements to the casino. "Poker. A multi-player game that's fit for those who understand the rules. And those who make noise play with those who make noise, and you can play with the adults if that suits you. It's not the game loners play at least – the Organisation severely lacks on the social aspect of life."

He blinked. "Did someone spike your drink?"

I got onto my feet as I saw the bulky figure of Lexaeus enter the Grey Area. He certainly looked intimidating, but it wasn't long until I learnt that looks didn't account for everything. The mysterious Number VI was constantly with him, swallowed up in his broad shadow and clinging the back of his coat like he was doing now. If a ten-year old could be comfortable with a man of such strong build, then there was little point of being afraid.

"Unfortunately not. I'm pretty serious regarding poker. If you read up on the rules and you're willing to challenge me, I'll show you. Then you'll understand that I'm serious."

I didn't know if Xaldin considered the proposal, but as Lexaeus and I made last minute preparations for our mission, I saw it at the corner of my eye. Xaldin fingered the edges of the cards, and that little temptation was all that was required to pull people into the casino, gambling and ultimately my field of expertise.