Disclaimer: I don't own Kingdom Hearts.
Note: Written for LJ's "30kisses," Theme ten: 10.

Gamble

It was time for Zexion to take a gamble. There was something and someone he wanted, and it was time for him to take it and run. He entered the room without knocking, already certain that the man he was looking for was within.

"I had bet it was you," Luxford said, holding out the Knave of Diamonds. "The cards figured you were coming. Is there a chance that I could help you with something?"

Zexion chose his words. "I'm playing a game of Risk."

"Oh? Leaving Fate up to Chance? How amusing. I would have been slow to chance that you, Zexion, would be the type. But why come to me, other than to bring me that amusement?" Luxford asked with curiosity and verbosity.

"Your… luck is a formidable force. It seemed to me obvious that I should come to you. I considered it worth it to hope for Osmosis."

Luxford nodded his head with understanding, smiling faintly at Zexion's answer. "Lady Luck is fickle to those she does not favor. If her mood is sweet Lucky shall kiss your dice; if she is foul she'll curse them. Like all arts, the excitement is in the simplicity of it. But I fear your hope is in vain, Zexion; I cannot play the game for you."

Any expression of disappointment from Zexion died in his throat, as the scent of someone approaching reached him. Zexion could see a card flip over from Luxford's deck, and he recognized the card just as he recognized the scent. The Knave of Spades.

The door opened quietly, and Axel approached the pair, Luxford satisfied by the repeated success of his cards, Zexion anxious for little reason.

"Ah, Axel, the cards bet--"

"Luxford, would you mind excusing Zexion and I for a moment?" Axel's voice had an edge of irritation, weakening but not abolishing Zexion's resolve. Zexion knew that Axel didn't usually care about the ranks of the Organization members, but he could assert himself over his subordinates when he felt inclined. Zexion took comfort in his status as Axel's senior as his protection from scorn. Axel at very least would watch his mouth around his superiors. Usually.

Zexion didn't notice Luxford's uncertain departure, but he noticed when he and Axel were alone. Luxford's luck or not, it was time to gamble.