A/N: Well, guys, today is the day in which I have put up this last chapter. I know, so short a story! But, I couldn't think too much more to add to hayori-spirit-rain3's request. Well, the Zemyx was my idea, she didn't mention it though said I could do pairings. And I thought what the heck? I love Zemyx! XD
Disclaimer: I don't own anything.
Chapter 5: Surprises and Resolutions
One night a few days later, as Zexion slept more soundly than he had in a while, Ienzo noticed him smile slightly in his sleep. This room had gotten messier than in the past, clothes strewn all over the place and books thrown every which way. Soon, Zexion would be able to accomplish that one goal that would make him get that surprise. Ienzo grinned to himself as he settled down on the purple armchair. It would be over before either of them knew it, and he would have to leave, his job finished. Personal job anyway—it wasn't like anyone had forced him to do this. But, there had been many benefits to him being in the castle. Zexion and Demyx, it was safe to say, had long since befriended each other. Heck, there can be the possibility of them getting closer than that. Before he came, Zexion wouldn't even look twice at Demyx.
Now that they were unlikely friends, it was one step closer to the illusionist's goal of not being boring. Demyx had shown that he was quite an excellent influence on him. Feeling no need to stay in the bedroom further, Ienzo decided to wander out to the cafeteria to get himself a midnight snack. He ate a few pickles before heading over toward Demyx's room to speak with someone close to his half of a heart. He only hoped the sitar hero (his inside joke shared with Zexion) was asleep, too. Opening the door just a crack, he saw Demyx thoroughly passed out on the waterbed, snoring extremely loud like a motorboat or something. There, snoozing on top of a beanbag chair, was the guy he eagerly wanted to see.
Myde was usually the most serious person he knew and that included Zexion. However, Myde was far more uptight and dressed in casual suits that might as well have come from the 1900's. That was how old-fashioned he was. His pastimes included reading anything in print, studying to expand his knowledge, and being overly rational. However, Ienzo loved those things about him, because every sloppy person needed an organized person to correct them. He especially liked the way Myde's glasses were awkwardly situated on his face, when they were usually on very precisely. Smirking, Ienzo pounced upon him, startling him awake and making him glare with annoyance in the process.
"Ienzo...what the devil is going on? It's ten minutes past midnight!"
Ienzo laughed fake evilly before replying, "Come on, Myde. Aren't I entitled to see my boyfriend once in a while?"
Since his pride was at stake, Myde tried suppressing a yawn but ended up failing dismally. "I will grant you that. However, this is the middle of the night. This better be good."
"It is. Come on, let's get out in the hall."
Ienzo more than enthusiastically dragged Myde, who blearily trudged and stumbled out to the hall for a more private conversation. Even though he himself was Zexion's Other and being invisible to Demyx, Myde would be heard if they remained in the room. Besides, this regarded Zexion in particular and the excellent progress he had made in terms of the goal. It would be important to both Ienzo and Myde before long. Meantime, the former leaned against a wall, very relaxed.
"So, you know about my other half Zex, right?" he asked his adored lover.
Nodding subtly, Myde showed that yes, he remembered the time when they last talked about Zexion. Ienzo had been bitterly complaining about how his Other didn't know how to have fun but, rather, knew how to hand out insults like gifts. Not that making people feel offended was a gift, but he swore Zexion thought this way. This had happened before he even revealed himself to his other half, though.
Ienzo was very cheery this time as he mentioned, "Well, he's come a long way since being annoyingly mean and sarcastic. I've improved him, but he's done some of it on his own, too. And best of all, I think he really likes Demyx. In that way."
Myde couldn't help but smile fondly at this, wondering if he should relate the hopeful news to Demyx. Now, they would be... But then, that would mean...
"You'll be gone soon, won't you?" he stated plaintively. Gone was the somewhat bright smile, replaced by a more pensive expression. If Ienzo disappeared from the castle, who would he have to talk to apart from Demyx? Even more importantly, he wouldn't have love, or at least the connection. There was no one quite like Ienzo, what with his jokes and grins and borderline obnoxious yet endearing behavior. Without him, he had no idea where to go from here. Ienzo seemed to realize the problem too, judging by his somber face.
"Yeah," he whispered. "Guess so. You know, though, every time Demyx and Zexion are toge—"
Myde impulsively interrupted, "No! I...I cannot, for one instance, buy that sentimental optimism. It doesn't mean anything. Not at all."
This was beyond devastating for the both of them. Even if it was true they could meet again because of Demyx and Zexion, it wouldn't be quite the same. They wouldn't remotely be themselves but those two people whose personalities contrasted with theirs. Ienzo should have known that grim Myde would reach that conclusion so quickly. He was the pessimistic one after all. However, it was inevitable they would miss each other dearly. Just as Myde's teal eyes welled with tears, Ienzo gently cupped his face in his hands.
"Look," he murmured, rubbing gentle circles against Myde's skin. "It won't be much longer after me until you help Demyx with his goal. If it could have been any other way, I swear I would have gone with it. I love you, Myde. For life."
They kissed, and all of their emotions were no longer concealed between the two of them. Passion, anguish, happiness, desperation—everything came out. They would have preferred to have their arms around each other and their lips locked forever. Eventually, though, they separated. Tears fell freely down Myde's face.
Wiping the tears away, Ienzo grinned wryly. "Oh, come on man, I'm supposed to be the emotional one. Besides, if you do any more crying, I'll cry. Then we'll drown everyone in the castle with our tears, and Zexion will die before he can save himself. And that's not a metaphor."
Myde laughed through his crying and furiously wiped at his eyes. "Good point. I'm getting too dramatic."
Ienzo joined in the laughter heartily and patted his boyfriend amicably on the back. "Not up to par with the whole sensibility thing, are you? I need you to keep me sane, dude. If you're not sane, I go crazy."
Nodding to agree with him, Myde replied, "I assume that's saying something, considering you're crazy 99.9% of the time."
"Rough estimation, I bet. I used to be a scientist, y'know."
"And I used to be Radiant Garden's librarian."
Ienzo snorted laughingly. "Yeah, if I hadn't quit the science biz, we would have made the most boring couple in the world."
Myde mocked being affronted but couldn't keep up the façade long before chuckling. The two then bid each other good night.
The rude awakening for Zexion came in the form of discovering his Other bouncing up and down his bed. Once Ienzo landed cat-like on his feet, he offered a hand to him.
"Today is our last day together, buddy. I think all you need is to do another prank."
Zexion felt a jolt of fear overcome him. "You're leaving? I am unsure of whether I'm any closer to coming through with my goal."
Shaking his head in response, Ienzo patted him on the shoulder. "Hey, I thought you had a little more faith in me than that. I wouldn't leave until you were ready. But, you're so close I could taste it."
That comment was enough to encourage him, so he quickly hurried himself to get to the cafeteria.
Once again, Demyx was there, since it had been part of their morning ritual to eat breakfast together despite whoever was there at the time. The Organization members normally kept to themselves without even communicating amongst each other too much. So, the two of them could eat their blueberry pancakes and sausage links in peace.
"Why settle on being a musician when you are such a fantastic cook?" Zexion asked conversationally.
Demyx shrugged. "Music's been the one thing that inspires me. Plus, it's fun to me. I mean, I was really boring in my past life, but I always found time for music."
He proceeded to summon his sitar, which Zexion noticed almost matched his eyes.
Relaxed (more so than usual), Demyx situated himself so that it looked as though he was lounging on the chair. He ate the rest of his pancake, too.
Between mouthfuls, he explained, "I got so good, I considered starting a band. And I would have too, believe me. I can play all kinds of chords...like this."
He managed to get the pitch of the sitar so high and electric. Zexion wondered if it could pass for more of a guitar. This sitar didn't sound exotic enough. Nonetheless, he was beginning to discover the joys of listening to Demyx's music. Before now, he had always dismissed it as disruptive noise.
"Very well played," Zexion complimented gently, smiling.
Demyx beamed. "I knew I'd convert you to liking it eventually."
Zexion's mission that day had basically been mere reconnaissance work, so it luckily didn't take anything out of him. He supposed that if he had gone on a regular mission, it would have been him being a target again, probably even worse than the last time he was severely wounded.
For, if he was as close as Ienzo said to achieving that goal and getting the surprise, the Heartless would attack him relentlessly. At least maybe he could spend the day thinking up that one last prank. Ienzo decided to make that decision somewhat easier for him after lunch.
"I think I'll help you a little just this one last time. Think of it as a gift, something to remember me by when I'm gone."
Digging into his deep pockets, he took out a can of spraypaint.
For an explanation, he told him, "It's purple, our favorite color. I used to spraypaint graffiti on those supposedly historical buildings at Radiant Garden. I pass it on to you."
"I will cherish it forever," Zexion murmured sardonically but privately appreciated the gift. It was as though Ienzo hoped for him to inherit his prankster spirit as well. He sighed in an almost sad way, because he knew he would miss his twin, who had taught him so much in terms of really living. He owed everything to him.
Ienzo waved those thoughts aside. "Oh, don't think about it too much. I appreciate that you'll miss me. Means I wasn't totally annoying. Besides, you're getting too sappy."
Truthfully, Zexion had to agree with Ienzo on that point. Now came the ultimate test that would prove once and for all that he wasn't a dull person. Graffiti was the true delinquent's best friend. He would have to find the ideal spot to spray two certain words he had in mind. As he passed Vexen's room, he got his idea, his light bulb flashing on.
He smirked. "Turn around, Ienzo. I shall have a surprise for you when I tell you to peek."
Laughing maniacally, Ienzo replied, "I'd kill to know what you're spraying. But, OK, I'll turn around."
On the wall near Vexen's bedroom door, Zexion sprayed in big, bold letters "XEMNAS SUX" before blowing on top of the can like he would with a smoking gun. Take that, Organization.
"Now, look," he directed his other half.
Nearly bursting with laughter, Ienzo danced a jig after reading the words. Then, he hugged Zexion.
"I'm so proud of you, dude! You have no idea how much. In fact, I would venture to say you're no longer boring. With that, I say farewell, Zexion."
What? Why was he saying goodbye so soon? Confused and also shocked at the friendly hug, he stood frozen in front of the graffiti. Turning his head a fraction, he stared at him.
Ienzo looked ready to run. "Hold your breath. This is gonna feel like being dunked underwater. WOOOT!"
He ran directly toward an utterly befuddled Zexion, who instantly shut his eyes and braced for impact. It came all right, but it felt as though something light penetrated his chest. He nearly stumbled back from the sensation nonetheless. And then...
Thump, thump...thump, thump...
"It can't be," Zexion whispered very softly while his hand cautiously, tentatively touched his chest, right where...
A heartbeat! And it wasn't fading but persistent. This must have been the surprise all along. He had never dreamed he could obtain a heart so soon. Surely, he wasn't dreaming.
"Thanks, Ienzo," he muttered just as a bewildered Vexen stormed out of his room.
"I thought I heard something," he explained quickly, which made Zexion smirk mysteriously.
Handing off the spraypaint can to him, he said on the verge of chuckling, "Hold this for me, Vexen."
As he walked off to the library, he observed that Xemnas was striding fairly fast the opposite direction. Perfect timing. Upon seeing Vexen with the can and the blunt graffiti—the writing—on the wall, he let out a disdainful snort.
"I am thankful you think so well of me, Number Four," he told him in even tones that were practically scathing. "In fact, I'm so overjoyed, I ask—no, order—of you to kindly clean this garbage off for me."
Vexen shook with a mixture of anger and shock. "But, Superior, I—"
"Do it or I shall turn you into a Dusk on the spot. Is that understood?"
"Y—Yes, sir."
And Xemnas stalked off haughtily, his pride still intact in spite of this incident.
Enraged that he would have to take the fall for someone else's prank, Vexen spun on his heel to face Zexion. His green eyes were malicious and threatening.
"Listen, you, I have not the slightest idea what has gotten into you but—"
Zexion cut in, "Don't bother investigating further. And I'd like my can back please."
The literal mad scientist aimed it so that it would hit him hard. But, to his disappointment, Number Six caught it and headed off on his way. In the meantime, Axel appeared from behind the corner of where the two corridors met. He smirked evilly.
"So, kid, I noticed you frame Vexen back there. Classic."
"Yes, I suppose it is," Zexion responded neutrally.
The redhead scratched his chin, intrigued that the very person he once called boring sprayed graffiti (a particularly good message at that) on the wall.
"I guess you took what I said ages ago to heart, didn't you?"
Zexion was suspicious for a few seconds. After all, he hadn't revealed to anybody about the re-emergence of his heart. Sure, Axel was known to use the very word to be sarcastic, but he couldn't help but assume circumstances were different.
He shrugged his theory off. "I did. And I must say I have benefited from it, Axel."
"I still don't like you, you know. Wanted to make that message clear."
Zexion glanced up at Axel, and the two of them acknowledged they would continue being apathetic to each other even after this. He smirked, not resisting that urge.
"I wouldn't have it any other way, my colleague."
"Good. Even though you're interesting now, Bookworm, it doesn't really change things."
"No, nowhere near change for us."
Axel gave him a curt yet sardonic nod. "Bookworm."
"Arsonist."
They headed off then, each teen to his own destination and neither of them looking back. Honestly, they both were unaware they could never become remote allies, much less friends. Besides, Zexion knew that he was one up on Axel. He was the one with a heart.
Currently, there was one thing left for that day that absolutely had to be done. If he neglected this, he would give himself a hard time. He could hardly keep the smile from his face as he turned the corner toward down the next hallway. The sooner he got there, the better. Without knocking this time, Zexion entered Demyx's room, where the musician himself was playing his sitar. Once he saw him, he smiled and let the instrument vanish. The words Zexion planned to say died in his throat. What if Demyx ended up envious over the news he had to share? He doubted he could bear that disappointment.
"Hey, what's up?" Demyx greeted.
"I...I have a heart now, Demyx. I'll tell you the story...if you want to hear it."
The look of jealousy he had been anticipating didn't even come across Demyx's handsome face. Not even close. Instead, he was in disbelief before grinning widely, his biggest smile yet.
"Wow, Zexion! I'd really like to hear the story."
And so with reluctance at first, Zexion talked about the second shadow and how it was Ienzo, the things he had had to do, and the lessons he learned. The most important one, he mentioned, was learning not to be so closed-off to everyone, especially Demyx.
Taking a breath, he admitted, "I have come to care about you, like I haven't cared before. Half the time, you were the reason I changed. You're incredible. You're not even angry about me getting my heart."
"Of course I'm not mad," Demyx murmured softly, brushing some strands of purplish-gray hair away from Zexion's face. "Actually, I'm really happy. That means you...you can love me."
Zexion shook his head slowly as he whispered, "I never needed a heart for that."
The two boys leaned closer and closer, their faces a hair's breadth apart before their lips met. They kissed slowly at first before the increase in passion caused them to kiss even more deeply than before. At one point, Demyx tentatively slid his tongue inside Zexion's mouth before they abruptly stopped. Zexion smiled, but there was a mischievous glint in his eyes, probably courtesy of Ienzo.
"Idiot, you don't use tongue until the second kiss."
Demyx smirked back. "That's not stopping me now, is it?"
And as they laughed companionably together, two extra shadows stood side by side to watch.
A/N: Zexion getting his heart back was part of the request, so I put it in. I'll leave it up to you whether beyond the ending to this story if they died like in canon or lived happily ever after. I left it at that for a reason. It was humor/romance after all, not angst/romance. I don't know what got into me for Zexion to say his last line like that. And I'm not one of those yaoi fangirls who just adds tongue kisses. Hell, I never even add tongue kisses that often in het fiction either. But, never mind.
Hm, originally, I was gonna have Zexion and Axel be friends. Yes, I know. 0_0 I decided not to at the last minute, considering how weird that would be. I couldn't see that happening unless it was in AU. Or something. And I'll also leave it up to you on whether Axel really knew about Zexion's "mission" to get his heart back or not. That will forever remain a mystery.
I hope you guys review. Thanks to Angel M. Demon for reviewing the most-you're awesome! And so are the other peeps who read/reviewed/put on story alert/faved. Hope I got everyone covered. I don't mean to do these biased shout-outs without including everyone else. XD