OH GAWD YU GAIS! DIS CHAPTAH!

A lot of pretty heavy stuff goes down in this chapter via Demyx and his naughty meddling. And let me state now, what he does here does NOT have the approval of ANYBODY. Not even Marluxia. If Marluxia found out, he'd probably beat him to a bloody pulp. You just don't fuck with a mobster's bread and butter. You just don't. And of course, Demyx is childish and vindictive so he stupidly does whatever he pleases. Ah, rich people.

This chapter is fairly long compared to some of the pervious chapters, but not a whole lot goes on.

And for the record, I couldn't resist hinting that Naminé and Zexion are sorta doin it. Sorry if that bugs ya! ;)

Now, enjoy this chapter!

"Are you ready?" Zexion stood before Larxene with crossed arms, tapping his foot impatiently. "Because we've got a lot of time and money invested in this and if you're not ready or you can't perform, your life is over. I'll end it personally."

Larxene narrowed her gaze on Zexion and countered his stance. "I can handle it. Just relax."

"Everyone will be here tonight to make sure it goes smoothly. But most importantly there's going to be a lot of rich families here. That is the whole point of this. We want to drain them of as much money as possible so you've got to be ready to manipulate them into drinking more. Buying more." Zexion stared hard at Larxene. "It is crucial."

Larxene scoffed. "Look, I know. We've gone over and over this. I'm ready."

Naminé shook her head as she approached from behind Zexion. "Not quite yet, you aren't. You need a change of clothes and makeup! You have to look perfect! Come on!"

Luxord watched as Naminé tugged Larxene off before turning his gaze to Zexion. He himself was already dressed in a suit and ready to do whatever he needed to do. "What is my task? We never actually discussed what I would have to do."

"You're a statue." Axel smirked as he stepped down the stairs into the speakeasy. "Your job is to sit there and look pretty. Not much else. Yeah, you can schmooze if you want, but the doll is the one we're bettin' on rakin' in the most dough for us. Zexy here has been groomin' our little Mrs. G to perfection. She'll be gettin' them rich bastards to hand over every penny they got. Not to mention little Nami in the hot number she'll be wearin' to sell cigs and stogies."

Luxord nodded slowly. "I see. So we're selling sex."

"Sex appeal." Marluxia grinned widely as he joined the group growing downstairs. "We'll never ask our ladies to use their bodies in such a deplorable way. Not for cash anyhow. There are far too many other ways to make money. Of course, gentlemen are the worst pigs. They'll stay in one place and keep drinking when there are pretty ladies around. But the girls do more than just offer visual stimuli for the men. They provide a comforting equal balance for the women who come with their husbands. Women trust other women above men, especially when buying something. They like to see other women in places they choose to frequent, and that will keep bringing them back."

"That makes sense." Luxord nodded slowly and made his way over to the bar to sit. "I don't suppose I get to drink for free?"

Marluxia chuckled. "Larxene asked the same thing. Of course we can't afford to have either one of you intoxicated, you understand. You'll be given one drink, so you'll have to nurse on it through the night."

Luxord groaned in disappointment. It had been so long since he'd had any alcohol that the thought of having to sip on one drink all night didn't even seem worth it. But he had little time to think on it before he felt a hand fall heavily on his shoulder, slapping down quite painfully. He grit his teeth and turned his eyes to the person. Only two people here would do that and he hoped it would be Axel, but no, it wasn't.

"Hey Lux! This is going to be some kind of fun, right?" Demyx grinned widely and shook the British man by his shoulder. "This is what we've been working so hard for."

Luxord grumbled under his breath and forced a smile at Demyx. "So I've been told."

"Oh, I've got a little surprise for you!" Demyx looked back at the group standing at the base of the stairs. "You didn't tell him yet, did you?" He looked back to Luxord. "They didn't tell you yet, did they?"

Luxord scowled and looked to Demyx. A sudden migraine was finding its way to his skull at the volume of Demyx's voice. "Tell me what?"

"Well, I know how much you like card games, and you're really good at them so…" Demyx pulled out a deck of cards and handed them to Luxord. "Tada!"

Luxord stared down at the cards calmly, unsure whether Demyx was trying to be insulting or genuinely trying to be kind. "A pack. Uhm, thank you."

"I figured you could play them on that fancy new table sitting over there." Demyx motioned to the area of the room furthest from the stage.

"What table?" Luxord turned his eyes to see where Demyx had motioned and saw a large table, only it was covered with a sheet. He hadn't noticed it before. He stood slowly and walked over to it. "When did this get put here?"

Demyx shrugged. "Maybe this morning while I was distracting you in the kitchen. Its an ugly thing, though. You probably wouldn't like it."

Luxord grabbed the sheet and yanked it. He stared in awe at what lay beneath, a beautiful cherry wood poker table with the most vibrant green baize surface he'd ever seen. His gaze flew to Demyx in questioning. "How? Why?"

"Profit." Marluxia smirked and stepped over to Luxord. "I was trying to think of a way to make more profit and Demyx suggested that nothing goes better with alcohol than the urge to gamble. He then proceeded to mention that you're a hell of a card player. So, here you go. We'll be getting some slot machines delivered soon as well. I plan to make a killing."

Luxord smiled gratefully at Demyx and Marluxia. "Thank you. I mean, I know its for the business but…" He turned his eyes back to the table in ecstasy. It was the most beautiful thing he'd ever seen. He ran his fingers along the cool wood in excitement. The baize had markings for blackjack, which was what he figured he'd have to play to gain them the most profit, at least at first. His inner child that used to take his classmates for every bit of money they had was jumping for joy. "I can't wait to start playing."

"You won't have to." Marluxia looked to the clock on the wall. "We open in ten minutes and I'm sure there will be quite a few gentlemen ready to gamble their money away. Demyx and I will play to get you warmed up. Everyone else, get prepared."

Luxord smirked to himself as he watched the others dissipate. How fitting, it seemed, that it should be him pitted against Demyx and Marluxia. The three of them vying for Larxene's affection and now they were sitting here ready to play cards. Yes, Marluxia was too wickedly smart for his own good, suggesting this. However, this was not a competition for Larxene's heart. This was a game of cards and in this element Luxord was entirely superior. "Alright, gentlemen. We'll start with what you Americans call blackjack." He opened the card deck and shuffled it quickly after removing the jokers and placing them aside. He then dealt the first three cards, face down, and followed by the remaining three, face up. He set the deck aside and looked down at the face up cards. Marluxia had a nine, Demyx an ace. He himself had a jack. The three of them simultaneously looked at their hole cards. He himself had a queen. Twenty.

Marluxia watched Luxord's face curiously but there wasn't so much as a twitch, positive or otherwise, that would give hint to the hand he held. He himself had a five to accompany his nine. Not a desirable hand in the least. He tapped the table to signify that he wanted another card. Demyx however, was holding. And then Luxord dealt him a card. It was an eight. Bust. He smiled at the British man and leaned on the table. "Well, if this were a game of money, what would you have bet?"

"A gentleman doesn't reveal such information if it isn't necessary." Luxord smiled back at Marluxia as he flipped over his card. "Bust." He flipped over his own card. "Twenty." He reached out and flipped over Demyx's card. A nine accompanied his ace. "Twenty. The game is a draw."

"Is it?" Marluxia smiled wickedly and narrowed his gaze on Luxord. "How very, very interesting. You know, cards can tell you a lot about life."

Luxord returned Marluxia's glare. What was he getting at exactly? This was just a card game. Just the three of them against each other. And then it dawned upon him. Marluxia was playing this as though it was still a competition for Larxene's heart and he'd busted. Demyx however… Demyx had tied with Luxord and Marluxia felt the need to comment on it. Was this a hint? His eyes flew to Demyx who only shrugged with a smile. He grit his teeth in anger but he had little time to actually feel the fury. He heard the door to the speakeasy open and the sound of women's heels coming down the stairs. All three men turned their attention to the stairs where Naminé and Larxene were making their way down. Luxord heard the other two men draw in sharp breaths much like himself as Larxene came into view.

Larxene blushed as the men's eyes fell on her. The look of awe on their face was flattering, but embarrassing. She huffed and crossed her arms over the beaded teal dress she wore. "Well, I didn't know this was a staring festival."

"Darling, you look stunning!" Demyx stood quickly and smiled as he started toward Larxene. "This style suits you much more than the fashions back home. And that hemline…" Demyx looked down at Larxene's legs which were exposed practically to the knee. "Well, short as it is, its lovely."

Marluxia smiled and quickly joined Demyx in praising Larxene's beauty. "Yes, you look positively radiant my sweet. Naminé, you did splendidly in choosing this for her. In a word, perfection. But, hmm…" Marluxia looked down at the necklace Larxene was wearing. It wasn't one of the pieces of jewelry that he'd purchased for her to wear and although the jewelry he'd purchased was for business purposes only, he felt a spike of jealousy within him. "What is this hideous thing?"

Luxord scowled as Marluxia snatched up the cameo necklace he'd given Larxene and examined it. At this point he was ready to jump over the table and pummel the gangster into the ground but Larxene spoke first.

"It is very dear to me and Naminé thought that it complimented the dress just fine. I'd like very much to wear it tonight, and every night." She smiled up at Marluxia sweetly, putting on her best baby doll act. "That will be alright, won't it?"

"Well, I suppose that if it means that much to you, you may." Marluxia smiled and released his hold on the necklace. "We'll just have to buy a wardrobe to accompany such an accessory. Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to get my boys in order. Demyx, do help Naminé with the cigars and cigarettes."

Luxord watched as Marluxia disappeared upstairs and Demyx and Naminé went off to collect what they needed. He then stood slowly and walked over to Larxene. "It really is a good thing you shut his mouth when you did. Otherwise I might have made a fool of myself. Then, of course, I'm always doing that."

Larxene grinned and shrugged. "Consider it one of your more charming qualities and it doesn't seem so bad."

"So…" Luxord inhaled deeply and looked down at Larxene. "The dress, it really brings out your eyes."

Larxene smiled and tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. "Oh, you think so?"

"Yes." Luxord nodded slowly and reached out to grab Larxene's hand. "You know you look beautiful in anything."

"Why, Mister Luxord, if I didn't know any better I'd say you're blushing." Larxene laughed softly and stepped closer to Luxord. "You know, tonight is only going to last so long. After everyone clears out it will just be you and me again. Maybe we could share a bed again, if you promise not to snore."

Luxord nodded and swallowed hard. "Alright, but there's something I need to ask you first. A-about Demyx… Are you…"

"Larxene, sweet!" Marluxia hurried down the stairs and motioned to the girl. "Some of our esteemed guests have arrived. You should greet them. Luxord, you stay here to keep them entertained. Oh, and see to it that the band starts playing."

Luxord huffed as Larxene hurried up the stairs without a word. He stalked over to the stage area and stuck his head behind the curtain. His saw with anger the group of black musicians just standing around leisurely. "Get your caffer asses out here and start the music!"

"Whoa, relax." Demyx clasped Luxord on the shoulder and pulled his head from the curtain. "No need to be so hostile."

Luxord scowled and looked to Demyx. "Listen, mate. I don't know what shit you're trying to pull, but I'm not falling for it. You think you can be chummy with me to my face while you try and seduce my wife behind my back? The poker table was a purely strategic move on your behalf, and I commend you. It was clever. You've humbled me entirely for the sake of humiliation before Larxene. "Oh, Demyx is so kind. Look what he did for you Luxord!" Is that what you're expecting? For her to fawn all over your generosity? And here I sit, and I have to pretend to be grateful because if I don't I look like a fool."

Demyx stared hard at Luxord before chuckling and shaking his head. "You're so high strung. If I was trying to impress Larxene and make her love me, there'd be far better and cheaper ways to do so than suckering up to you."

Luxord crossed his arms and growled. "Like bringing a basket of sweets for breakfast?"

Demyx scoffed and rolled his eyes. "Look, I may have suggested the table but who went out and bought it? Marluxia. He's the one flaunting his wealth and so called generosity. Don't you think you ought to be worried about him? I already told you, I'm not interested in Larxene. It was a silly schoolboy crush, but it passed. I'm on your side now Luxord. And trust me, taking out your frustrations on me is only going to alienate you from Lar. I'm her best friend, and I'm really all she's got anymore. Are you going to take that away from her?"

Luxord looked to Demyx in offense but he thought about what the boy was saying. Demyx was the only constant in Larxene's life that she had around anymore. Could he really remove Demyx from her life without hurting her? "Whatever, just keep your hands to yourself."

"No worries." Demyx smiled and patted Luxord's back. "I think I hear the guests arriving. You should go greet them, Mr. Gabbiani. I'll go get you a drink." He watched as Luxord sighed and started off toward the door before he walked over to the bar. He grabbed a glass and poured some whiskey in. When he was certain that nobody was looking, he pulled out a cigarette case and popped it open. Inside was cocaine that Marluxia had given him to "take the edge off" but even never having been around the stuff before, Demyx knew of its highly addictive and often troubling side effects. He grabbed a pinch and put it in the drink, stirring it quickly and then adding ice. He then hurried over with the drink and handed it to Luxord. "Here you go, I couldn't remember if you like it on ice or not."

"Anyway is fine, really." Luxord took a quick sip and furrowed his brow. It tasted a bit off. "It tastes odd."

"Must be the ice." Demyx shrugged and motioned for the men and women now entering the mansion to make their way down to the speakeasy. "Better to pound it anyhow."

"I suppose." Luxord downed the drink and handed the glass back to Demyx. "Be a friend and get me another before Marluxia gets back."

Demyx scowled as Luxord shoved the glass in his hand but quickly forced a smile. "Sure, what are friends for?"

Luxord smiled at the group of bar patrons that mostly smelled like they'd already been drinking. He watched them make their way downstairs and Zexion quickly squeezed his way through them to get to the bar. The music was playing, lively and unfamiliar. It all seemed so surreal. And then Demyx returned with his drink. He brought it to his lips, it too tasted funny so he drank it down quickly.

Demyx grinned and took the glass back from Luxord. "Zexion doesn't know that I got you a drink, so I can get you another."

"Thanks, mate." Luxord put a hand on Demyx's shoulder, the warm wash of the alcohol in his empty stomach quickly taking effect. "You're a good man."

"Well, I try to be." Demyx retreated back to the bar where Zexion stood pouring drinks. He placed the glass down and smiled. "Well, I think Mr. Gabbiani is ready for his drink now."

Zexion eyed Demyx curiously. "And you're getting it for him?"

"I figure I might as well do something useful. And one for me too, please" Demyx smiled as Zexion poured the whiskey in a fresh glass and then poured some into the glass with ice. "Thanks."

"This is the only one he gets, you know. Don't let him swindle you into getting him more." Zexion watched Demyx grab up the drinks and start off toward a dark corner. It was then that he felt Naminé join his side. "Something's amiss."

Naminé looked up at Zexion. "What do you mean? Everything's great!"

"I think Demyx is up to no good." Zexion followed the older man with his eyes and watched as he hurried up the stairs with the drinks in hand. "If he causes trouble for the business we'll have to off him."

"Ah, come on Zex. He's harmless. He's just another spoiled little rich kid that got suckered into this life. Just like you." Naminé smiled and pressed her lips to his cheek. "Just relax and let the night flow. Everything will go smoothly. You'll see."