Hey, guys! Sorry that this chapter hasn't been uploaded on here! Its been up on my deviantart account for the longest time and I only remembered that I HAD a fanfic dot net account recently. Heh...

Enjoy!

Hi guys! You're all looking lively! It's me, Demyx, the greatest musician ever to become a Nobody! As you know, a short time ago, Zexion had been promoted to Second-In-Command cause Saïx and Xemnas had… I dunno, does it even qualify as a fight? Well, whatever happened, me and Saïx were cast aside for a while and Zexion was being an assmunch and wouldn't talk to me. I guess he thought he was too 'high and mighty' for me, Number IX. But yeah. And since you've waited patiently, I now introduce the story where I choose the awesomer: Zexion or Xigbar? Who knows. Hell, I don't even know…

~*~*~*~*~*~

I was crouched in front of the fridge, rummaging through its contents for something good to eat. I pushed past the aged jar of spicy pickles—ew, I could see the mold, it was disgusting—and pulled out my beloved stash of chocolate chip cookies that I cleverly hide behind Roxas's gallon of milk. (I don't blame the kid for drinking milk, and I have to admit I've been sneaking some of it.) I hugged the Ziploc bag of cookies to my chest just as a shadow came over me. I slowly looked up, my disheveled bangs falling up (down?) over the top of my head as I noticed Xigbar was looking down at me, an eyebrow raised.

"Hey, kid," He greeted. He then noticed my cookies. "So that's where ya been hidin' 'em. Smart. No one would ever look behind the milk in the back." I grinned, despite my need for a new cookie hiding place. "Hopefully whatever you put back will still be there tomorrow."

"Xigbar, you touch my stash and you'll wake up in the pool." I promised. No one touches my happy food, no one! If I don't have my cookies I'll freak. Like the one time I almost killed Axel, but he's a prick anyway. Xigbar smirked at me, patted my head, and back off so I could get up and close the refrigerator door. Once the door was shut, I turned toward him. He was leaning casually against the counter, golden eye on me. "Whaat?" I whined. He wasn't gonna get my cookies.

"Do you honestly think I'm going to jump you for your cookies?" Yes. "'Cause I'm not, little dude." I open the Ziploc bag, and slowly pull out a cookie, eyeing him wearily. I knew I was only playing a game, but hey, it's me. I love games (except strip poker with Luxord cause I always lose and then I have to mug him the next day for my stuff back). I turned slightly away from the Freeshooter in almost the most immature way possible and munched on one of my favorite foods. It was amazing how I could eat anything, anytime, 'cause I had an endless abyss of a stomach, and not gain a single pound.

A chuckle came from Xigbar. "Dem."

I turned to him, and said, with a mouthful of cookie, "What?" He strode over to me, a smile creeping across his scarred features. From behind, he snaked his arms around my waist and planted a kiss to my neck. I shivered at the sudden warmth.

He kissed my neck for another few moments, before whispering in my ear, "Maybe we should go… somewhere more private." I jumped when he moved his hand to my ass. I knew Xigbar was a pervert but I didn't think this much. I didn't mind it to an extent. Zexion hadn't pushed for things like sex, he let things flow naturally. Zexion… I thought, as I declined my boyfriend's offer, I can't be thinking of him… I've moved on…

His smile didn't falter as he released me. Xigbar knew well enough to never cross my boundaries. I was glad for that and smiled in return. Now… to find a new cookie hiding spot.

Later on—my new hiding place was in the mini fridge in my room, since its only me and Xigbar in there anyway and he knows not to touch them—I found myself in the library, in search of manga. I loved my manga stash in the back, over like 150 volumes that I like pick up when I occasionally accompany Xaldin or Larxene out shopping. (Larxene was one time, she wouldn't let me go again and then laughed in my face. Of course, by that time I was pinned to the wall by her kunai knives and couldn't move… but that's another story.) Zexion—back when we were 'happily' together—had so graciously put then in alphabetical order by series for me, since I'd never take the time to do that myself.

I ran my gloved finger over the spine on the "D" group, slowly coming to a stop on Death Note Volume 1. I hadn't read that in a while. I slipped it out of its slot and tucked it under my arm, turning from the wooden bookcase. Our Library was a huge place, almost like a labyrinth. I didn't normally like it that way, but we did have like books on everything. (Although the books on the Keyblade Bearer, Sora, are kept in a place where Roxas wouldn't be able to find them… I think its kinda mean…)

"It was… left, left, right, straight, left to get out… right?" I muttered incoherently to myself as I neared the first left into the tome maze. I know I could just portal, but really, what's the fun in portaling everywhere I want to go? Nothing! I half smiled, rounding the first left and colliding head-on with someone shorter than me.

It took me a few seconds to realize that whoever I'd run into had fallen backwards onto the floor. I blinked and looked down, finding the Cloaked Schemer pushing himself off the ground and looking up at me, as if he didn't expect me to be rounding that corner. I forced a smile, and held my hand out to the shorter man. "Here," I said, as he blinked up at me, looking shocked that I would offer to help him up.

Zexion took my hand and I pulled him skinny non-existant being off the floor. "Thank you…" He said, almost uncertainly. His voice sounded kind of stuffy. Perhaps he was getting a cold and that's why he hadn't sensed me. He moved to the side, giving me way to pass. He was looking away from me; his shoulders rose and fell in an unmistakable sigh.

"No problem," Since he didn't say my name I didn't reply with his. It was that simple. I took a last look at the emo-haired Nobody, my forced smile faltering as I brushed past him, making my way to the next left.

"Demyx, wait," I whipped around fast enough for my un-gelled bangs to defy gravity. The look on his face seemed restless, like something terrible had been bothering him. It should, considering the hell I went through… He sighed, his slate coloured eyes closed and when they opened they were on me.

"What?" I asked, my aqua eyes looking down upon him.

"Is it true…? What you said…" A depressing frown crossed the Schemer's face. "Do you really hate me?"

I was taken aback by the question. I blinked rapidly for a few seconds, my mind almost overwhelmed. His shoulders slumped slightly, as he turned away from me because of my lack of response.

"I'm sorry I bothered you," He said, his voice painfully stoic, but I could still pick up sadness in his tone. He was heading the way I had come.

I sucked in a breath. "No, I don't hate you," I called after him, and he stopped mid-step, turning halfway toward me hesitantly. That's when I got a good look at his eyes: they were red. I blinked. Zexion wouldn't… would he? Perhaps he wasn't catching a cold, after all.

The faintest of smiles crossed his face. It would easy to tell it forced. "That's… all I wanted to know," He turned from me and continued on to his desired section of books. I sighed heavily when I thought he was out of earshot. I hated hurting him like this; what I said just now might have given him hope, but I'm happily with Xiggy. Right? Ughh… my brain hurts.

I headed for the second left, my mind off elsewhere. Was it a mistake, being with Xigbar? Was it a mistake to let Zexion know I didn't hate him? These questions burned into my mind as I neared, and rounded, the right turn. I continued straight ahead, hardly paying much attention to my surroundings.

"Hey, kiddo, I've been looking all over for ya'," called a voice, just before Xigbar dropped from the ceiling in front of me. I stumbled back slightly, blinking up at him. He chuckled at the caught-off-guard look on my face and chuckled. "Sorry, Demyx, I didn't mean to you scare you."

I nodded slowly. "You were looking for me?" I asked. He nodded, pulling me into a hug. Random Xiggy hugs amused me.

"Yeah, I was," He said, snuggling into the crook of my neck. I shivered at his breath on my neck. "Good ol' Mansex wants you in his office. I think it's a mission assignment." Okay, so the hug wasn't as random as I thought.

"A mission? For me? Do you know the level?" I pulled back from him and looked up. He shook his head. He didn't know the level. Oh, great. "Okay. Well, I should go see the Superior then."

"All I know is it's like a week long mission…" He pulled me to him again, his lips pressed against mine. His arms held me lovingly. No. I haven't made a mistake. Xigbar was the better choice. He wouldn't hurt me. He pulled back and held my gaze. "Be careful, kiddo. I want you back in one piece." I nodded, kissed his cheek, and portaled to just outside the Superior's office.

I sucked in a deep breath, and knocked twice on the door before poking my head in. "Superior?" I saw a blur of blue move out from in front of the Superior's silver tresses. Saïx now stood facing toward the large window behind Xemnas's chair. I must have interrupted something.

"Come in, Number IX," Number I's livid burnt orange eyes burned onto me; I walked in and stood rigidly at attention in front of the wooden desk laden with reports from various things like missions or injury reports from Vexen. He sat tall in his chair, his black-gloved hands folded on top of his desk. His gaze didn't falter.

"You wanted to see me, sir?" I asked, uneasy under that intense stare. Saïx turned from the clear view of Kingdom Hearts and gave me a half smile.

"Yes. I have an assignment for you, as I suppose Number II has already informed you," He said, pretty emotionlessly, like always. I think Saïx is the only member that got to see Xemnas's fragmented emotions. Lucky him, I guess.

I nodded, "Yes." I fidgeted slightly; Xemnas's eyes have always scared me, in a way, and I didn't like being the focus of their attention.

"Your mission is a fairly simple one, but is estimated to last about seven or eight days, Number IX." His eyes didn't leave me. "But, if you keep your mind on track, Demyx, you would be able to finish is about five or six days." The enigmatic leader held out a manila envelope to me, which I took and nodded again. "Look over these and I expect you gone before dinner."

Dinner was about an hour or so away. "Okay, Superior," I said. I had time yet. Xemnas have me his 'okay, leave now' look and I portaled out, envelope tucked in with my manga that will be neglected for the next week.

I went to the kitchen, pouring over my specs. Xemnas had been right about the fairly simple part, it was mostly to survey Heartless populations versus the human population of the worlds known as Port Royal, Pride Lands (I literally squeed, this world made me feel cute and cuddly. Who can really resist Lion!Dem?), Land of Dragons, and Halloween Town. I frowned, that frustrated crease in my forehead appearing. I had hoped to be able to go to Atlantica—my favorite world—but Xemnas hadn't included it. Oh well, I'll live.

I went into the fridge again, pulling out a bottle of water. I set the clear plastic container on the counter by my envelope and grabbed a bag of Doritos for the trip. What? I get hungry when I miss dinner! Once I made sure I had placed all the papers back into the manila envelope—the index card was the only thing I slide into my pocket—gathered my goodies and portaled to my room.

Clothes. I needed to pack them so I could fit in, in the world I was going to. I packed a bit of Pirate garb for Port Royal, a kimono of sorts for Land of Dragons, and that one potion that Vexen gives out for going to Halloween Town to blend it. I was some odd dead stitched up…doll thing. There was also the one for Pride Lands.

Once I had my things packed, I grabbed my bag and opened a corridor of darkness. First stop, Port Royal

~*~*~*~*~*~

I'm so proud—I got my mission done in five days. I was finishing putting my things away into my bag—I was wrapping up in Land of Dragons and changed back into my Organization cloak. I'd missed it, I have to say, in the past few days. "I can't wait to get home," I said to myself as I waved my gloved hand the swirling darkness formed a few feet away from me. I stepped through, a smile on my face.

The portal I conjured took me to the kitchen. I guess I was thinking with my stomach again. I set my bag on the counter and delved into the fridge. "I guess Xaldin went shopping yesterday," I muttered, pulling out things to make a sandwich with. "Lucky me."

"Hello, Number IX," A voice said behind me and I jerked up nearly whacking my head on one of the shelves in the refrigerator. I scrambled to my feet, and saw the blonde scientist, Vexen, had entered the kitchen, with, strangely enough, Marluxia in tow. "Its nice to see you weren't pulled apart by Heartless in Halloween Town." I heard Marluxia chuckle.

"Gimme a break, Vex," I crossed my arms, and most likely looked like I was pouting. "I'm not that weak that I can't handle a few Heartless. And I see you two have been… busy." I chose my wording carefully, but taking in both their unusually messed up hair—Vexen's nearly always stick straight hair was disheveled, while Marluxia's wasn't in its normally perfect spiked layers. I saw Vexen go crimson and Marluxia smirked.

"I'm not the only one who's been busy," The Assassin muttered, earning an elbow from Vexen. Marluxia shot him a look. "That wasn't necessary."

Vexen glared in return. "I do not do anything unnecessarily, IX."

Marluxia entangled his hand into the blonde's hair, gripping it tightly. "Of course. And earlier happened just you just needed it." Talk about love-hate relationship. I decided I wasn't that hungry, replaced the things where they should be, grabbed my bag, and fled before my eyes burned when they started to make out on the kitchen table.

I was half-dancing my way down the hallway, toward Proof of Existence. I wasn't in the mood to portal and be lazy. I heard loud voice—Luxord must have started up another one of his strip poker games. I found the room the game was in easily, and the door was slightly ajar so I looked in.

"You're a fucking cheater!" Larxene hissed at Luxord, a stray kunai whizzing by his ear. Looks like she'd have to take her shirt off.

The British blonde didn't flinch. "You know bloody well I don't cheat, Larxene, now off with it." He was smirking at her as growling, sparks appearing between her antennae-like strands of hair. "Chill out. You agreed to the game."

Lexaeus was also sitting at the table, only missing his cloak. "He's right, you know." He voiced as Larxene slumped into her chair, cursing Luxord's non-existence.

"Come on," Axel joined in, smirking at Larxene. "You lost that hand. Off with it, got it memorized?"

"You guys are so retarded," Roxas growled from across the room. "Can't you do something productive for once?"

I grimaced, not wanting to see this. I moved away and I heard Axel call out to Roxas: "Productive? Like Sex, Roxy?" and then something heavy clattering to the floor. Roxas must have chucked a dictionary at him. I shook my head. Things as normal, I suppose. I passed on, pausing at Xemnas's office to hand in my mission report.

At least I hadn't walked in on them making out. Xemnas sat tall as usual at desk, scribbling away at various reports and other documents before him. Saïx was sprawled on the couch the Superior kept in his office, eyes closed. A book lay open on his stomach, like he'd fallen asleep reading. Xemnas looked up when I entered.

"You're early," He told me. Was that some form of Xemnas praise? I didn't know. I nodded.

"Yeah. I worked hard and made sure everything was accurate, Superior." I replied, digging out the report from my bag and handing it to him. His orange eyes glanced over it quickly before putting it in his to-do pile.

"There will be a meeting at three, sharp, Demyx. Do not be late." He said, and waved his hand dismissively, meaning I could leave. I nodded and scurried out. I wanted to see Xiggy!

Proof of Existence was the same as I'd left it, unchanged in any way. All the stones glowed a lively blue as I passed and entered the one of the Freeshooter, Number II, Xigbar.

"Oh, Xiiiiigbar!" I called as I entered. "I'm home!"

I froze when they did, my eyes going wide. Xigbar was on the bed, cloak-less, straddling a shirtless and startled Xaldin. A few seconds passed before it struck me hard. Xigbar had been cheating on me… with Xaldin.

"D-Dem!" Xigbar stuttered, his visible golden eye shooting wide. "I—"

"I DON'T WANT TO HEAR IT!" I suddenly screamed, darting out of his room, the tears brimming my eyes. How could he…? I thought, my feet taking me who knows where. I only wanted to be away from them.

I found myself at the library, tears leaking down my face. There really was only one person I wanted to see, if I could find him. He wasn't in the library, it was strange, he was always there! Zexion where are you? ran through my mind, faster than anything else. When I realized he wasn't there, I portaled for his room but, once again, empty.

I paused and wondered something. Lexaeus was practically his best friend, he would know where Zexion was. That's where I headed next, to where I'd seen him playing poker with Luxord earlier.

The whole group was just leaving the room when I came around the corner, "Hey!" I called, kind of frantically. My throat felt tight, both from crying and my inability to locate him. "Lex!"

The five of them turned toward me. Roxas gave me a sad smile, Axel just looked back away, Larxene and Luxord both looked at me, 'hmph'ed and walked off, and Lexaeus frowned the moment his gaze was upon me. They all knew already.

"Where's…Zexion…?" I breathed out, unevenly. I sniffled again. Lexaeus looked to Roxas, who grimaced. "What's going on? Where is he?" I grasped the arm of the Silent Hero's cloak and started up at me. "Did something happen—?"

"Later," Lexaeus cut me off, sighing. "We have a meeting now." I pulled back, eyes lowering to the ground. I had promised Xemnas that I wouldn't be late… but wouldn't Zexion be there? I hope.

"O…kay…" I said slowly, sniffling again. What Xigbar had done stung a lot, and I couldn't believe I thought he was good for me. Bastard.

I don't remember entering the meeting room—Where Nothing Gathers—until I noticed that the throne of Number VI was empty. I sat silently on my throne, ignoring any attempt for Xigbar to capture my attention, staring at the ground in the center of the room, marked with the Nobody insignia. Xemnas had begun the meeting, with every chair filled but that of the Cloaked Schemer. I sighed silently.

Xemnas suddenly stopped preaching. The door had opened, and I glanced up. Using the door for support was Zexion, who seemed to be breathing heavily. "Sorry I'm late, Superior," he apologized, and winced. He wasn't wearing his cloak, but a black beater—his one ungloved hand was on his side, as if it was hurting him—and his head was bandaged around, and looked like the eye that was covered by his hair was bandaged as well. What the…

"Zexion!" Vexen almost hissed, "You should be resting!"

Before Vexen could move, I jumped down from my throne and dashed over to Zexion. "Are you okay? What happened? Let me help you," The question came quickly as I moved him, as gently as I was able to, from the door so he was using me for support. He sucked in a sharp breath when I accidentally brushed against his ribcage.

"Demyx, be careful, all his pain medication was worn off." Vexen was suddenly beside us and opened a portal. "This way with him, the stubborn fool." He walked through and I followed.

"D-Demyx…" Zexion seemed shocked to see me back so early and probably shocked that I was so quick to aid him. I looked at me, concerned. "You…"

"You're in a lot of pain, don't talk until you're lying down," I told him, as we exited the portal to Vexen's lab and one of those comfortable-looking medical bed things. A few of Zexion's things were already there, I noticed, as I helped him, as pain free as I could make it, onto the bed.

"Demyx, I would look away if I were you," Vexen said to me, as he prepared something. "I need to give these painkillers through an injection and I know very well your dislike of needles." I shuddered and put my back to them.

"What happened?" I asked, as Vexen was giving Zexion the painkiller. I heard Zexion whine softly at the slight prick of injection.

"Our little friend Zexion, here, picked a fight with Xigbar," Vexen answered. "and as I'm sure you're already aware, it was about what Number II has been doing with Xaldin. I'm done, its okay to look now."

I sighed heavily and turned back to them. Zexion was looking away from me, unsure as to how I would respond to his attempted heroism. "You shouldn't have done that, Zexy, what if he'd done something worse to you?!" I frowned.

Zexion turned toward me and looked at me with his visible eye. "Xigbar had no right to do that to you, Demyx." I wonder if he noticed his nickname had come out in that. "I had to do something."

It was strange, but hearing what happened dulled Xigbar's idiocy from my mind. I half smiled and pulled a stool to Zexion's bedside.

"You're no obligated to remain here, Demyx," Vexen said. "You can go back to the meeting."

"No, Vexen," I replied, taking Zexion's hand. "I'm going to stay here to help Zexy get better."

As of now, July 21st, 2009, I have only one more idea as of yet, for this story. I may, or may not, write it and post it here and on my deviantart account.