I do not own Kingdom Hearts.
This chapter is kind of boring as it is a transition chapter.
This chapter contains XigDem and a cute XemSai scene for those who like that pairing.
Xemnas' soft, yet menacing laughter echoed in the dimly lit room. Saix placed a hand over his mouth to mask the urge to laugh. Nonetheless, Xigbar could sense the mocking smirk behind the Diviner's slender fingers. All he could do was stare at the two in charge of the Organization.
The Superior glanced over at Saix. who returned Xemnas' grin with one of his own. The Superior lifted an eyebrow, resisting yet another chuckle at his subordinates' expense. He returned his gaze on the Freeshooter.
"You're telling me," Xemnas began before his lips curved upwards, and another laugh formed in his throat. Saix turned away from Xigbar an a futile attempt to hide the obvious snicker. "Excuse me," Xemnas began again. "You're saying that you told Number IX that if he worked hard, what he is supposed to be doing already..." Saix nodded at this statement. Xemnas continued, while trying to keep a straight face, "He would receive Christmas presents?"
"Er…yes," Xigbar said, suddenly realizing just how ridiculous his idea sounded. Still the image of Demyx's genuine smile made it worth it during that moment.
"And you're asking for my support?" Xemnas asked, followed by another bout of laughter.
"I understand how silly this sounds," Xigbar replied. Xemnas leaned back against the leather chair with his arms crossed. "He already believes we have hearts." He paused for a second while trying to find a way to form his next point without accidentally offending his superior. He gave his usual grin. "What would a little extra motivation hurt?"
"An interesting point," Xemnas said. He looked up at the ceiling while contemplating Xigbar's words.
"Sir, if I may," Saix said to the Superior, breaking him from his thoughts. Xemnas nodded for his second in command to continue. "Number IX is a complicated one. Neither threats, nor pain work on him. As II mentioned, nothing can convince him that we indeed lack hearts." He took a swift glimpse at Xigbar, then returned his gaze to Xemnas. "Perhaps, if this new plan works, then I see no harm in playing into this fairytale."
Xemnas raised an eyebrow at his most trusted man's opinion. The Superior of the In-Between mused on his second in command's advice before agreeing. "Very well," he said to Xigbar. "If IX can keep up his end of the bargain, then I will advance you necessary munny, to allow you to play Santa for him. Granted, it will only be an advance, and subtracted from your salary."
Xigbar considered backing out of the plan. He could make up a tale of accidentally losing Demyx's letter, or tell him the weather was too dangerous for Santa Claus to take flight. However, he knew that would only result in ruining his best friend's Christmas.
"I accept the terms," Xigbar said. "Thank you, Superior." He gave a slight bow before disappearing from the office.
Once the Freeshooter was out of earshot the two shared a laugh.
Xemnas chuckled then stated, "I hope this doesn't backfire in any way." His gold eyes landed on the blue-haired nobody. "What made you agree with II's ridiculous plan?"
Saix knelt down beside where the Superior sat so that they were at eye-level. Xemnas faced him with a sincere smile that was saved only for the Luna Diviner.
Saix stroked Xemnas' face with his slightly callused fingers. "It's almost the holidays," Saix said in a soft tone. "I don't want you to have any unnecessary worries." His fingers traced the Superior's luscious lips. "If a few presents is all it will take to make that lazy nobody diligently work, then I'll see it done."
Xemnas leaned over and planted a chaste kiss on the Diviner's lips making the latter's cheeks flush. He looked down with that shy smile that only made Xemnas crave him more.
Saix pulled away with a coy smile. "Not now, Superior," he said in a soft voice.
Xemnas' grin grew and he aggressively grabbed Saix's waist and pulled him onto his lap. "I'm the one in charge here, and I'll make the decisions."
He pushed Saix's hair aside and gave him a fierce kiss on the neck, causing the latter to gasp. Xemnas gently bit down the sensitive skin. Saix swallowed a moan and moved so that their lips locked. Saix allowed his master to give him one final kiss before pushing himself away from the silver-haired man's grasp.
"We still have work that needs to be done, Superior," Saix said with the ghost of a smile on his face.
Xemnas gave his lover a wicked grin that promised they would resume where they left off later. Saix blushed once again as he headed towards the office door. Once his back was turned, his own smile crept over his face.
"Saix," Xemnas called from his spot behind the desk. Saix glanced over his shoulder, blue hairs falling gracefully over the black coat. "Be honest, do you think it will work."
Saix smiled. "I have my doubts," he admitted. "But I'm willing to keep an optimistic view."
The Superior laughed at the Diviner's words. Saix bowed his head then left the room. The exchange with Xigbar got him wondering what he should get his beloved Xemnas for Christmas.
Two hours later Demyx rushed through the hallways of the castle. In his right hand he held the finished mission report, written as neatly as he could possibly accomplish. The Nocturne abruptly stopped at the sight of two approaching shadows from the other side. His lips formed into a smile when the figures came into view.
Axel walked with his head held high. Directly to his side was the newest member, a teenager who seemed afraid to stray two feet from his mentor. Given some of the Organization's members, Demyx could hardly blame Number XIII's timid behavior.
Demyx waved at the two. Axel's smile increased as he returned the Nocturne's gesture. Demyx greeted Roxas who replied with a short salutation.
"Why are you in such a hurry?" Axel asked. "Got an important gig to get to?"
Demyx shook his head. "No, silly," Demyx answered. "I haven't played any concerts in a long time."
"You played one last weekend," Axel reminded the blond.
"Oh, yeah," Demyx said as the memory returned. He shook away the pleasant memory and returned his attention to the present. "No, I need to turn my report into Saix immediately."
"You're actually working?" Roxas asked.
Axel elbowed the youngest member in the side, emitting a yelp from the latter. Although, inside Axel was honestly thinking the same as his younger comrade.
"Yep, no more slacking off for me," Demyx announced in a cheerful tone.
Axel and Roxas exchanged glances before returning their attention to the only person in the Organization who literally ran when work was involved. Some members even joked that Demyx had a special sense that made him smell when Saix approached with a mission.
Axel scratched the side of his head. "So...um, Dem, what brought upon this sudden urge to, well...do work?"
Demyx's smile widened as he said, "Xigbar told me that if I'm good and do everything the Superior asks, Santa Claus will bring me lots of presents."
"Um, come again?" Axel asked.
"Yeah," Demyx said and reached into his pocket for another sheet of paper on which he had begun writing his letter. "I've already started writing, and I'll send it out in a few days."
Axel's bit down hard on his lip to keep the tickling eruption in his throat from escaping in Demyx's face.
"Who?" Roxas asked out loud to both older nobodies, though his gaze fell on the redhead.
"That's right this is your first Christmas," Demyx cheered.
Before Axel could speak, Demyx grabbed Roxas and put an arm around his shoulder. Roxas glanced over at Axel who looked just as surprised as himself. Regardless, Roxas turned his attention to Demyx.
The Nocturne spoke, "He's the ruler of Christmas who brings presents to good people all over the world."
"And you believed him?" Axel asked as the laughter threatened to escape.
Demyx tilted his head to the side and released his hold on the youngest nobody. "Of course," he replied. "Why would Xiggy lie to me?"
"Well…" Axel began. He knew that if he badmouthed Xigbar to Demyx, the seemingly upset Nocturne would pass the information onto the Freeshooter, who would in turn murder Axel in his sleep. The pyrokinetic grinned at his clever thought. "He hasn't come before, now has he?" He lifted a small eyebrow as his smile unintentionally turned into a smirk.
Roxas visibly showed what would appear to a human as disappointment at his closest friend's logic. His blue eyes fell on Demyx who, with a wave of his hand, dismissed Axel's reason.
"Xiggy already covered that," Demyx cheered. His eyes lit up as he revealed, "He doesn't know where the castle is." His voice raised two octaves with his next words, bouncing with each one, "So in the letter I'm writing him, I'm giving him directions."
Axel rubbed the back of his head while Roxas watched with wide eyes.
Demyx brought his index finger to the corner of his mouth and absently looked up at the ceiling. "Though I'm going to rewrite it asking for less," the Nocturne said. "I don't want to sound greedy."
"Hey, Axel," Roxas said as he tugged on the pyrokinetic's cloak. The mentioned glanced down at the wide, blue eyes staring up at him. "Does that mean he'll bring me presents too?"
Axel's eyes widened. He glanced over at Demyx who merely smiled before landing his gaze back on Roxas.
"I always do as I'm told," Roxas answered. "And I try really hard on my missions."
"Of course he will!" Demyx exclaimed. He put an arm around the thirteenth member and led him away from Axel who stood speechless. "We can send our letters out together." Demyx gasped and clapped twice. "Oh my…we can decorate the entire castle for Christmas."
Roxas' smile grew. "Can we have a huge tree like the one in Twilight Town?" he asked excitedly.
Roxas recalled his recent visit to that world and his eyes took in the town's vast change in decoration. After a few moments of awe, Roxas managed to form words. Upon the question Axel gave him a quick explanation of Christmas. Of course he had neglected to mention Santa.
"That would be perfect!" exclaimed Demyx.
"Demyx, don't get carried away again," Axel said with a grimace as he recalled the Valentine's Day incident. The Melodious Nocturne had only hoped to lift everyone's spirits, but Xemnas thought Number IX meant it as mockery towards him. A month later and they still found paper hearts and candy lying about the various corners of the castle.
"Don't worry, I won't," Demyx said, not even looking at the redhead.
Demyx led Roxas away, both smiling wide, and discussing their various plans for livening up the dreary white walls of their residence. Once again Demyx forgot about the mission report.
With a sigh and a shake of his head Axel watched his best friend leave with a trustworthy babysitter. He figured he might as well begin shopping for gifts, lest the young blond be met with disappointment come Christmas morning.
Before vanishing to Twilight Town, Axel made a mental note to maim Xigbar the next time he saw him.
I hope you all enjoyed that chapter. The next one will be coming soon. :)