I don't own Kingdom Hearts.
There is some angst and some fluffy cuteness in this chapter.
Pairings: XigDem and implied RoxNam.
"That's the last one!" Demyx cheered as he jumped down from the ladder.
He and Roxas stepped back to admire their hard work displayed in the gray area. Streamers of garland trimmed with scarlet bows and golden bells hung in swoops across the walls. Four holly wreaths, each with a different color ribbon, hung so that one would be the first thing to catch the visitor's eye upon arriving from each of the entrances.
Standing against the back wall was the seven-foot Christmas tree. It was rather wide and was trimmed with gold and silver garland and various ornaments purchased from their recent shopping trip. The two decorators left plenty of room incase the other members desired to add a trinket of their own. Their tree was nowhere near as grand as the one in the center of the plaza in Twilight Town, but it worked for their castle.
"It's perfect," Demyx said with a wide smile.
Roxas nodded then reached into his coat pocket. He revealed a tiny pink parcel with a white ribbon tied about the box. He placed the present beneath the tree while his cheeks flushed as he imagined her face when she opened her gift Christmas morning. Demyx patted him on the back. Roxas looked down with a smile; after all it had been Demyx who supported his decision to purchase it.
"She'll like it," Demyx said softly. He lightly smacked the younger nobody on the shoulder and with a smirk added, "Just don't blush and sputter like an idiot when you give it to her."
Roxas' cheeks reddened deeper as he found himself caught between scowling and hiding his face from the older blond. However the memory of the autumn ball two months ago when he attempted (and failed) to ask the pretty blonde to dance served as a reminder of what not to do.
The moment was broken at the sound of a portal forming six feet behind them. Both sets of eyes landed on the figure of Saix. The second in command stepped back as his gold eyes took in the new décor then he shook his head with a sigh.
"I take it this was your idea," Saix said to Demyx.
The Nocturne replied with a smile. "I thought it would liven the place up."
"I see," the Diviner said with a roll of his eyes.
Demyx noticed the mission card in his superior's right hand. "Is that for me?" he asked.
Saix glanced down at the card then handed it to the ninth member. "This mission will likely require combat." He paused then nodded at Demyx's leg before asking, "Are you capable?" Demyx nodded in reply. "Good," Saix said in a monotone voice then handed Demyx his assignment.
The Nocturne's sea-blue eyes glanced over the details of his mission before confirming his understanding of what he was to do. The whole time Saix stood there pondering Demyx's change in attitude over the past two weeks. Before he would have milked the injury he acquired in a recent battle mission in Wonderland as an excuse to get out of work for as long as possible.
"Number IX," Saix called as Demyx prepared to depart. The blond turned to see Saix wearing a rare smile, even if it was not a full one. "The Superior and I feel the need to commend you on your hard work of late."
"You don't have to do that," Demyx said with a wide grin. "Though I do appreciate it."
"You've earned it," Saix said with a slight nod of his head.
"I'll be back later," Demyx said as he attempted a second departure.
"Not yet," called a familiar voice. The three below looked up to see a figure hanging from the ceiling with his arms crossed. The man jumped down and placed a hand on Demyx's shoulder. "Have you been cleared for battle?"
"This doesn't concern you, Number II," Saix interrupted.
The Diviner was silenced by the death glare Xigbar sent in his direction.
"Of course I have," Demyx cheered. The look on Xigbar's face displayed disbelief in Demyx's words.
"Then on your own judgment you accept this mission," Saix said causing all sets of eyes to fall on him.
"I don't think he has the authority to make that call," Xigbar argued.
Saix's eyes narrowed. "I'll remind you one last time, this does not concern you, Xigbar." Saix spoke the second member's name as if it were poison.
Xigbar stepped in front of the Nocturne, his fierce glare reminding the Diviner why he was considered the best fighter in the Organization. "And if he is injured worse, do you want to be the one responsible for that?"
Saix gritted his teeth.
"Xiggy, I'll be fine," Demyx said taking Xigbar's left hand in both of his. "Vexen and Zexy looked me over this morning. As uptight as they are, they wouldn't let me fight unless I could." Upon seeing no change in his boyfriend's expression, Demyx caressed the side of his face. "I'll be fine," he repeated, then kissed the older man on the cheek.
Xigbar took one of Demyx's hands in each of his. "Promise me you'll get out of there if it gets too dangerous," he demanded more than requested.
"I will," Demyx said.
A part of Xigbar believed Demyx to be lying, but chose not to question it. Instead he pulled him into an embrace then kissed him on the forehead.
Saix spoke, breaking them apart. "I expect a successful return," he said with that usual cool demeanor.
"I won't let you down," the Nocturne chimed.
To be on the safe side, Saix made a mental note to stop by the lab and pick up the report on Demyx's earlier check up.
Before Demyx could leave the group was greeted with another presence. The pyrokinetic entered hoping for something to find someone to hang out with who would make him forget the fatigue brought on by the day's activities. Both Roxas and Demyx greeted the eighth member. Axel gazed upon the changes then nodded his approval at their work with the once dreary space.
Axel opened his mouth to speak the youngest nobody when he caught an unwanted presence standing six feet from his person. He stood up straight and green eyes met with gold ones. The two stood in silence in their usual staring match.
"Axel," Roxas said softly before being cut off by Xigbar who held out an arm in front of him. Roxas glanced up at the older nobody who only shook his head.
"Haven't you something to do, Number VIII?" Saix asked in a menacing monotone.
Axel snorted then tore his eyes from the second in command. "I've already completed all four of my missions for today, Saix." He said the other nobody's name with disgust. "You know the rules, you now have to wait ten hours before assigning me any more."
Saix's eyes narrowed. "Well since you have an ample amount of time in your grasp, I expect those reports in my hands or on my desk within the hour," he growled with bared fangs.
Demyx wrapped his arms around himself wishing he had left for his mission the first time. Roxas stared silently at the two and sunk closer to the Nocturne who could only feel pity for the nobody who had been the undeserving recipient of the Diviner's hatred.
"Don't test me, Number VIII," Saix said coldly before disappearing in a portal of black.
Axel took a deep breath and with a short farewell to his friends decided to leave before he did or said something he would later regret. Roxas watched his brother figure leave before turning to the other two.
"Why do Axel and Mr. Saix hate each other so much?" he asked.
Xigbar and Demyx exchanged glances.
"Well, squirt," Xigbar said while running a hand through his long tresses. Roxas sneered at the Freeshooter who could only chuckle at the boy's face. "Long story short, they used to be friends…good friends."
"What happened?" Roxas asked.
"Time," the Freeshooter replied. "Sometimes friends just aren't meant to remain so, especially when their goals are too different. They gradually grew further apart." He noticed the supposed concerned look on the young man's face. With a sigh he added, "It's no one's fault, it's just a part of life. Don't worry yourself over it."
Roxas stared down at his feet. He wondered why Axel never revealed his past concerning Saix. A part of him wondered if deep down Axel missed his friendship with the Diviner.
Demyx stood with a finger on his chin as he thought over the situation. He gasped and a large smile formed on his face. "I've got it!"
"What are you thinking, Dem?" Xigbar asked.
"I know what to get Axel for Christmas!" the Nocturne cheered. "A present for both him and Saix if this works out right."
Xigbar frowned at Demyx's chuckle that usually signified a zany idea.
"Demyx," Xigbar said warningly. "You better not do anything stupid."
"Of course not," Demyx said with an even larger grin and a giggle. "Not at all."
"Demyx," Xigbar said lifting an eyebrow.
Demyx glanced down at the nonexistent watch on his wrist and exclaimed, "Look at the time! I have to get going on my mission. Bye!"
Before Xigbar had a chance to stop and talk some sense into him, Demyx vanished. The Freeshooter sighed and crossed his arms. When Demyx got an idea there was no hope in trying to convince him otherwise.
"He better think this through," Xigbar said to no one before leaving the room.
Roxas stood in the revamped Gray Area all alone. He scratched at his golden hairs wondering what had just taken place. He decided not to think too hard about it, lest he receive another headache.
The thirteenth member looked over at the Christmas tree where the present rested. That same blush returned and with a forming smile he decided to visit a certain someone. Roxas only hoped that her stern guardian would allow him a few minutes in her company.
Later that night Xigbar stood outside of Demyx's bedroom. He knocked softly on the door only to receive no reply. He turned the doorknob to discover the Nocturne had not locked it. He opened the door to see the light still on and the blond fast asleep at his desk.
Xigbar walked over to where the smaller nobody rested. He chuckled at the innocent sight of his lover with his cheek against the wooden surface and eyes shut. He peacefully inhaled and exhaled, causing loose tendrils to rise and fall upon his pallid forehead. A small puddle of drool had pooled from his slightly opened mouth.
Under Demyx's head, and mere inches from danger of slobber saturation rested an official mission report document covered in Demyx's handwriting. Xigbar grabbed a corner and gently tugged until the paper set safely in his grasp. Demyx shifted and mumbled something inaudible before resuming his soft snoring.
A few days ago Demyx had mentioned that Saix casually commented that his handwriting had drastically improved. From what Xigbar could read, he had to agree. The report was unfinished with the blue pen dangling from Demyx's right hand. Xigbar placed the document on the desk away from Demyx's face. If Saix had a problem with it being turned in a few hours late, then he could take it up with him.
He glanced over at the sleeping Nocturne and found a sheet of lined paper that had been hidden beneath the mission report. Curiosity tempted Xigbar and he grabbed the paper to discover it was Demyx's letter for Santa. Making sure Demyx was fast asleep, the older nobody read the contents of the letter.
Dear Santa Claus,
Hi, it's me Demyx, number IX in the Organization. Since it's so close to Christmas I thought I'd write you. It's come to my attention that you don't know about my new residence, it's in the giant castle in the World that Never Was. You can get there through a portal of darkness from your world.
I've been really good this month. I've not been lazy and have put a lot of time and work into my missions and my mission reports. I didn't even tease Saix behind his back. As a bonus I'm planning on restoring Saix and Axel's friendship. Xiggy doesn't think it's such a good idea, but I think all friendships should be saved. I also can't help but think that's why Saix is always so sad and angry. Maybe if he had his old friend back he wouldn't be so grumpy all the time.
Xigbar sighed and shook his head after reading that paragraph. He looked over at Demyx and hoped he was not planning anything that would make things worse. He knew it would kill Demyx if the plan somehow failed, and Axel chose to end his friendship with the Nocturne.
I don't know if it's enough to make up for the rest of the year. I know I've been lazy in the past, but I'm not anymore. Please, if I've redeemed myself, I'd really like a few Christmas presents.
I thought of some things I'd like, but I'm not picky if you want to get me something else. I'd like some new sheet music, and maybe even some blank ones so I can jot down the songs I've written in my head. I have a special one for Xiggy that I know he's going to like. Or at least that's what he's going to tell me. I know no one here really likes my music, but at least Xiggy pretends for me. That's one of the many reasons I love him. The others try to tell me we don't have hearts, but I look at Xiggy and I know we do. I can feel that true happiness inside.
Xigbar clamped a hand over his mouth when he read that last line. He felt his lips lift into a genuine smile. He too had come to believe Demyx on them having hearts, even if it was just a fragment of the ones they used to when they were human. After all Demyx had given him a reason to love again.
Though he wondered why Demyx believed he felt indifferent towards his music. He truly enjoyed the Nocturne's songs. He made a vow at that very moment to look more enthusiastic when his beloved performed his original pieces for him.
If it's not too much I'd also like a few new sitar strings as mine are starting to wear out. I ask for both musical and practical reasons. It would be bad if I were in battle and one snapped. Lastly, there was this really cool black and blue diagonal striped tie I saw in Twilight Town. If it's no inconvenience, I'd like that too. If you think I don't deserve any of that, feel free to get me something else.
Please, I won't be offended if you think I deserve nothing, not even coal. I know being good only one month out of the year doesn't earn me much. I will try to be better next year, I promise.
Xigbar's eyes widened and his breathing hitched when he read the next paragraph.
If you do decide to skip me this year, please I only ask you bring something for Xigbar. He's a very good boyfriend and a wonderful friend. He tries so hard for me, even though I don't deserve him. He protects me from the meaner people here and pretends to be supportive of my ideas, even if they are ridiculous. Everyone else openly mocks me, but he only smiles and tries to explain why something else would be better. He never belittles me like everyone else. I don't know what he would want, but if you could please reward him with something, I'd be happy. I'd actually be happier if you got him something instead of me. He means everything to me.
I'm sorry for wasting so much of your time with my letter.
Demyx, the Melodious Nocturne
Xigbar crinkled the letter in his grasp. He folded it into fours then stuck it into his cloak pocket. The second member walked over to the sleeping nobody and gently lifted him from the chair, throwing him over his shoulder. Demyx groaned, but never broke slumber.
The action reminded Xigbar of the first time he carried a battered Demyx back home from battle. It was during one of their first missions together when Demyx was still a novice. The young nobody was so vulnerable after that fight, and or some unexplained reason Xigbar felt the need to stay by his side until he recovered. It was too strange a sensation, but from that moment on Xigbar refused to let anyone else, both inside the Organization and out, harm Demyx. He believed the action to be worth it when a fully healed Demyx gave him his sincere thanks.
Xigbar laid Demyx in his bed then slowly pulled the covers up to Demyx's neck. The Nocturne coiled into the warmth and smashed his face against the soft pillow.
"How can you think you don't deserve me," Xigbar said as he softly stroked Demyx's hairs. The Nocturne cooed at the soothing touch, but kept his eyes closed. Xigbar leaned in and kissed Demyx on the cheek. He softly whispered into the younger nobody's ear, "I'm the one who doesn't deserve you."
With those words he headed for the door. Xigbar took a last glimpse at the sleeping Nocturne and gave him a half smile.
"I'll make this the best Christmas for you, love," he said softly before turning off the light and taking his leave.