A new demanding presence had settled among the Nobodies at Castle Naught. A unique vampire named Dio Brando. We'll just call him Dio. Xemnas had agreed to let this mysterious man live in their world. As long as he didn't pose a threat to Xemnas himself or the other members, he was welcome to come and go from the castle as he pleased. No questions asked. Dio would fit right in within the World That Never Was. The eternal night meant Dio could roam freely at all hours.
Today, rain drizzled over the city, casting shimmering reflections on the dark streets. It misted over the neon-lit city, pooling in the cracks of dark pavement. The skyscraper in the center of town loomed above like a watchtower, its surface slick with moisture. On the platform overlooking the vast urban sprawl. One of the members enjoyed a rare moment of leisure. Xigbar, Organization XIII's number 2 had the day off. While his acquaintances were out on missions, he lingered by the edge of the top platform. He was at the top of the stairs leaning against one of the railings with cigarette in hand. Smoke curled from his lips as he exhaled, letting the drizzle coat his jacket.
From the shadows of the staircase, Dio emerged curious about the inhabitants of his new found home. With a hint of mischief about him, he took advantage of Xigbar's lack of attention. Without a second thought Dio used the time stopping ability of his Stand. With his ability it allowed him to pilfer one of Xigbar's cigarettes and his lighter into his possession before reality resumed. Xigbar noticed his coat was unzipped again then caught sight of Dio, already lighting up the stolen smoke. He walked over with a playful stride.
"Hey, you little sneak! Give me my light back." Xigbar sneered, snatching at Dio for the stolen Zippo. Dio smirked and tossed the lighter back lazily. He Exhaled a thick plume from his mouth. He went to inhale, but then he began to cough as it seemed the smoke hit his throat harder than expected. He started going into a slight coughing fit as he forced the smoke out. Xigbar let out a gruff chuckle and took another drag.
"What's so funny, eye-patch?" Dio asked, smoke curling from his nostrils.
Xigbar grinned. "Nothing. Just watching you choke on payback."
As much as Dio wanted to wipe the smirk off Xigbar's face, he had to admit, the Nobody wasn't wrong. With no other choice, Dio chuckled, sharing in the momentary amusement. The weather shifted after their introduction. The constant mist thickened, turning into steady rainfall. Dio stood under the overhang, comfortably sheltered, while Xigbar remained in the open. The cover was just large enough for one, and Dio had no interest of giving it up.
Yet, despite standing in the rain, Xigbar wasn't wet. Some unseen force shielded him, keeping the water from soaking his coat. In a stare he glanced toward Dio, noting the dampness clinging to the vampire's shoulders and hair.
"What in the world?" Xigbar stuttered, taking another drag of his cigarette. "You're under cover, I'm out here, so can you explain why are you the one getting soaked?"
Dio exhaled a slow plume of smoke before answering. "My Stand, The World, is over you right now, keeping you dry. Consider it payment for the cigarette."
Xigbar raised an eyebrow, reaching a hand over his head. He expected to feel something, maybe a barrier? His fingers only brushed empty air. Whatever this sorcery was, he couldn't argue with the results. Still, Dio caught the confusion in his expression. Amused, he clarified, "Only Stand users can see and interact with Stands. That's why The World is invisible to you."
Xigbar mulled over the explanation, rocking his head back and forth in thought. Then, instead of pressing further, he just chuckled, amused, and utterly unbothered by his own lack of understanding. Dio observed him in silence, lips curling into an entertained smirk. It was almost too amusing, watching Xigbar find joy in his own ignorance.
"Ah, well," Xigbar finally said, shaking his head. "That's all a bunch of mumbo jumbo to me. But hey! I'm dry. That's all I care about. Thanks, I guess."
The two continued smoking, at least one of them enjoying the company. Dio took his final drag and flicked the cigarette butt aside, stepping out from beneath the overhang. He had no reason to linger. Yet, just as he moved forward, Xigbar stopped him. He was standing in his path with a fresh cigarette between his fingers. He held it out to Dio in casual offering. Dio blinked, taken aback. Most people he toyed with didn't take kindly to his mischief. Let alone his presence. He didn't expect generosity, nor did he seek it. But curiosity won over hesitation, and he accepted the cigarette.
"Why offer me another one, after I stole the first?" Dio questioned, glancing toward Xigbar.
Xigbar shrugged lazily. "Er, I just like the company, I guess. Maybe you could be, oh, I don't know… A new smoking buddy." Dio took the cigarette from the Nobody.
Dio scoffed studying the new cigarette in his fingers. "I don't make friends with the fool-hearted," He then took it from his fingers and held it in his lips.
Xigbar gave a single, mocking chuckle. "Good thing I don't have a heart then."
His smirk lingered before he continued. "I'm not looking for a friend. Just someone to smoke with when the guys aren't around."
He rolled his eye toward Dio, then glanced his gaze into the sky. Dio studied him, noting the casual sincerity in Xigbar's demeanor. Then he laughed to himself.
"Fine," Dio sneered taking it from his mouth then held out the cigarette, "Go head then. Let me light it." Xigbar wordlessly handed over his lighter. Dio snapped it open, the tiny flame flickering defiantly against the damp air as he lit the fresh cigarette.
The rain had begun to slow, not completely gone, but fading. Droplets fell in intermittent rhythms, clinging to the edges of rooftops and pooling in shallow dips along the pavement. The scent of rain lingered, mixing with the sharp sting of tobacco in the air. Dio scanned his gaze upward, watching the fabricated heart-shaped moon dimly, casting its glow over them.
The false Kingdom Hearts loomed, its unnatural glow cutting through the dissipating storm. The light reflected off the wet cityscape, illuminating their figures in eerie gold. The moon's dim light pulled the surrounding shadows into thin, stretched distorted shapes. As for the Vampire and Nobody, they may not be friends perhaps, but something like smoking buddies.
The End