Piece of Mind (Axel leaves Infirmary)

[Axel]

<firstsilentGOD> Between the anesthetic and his own tire, the Flurry had slept absolutely still the entire day, and deeply enough not to dream; as luck would have it. He came around just as still and untelling as to the fact, nearly an even twenty four hours from their entrance somewhat confused as to the first sensations he could put together as his fuzzy mind started to peice together the usual semi-rational thought. It was too bright. Or at least it was too bright for the room he had become accustomed to: and it briefly occured to him that he might have started another fire; before the dull ache in his shoulder and especially his side reminded him of just where he had been last and what he had been doing. One eye slid open, towards the wall. Nothing. The lights were dimmed in that room -- one of those in the infirmary from the looks of it -- and he closed that eye hearing a slight shift of motion to his other side; his left. He was quicker about popping the other green eye open, and ran his green gaze over the slumbering Diviner perched in a chair not far from his bed before he opened the other to look around better. The door was closed, and likely locked; the curtain pulled shut. The curtain dividing the other bed from the rest of the room was also half-drawn: but he could see another pair of feet under the covers. He was guessing --as he knew very well he hadn't wounded Xemnas, and Setzer had disappeared before anything other than the hole in his shoulder had been brought on with his involvement-- that particular pair of feet belonged to Marluxia. Watching Saix for a few moments longer, Axel pushed down his covers silent and careful, and shifted to that good side watching either for any movement: only the slight rustle of the disposable paper sheets under him as he sat up giving any idea he was getting up. The Diviner's sensitive ears almost twitched, and he shifted: making Axel pause before he continued: looking around for his shirt and jacket before spotting the scraps of what was left of the set. It was a good thing he'd gotten so used to burning them up he'd bought six of them. That one was far and beyond repair. He'd have to retrieve the others later.. he wasn't going back to that damned cloak after all the trouble of getting used to not wearing it. Not that his was present otherwise anyway. Looking to the door again, he rubbed his hand through his hair a moment. He hated hospital settings. Even the nicer ones like this one. The only thing good about them were the occasional flammable chemicals to play with once bored. Otherwise; it was a sterile, annoyingly neutral environment that sat twice as uncomfortably in his gut knowing just where he was and in what company. Saix, he had to admit he did trust a little; the Diviner had taken some serious risks in his regard and tried to do his best to do right by the Flurry and maintain a middle ground all three times they had crossed paths. Including this last one. He could have been much, much rougher about his attempt --successful this time-- at having Axel and especially his temper disabled and caught. That didn't mean he trusted anyone else in the rats nest though. Not at all in fact, and the fact that the Diviner had passed out didn't help him feel safer sitting still in the infirmary like a sitting duck. He was achey, he was still somewhat dirty from the smoke, he was boot and shirtless - though the bandage had one shoulder covered, and he was as his stomach had decided very hungry again. So, there were plenty of reasons to slip from the bed and quietly try the door, surprised to find it was actually unlocked: he peeked one green eye out into the hall first, turning his mental eyes inward to see if he had enough strength for a portal.

<BloodRose1313> Yazoo couldn't concentraite at all. His mind was askew, every single thing he knew was swimming in his mind. His tail flicked angrily as one of Motzarts symphonies colided with the skimatics of his guns. He shook his buzzing head and leaned against the wall to steady himself. He took a deep breath and turned from the path to his room to the direction of the infermary. His vision blured for a minute, he shook his head and pushed himself toward the steril smelling room used for healing of all kinds, in the desparate hopes that there would be some kind of painkiller avalable to get rid of the headace buzzing in his skull

<themightyalexa> Two sets of bright blue eyes stared up at the pyro, blonging to a small silver creature reminiscent of a dragon with feathers and not scales. It was, indeed, the same beast that assisted the Assassin the day prior, but not as large, rather the size of a medium dog. It took one sniff of the man through the crack of the door before pushing it open with it's nose so she could get past and to her injured owner. The man smelled of cinnamon and charcoal, scents she was unfamiliar with and none too concerned about as she picked up the sweeter notes of Marluxia's pressence. Soon she started chirping and cooing at the door in whining pitches, wanting in the room.

<anime-oujo> A portal burst to life just a few feet outside the door to the infirmary, after spending the night thinking it over he realized that neither Saix nor Marluxia were really well enough informed to properly monitor Axel's condition. He was dressed casually, not a stitch of leather on him for once, instead just a white dress shirt and jeans. Reaching for the doorknob his eyebrow arced, Laila standing below him and sniffing at the door that was just barely ajar. "...when did you get in here?"

<firstsilentGOD> As if he himself had been burned catching sight of the edge of Yazoo's movement down the hall, Axel snapped back a little further from the crack in the door and into the dim of the room. The Superior's sudden appearance outright made his spine stiffen, breath stop and mind reach faster and harder for a portal. He wasn't going to be able to get off world just yet but in that level of desperation to get the hell out before he was noted and Xemnas could put a few more holes in him while Saix was sleeping: it did work, and the Flurry was stepping backwards into a storage room a few yards away for said infirmary with the usual wisp of black and deep violet. He knew he hadn't gone far, though he didn't recognize the room, and looked around for a moment; listening otherwise before cracking that door as well to peek out. In this case he guessed correctly in the door opening around the corner and out of sight, and breathed a little easier before he slipped out and started at steady, fast but silent stride out of that area once he had his bearings.. he was heading straight for his room. Maybe he had some ancient noodles still stashed there for the eating? Either way he knew he had a shirt at the least and some damn socks. The floor was annoyingly cold.

<themightyalexa> Laila, the small and youthful dragon, paid a brief glance to the Superior before nudging the door open and flitting up onto the bed where Marluxia lay, equally ignoring the slumbering Diviner. She cooed and nuzzled the Assassin's cheek, trying to wake him before she calmed herself and lay at his side, her head which perched on her long neck resting in the fluff of hair next to the cheek she nudged, giving a small huff.

<BloodRose1313> Yazoo made it too the door of the infermary raised a brow at the dragon and Xemnas. "Ummm....Ex..scuse me..." he murmured stopping afew steps from the silverhaired man and the dragon . He watched curriously as the dragon pushed It's way into the infermary.

<anime-oujo> Following her in Xemnas stopped abruptly as he found that only Eleven and Seven were within, one bed rumpled with obvious use. Frowning he crossed the room, pressing a hand against the bed and feeling for warmth. There was, which made him frown further. Looking back over his shoulder out into the hall at Yazoo he finally spoke. "Did you need something, Yazoo?" With a flick of his fingers he called up some lessers to find where Axel had gone.

<BloodRose1313> "I ...umm...is the infermary closed?" he asked looking past him to the room with sleeping Organiziation members

<Hikari-Sora1> "Wouldn't you know it, the one time I land my ass in the infirmary, everyone else an their gramma has to come in to." Demyx groaned, turning the music up in his headphones to drown out the noise.

<anime-oujo> "No," He tilted his head a little as he straightened up, sending the lessers off with another flick of his fingers, shooting Nine a vaguely amused look. "Again, what do you need? Are you ailing in some way?"

<anime-oujo> The lessers spread out across the castle and tried to cautiously locate the red haired Nobody without raising suspicion. After recovering Axel they didn't need to lose him so soon.

<BloodRose1313> "Migrane.....a rather...intense one....as it happens, I'm looking for pain killers." he said looking at him. He shook his head to clear his vision. "Is the infermary stocked with pain killers?"

[Axel]

<anime-oujo> Nodding the First moved to one of the closer cabinets, pulling out the best painkiller they had, pulling out the proper dosage before turning and crossing to the other silver haired man, handing it over. "These should take care of it in no time. Just so long as you do not see fit to overdose."

<BloodRose1313> "Thank you sir" he said formally before swallowing them dry. "Do you have any opinion on what the next group meal should be?" he asked "I'd like to know what to prepare for the .....residence of this castle."

<anime-oujo> Xemnas blinked, shaking his head. "I had not thought much about the next meal...you should consult Marluxia or Saix when they wake up, they would more than likely have ideas for what we should eat." The First was still getting a handle on how to eat better.

<BloodRose1313> "Thank you." he said walking still unsteadily back down the hallway, He ended up in the kitchen, he supposed on aouto pilot, since it was one of the major places he spent a good deal of his time. He sighed and sat down on one of the stools at the bar waiting for the medicine to kick in

<firstsilentGOD> His wounds didn't slow him down much once he figured out how to move with as little pain as possible. Along the way he had noted that they were half closed already: which at first to him meant he had been out at least a few days: until he noted teh extra odd stick around the stitches just below his ribs when he tucked his arm in to his side along his waist. His fingers swiped a bit of the half-dried salve and smelled it before tasting the stuff. Floral. And there was an odd little extra feeling that came with it.. something only he might notice maybe, but he could feel it none the less. Didn't take a genius to figure out where it had come from. He didn't like the idea of tacking any kind of debt to Marluxia's name, but he did anyway on his way down the hall. Turning the corner he was met by the appearance of two sorcerers; which paused his steps: green eyes as well as the line of his mouth stern and steady just staring at them for a few moments. " I am really, not in the mood for this. " and looking back over his shoulder as two more showed up at his six. Then it occurred to him. " Hm. " Half the serious and near cold glare turned upwards, and he whistled: tempted to grin when four of his Assassins whirled up and pushed the four back and out of the way. They gave him somewhat confused 'looks' but still gave him the room he needed to get past, waving a hand over his shoulder. " If you boys weren't so stabbity, I'd hug you. " was aimed at his own lessers as he headed for his door and slipped in: flipping on the light as he closed it again and immediately rifling through a dresser for a shirt that wouldn't be difficult to get over his shoulder. At that particular moment he was mildly cursing his taste in form-fitting clothes.. but grateful he wasn't much for buttons: sitting down on his bed with the socks next to him and starting to work his bad arm into the tank top before anything else.

<anime-oujo> One of the four broke away from the assassins, disappearing and reappearing before its master, chattering away loudly at him. Eyebrows raising the Superior nodded, slipping into a portal that lead to just outside the Flurry's room. Frowning deeply as he grabbed the doorknob and pushed it open without further ado, standing in the doorway and staring at Axel as unmenacing as he could manage...which was iffy at best. "Eight, I should know for a fact that you are in no condition to be running around as you are."

<firstsilentGOD> Axel had been pulling the other half of the black, monochrome print tank over his head when he heard the door latch slip open knowing his lessers wouldn't bother with the door: and bolted up immediately --clean socks stuck quickly hanging from his mouth-- to step back to the bathroom door eyes instantly wild, and a flame in his hand lighting up the cracked white text that read 'ashes to ashes' scrolled across the almost gothic print: insta-tense. He didn't bother to say anything, unwilling to drop his socks just that moment and instead letting his body language and straight, warning-bells facial expression say it all for time being: Get the fuck away from me, I don't believe a fucking word you say and I will light you up if you so much as twitch the wrong way, much less come any closer.

[Axel]

<anime-oujo> "I have no intention of killing you or even harming you, both of which I would have at least ATTEMPTED at this point, despite what you may assume." Xemnas ground out, hands shoved into his pockets. "Though I would like nothing better than to smack you upside your head at this moment I shall refrain because you are already wounded." Eying the Eighth he sighed. "You need to be back down in the infirmary and you are indefinitely not leaving. Roxas and Sora along with several others will assume I have done something terrible."

<themightyalexa> While action took place outside the infirmary, it was relatively quiet within. Slowly Marluxia awoke, staring up at the ceiling through half lidded gaze as he pulled his mind from the sleepy confused daze it had been in. Slowly he sat up, the small dragon chittering happily and worried, looking about and noticing the Diviner then the tea ball and readied hot water nearby. He smiled slightly before turning the cup the right way and placing the teaball within before pouring the hot water in. He hissed softly, the heat of the kettle agitating the second degree burns on his hands and fore-arms. "This could be a problem..."


<firstsilentGOD> Eyes narrowing slightly, if it hadn't been clear he didn't believe a word out of Xemnas' mouth; his lack of give did. He refused to budge or take his eyes off of the silver haired man in his doorway: not letting either the flame in his left hand or his guard down even for a moment as his right moved a little slow up from his side to peel one of the socks out of the roll tucked between his teeth and lean to one side, an eye barely twitching as the only sign of the stiff pain in his shoulder and deeper-seated ache just above his waist line as he pulled his socks on one handed one at a time. A litte leakage as the half-weilded shut wound at his shoulder broke open again with the motion: but he ignored it, and teh seeping dark red splotch that formed on either side of his shoulder where what he considered his own physical proof and reminder contrary to the first word in particular had passed right through that shoulder back to front. He rolled it back briefly just to loosen the stiff joint as he stood up straight again and reached for a towel with that same arm and finally let it rest to his side with the half dusty towel in his hand. " I been taking care of myself just fine up until now. You think charging in my bedroom door giving a half assed attempt to placate me is really gonna work to get my guard down for you, of all people? " He grunted at that thought, his expression half disgust. " Please. You're insulting me. I'm not blind now, any more than I was when I saw your face up on the altar. If you think that's convincing? And I'm just going to smile and sigh and say okay! and play the good puppy with two holes in his right side already, just waiting for one of the rest if not you yourself to finish the job..? You can go fuck yourself. I've died once already. I'd rather not do it again this soon after, thanks. No way in hell I'm going back to the infirmary unless Saix's awake and present. " Not to mention he was hungry after not having eaten for twenty four hours. A fact that made itself known with a rumbling from his empty stomach. Briefly, he was also trying to remember whether or not he actually had stashed food in his room prior to going AWOL.

[Axel]

<BloodRose1313> Yazoo finally sighed and walked back down to the Infermary hoping that Marluxia was awakenow. He needed some of the opinion of others on what food to make for the general populous of the castle. He could feel the headache ebbing away even as he walked to the infermary. "Hello?" He called softly, not wanting to wake any one trying to sleep to heal

<themightyalexa> Marluxia looked up from the cup of tea he was sipping at. After clearing his throat he answered, "Come in." The Assassin's free hand brushed along the feathers and fur of the small silver creature, watching the door quietly.

<BloodRose1313> Yazoo stepped in, his ears twitching listening to every noise around him . He walked over to Marluxia and bowed his head " I was wondering if you might beable to suggest what food would be best prepared for the members of the organization."

<themightyalexa> Marluxia looked to the silver-haired remanent before sitting the cup aside. "Well.. something healthy would do. What do you know how to cook?" He inquired, thinking of things that would work before listening to hear what he could cancel out of that mess of thoughts.

<BloodRose1313> "I can prepare any thing in a cook book and several things by memory.Knowing what is most neede, protine,vegitable mater....dairy or grain is mor..well it sounds more scientific than I intend it to but....if there is a dificiancy I would like to know so I can compencate for it in the food I prepare "

<anime-oujo> Xemnas pinched the bridge of his nose and rolled his eyes. "I am not so devious as to wait this long to kill you. And what will you do when you leave, Axel? Go seek out your heart without assistance or information?" He shook his head. "I might hate you, Axel, but that does not mean that if you assist the group you would be denied your heart." The Superior let out a loud sigh. "When Saix is awake I shall have him explain the situation to you but for now if you will not return to the infirmary then you are to stay here, just because I am unwilling to off you does not mean Vexen or Zexion would hesitate upon seeing you." He leaned against the doorway, shaking his head as he motioned for one of the Sorcerers to come in. "If you need anything direct either this lesser or one of your own to retrieve it for you. I will be sending down bandages and painkillers as soon as I sort out what you need. If you require assistance in treating them contact one of the members you trust, or even Hiro, as he resides here as well."

[Axel]

<themightyalexa> Marluxia gave a slight sigh at that answer, "From my experience I know of at least two or three of our ranks enjoy meals of asianic flavor. So perhaps a stir fry of Mein and vegetables... Bok choy, Green onions, cabbage, sprouts, whatever else you think you go well... For Meat, Chicken or pork. Perhaps one spiced and the other mild? Jasmine rice would do well as well. Mm Maybe even some ice cream for dessert?" Marluxia's nose wrinkled slightly as he thought before shrugging and picking up the tea to sip it again. "If possible maybe even have it served with Sake? I don't know if we have any left... that or a nice Oolong with nutty and smooth notes."

<BloodRose1313> " Thank you very much ....sir..." he said Akwardly " I wonder....do you have a vegtable garden, and If so are any of the vegtables avalable for use in the kitchen?" He asked

<themightyalexa> "Unfortunately the vegetables available have already been harvested in the autumn and taken to the Kitchen then. What's left in these cold winter months is merely rot and poison," He answered, laying back against the pillows and continuing to drink the tea down, feeling it's healing effects on his wounds.

<BloodRose1313> "Thank you again." He said " Is there any thing I can get you while you are here?" he asked " I would like to help you...heal if I can"

<themightyalexa> Marluxia give a small smile to the other, "The only thing I'm in need of right now is a pair of scissors to remove the burned bits of my hair. Other than that I am fine. Don't concern yourself with me."

<firstsilentGOD> The Flurry kept his mouth shut at the first question; though... one corner of his mouth twitched upwards, his eyes almost laughing at that. It was an oddly twisted and almost laughing expression: but it was nowhere near warm as he kept the thought and information entirely to himself behind his teeth. To the second set of lines? He almost did laugh: the crooked smirk growing wider, almost to a half grin. His tone was flat and overly sarcastic, a very familiar one that snapped out the second the Superior was done with them. " Uh huh. Next you'll say there's rainbow unicorns running loose in the halls and tell me Xal's taken to wearing skirts. " His expression slid right back to the flatly irritated 'get the fuck out' expression when the Sorcerer appeared though. " My Assassins. I don't want you in my personal space, don't think that doesn't extend to your goons. Get it the hell out of my room, and keep them out: or there will be a Sorcerer bonfire. " He left the rest unanswered, though mention of Hiro did manage to dull the irritation in his eyes a bit and slacken his shoulders by about the same measure. He would be seeking Sephiroth out, given the opportunity. That man, he did trust; even if he did have some of the worst taste in partners ever. " And while you're at it take yourself with it. Preferably, now. "

<BloodRose1313> "I think there are scisors in the cabnet...." Yazoo murmured softly. He was used to being concerned. Being the middle child he worried constantly for his older and younger brother all the time, because they never seemed to worry about themselves

[Axel]

<anime-oujo> "Oh there are unicorns roaming about somewhere. And though Xaldin does need to shave his legs the plaid miniskirt he owns is quite slimming." He responded in an expertly executed deadpan as he motioned for the Sorcerer to exit. " Remember: Stay here." He reiterated before he stood up straight, turning around and exiting without further commentary, heading back down to the infirmary to arrange for the proper supplies. Opening the door again he smiled a bit seeing Marluxia awake. "Ah, good morning Eleven...Are you feeling any better?"

<themightyalexa> Marluxia looked up and gave a slight nod, "Mm It's not morning. Judging by Yazoo's question on what to prepare for dinner, I'm assuming it's evening. And I'm feeling a bit better... " He looked back to yazoo, "I'll be fine, go ahead and start cooking. I'm sure Saix will be awake before long." Truly he had been lying, he was in much pain everytime his arms or face moved. He almost looked like he had gotten a bad sunburn on his face and top portion of his chest. His arms, on the other hand, looked worse for wear.

<BloodRose1313> Yazoo nodded and some what reluctantly left the room. He headed back to the kitchen and began to cook . Later he would take some more tea to marluxia....and maybe he could find some aloe to help the burns.

<firstsilentGOD> Axel only went across the room after he had heard his steps far enough away for him to be comfortable in doing so, calling another Assassin outside his door and giving it the order to wait in plain sight in the hall outside the Infirmary door for the supplies. It was there, plain as day like a spiny neon sign that silently said for everyone in the room who might understand to see when Xemnas opened the door, that the Flurry of Dancing Flames was up out of the water and had reproved his existence. Not that at least two in the room besides him didn't know that already. He was well aware that if it wasn't common knowledge it would be soon anyway. Someone was bound to notice one way or another. Axel in the meantime closed his door and summoned one more Assassin to help him pry off the current bandages after he found his boots so he could have a better look at it. It had already stopped bleeding and wasn't nearly as bad as it had started out by his own guesses, but the wound was still deep on both sides and would need new dressings. He wasn't going to wash it more than necessary: just because he had no idea how the salve worked, having been unconscious when he had been tended. He had thought of putting a barrier up around his room for a few moments, but decided against it; in part because it would be an utter waste of energy and time if he didn't have anything to eat under the bed; and he was after all in part debating on just leaving another set of Assassins there to clean the odd spots of dust left in his rooms --especially the tub, god he wanted a bath, even a shallow one-- and receive the supplies, with the intent and raiding the fridge himself anyway. Assassin's 'hands' weren't exactly made for handling breakable dishes. That thought in mind was what had him doing just that, putting the arm he couldn't use as well in a makeshift sling for the time being: a pair of his own lessers following a few feet behind him like a pair of hovering body guards to boot as he strode into the kitchen and went straight for the refrigerator.. giving the other man he didn't recognize a sideways glance or two and as much of a birth as he possibly could without leaving the kitchen: his shoulder wound was still lacking bandages on both sides.

<themightyalexa> Marluxia shrugged a bit, only in his socks and pants as that was as far as Saix had taken his clothing for him to rest. "I suppose... I've been out most of the time..." He answered, sipping the tea. His fore arms were half covered in blisters and red marks from second degree burns, the cut on his right hand butterfly bandaged together.

<anime-oujo> Shaking his head Xemnas went about putting a nice layer of cool salve over the burns, taking extra care to not cause him anymore possible discomfort, taking the most care around his face. "Well at least you have been out for the worst." After wiping off his hands he dealt out painkillers for the second time that day, offering them to the Graceful Assassin. "When do you suppose Saix will wake up?"

[Axel]

<themightyalexa> Marluxia shrugged a little, nose wrinkling up some in discomfort . Once it was over though he relaxed and took the pills form Xemnas, popping them in and downing it with the remainder of the tea in his cup. "Soon I would think. We're not being neccessarily quiet...." And to that the small dragon chirped loudly, looking to the door at the lesser nobody.

<firstsilentGOD> Boiling up a fresh bowl of water, the Flurry didn't bother with the stove; adding a bit of meat along with the noodles and some vegetables. He could see evidence Xaldin had been around. Likely the usual in and out the Lancer had always preferred. He wondered briefly if he'd been back yet and couldn't help but recall the last time they had seen eachother. Out of the lot though, and aside from Saix, he was the one Axel was both the least and also in some ways the most stressed about coming across: so the reminder as he started back down the hall with his Assassins in tow sipping at the broth while the bowl cooled was a little more somber. He didn't have to be a genius or have a perfect memory to recall how Xaldin and his Dragoons interacted. If he was there, he knew Axel was and it was likely he'd seek him out in his own time. He paused at the corner he would have to turn to get back to his door, and looked at his wound as he recalled something else. The pain left was ignorable. He could walk, neither of his legs had been hit. So long as he didn't run, he wouldn't split his stitches. So, he decided to head back up to the proof instead. Never mind what Xemnas had said: he wasn't leaving those blades on the floor. He paused just outside the doorway though, when he heard a sound from inside, and shifted to one side to look in.

<anime-oujo> Looking in the direction Laila had turned he remember what he had come down to do, returning to the cabinets for what seemed the millionth time since he had regenerated. Gathering the antiseptic, bandages and painkillers up he deposited them all in a small tub, going to the door and handing it off to the lesser at the door. "Find him something to eat as well if he does not have anything else available." The First murmured, eying the assassin nobody.

<BlindTaleTeller> Xaldin had been there for the past half an hour: two of the Dragoons who had been present during the Flurry's resurfacing hovering off to one side. The room was all but black, not that he had expected anything different. He himself hadn't been able to wholly control the winds that had kicked up when he had restored his own proof of existence. Demyx had flooded the room, though only in a few inches with the pillar of water he had brought up. Even Vexen hadn't had control over the extra surge of elemental power. Honestly, he'd been surprised the room had survived as well as it had, and especially that the worst of the damage had seemed to be focused for the most part on one wall. That level of control at that point deserved a huge amount of credit in itself. If it weren't for the evidence of what his Dragoons had already told him half melted to the floor, he might have doubted the Flurry could really do that. At the moment Xaldin was stooped over the cards the other Gambler had dropped, pulling up the one that wasn't stuck to the floor and turning the blackened and cracked two-tone enameled thing over between his fingers. He knew exactly who it belonged to. " Still dealing Aces first.. " muttered to himself, before he noted the extra shift in the air, and slight perk to one of his lessers. " Walking around already? " he grunted as he stood to face the door and the wirey redhead standing just outside it. " I'd say I was surprised, but I'd be lying. "

Saix's head slipping a bit, the voices finally registered. He hadn't slept long, forcing himself to stay awake for a majority of the night and the day. In fact he'd only slipped off into dreamland when his head simply wouldn't stay up. He rubbed his eye and started to sit up as he came to, not opening his eyes for a few seconds, the golden orbs turning to Marluxia " Any better...? " when they did half focused, before he realized he couldn't hear the Flurry breathing on his other side and very nearly jumped to a better posture frantically looking around the room. " Where is he? " The first thing that popped out of his mouth due to the fact the other bed was empty, meaning of course Axel.

[Axel]

<themightyalexa> Laila turned her gaze back to her owner, brushing her horned head against his stomach in affection. One set of fingers came down to rub her side as he other hand set the cup down on the table away from Saix. He was about to answered, but decided against it as the other now pre-occupied his senses with Axel's location. The pink-haired nobody stayed quiet and tend to his pet as he waited for response from Xemnas.

12:12:58 am <firstsilentGOD> Axel's eyes slipped down Xaldin's arm to the card between his fingers and back up as he chewed a few noodles, his expression distrustful; but only and just a little less so for the Lancer: not wanting to come in until he was a little further from the door at the very least. " Yeah.. came back for my blades. You going to throw a few more lances at my head? " That, being a reminder of their last actual time in a room together. Granted, Xemnas had been present just for one, but yeah. Just another reminder of what kind of tool he was expected to be, and the last one that had shown him exactly just how disposable he was. " You're looking good though Xal, for a dead guy. "

12:13:11 am <anime-oujo> "He has gone back to his room, and hopefully remained there as I instructed of he will be definitely at risk." Xemnas was leaning back against the wall beside the door, looking a little drained himself. "When you are up to it I will need you to explain the situation in full to him, as he obviously will believe a word out of my mouth and I would rather not deal with him directly for a while. I have already sent via a lesser things to treat his wounds and whatever pain he might have. Hopefully it picks out something for him to eat in addition."

<BlindTaleTeller> Saix growled out a sigh and settled again. " I doubt he will sit still, but I also doubt there's anything to do about it at the moment; or that after the fight paired with reproving himself that he'll be going very far. " Just the same, he intended to track him down later. Just because he couldn't portal today, didn't mean he wouldn't portal tomorrow: Saix wanted to at least try to talk him out of leaving before he had the chance. He easily sat it aside though as he scooted his seat over closer to Marluxia's bed, and reached to pet his fingers softly alongside Marluxia's as a hello to the dragon he barely saw any more outside of brief visits to the garden, a brief glance to where he had left the tea before he asked again " But.. the answer? "

<BlindTaleTeller> Xaldin's expression smirked a bit with the reminder: he also remembered that the Flurry hadn't flinched or wiped that defiant look off his face either when he'd embedded said Lance into the wall next to his head. His thumb rubbed across the char of the metal card in his hand, stepping back closer to his own proof and looking around with a slightly wider version of the expression. " I haven't been doing poorly. You made quite a mess up here. " the small talk couldn't last long though, and he held up the card a few feet from his face, Ace of Spades side forward. " What does he want, Axel. "

<themightyalexa> Marluxia blinked softly, having slipped into a slight daze for a few moments as Saix and Xemnas spoke while the lower ranked pet his fingers along the small one. He had been distracted by memory of the one who he directly fought the day prior. "Hm? Oh. I'm feeling quite a bit better... " He answered, "Ah but... Xemnas? The assistant to Axel was someone concerned in a prior posted mission. Saix said his name was... Setzer? Just thought you should know... As to what importance it is I've no idea... But if it results in anyone questioning Axel, It may not be best to do until he is calm and approachable I'd think."

[Axel]

<anime-oujo> "...I see. How unpleasant that he might get involved..." He murmured in response. "A shame he had to find out where we are based before we found out what he wanted." How irritating...

<firstsilentGOD> Axel smirked as his mouth cleared the bowl again, wiping the corner of his mouth with his arm and swallowing thickly to chuckle a bit. " Drivin' you crazy, isn't it? Your ex boyfriend running from one world to the next spreading your old name around. "


<BlindTaleTeller> Saix breathed a little easier with his answer, though that didn't mean he was leaving the Assassin's side any time soon: and he nodded to Xemnas in agreement with Marluxia. " Just by the description Marluxia gave me it was easy to identify him. With his looks and personality he isn't easily forgotten. " Saix himself didn't intend to wait too long. He'd track the Flurry down regardless and have words with him. Hopefully he'd be received well. " We might want to put an emphasis on someone finding him, but I agree for the most part that Axel shouldn't be approached by most until he's calmed down. You might ask Hiro to talk to him though. It's clear given where he was tucked away he at least marginally trusts the winged. "

<BlindTaleTeller> The Lancer's brow evened, a more serious expression. " I don't like it, no. But you're avoiding the subject. " His arms crossed and stance widened a bit in place in front of the door leading up to the chasm and further to the altar, he wasn't going anywhere just yet. " He had to give you a good measure of trust to help you out with this. Either that or you had some form of deal he could profit from... " the implication in his eyes was the kind that said he almost suspected Axel had given him up. Almost. On the other hand.. Set wasn't present. He'd made off in the Blackjack for parts unknown. Xaldin doubted he'd have left as quickly if he'd known he was there, but then he didn't know all the details either.

<firstsilentGOD> The Flurry set his bowl down on the floor in his corner of the charred Proof Of Existence after coming in, needing his good arm to pick up the blades. He glanced back to the two Assassins he'd brought with him as extra bodies, before examining the short swords. They weren't as bad off as most of the rest of the room, though they'd lost their enamel and the leather strappings to the grips. Sliding them one at a time back into their sheaths, he was figuring the work they needed would help him pass the time until he worked up enough power to concentrate a portal off world. No, he didn't have any intention of sticking around at the moment: though he certainly wasn't going to clue them in to that. " I didn't rat you out, if that's what I'm seeing in that look. " snatching his bowl again he leaned against his restored proof as he lifted teh soup to his lips again. " Other than that, I wouldn't tell you anything even if I did know. He didn't specify to me why he was looking for you no matter how much I pried. Just that it was personal. " He wasn't going to say or let on that he had plans to meet back up with the silver haired Gambler either.

The first thing that would have been noticeable to the Gambler of Fate? Axel's door was open, and three Assassins were wandering in and out every so often as they cleaned the room. There were medical supplies on the bed along with a bloodied bandage none of them had gotten to yet due to the fact they were working from the bathroom at the back forward towards the door: but otherwise weren't paying much attention to anyone else.

[Axel]

<themightyalexa> Marluxia lost his attention on the conversation about halfway through after that. It wasn't his concern, and further more he wanted to put the image of the silver-haired man out of his head. Though it was more for his ironic appearance resembling one man he had known long ago that disturbed the graceful Assassin. He gave a soft sigh and shift back to lay down, the small beast at his side cooing and resting her chin on his stomach before the twin pair of eyes looked between saix and Xemnas.

<Hikari-Sora1> The Nocturne laid resting in his bed in the infirmary with a pair of headphones over his ears. Who knew if rem cycles really worked, all Demyx knew was that the sounds of the sea helped him sleep. However peaceful the music was, it still wouldn't change the fact he was staring at a white wall outside his bedroom. My god, redecoration please, he winced inwardly and looked off to the side as he saw one of his faithful Dancers trotting into-oh he tripped, no nevermind he was okay. "Hey Dizzy." Nine grinned as his lesser Nobody mock saluted and swayed gently in place. "No one's touched my stuff?" That grin widened upon news that things were exactly as they left them. "Hm?...the Gamblers are around you say? Cool, you can go play. Dippy and the others too." Dizzy and Dippy went in for the kill.

<anime-oujo> The First really didn't want to do that. For some reason the idea made him feel odd...Shaking his head he cleared away the strangely jealous thought process. "I suppose...he did visibly relax at his mention." He brushed a hand through his hair, sighing for the umpteenth time, the whole situation making him feel mentally drained. It had been a long while since he had been this stressed over something.

<BlindTaleTeller> A Dragoon found Luxord not long after, a quick note in hand. Dinah didn't seem to be quite as hyper as usual as it handed the note over.

' Lux, Axel's back. He made a real mess of the Proof and managed to reprove himself before Marluxia, Xemnas and a tardy Saix managed to knock him down. Apparently he had someone with him. It's likely I'll be at the Proof by the time you get this. ~~Xal.

P.S. -- I love you. '

<Moth-Orchid> Luxord only paused long enough to confirm to himself the Assassins exsisted in this time. He'd been seeing them around for some time now. When in a highly agitated state he was given to sudden flashes of other times, most often the near future or past. It was certainly useful, but other times it just made people give him funny looks. In any case, he'd been expecting the return and couldn't imagine it had been quiet affair. He was just outside the infirmery when the Dragoon handed him the note. He had olny just opened it when two Dancers giddy with excitement collided with him in an atempt to get at Hold'Em who shrieked. From inside the infirmery they could hear a yelp of "Bloody hell!" and then the crash of four bodies hitting the marble wall.

<Hikari-Sora1> Bloody hell? Oh yeah, he knew who was on his way. Demyx paused in the process of taking off his headphones, shaking his head with a grin. Two very happy Dancers, however, clung to a very upset Gambler. "Something tells me Luxord is close at hand." He grinned up at the gardner on the bed not too far away from him.

<BlindTaleTeller> Xaldin was eyeing the uncovered wound in the Flurry's shoulder as he'd said that. For someone like him, even if he hadn't been informed the moment he had gotten back of everything his Dragoons had pieced together; it would have been easy to figure out who had made that one by the ring of burn around the otherwise too-clean cylindrical wound that apparently had gone straight through the redhead's shoulder. " That was incredibly .. nice, of you. " He couldn't help but let some of the suspicion enter his tone, though he knew he wasn't just reserving a play. He knew how Axel's head worked in one respect. He paid his debts, in his own odd ways. He wondered though with that same thought as he took in the damage around the Flurry as well as the odd way he sat against the Proof: what did he owe him? For the ride? For helping him out? No.. the last at least wasn't right. He knew Setzer well enough to know that. He left it lay though. Xaldin knew the tired look, even when he was hiding it. " I'll be setting up more Dragoons around the castle. If the Superior wanted you dead.. I'd have probably killed you in your sleep just to make it easier both ways: if he hadn't beaten me to it. Just the same. Be careful wandering around. I wouldn't leave the company of your Assassins, if I were you. "

[Axel]

Dinah skittered back at the collision, though the moment they were down the Dragoon went to trying to pry the Dancers off as carefully as he could... cocking his head a moment before he decided it might be better to just steal Hold-Em and make a break for it, in part to lead them away: so.. that was what he did try to do. Master would be incredibly upset if he heard about the tackling and further that Dinah had been there to see it and just done nothing after all..

Saix simply nodded in response; his eyes on Marluxia though as he let his hand move up to brush his hair back softly. He wanted to ask Marluxia what was on his mind, but not in front of the Superior: so he kept to the current conversation, though distractedly. " If Axel doesn't beat you to it and look for him first. "

<firstsilentGOD> " Shut up windbag. " Axel huffed between slurps of the remaining broth, shaking his head. He was a lot less on edge with the Assassins around: even if they had wandered to the other side of the room to chitter at the Dragoons in Xaldin's company. " You know why I did it. Got nothing to do with being nice in particular. His eyes evened again with the second set of statements. There was a little warning there for a moment, before he simply snorted and lifted his back from his proof again. When it came to temper and control of it, he did trust in that. And he knew when the lancer at least made those kinds of statements as pointedly as they were made, not only was nothing going to stop him short of Xemnas' order, but he was dead serious about the protection implied. " I'll have to ask you why you're going out of your way without an order later. In the meantime. Just keep them out of mine. I told Xemnas, and I'm not above I'm telling you either: keep them out of my face. I'm gonna take a bath and re-dress my wounds. " He waved his bowl in a small circle over his shoulder, done with his food. " Later, windbag. "

<themightyalexa> Marluxia was brought back to reality once more, both by the sudden cry of the Gambler, the question asked by the water mage, and the touch of his endeared one. His eyes drew most to the commotion outside, glancing briefly to Demyx in turn before giving an answer. "I wouldn't be surprised... " He answered in a dull tone.

<anime-oujo> "Mm...I should probably locate him first then, just so Hiro is clear on what he may need to explain..." His gaze shifted toward the door, eyebrow quirking at the sound.

[Saix]

<anime-oujo> Xemnas opened a portal finally after deciding whatever had occurred out in the hallway was already resolved he decided to seek Sephiroth out in a few of his usual haunts, the first on the list being the library. Stepping through he found himself between two bookshelves, eying the ladder momentarily as he moved forward to check for the one winged angel.

<BlindTaleTeller> Saix's attention was only briefly on the door when all the noise had gone off: brows raising. He was tempted to ask if the Gambler was all right, but by the look of him he seemed to have all limbs in working order and to be in one piece: and the Diviner had someone else to worry about. He gave the Gambler of Fate a nod as hello as he reached for the curtain, turning his attention back to Marluxia again and lowering his voice after he scooted in a little closer, brushing his fingers through his hair again briefly and checking to make sure the cooling gel was close by still, he'd ask him about that in a moment, but. For now: " Something's wrong.. or at least on your mind. Tell me about it? "

<themightyalexa> Marluxia looked to the Diviner and gave a wary but tired smile. "The little past I do recall is only haunting me temporarily. A brush of deja vu has brought it but it will pass," Was the best answer the Diviner would recieve. He was not keen on recalling or speaking of that portion of his life as a nobody.

<Moth-Orchid> It was all he could to not to wrinkle his nose at the lingering stink of burned flesh. Eh...extremely localized time displacement always drained him, but it might be necessary now that Axel was back. But he'd make the offer in a minute. "I see the bird has broken a wing" he said with a grin as he sat down next to Demyx. "Poor Hold'Em appears to traumatized."

<BlindTaleTeller> Axel's steps only barely stuttered as he caught sight of the Gambler of Fate, his Assassins following close behind. The bad arm was twitching to get out of the sling he had it in, but he wasn't about to break it open again: simply keeping his eyes on Luxord all the way out the door, and saluting the lower ranked member as he passed him, in part because he was as reluctant to take his eyes off of him as he would be anyone else among the ranks in the Castle, gauging his expression and reaction in general as he went along. " Luxord. " All he had to say as both hello and goodbye, stepping backwards by a few feet before he started off again at a faster pace, gone and around the corner again.

-------------------------

The name dragged Xaldin's eyes back up from the pointed stare he'd started giving the cards still on the floor. The one face up --one of the Jokers-- was mocking him, and had drawn his expression back into a frown up to that point. His brows slackened though as his eyes had come up, and the frown had lessened a great deal. His eyes flicked briefly between the retreating Flurry, and his oncoming lover: stepping forward again to meet him just inside the door and dismissing his Dragoons with a brief wave of the hand still holding the one metal card of three that hadn't been stuck to the thick heat-stressed floor. " Sorry I didn't come to find you as soon as I came back. The Dragoons all but tackled me the moment I did. " His eyes glanced over the mess again. " I've been looking around since. They must have planned this at least a week or so in advance. "

<Hikari-Sora1> Demyx sat his headphones on the table beside his bed as he awaited the Gambler to come in. When he did speak up he raised his voice enough to where he could hear him. "Sorry about that, they probably missed you too." The younger grinned.

[Saix]

<BlindTaleTeller> Hiro was seated in his usual spot not far from a window, feet kicked up onto another chair; his eyes absorbed in the letter again. He'd already been to the infirmary once, barely peeking in on the lot of them before moving off again to let them rest. His debt was paid now, and he was considering keeping the letter from Xemnas regardless of the Flurry's tag on at the end. He was hoping he would wake soon, but wasn't going to rush the conversation he knew was coming one way or another; and knew without question that Axel would be high strung and fighting recovery in the Infirmary, for a few days at the very least. If, he stayed there. From the looks of him though, he had high doubts either he or Marluxia would be popping off world anytime soon. His head barely turned from the letter hearing foot steps, his brow drawn down trying to figure out a few oddly cryptic passages in it before it registered that someone was coming his way in particular. " May I help you? " and he still hadn't looked up. Yet.

<Moth-Orchid> The Time Mage returned his his gaze, though it was far milder than the Flurry's. Everything about his demeanor was relaxed. "It's good to see you again Axel" he replied returning the salute cheerily and let him pass, heading into the Proof. "I could find out if you like, though, not much point now it seems," he remarked gazing around at the destruction. "You look quite upset."
02:51:38 am <Moth-Orchid> gah
02:52:27 am <Moth-Orchid> The Time Mage returned his his gaze, though it was far milder than the Flurry's. Everything about his demeanor was relaxed. "It's good to see you again Axel" he replied returning the salute cheerily and let him pass, heading into the Proof. To Xaldin's words he replied "I could find out if you like, though, not much point now it seems," he remarked gazing around at the destruction. "You look quite upset."


<anime-oujo> "I would hope so." Xemnas replied smoothly, eying the piece of paper his lover was holding. "Eight has woken up and is going to need some...filling in one what all has happened, among other things and Saix suggested that you be the one to handle it, seeing as you appear to be the only one around he feels comfortable with." He stopped about a foot away, looking over Hiro's expression. "What is that you are reading?" He asked finally, curiosity getting the better of him.

<Moth-Orchid> Luxord tilted his head to the side. "The Dancers did?" He shrugged and looked Demyx over "Well you've been done up properly haven't you?"

<BlindTaleTeller> " Not the best of memories, I take it? " his eyes were searching Marluxia's face, but he really didn't need an answer beyond the one that had already been given. He could tell he was uncomfortable talking about it, unlike the other recollections. His eyes moved over the Assassin's face, and softly over the other burns visible, wanting to kiss and hold him better but not sure how sore he was and not willing to cause him the extra discomfort. Saix had survived many burns just working his forge alone, and he wouldn't wish that kind of pain on anyone, especially not his sunflower. One wound in particular came to mind though, and brought half a smile up onto his features briefly before he asked. " Was the tea satisfactory? Has it helped any? " He had slept through Marluxia's waking, and didn't know how far back between he had drunk it, or if Xemnas --having been there when he had woken-- had given him any further treatment.

<themightyalexa> Deciding against answering the first question, Marluxia smiled at the second, "It was perfect, though I've not seen any effects of it yet. Then again, Xemnas also gave me some pain killers and placed a bit of some sort of cream, likely for burns, on the injured areas save for the cut. So I can't really tell if they've stopped hurting due to the drug or the tea..." Marluxia himself had not been fond of the fiery element to begin with. So he didn't not take well to the burns or the sudden increases and reductions of sweldering heat from the pyro. At the very least, his visit to Agrabah and temporary aclimation of the temperatures there may have been the only thing to have kept him from getting ill at those moments.

<BlindTaleTeller> Taking a deep breath and holding it for a moment along with the frustrated irritation that had been itching at him towards Setzer in particular, the Lancer let it out slowly as his bright eyes came back to the teal ones he adored, unable to resist bringing the fingers of his free hand up to brush them back along his cheek with a much easier but lopsided half smile. He leaned to kiss his cheek, before saying " No, that's all right, thank you. " and almost sighed again as he brought the somewhat warped metal Ace of Spades up to one side at head level, showing the face rather than the blackened enamel on the other side. " Setzer was here. He was Axel's back up. He distracted the lessers and made as much noise as he could impersonating our Flurry in order to keep anyone from noting Axel was scaling the castle the hard way, from the outside; along the walls. Marluxia was here though, and while they did manage to claim Axel's proof, Set was apparently wounded before he managed to escape at the altar. He had the Blackjack pick him up. Axel was knocked out shortly after.. Setzer got away. "

[Saix]

Luxord was impressed. "Now that's what I call style."

<BlindTaleTeller> Hiro's head turned and his eyes did come up with that, letting the paper slip to the side over the back of the couch and instantly reaching his other arm out for his handsome lover; a slight, mixed sigh otherwise and to the side for that information, reaching a bit further to pull Xemnas the rest of the way into his lap. " I've plans to talk to him anyway. Just let me know what you need said. He'll listen to me: for the most part. " his eyes glanced at the paper as it changed hands, half folded, the flurry's long and narrow handwriting visible at the bottom few lines. " A letter Axel left for me at the hotel, I'm assuming it was written just before he left to come here. " Sephiroth didn't give any indication of pulling it away or hiding it in any way, shape or form. " You might want to read it later. There's at least one mention as to what he's been up to while I've been here that most indefinitely will interest you. And, if Setzer succeeded.. is very likely to turn Xaldin's request into something of a higher priority for your ranks. "

<Hikari-Sora1> The Nocturne looked himself over and back over at Luxord and grinned. "Yeaaah,m'arm kinda went crick on me when some Heartless kept coming." He chuckled. "And coming, ah but it's okay. And yeah, Dizzy tells me he misses you too sometimes." Demyx rubbed the side of his head with his good hand. "Of course me too..."
04:00:40 am <Moth-Orchid> Luxord smiled "Oh course." he examined some of the scratches. "Looks bad, though. Anything I can get for you?"

<BlindTaleTeller> Saix smiled a great deal more, glad he had gotten the dose right. He'd made whole pots of the stuff in the past, but not just a cup. He had been overly worried it would be slow, so the praise for it's blend was more than welcome, it was welcomed happily. The same " Either way, I'm just glad you're in less pain. I despise getting burned myself. I can only imagine what it was like for you, after having seen how parched you were after only the visit to the desert alone. I wish I had been here. " He did lean in then though, to ghost a very soft and affectionate brief kiss to the least affected portion of his face, before settling back again: something on his mind. " There, is something else I wanted to talk to you about though, if you're up to it. Can I get you anything first.. another glass of water? "

<Hikari-Sora1> "It hurt at first, but its okay n-......." Demyx stared at Luxord before grinning ear to ear. "Do you think you can give me 'more time' to recover? You can do that right?"

<BlindTaleTeller> A briefly quiet moment looking over Luxord's features, just that small moment of study before he pulled his free hand back to his side: and the Lancer smirked softly at his words, glancing to the card again and shaking his head a little. " That, is one thing Set was never lacking. " And looking back into the room, he turned by half away from Luxord to do so, bright eyes flicking back and forth. " ...I can't help but think we're still missing something here though. Something about the way this happened doesn't sit right. Setzer doesn't do much without some form of self-profit involved. "

<Moth-Orchid> Luxord actually laughed at that. "More time to be stuck in here? I think I can do better." He smirked as he assumed his pose of cradling one elbow inhis hand and the other placed thoughtfully on his whiskered chin with a look of intense concentration. The area around Demyx's bed became hazzy for a moment and then it was over. Luxord relaxed. "That should be better now."

[Saix]

<BlindTaleTeller> " Or maybe, he's still looking to be dealt in. I'm not sure. " His eyes coming back down to Luxord's went back to studying his eyes, curious about that tone and expression. " .....this was a little too risky for the Set I knew though. Why risk his life, for Axel? There's definitely something missing here. " and he shook his head, ridding himself of that sense for the moment, or at the least setting it aside to ask with a slight return of the furrow to his brow. " Are you all right Luxord? You seem.. " and he looked for a word as his hand came up again, stroking his fingers back across the side of his head through Luxord's hair, taking a few stabs at an attempt. " ..off? Not quite yourself..? "

<Moth-Orchid> "I think, I should find Xemnas. To officially take this mission." His voice was still quiet and he had a far away look in his eyes.

<anime-oujo> "I shall fill you in, I know it is rare that we discuss the Organization itself..." He nuzzled the emerald eyed man's cheek, brushing his lips lightly over the skin as he withdrew. "Its very hard to concentrate on anything but you when we are alone." As he drew back he sighed, looking to the letter and running his gaze over the script, pursing his lips momentarily. "Well...at least we are now aware of the access code's existance rather than having to puzzle over what might unlock the proper data." The First frowned just slightly. "That man is such a pain to deal with...I wish it was not he in possession of it..."

<BlindTaleTeller> The Diviner got up to get a new cup for his sunflower with that answer, running his fingers softly along his hair before he stepped away and filled it, sitting back down as he offered it to him. " I wonder if Xaldin knows he was here yet.. " though he doubted if the Lancer had come home he was likely already at least partially informed and probably agrivated as all get out, if Ten hadn't found him since. Something about the Gambler of Fate seemed to ease the third's temper and agrivation down from it's worst.

<themightyalexa> Generously, Marluxia took the glas and sipped from it once, twice, and a third time before letting it settle. Tired sapphires looked towards the features of the Diviner, a brow quirked in inquisition. "I don't know if he does. If he's returned since Axel's arrival, certainly his lessers would have let him know of what has happened?" He answered softly, near certain that topis was not the one Saix wished to discuss with him.

<BlindTaleTeller> " Okay.. " Xaldin's eyes flicked across Luxord's again, more quickly, before he tucked the card into his pocket along with his quickly removed gloves to take his face in his bare hands and catch his eyes closer up. He was starting to get worried. He hadn't seen this before. His voice was very quiet but firm. " Hey. Talk to me.. what's going on in there? "

<BlindTaleTeller> " If, he has it. " Sephiroth pointed out quietly, leaning towards another kiss to his neck, higher up. " There's no telling whether Setzer actually found what he was charged with looking for, without asking Axel or more directly the man himself. Either way, I wonder if his motivation is the search he's been so blatantly parading world to world; or something else. " and then came the nibbling... as well as the kiss, and a slight slip of Sephiroth's hand as he smiled against the caramel skin to squeeze him around the waist.