Third Time's the Charm? (Xaldin, Luxord)

[Xaldin]

<BlindTaleTeller> Xaldin: *been out the whole day and hasn't changed yet; still dressed in the moccassins, buckskin pants and armbands; he comes out into view spreading the skin out on a wooden frame under the overhang of his own balcony so the die can dry more quickly*

04:30:40 <Moth-Orchid> Luxord: *being number 10 is on the floor below, his balcony having become a veritable chimney from all the smoke. every now and then through the other roiling thoughts about puzzles, Axel, Setzer, Ansem and a cancanning chorus line of moogles, a small voice graons that saix will kill him for for making his jacket reek of cigarettes*

04:38:23 <BlindTaleTeller> Xaldin: *dumps and blows the water out far enough over the side of the railing for it not to hit much other than air, and leaned over it tugging out his knife to carve at the long beads he'd been playing with all day, a glance or two down: he sighed a bit catching sight of the blond*

04:40:55 <Moth-Orchid> Luxord: *rubbed his eyes irritably and lay and let his head drop onto his folded arms* Bugger all...

04:42:58 <BlindTaleTeller> Xaldin: *not the biggest on talking in these kinds of moods, he tries anyway, calling down and leaning against the rail* So. Did you find it?

04:45:53 <Moth-Orchid> Luxord: *jumps a little and then looks up his face unreadable* Yes we found it. Xigbar has it.

04:50:31 <BlindTaleTeller> Xaldin: *digs his fingers into the back of his hair for a moment, a thoughtful expression, brows furrowed before he reaches for his bag and tugs out the cigarillos he bought from the english and pops one between his lips* That's good. *works himself down behind the railing, balancing his wrists up on his knees, probably all that was visible was one of those long hawk feathers, his brows and violet-blue eyes* Any trouble?

04:52:51 <Moth-Orchid> Luxord: That's one way of putting it yes. I knew I should have stopped for a hat

04:55:32 <BlindTaleTeller> Xaldin: *lifted his head a bit at that, concern showing through* You didn't get spotted did you?

05:00:03 <Moth-Orchid> Luxord: Spotted? Spotted? Hell Xaldin! Either he doesn't know exactly what we are, which is very unlikely, or he's toying with us!. that's the only reason I can tell I'm not a fading patch of darkness! *covers his eyes trying to regain his composure*

05:03:21 <BlindTaleTeller> Xaldin: *his eyes shift back and forth over him for a few seconds before he stands, exhaling. A gust of hard wind, the slight glow of his dragon; and he was perched a few feet away on the Gambler's railing instead, tugging his hair down over one shoulder. One of many reasons he generally wore it in braids, which it wasn't in now excepting the one on his right side.. it weighted it down and kept it from whipping in his face as much* Slow down.. I wasn't there.

05:04:23 <Moth-Orchid> Luxord: *still rubbing his eyes* Ansem

[Xaldin]

05:07:35 <BlindTaleTeller> Xaldin: *frowned outright, another few moments and he sighed, shaking his head* Well, you're in one piece. And you made it back. *a small, tipping one-sided shrug* More.. you came back with what you went for. I'm assuming no one else saw you?

05:10:13 <Moth-Orchid> Luxord: *looks up at him incredulously* Ansem's not enough?

05:17:27 <BlindTaleTeller> Xaldin: He's plenty, but he's not the only one to have worried about in that situation.. *a soft sigh* Axel's had his run ins with him as well, and; he's come out of it much worse for wear. He spent an hour or two with his wrists strapped to a ceiling: after his guardian tore three gashes across his back. Last I looked, he still hadn't figured out or solved the physical issues remaining from that last encounter. He's been trying not to call attention to it in front of others.. but it's still bothering him. So. If you got away scott free, I'm grateful; and not going to dwell on the what ifs.

05:22:21 <Moth-Orchid> Luxord: All it means is that he's planning something, Or he wanted us to find the key and just wanted to let us know he was watching. Just because he didn't physically attack us right there doesn't really comfort me much. I might have comprimised the mission with Setzer. the moogles seem to be double or possibly triple agents. If Ansem gives them a way to ID me then best case senario, I'll never get Setzer's trust

05:34:47 <BlindTaleTeller> Xaldin: *nodded* Likely. It's Ansem we're talking about after all. If he didn't have something up his sleeve, I'd almost be disappointed. However.. *turns a bit more towards him* For now, whatever he's up to benefits us; if only this once. As for the moogles.. *he rubbed his chin before he took a drag, exhaling it with his words: it smelled sweet, like cherries or apple, thick even as it dissipated* ...Setzer only employs--- *a pause, his head lifted a bit, brows furrowing again in a thought he didn't put out just yet: but it had been enough to pause his thought process mid sentence* He only employs moogles he's sure won't betray him. People are another matter to him, but moogles are business folk, if good ones over all. In my past experience with his crew.. if any of them are double dipping, it's probably because Ansem has something he's holding over their heads that would compromise their relationship with Set.. not necessarily because they want to. More.. what reason would he have to give them a way to identify you? Does he know you're onto the moogles?

05:42:48 <Moth-Orchid> Luxord: Triple agents possibly then, bringing Setzer info about Ansem though I'd hate to think why. And no, not that I know of. I suppose you're right, the SOD makes me paranoid. *inhales his own far foul smelling smoke* A part of me want to jsut come clean to Setzer and top it off with the "stay the hell away from my boyfriend". I'd like to think he's at least respecte the fact fact I'd have the balls to do that. That's how it it with our kind you know. trust for a given value of turst and beyond that it's all a gamble

05:53:14 <BlindTaleTeller> Xaldin: *shrugs and shakes his head; he understands.. he was just trying to make it better* Understandably so, given who the man is. You're home though, you got what you went for, and learned a little more in the process. All three of those things are things to be grateful for. *shifting down off the railing he leaned over it on his arms instead, looking out over the expanse. A small smile crept up* Well, that would certainly be your style. At least, I think so. *turning his head a bit, his expression was more serious; he meant it when he said* Do what you think is best; but whatever you do, be careful. If Ansem is watching him through the moogles, there's a reason. It could be the disk, it could be something else. Personally.. I'm wondering and a little worried about the flying fuzzballs having a connection to those heartless in Gaia especially, after what Mar said. Far away, and inbetween.. if they did mean worlds..? The Blackjack is the largest concentration of moogles in one place, at the moment: anywhere. If they're watching him, and Ansem is watching him: either what he has may be a lot more important than we know at this point. Or. Something else is going on with him we aren't aware of yet.

05:59:48 <Moth-Orchid> Luxord: He's scared. He's got something he won off of Hades. It's something Time based and it's powerful. He's got a way to protect himself even from the moogles if they they are working for Ansem. frankly I think the Moogles like Setzer better. The one didn't seem to enjoy taking orders form SOD

06:05:58 <BlindTaleTeller> Xaldin: *nods, slowly* Set's been involved in a lot of trouble. But he's never been in this deep.. it's probably got his paranoia running high. *a small snort* Though.. some part of him is probably highly enjoying the thrill end of things. He has a good poker face as I'm sure you know: and once he chooses a path it's difficult to shake him. Elsewise, he might have given up on finding me a year ago. *let his head dip a bit, thinking as he took another drag, and then rubbed the other hand back through his hair* He probably realizes by now he's in over his head. Otherwise he wouldn't deal with someone like Hades, even if he was sure he could manipulate teh game to his advantage. He knows full well the kind of trouble the all powerful type can be if they simply change their minds...

06:12:20 <Moth-Orchid> Luxord: He probably decided to deal with Hades because he's like us. Don't get me worng, a deal's a deal, but deals can be changed. The God of the Dead's actually a pretty safe bet. *sighs and inhales again* make those yourself? They smell a million times better than these

06:15:29 <BlindTaleTeller> Xaldin: That's probable.. *looks down to the one in his hand and shook his head* I was thinking of trying my hand at it, but no. *offers the cigarillo* Bought these from the English, or rather traded for them. They're very good. I don't smoke often any more myself...

06:19:51 <Moth-Orchid> Luxord: Heh *takes it* What can I say? I'm a stress smoker. *stubs out his own cig and inhales* Heh saix is gonna slay me. This is his jacket and I know Mar hate the smell of burning plants

[Xaldin]

06:23:04 <BlindTaleTeller> Xaldin: Saix won't care. *a slight chuckle* He smokes even less than I do, but he does smoke every once in a while. As for Marluxia.. well.. there's some time yet before the two of them come back here anyway, I'm sure the smell will wear down by then. It's not as if Saix can wear something like that in Daguerro after all.

06:25:05 <Moth-Orchid> Luxord: I'd still doubt he's appreciate it reeking of Brittish fags

06:25:56 <BlindTaleTeller> Xaldin: *chuckles a little* He'll get over it.

06:28:34 <Moth-Orchid> Luxord: *exhales the smoke watching it curl away* Kind of maddening isn't it? To be fighting and then have to sit through all snuggling at that meetling?

06:32:25 <BlindTaleTeller> Xaldin: *didn't answer for a few seconds, taking in a breath his expression evened a little* That part of it didn't bother me.

06:33:16 <Moth-Orchid> Luxord: Better man than I

06:40:09 <BlindTaleTeller> Xaldin: *doesn't really know what he wants to say just yet, and leans forward a little more* Even as tired as they seemed, and as serious as the conversation: it was good to see Marles, Zexion and Saix all together for more than a few minutes. I can't complain about that knowing how rare that's been the last year, but especially for Zexion and Sai the last few months. And Xem and Hiro.. *shakes his head* As much as we tease them; those are some balls, to make that kind of commitment in the face our overall situation.

06:41:46 <Moth-Orchid> Luxord: *gives him a look* Would it kill you to be decently selfish just once in a while?

06:43:27 <BlindTaleTeller> Xaldin: Probably not. Can't speak for the shingles, or the lessers though.

06:44:26 <Moth-Orchid> Luxord: I mean didn;t it annoy you even just a little?

06:46:54 <BlindTaleTeller> Xaldin: No. *looking straight to him* You not talking to me did. The cold shoulder did. *looks out again and lets out a breath with it, almost a sound of disappointment* The fact I thought we were past that stage where we shut eachother out, did. I'm selfish all right, but it doesn't have to do with anyone else. It isn't like that.

06:52:07 <Moth-Orchid> Luxord: Damnit Xaldin. I didn't mean blame them or take it out on them or not be happy for them. But sometimes...I want so much to be human again and you make me feel so bloody low for acting like one. You talk like it's impossible to to care for someone and be annoyed with at the same time. And now you giving me this business "I thought we were past shutting eachother out". I thought you did know me, how do think I feel you running off to exactly the kind of party you know I'd love, I mean I was here and everything and you didn't even mention it. Don't give me lectures about shutting people out

07:01:55 <BlindTaleTeller> Xaldin: *straightens up with that, a sudden snap of posture, defensive and for the first time, irate* You were asleep! *and he waved out his hand, the wind was picking up a bit; but he managed to keep it mostly under control, balling his fists. What words he had were short, somewhat raised* It was the middle of the night, I didn't want to wake you. And I certainly didn't think you'd give me this kind of response! Forgive. Me. *he turned to the railing again and yanked his legs up in one swift motion* I... am going back, before my temper has me saying things I don't mean. *just before he pushed off to ride the wind back to his own balcony*

[Xaldin]

07:06:15 <Moth-Orchid> Luxord: Are you so lost to humanity you can't even have a proper row? So bloody perfect you can't lower yourself to my level? *shaking so hard* If you leave now don't bother coming back!

07:21:54 <BlindTaleTeller> Xaldin: *whipped around and leaned far over the edge of his own balcony shouting back, brows down and fingers just about white they were gripping the railing so hard* I don't know what you want! I apologized! It wasn't enough! I left you alone when you snubbed me, that wasn't enough! I just am not that way, not better, not worse.. it's just not how I am. They're my goddamn friends and colleagues, and so no: seeing them happy, it doesnt' bother me! OUR argument, as stupidly petty to me as it is or was or what the fuck ever has nothing to do with them! What the fuck Luxord?! When is it enough? What do you want!? *throws his hands up and very nearly screams* I DON'T EVEN KNOW WHAT THE HELL WE'RE ARGUING ABOUT ANY MORE! So we should just keep going at it? WHAT FOR?!

07:40:15 <Moth-Orchid> Luxord: How do you do it? Everyone feels like that. Emotions don't exsist in a vacume, It's not fair or right so there's no reason to act on it, or blame anyone except who's responsible ultimately. *grips the rail*But more to the actual point. Yes you apologized but that didn't make it not hurt. Gods I've wanted to do something like that with you for so long and when the oppertunity arouse and I was left out, I was angry. That's all there is to it. No one else got drug into the spat. I didn't blame anyone else. I'm jsut saying that it bothered me that everyone else in the room was snuggled up and I was still too hurt to do the same, it was my own fault, fine. I know that. But I love you and it makes me irrational sometimes. you can hurt me like no one else can. Sorry, not a good reason I know, but it's the only one I've got

08:18:12 <BlindTaleTeller> Xaldin: Well, not everyone, obviously! *thumps his own chest, straightening up a little with it, tense, agrivated, frustrated and just plain pissed off and in need of another run, pacing and running his hands through his hair* Maybe it's the fact I tried, hard, to distract myself throughout the entire thing. Maybe it's why my element chose me, or maybe it's the other way around. I don't know! I just don't react that way. Would I have rather you could have? YES. Hell yes! I love you too you thick blond! Why the hell do you think it upset me in the first place?! I hate.. ABSOLUTELY HATE fighting with you near the point of fucking depression, because I know I have a temper, and I know I can get out of control if I don't watch it. *leaning over the rail again his head angled* Maybe you've forgotten, maybe you never knew to begin with; but I know full well what my full temper is capable of: and I tend to try not to let that out around much of anyone if I can help it. Top it off with what pride I do have, and hell yes when you shut me out you screw me up in ways no one else should or can. If that's what you were looking for, you should have known you have that already god dammit! *all but stomped back into his room, slamming the balcony doors so hard and with such extra element it blew the glass and a few other extra items out with them, a few seconds belated:* FUCKING HELL! *shouted after it before another door was slammed behind that, he was too pissed off to talk to anyone by that point*

08:30:46 <Moth-Orchid> Luxord: *by this point he's too reckless to worry and follows him* No I don't know your temper. You hide it too well, though now I have an idea. And no, I had no idea the cold shoulder bothered you this much

08:47:14 <BlindTaleTeller> Xaldin: *other side of his bathroom door by that point, back to it on the floor sitting as he had been on his own balcony prior, most of the room's contents had been blown to the corners... which might have shown to be one of many reasons why ever shelf and even the bed had drawn wooden screens, as behind them were the only safe places where things weren't actually blown around. He didn't answer right away, and when he did it was lower, almost flat toned* Well, it does. And yes I do. My temper is only good for one thing, and I try, very hard.. to save it for that.

08:56:42 <Moth-Orchid> Luxord: *leans on the door* I'd wager there's ways to relieve your temper other than that. Being left behind is one of my deepest fears. Being out of control is one of your's yes?

09:23:58 <BlindTaleTeller> Xaldin: There are. *leans back further, his head resting against the door, his eyes closing getting a hold of himself in slowing breaths* Wandering. Hunting. Drinking sometimes. Being places where the wind gets caught up between the trees or runs strong through the grass. Just carries it away, even if it's only for a while. *quieter, more to himself; not something he's shared with anyone, and for a reason* ..dancing. *and louder again* Before, it was even just sitting in the cockpit, eyes closed, listening to the machine idle.

<Moth-Orchid> Luxord: Then come out here and waltz me. If I'm you're partner I can't be left behind, if I'm in your arms i can't even hallucinate it. I'm a weak insecure thick-headed fool, but I;m one hell of a dancer. *leans on the doorjam* I think I don't knwo you as well as I should...maybe that's why I'm jealous of the others...

09:49:37 <BlindTaleTeller> Xaldin: *doublefacepalmed quietly on the other side, tempted to groan rubbing both eyes with the heels of his palms* With the exception of maybe Xigbar... you know me better than anyone else. But.. *he shifted to one side of the door and opened it enough to be seen, still sitting on the floor* ..there is a good deal you still don't know about me. And.. though I haven't done it in a few weeks: that's one thing that's on that list. No one knows about that. I've gone to lengths to be sure of it.

[Xaldin]

09:58:24 <Moth-Orchid> Luxord: *leans back lookiing at him through the crack* Knowing more than the others doesn't really mean I know you, at least in the way a good lover should. it seems to go both ways too. I'm exassperating you aren't I?

10:05:10 <BlindTaleTeller> Xaldin: In things like this last argument? Yes.. *looks ahead* Very much so yes. It's been a year Lux... I expected .. something more than the same silent treatment I got when Vexen laid his head in my lap. Even.. a question, something. *examples came out immediately after* Why didn't you wake me? What the hell were you drinking? *a brief pause, and small huff of a laugh* Even is there any Brandy left.. but not that. Not after this long. *looks back up to him* I know we've been apart more often than together, but.. you leave that stupid little nagging voice in my head to ask it's own questions when you do that. And it's not a kind one.

<Moth-Orchid> Luxord: I guess I expected you to know me enough to what was wrong. All that did run through my mind, but I couldn't pick just one. *sighs* Gods why didn't you wake me up? A poker game, enough alchi and loosing streak and I'd shown the whole damn caslte I could out blow you in one very specific way. I wanted to I mean really really wanted to. I felt shunned almost.

10:20:10 <BlindTaleTeller> Xaldin: Mm. *a half a nod, he just pushed the door open more and held his arm up to him, an invitation to join him on the floor half in the dark* It wasn't poker. It was checkers.. *and he looked up to him again almost through his eyebrows* ..the only reason there were cards was because Hiro and Axel were throwing them at each other back and forth. Hell.. near the end they were using game pieces as accessories... *ended up laughing at th at one* Like the one that was still in my hair when we started the meeting. Oh. And. There is a little brandy left.

10:24:24 <Moth-Orchid> Luxord: *shrugss and crawls through the door* I can loose at checkers just as well as I can loose at poker. And brandy isn't really what was on my mind at any point, It just...made things more unpredicatable

10:35:20 <BlindTaleTeller> Xaldin: *tugs him in closer with that arm, a small smile; he can't resist the natural tease* ..where has all the rum gone? *before he kissed him, pulling the hand up over his blond hair after. He almost wanted to pick up that earlier conversation, but.. the timing was off and he was tired of tension: and ultimately he was still uncomfortable with talking about it, not knowing what the response would be, so he shoved it aside.. very easily in favor of holding him* I love you. Even when I'm pissed off, I love you. Even when I'm a jackass, or don't seem like I'm thinking of you: I am. There's something big to that.

<Moth-Orchid> Luxord: the rum is always gone *he allowed himself to be pulled closer and rested against the dark haired man* If I didn't love you I wouldn't care what you did without me. It's confusing as hell you know, not being able to just throw you into the " win some lose some" catagory. No one else gets to me like you do.

<BlindTaleTeller> Xaldin: *smiled a little, and adjusted to pull him in even better, settling his legs on either side of him as comfortable as he could make it; nuzzling into the base of his neck and taking in his scent, he wouldn't be letting go of him any time soon* The same for you on that last.. *exhausted in more ways than one, he settled like that, rested against the wall with Luxord against his bare chest*