Wakey Wakey! (No. Nine pt2)

[Xaldin]

hikari sin : The cold had been beginning to fade now. He wasn't immersed in the welcoming water anymore. He felt air about him, warm air moving over him as if watching over him and the first person that came to mind was "Xaldin?" Demyx's groggy voice murmured to the air, eyes fluttering softly.

xaldinstrips : The moment that word was uttered, one of the Dragoons sifted away to inform their master; the other staying in place though it fidgeted slightly, tilting it's head forward on the long graceful neck to try and get a better look at Demyx: churring softly. The deep and familiar voice from the portal that opened sent it away with a simple " That's enough.. go back to your duties... " as he came though; the tall dark third dressed in his usual plains clothes rather than the shorts, shades, sandals and tank that had become the norm on Destiny Islands. He adjusted his sleeves as he moved to the bed edge half smirking at the younger. " Welcome back to the land of the half living Nine. " And sat down on the bed edge, adjusting the dark jeans. Demyx's room was already clean --at least on the surface anyway, everything where he had left it. Xaldin had gone through the uninhabited rooms with his Dragoons: they had cleaned the surface and not poked into the other's things.. just enough to get rid of the majority of the dust left behind. " You're one of the last to come back. Xigbar and Axel; they're the only ones who haven't come up out of the water yet. How are you feeling? "

hikari sin : The kid's brow furrowed as Xaldin talked and he looked to him weirdly. "I don't know...I feel...so heavy..." Demyx pouted still looking at him. "Sleepy...how long have I been asleep again?"

xaldinstrips : Nodding, the Lancer had a pretty good idea what he meant. " Well, that's understandable. From what we can tell, we don't feel most of the energy drain from the swim until we surface.. and at current, you're at a fraction of your ability. We all experienced it. " A soft sigh, his periwinkle eyes settled on the teen's face. " You've been out a few hours. Long enough for Luxord and I to settle you, have a cup and let him recover. " Among other things. " He doesn't do well in that place. ... do you think you can stand, or do you want me to bring you something to eat? There's a lot to catch you up on. "

[Xaldin]

hikari sin (2:56:49 PM): "A-A fraction man oh man that ain't good..." Demyx grinned wearily and chuckled brokenly, at least trying to lighten the mood. He hated it when the air was tense. "That means I suck more than I sucked before." That tired smile remained as his eyes tried to map out Xaldin's face. His vision had been just a bit blurry, like he was looking through water to the other. But he knew this man was Xaldin, his voice and scent alone told him. "Mmh...s-sorry Xal, I can't lift my head...I wonder what I missed out on..."

xaldinstrips (3:30:20 PM): Xaldin shook his head; though with a smile. He'd missed the kid honestly. Not the biggest on self esteem in this mode, but he wasn't bad to have around. " You never 'sucked' Demyx.. " his earnesty was in his smiling tone as he reached over to softly scruff and then right the blond's hair. " ...you were simply trusted with some of the more difficult missions. Seriously. First to go up against a God even the keyblade couldn't scratch alone: and then meant to be that keyblade's deterrent? You're more than enough; and a good, loyal Organization member. You fell as one. You should be proud. " Pulling his hand down, he patted his shoulder at his state, nodding. " It's all right Demyx. As I said, we all went through our own stages of weakness after waking. I'll have Dinah get you something to eat to help your recovery.." a short but concentrated look to the door, and wind chimes could be heard further off outside his room and down the hall before he looked back to the blond. " A lot though. You were the first of those of us left to fall. According to Saix though I was the second.. I wasn't the last. Even Xemnas went down. Roxas.. never surfaced, throughout the whole of it. " there was a slight sigh in his tone for that, and pause before he continued. " If what we've seen in right, it had been a little over half a year since Saix and Xemnas fell that we started coming up out of the Dark Waters. The goal hasn't changed.. but the approach is being re-thought. Luxord and I were in fact on our way back from retrieving Roxas when we were lucky enough to be there to see you come up; and Roxas has brought Sora with him as well. " he paused a moment, considering how many reactions he had seen to that thus far and added for Demyx's own safety " There's a no-aggression order in place for him and Roxas both. No physical fights; not un-baited anyway. Sparring is fine.. but nothing serious. We need them alive and working at restoring Kingdom Hearts, if only for Saix's case. He's been experiencing fluctuating health due to the status of our makeshift moon.. " another sigh and he settled better as the goofy Dragoon appeared with a plate of the hot Turkey dinner he had made hours ago. " Thank you Dinah.. " The dragoon didn't disappear like the rest though, opting instead to hang out upside down on the ceiling and cock it's head at them tittering away quietly like an overly hyper cockatiel as Xaldin helped him sit up against his pillows. " Someone from my past pointed Saix towards another option besides Kingdom Hearts though.. it seems Ansem had another lab, separate from the rest -- built after the incident that made we original six. We believe the information inside could possibly even lead to our others.. "

[Xaldin]

hikari sin : "Heh." The Nocturne grinned even wider, one eye closing as his hair was rubbed. One would almost think he puffed his chest in pride. "Thanks Xal. Mmh..." He inhaled softly and let his breath out. "This isn't just weakness though, this is...Arnold Schwarzen-weakness. Man, who hijacked my head and sent it through a blender?" His grin attempted to widen as he looked back up at Xaldin. "Can't even see you properly...even hard to breathe..." So instead he stayed silent and took in deep breaths just to catch a good breath. "Everyone...died? Dang who knew keybrats had such stamina..." Demyx raised a shaky hand to his forehead, pushing back tickling strands. So the goal was the same. At this his lips curled back to show his pearly whites, his hand flopping back behind his head in exhaustion. "Mm I can almost feel my heart beating in my chest." He listened more, glad for one that Roxas and Sora were- wait... "...did you say Sora? Sora?!" Demyx's jaw dropped and he took on the biggest pout. "Great, keybrat...I'm screwed 6 says from sunday Dx" The younger could of face palmed. "No aggression order...right...I think the kid wouldn't mind a few practical jokes though. What can't kill you can make you stronger." That grin came back stronger. "Mmh...Saix..." He murmured. "H-He'll be okay....r-right? Kingdom Hearts should be nearly completed by now...shouldn't it?" Looking to the Dragoon's plate of food and to Xaldin's face back and forth. Mmm that smelled great... "I hope he will....." He was NOT however prepared for that last bit of news, his eyes widening to the size of saucers. "O-Our, you mean our-" He choked out a laugh. "Awesome! Can my non-life get better than this?"

xaldinstrips : Xaldin smiled a little wider. He'd almost forgotten how much the kid could talk. Not that he was really a child by any means. More than ten year his junior had him thinking that way though. Demyx was just one of those energetic people. " Yes, I mean our other halves. Don't get too worked up too fast though; at the moment, it's just speculation: but the possibility is there. " A deep breath, and he unwrapped the silverware for him. " We won't know for sure until Saix and Marluxia return with the Hard Drive and one of the scientists can at least try to get past it's coding. " Offering him the plate, he smirked a bit on one side. " And Saix will be fine, as soon as the keyblade kids start collecting hearts again. It was as I understand it, initially ruined by DiZ. "

hikari sin : "Still mmh, this is great...man, so wiped out...er...help me eat?" A sweet smile plastered itself on his lips as he tried reaching for the fork. "Meh, him sticking his nose where it didn't belong. Should of known he'd do something mean and underhanded like that. n.o Honestly. But...I can't wait to see Saix again, and everyone. I missed them."

xaldinstrips : Xaldin nodded in agreement, still managing a soft smile for the Nocturne. He didn't have any issues helping him eat. " Not a problem. I know how it feels. " Dabbling a healthy bite of turkey in a bit of gravy, he offered it up to his lips. " I was laid out in the sand for half a day with Luxord and Vexen. You're lucky really.. we ended up stranded there for a day and a half before we were able to get off the beach. I didn't mind it so much as I minded not being at full capability.. but, it drained Luxord a great deal. " He smirked for the mention and forked a bit of the cheesy vegetables for him once he had that down. " I'll bet the others will be glad to have another of us back. It's something else around here right now.. being that even the Oblivion crew has come back. "

hikari sin : "Mmmmmmmm." He pursed his lips around the fork and sighed dramatically. "Its your cooking, it has to be. Heaven on earth, no creature alive can cook as good as that. x3" Demyx chuckled, licking a bit of gravy from his lips then licked the fork. "Oh man that sucks...stranded on the beach...well, for you, that sounds kinda cool to me. But certainly not drained like the way I feel now, ugh. Ooh yum cheese~" The Nobody must've had ADD as well. "Mmh, whuh wus I sahyin?" The Nocturne mumbled around a bite of food. "Oh yeah." A wide grin. "Yeah without me things seem glum don't they? Admit it~"

xaldinstrips : " I'm glad you still enjoy my cooking. " Xaldin couldn't help but chuckle. He did very much appreciate the compliments though, and nodded at last. " Well Zexion has been doing a good job of livening things up while I was here. I can't say for sure though. Saix has been trying to keep me updated through correspondence, but: observing Sora and Roxas has been my mission up until lately.. so I haven't been able to spend very much time at home until now. " A deeper smirk and he decided to drop something else. " Something else you might be a bit surprised and maybe even proud to hear: a great deal of us have given in, and are trying relationships this time around. Saix is as I understand it trying to balance a relationship with both Marluxia and Zexion, Sephiroth has settled in here, according to VII due to an attraction to Xemnas that started off during another mission: though I don't know the full details about that nor am I about to pry at the Superior for details on any relationship he might be in. And lets just say... Vexen and Lexaeus' lab has been a do-not-disturb area since before I left for the Islands. " he left out himself, and Luxord as he helped him eat, but then knowing Dems, he didn't doubt Nine would ask. Honestly, aside from Saix, he would be the first to do so.

hikari sin : "Wow all that huh?" Demyx grinned and then his eyes lit up, sparkled, and danced in joy. "Its about time! Wow!" He giggled and nommed on more of the great cooking. "Hehe...so Superior has someone...aand...Vex and Lex, and Zeku and Sai and Mar...and...and Lar.." He shivered, scary woman was scary. " Xigbar and Axel are....." Demyx frowned.

xaldinstrips : " Yes.. all that. " he shook his head a bit before offering him some of the potatoes. He wouldn't be surprised if half his tire was his body recognizing it was running on empty. He had felt a lot better himself after eating, Vexen had as well. " They're not back yet, but we already know Axel and Xigbar are still under. Axel has a lot to answer for, that you weren't around for as well. The Superior wants him hand delivered or detained the minute he comes up. In the meantime though, we should concentrate on you. When you're ready to stand, I'll take you up to the proof. You'll summon your Sitar there, and once you've reproved your existence; you'll be able to fully recover.. a lot faster too. "

hikari sin : "Oh......" The Nocturne frowned gently, eating the potatoes with less vigor now than the rest of the food he was fed. Poor Axel... "My....m-my sitar, my baby..." He pouted GREATLY and turned that pout onto Xaldin. "Yes yes YES Xaldin I want it!"

xaldinstrips (8:34:34 PM): A slight twitch came across Xaldin's brow, almost humorous. He could say so much, especially to that last comment. He managed to restrain himself though, his strained smile the only proof he had even been thinking anything of the sort. " All right, lets get the rest of your food in you then and get you standing.

hikari sin : "Kay." He licked his lips, oblivious to the man's thoughts. "Ooooh to feel it in my hands again~" Demyx purred. "In my hands where it belongs."

xaldinstrips : He actually paused with that repeated sentence, mid lift of another fork of vegetables: and laughed. " You really have no idea how that sounds, do you kid? "

hikari sin : "It sounds exciting!" Demyx grinned broadly. "Can't wait to get it." And he took in a bite of veggie, noting not too much cheese was on it. "Let's see...first I'll go easy...then a bit rougher. It can take the force. Rockin hard!" He grinned, fingers itching to stroke the strings.

[Xaldin]

xaldinstrips (8:47:55 PM): Scooping up the last of his veggies he had to pause again, grinning wide and offering them up. He didn't say it until he had the fork in Demyx's mouth. " Doesn't sound like you're talking about your Sitar. " Grin.

hikari sin (8:50:16 PM): The younger for one was confused. "What w-MF!" His eyes widened at the fork shut off his speech, nomming the food carefully before speaking. "But what else would I be talking about??"

xaldinstrips : Xaldin shook his head a bit. " Take a hold of your belt and then slide your hand about four inches lower. " And then, he did chuckle, as he offered him the last of the Turkey as well.

hikari sin : Demyx, being the little nut he is actually tried it, opening his lips for the turkey. "Mmh, lus'she...ooone...too fhree...fo-..." He cut off, repeating it faster then taking his hand away as if his crotch was made of acid then blushed. "O-Oh...that...mm..." Oh he didn't mind touching himself, hell all teens his age did just about. But there was something oddly...exciting yet embarrassing with the older man watching.

xaldinstrips : Xaldin didn't say much, just smiling and coloring a bit. Demyx wasn't the only one feeling that vibe of excitement. He had someone though, or hoped he did. There were moments he wondered at that poker face.. but just the same it wasn't enough for Demyx to tempt him beyond the blush. Eyes watching the Nocturne's face for a tense moment, he cleared his throat and found his smile again. " Yeah. That. " And shook his head again, mostly at himself. " Anyway. " he set the empty plate aside. " When you're ready and think you can stand; let me know. If it's successful, the summoning can leave you with a bit of a head rush. "

hikari sin : "Geez Xal, you sure got a pervy mind." His lip jutted out in a pout. "Mm...lets see...mghh..." He clenched his eyes and strained himself to sit up. Oow ow ow ow ow.."

xaldinstrips : Xaldin shook his head a bit. " Not ready yet? " And a thought.. his head turned towards the bathroom. " Hm. Do you think perhaps soaking up your element for a little while might help? "

hikari sin : "Water? Hot dog, yeah!" Demyx noticeably perked, trying to sit up once more.

xaldinstrips : " All right, all right... " standing, the taller and elder of the two helped him up this time; letting him lean on him and supporting him entirely if need be. " You could probably use a bath after the sea and then the sand anyway.. "

hikari sin : "Yeah...a baaath sounds greaaat." Demyx crooned softly. "Yey for baa-eep!" He squeaked as he suddenly collapsed, latching to the man. Though grabbing the front of his shirt in one hand and his ass in the other as he slipped. "O-Oh shit I'm sorry!"

xaldinstrips : Oookay. If the previous moment wasn't awkward? That one certainly was. His balance didn't have him falling, but the Nocturne's sudden shift and where he grabbed had pulled him nose to nose with the dark blond. " You.. " and then he did notice where that hand was. That little blush from before didn't just come up, it came back en force. He was trying to shrug it off as he helped him up, making sure he had a more supportive grip on him this time. " Just.. hang onto me. I'll carry you in if I have to. "

hikari sin : "I'm sorry I'm sorry I'm sorry I'm sorry!" The Nocturne chanted over and over, blushing. "A-Alright!" He chirped loudly in embarrassment, keeping his eyes closed and his grip on him tight. "Geez my legs feel like jelly..." He managed to move them a bit, trying to keep up with the Lancer.

xaldinstrips : " Yeah. No problem. " His voice sounded tight; this was a bit embarrassing. A soft sigh and he shifted his hands to just straight pick the kid up, carrying him into his bathroom and setting him down on the sink carefully. " Think you can manage to get undressed on your own, or? " Of course, if the last was the case, he wasn't stripping the kid down bare. If he had to leave him in his pants he would.

hikari sin : "I-I'll try." This was completely awkward, he couldn't look at the Lancer now. 'Stupid stupid stupid stupid." He lipped over and over to himself, breathing the words though not speaking them aloud. Shaky hands reached up and unzipped his jacket with just a bit of difficulty. "Y-Yeah I got it. If I fall in I'll call you..."

[Xaldin]

xaldinstrips : Xaldin didn't go far just the same, stepping outside the bathroom and taking a breath just outside of his sight, letting his shoulders fall for a moment and shaking his head with it. Dinah was unusually quiet.. and no wonder.. his eyes narrowed at the dragoon wriggling on the ceiling in silent laughter. Oh yes, very funny Din. He took another breath listening for any signs of trouble from the other room and looking around. He hadn't really been paying much attention to his surroundings as far as detail until now: and he wanted to get this awkwardness out of their way. " It's really all right. You're not one hundred percent. It's me mostly... joking around is one thing but; I'm somewhat uncomfortable with anyone but Luxord touching me in certain places. "

hikari sin : SPLASH

xaldinstrips : Xaldin's head lifted quickly with that sound " Demyx?! " and he went straight for the door, a little frantic despite the fact it was his element; to see if eh needed help.

hikari sin : The boy was slumped in the tub, legs hanging off the edge, looking up sheepishly with a blush. He managed to get his coat off, but tripped into the bath when he attempted to get his pants off. And yes, water was everywhere and even the Nocturne looked like a wet kitten. "Hehe........oops?"

xaldinstrips : Xaldin smirked a bit, shaking his head with that half smile as he came in. " Like I said, it's all right. " He wasn't the type to count it as a reaction to what he'd just said. He wasn't that vain or self centered. Instead he was counting it another result of his weakness. None of the others had hung onto this level of weakened state though except Luxord, which was why the thought of his element had come up. Luxord had needed more Time. Perhaps Demyx just needed more water. Like this bath. " Here, let me help you.. " While the boy's feet were up in the air, he decided to help him with his boots at least, tossing them carefully to the half-soaked mat out of the way and helping him right himself into a more manageable position. " Feel any different? "

hikari sin : "Oh....mmm...well I can't tell now..." He peeled the clinging pants from his hips straaaaining like no tomorrow. "God!" He panted and just laid back. "M-Maybe I oughta just rest a bit before I try to move..." Demyx groaned softly.

xaldinstrips : In the other room? He just knew Dinah was having another squirming silent laughing fit. Xaldin in the meantime sucked it up and turned his head to ask " Do you want me to help you? "

hikari sin : "Well...i-if you close your eyes, okay?" Oh god, 'if you close your eyes'? This wasn't kindergarten! He mentally slapped himself. In the meantime he tried going at it again.

[Xaldin]

" Deal. " That worked just fine for the Lancer actually. Normally he wasn't this uncomfortable with nakedness and would just breeze over it; help get the kid undressed and move to snatch him some clothes while he was in the tub. As he set the items aside and moved to help him he chalked it up to the awkwardness that had snuck into the conversation as much as respect for the Nocturne's privacy.

So, once the button was free and zipper undone, his bright violet-blue eyes slipped closed easily and concentrated on both his own and the movements of the air in the room as his fingers went to work at getting the pants off him. His mouth started to run not a moment after, the leather wasn't very co-operative under the water and soaked as it was. " We're working on getting things better organized again in the mean time, and detailing what work was done quickly or skipped over when we first got back. Once you're back to full capability and are ready; you should probably have a look at the standing orders and mission bills posted up in the commons, kitchen and main hallway.. "

[Xaldin]

<Hikari-Sora1> "Aw man, straight back to work I go." The Nocturne pouted, squirming out of the clothing at last, falling back and panting. "Mmh...I feel so tired." He mewled, willing his legs back into the tub to soak under the water.

<BlindTaleTeller> Opening his eyes again when he was done and turned, the Lancer nodded. " As I said, it's not uncommon. We all experienced it. At least, I'm fairly certain that's the case. " Xemnas, he couldn't speak for. He hadn't asked once the Superior had returned to the Castle, and didn't see the point at the time. Hanging his pants on the bar inside the door he sighed softly. " Try to save and muster your strength enough to walk for now while you're at it. Or at least stand on your own. You'll need to in order to restore your proof. " Giving Dinah a 'shut up' glare as he came back into the other room, he took the time to dry out his cloak where the Nocturne had slipped, fingering the ends of teh braids that had dipped into the water, waiting patiently for him.

<Hikari-Sora1> This was lame, incredibly lame. With a sigh the young Nobody tipped his head back against the edge of the tub, raising his hand up looking at his wet palm. "I sure hope Xaldin was right...I don't think I've ever felt so tired..." A small grunt left his lips as he gently worked his wet fingers through his hair, his mind registering what the Lancer had told him within the past hour. His dull, empty lifestyle was looking pretty good about now. Within the next 30 minutes he soaked and relaxed, relishing in the element washing over his limbs. "Hey...hey Xal...Xal I think I'm ready now!"

<BlindTaleTeller> Xaldin's head lifted from the short game he had started with Dinah, Xaldin let out a sigh of relief as he stood, leaving Dinah to take the checkers back to his room. " Good. You want to wear what you were, or want me to grab you something from in here? "

<Hikari-Sora1> "Something else please..." Demyx whined almost pathetically. "I've had enough leather for the day, something thinner and loose would be fine..."

[Xaldin]

<BlindTaleTeller> Three picked through a few things, making sure he chose from the bottom of the dresser as there was still some dust on the top layers. They'd need to be cleaned. Loose fitting jeans, a tee, socks, and shoes. He reached in to set them inside the door: " Here you go.. " looking back to Dinah for a moment as she reappeared sticking her head in the dresser door. " Cut that out! " Snapping her head back up with a pair of swim trunks on her head, trying to shake it off.. he couldn't help but smirk. " Sometimes I wonder how the hell you became a nobody.. "

<Hikari-Sora1> "Sometimes I wonder that too." Demyx piped up far off on Xaldin's other side, reaching out to take the clothes. Obviously he was just making a funny, but he did often wonder how an individual such as himself becomes a Nobody. "Nah, just underwear, shirt and pants, I don't need socks or shoes." He preferred to feel the cool marble and structure under his feet.

[Xaldin]

<BlindTaleTeller> Tucking the socks into one of the shoes he tossed tehm to the foot of the blond's bed and left the rest to Demyx's hands; moving to get Dinah to sit still so he could pull the shorts off her head. " I wasn't talking about you Demyx.. " he chuckled lightly. " Someone decided to take half a dive into your underwear drawer. " He thwapped Dinah over the head with them briefly and almost snorted when she shook off the dust in response: shaking his head and saying more quietly to her " ..get back to the beach. " Which she responded to immediately and with a bit of excitement. That would keep her busy for a while. In the meantime he closed the drawer and leaned back on it, waiting for the Nocturne to come out.

<Hikari-Sora1> "Is that so?" The blonde grinned at the Dragoon, keeping the towel wrapped tightly around his waist, clinging to the clothes that were handed to him. "It's alright, I don't mind." And he disappeared to get dressed, coming back a few moments later in the soft and baggy clothes. "Oh yeah, this is a LOT better."

[Xaldin]

<BlindTaleTeller> " You'll have to wash a good deal of your things later.. not that teh task would be difficult for you in particular. " Xaldin couldn't help but smirk a bit saying that, as he started to lead out of the room into the hall. " I and my lessers went through and cleaned things for the most part.. but I didn't detail or bother poking into anything other than clearing most of the dust and airing the beds. " In other words he'd done what was neccessary and not poked his nose into the others things, or Demyx's during the time they weren't there: and didn't intend to. He wouldn't want someone poking through his things, and had given them that same respect. " Do you remember what I told you about how to go about this? "

<Hikari-Sora1> "Yeah, I can totally do that...if I have the strength." The younger rubbed the back of his head. "Oh yeah? Thanks for that, I can't stand when my sound systems are touched by someone else. Once a few Dusks came in and completely messed it all up. M'not sure if you remember that." Demyx chuckled nervously. Of course who could of forgotten that. The halls had flooded over at least 6 inches deep of water. Not to mention it was the one time anyone had ever seen the Nocturne threatening to end a life with quite a sinister agenda. "Might wanna refresh my memory for that one."

[Xaldin]

<BlindTaleTeller> " when we get there, you'll go to your proof. " His eyes turned entirely on Demyx as they moved along. " It's crumbled now. You summon your sitar there. For most it's been easy to do it there rather than difficult. For me, as another base elemental: I could only summon one lance until I was in that room, and at my tablet. It reforms, generally with a surge of your element.. so: I think I'll stand back at the door and keep an eye on you from there.. " Also known as: I don't want to get flooded out of the room when you do it, if that happens. " I'll warn you again though.. the surge can be just as exhausting as it is exhilirating during. "

[Xaldin]

<Hikari-Sora1> "Right..." The blond stood up straight...only to slump again. "Mmh, let's hurry, I feel like curling up somewhere...who knew dying was such a tiring task?"

<BlindTaleTeller> Chuckling softly, the Lancer nodded. " I for one am very glad it didn't end that way though. But that said.. " raising a hand in front of them mid-stride, a portal opening some ten feet ahead, the other side just another ten or so feet from the entrance to the room in question. " Let us take a short cut, hm? "

<Hikari-Sora1> "Sounds like a plan to me." Demyx murmured, willing his limbs to get at least to the proof. "So everyone's giving relationships a try..." He repeated Xaldin's words from earlier.

<BlindTaleTeller> " I suppose... " Xaldin shrugged very slightly at his own answer, looking to the Nocturne just before stepping through, his stride not changing from one side to the next. " As far as I know, Larxene hasn't.. " leaving a little something else out there, but then again it wasn't typically his way to go on about other people's relationships at length either. " ..but I haven't bothered to ask her: not that I've seen her much since the incident with the power. " A slight sigh, that had put Saix out at a very bad time .. at least in his opinion. He'd had personal stakes in his activity at the time, but that opportunity had passed as well. Oh well. Setzer's search unnerved him, but it had worked to their advantage. Maybe, it would again. " What do think about that? " Was asked just as he came near the door, pausing withthe intention to allow Demyx through first; and hang his shoulders on the frame to watch.

<Hikari-Sora1> The Nocturne paused every few seconds when he felt his balance slipping, then continued walking. He stopped though, short of the door to look at the Lancer. "What do I think? What am I supposed to think?" He chuckled for that and shook his head. "Maybe perhaps we'll find what it is we want this way. Maybe we'll even find it through each other..." That smile, that characteristic smile that belonged to Demyx and Demyx alone faltered and he looked to the door then at the ground. "You will at least. I can't fall in love."

<BlindTaleTeller> Another chuckle, and the Lancer crossed his arms over his chest, chin drawn down a bit eyes steady on the younger. " I think, as sappy and ridiculously romantic as Saix's theories find a root in: they're also very much possible. We don't know quite enough about the precise process --if there is one-- of how we've become what we are.. but. " Looking out past him for a moment he sighed softly. " We do know -- if only through Roxas, Namine, Sora and Kairi -- that we're constantly connected somehow to our others. And that the 'heart' has something to do with it. That in itself it's much of a surprise, really.. given the technical act that divides us in the first place. " and looking to the Nocturne and back into the room, he smirked. " For myself? I don't have any other words for what's between Luxord and I. The sex is great and all.. but for me at the very least; it's definitely more than that. " Motioning the Nocturne along, he smirked a soft smile. " All that said? You should not underestimate your own potential. "


<Hikari-Sora1> "'That so?" His eyes trained on Xaldin's own periwinkle, not giving in. "Love is love, another emotion we go through and pretend as Xemnas would say." That playful smiling Demyx was lost as he frowned at Xaldin. "Love is nothing more than a tingling feeling...a feeling we haven't been blessed with, so why should it matter?" His voice cracked the slightest bit. "I don't think I want to love, and I don't think I would want my heart anyway. Why, what's the point if it's just going to be lost and broken anyway?"

<BlindTaleTeller> Listening, Xaldin let his his chin down just a notch further, as if to challenge that further: but also saying. " You'll have what you will of it; but I have to say.. " his eyes slipped back again; he wasn't really focusing on anything in particular before he looked back to him.. it was more a physical reminder that they had come there for a reason, his eyes coming right back to the Nocturne easily enough. " ..I'm a bit surprised you've changed your tune so quickly, from your excitement downstairs. " and readjusting his stance, he was still waiting for the Nocturne to head in. " Either way, what you believe and cling to for yourself.. isn't going to change my perceptions of myself, or my relationships. I wouldn't expect it of the others either if I were you... " Finally directing a hand at the room, he took a breath and raised his brows. " By the way.. are you going to go in...? " was said in a bit of a joking tone...


<Hikari-Sora1> "Hm?" The younger's own brows lofted before that smile returned. "Yeah...so you're with Luxord. You didn't tell me before." He laughed gently. "And what are you talking about? Of course I'm excited!" Oh yes, he came back.

[Xaldin]

<BlindTaleTeller> Xaldin chuckled a bit more, shaking his head as he followed the Nocturne in as far as to stand just inside the door, just as he'd said he would; propping himself up against the frame by one shoulder. All of the proofs were restored to their previous status, all; except three. Demyx's own, Xigbar's, and of course the one whose number was one higher --or lower, depending on how you looked at it-- than the Nocturne's. " What did you think I meant, when I said I was uncomfortable with anyone but Luxord touching me in certain places? "

[Xaldin]

<Hikari-Sora1> "Woah..." Demyx looked out over the proofs and turned to Xaldin with a teasing smile. "Xaly loves Luxy~ hey, maybe you can convince him to go easy on me the next round of black jack we play. Unh..." He slipped a bit and looked to his own proof. "Help me? The faster the better...I don't think I can stand much longer."

<BlindTaleTeller> Smiling crookedly, Xaldin readjusted his shoulders position a bit, chuckling a little louder and evenly; shaking his head. " We'll see about that. " He took a deep breath though when Demyx asked for his help, shaking his head slowly. " Not much I can do, in this case; except give you advise. This part.. is all you, Demyx. Just go to your proof; pull up all the energy you can, summon your sitar, " he waved his hand at him briefly, a shooing motion for the broken tablet: " ..and reprove your existance. One of three things will happen, if myself and the others are any indication: either you'll A. be instantly back to your normal levels, B. Have the capabilities but need time to recharge, or C. fail to completely summon it and need more time to recharge period. Either way, the reproving will restore your proof. Luxord wasn't able to summon his cards, at first.. but the proof did restore, and he was able to make portals and call on his Gamblers after. He just needed a little trip to recharge to his full capacity. Vexen passed out .. I myself was a little dizzy when it was done: but that was half teh fact that we spent a nearly a day at the beach without a way out, food or water. " Hence, why he'd said Demyx was among the lucky ones, to be so late. Since there had been others already awake and able, they were able to retrieve him.. and get him back towards being in working order...

<Hikari-Sora1> Demyx grinned wide and turned to his proof. "Because I have the right to exist. See you soon, Xal." He waved and stepped inside, walking, limping and dragging his feet. He walked a little more and held his hands out. "C'mon baby..." He muttered, eyes closed, his brow furrowing deeply and his limbs quivering. That feeling was back, being immersed in water, but none was around. He groaned and fell to his knees, he couldn't summon his sitar. "N-No, I can't give up..." He shuddered, his fingers pawing at the hard ground. "Come.....onn..." He growled and forced everything he had to the surface, like a pocket of air rushing to touch the sky, it was...so thrilling and amazing. He grinned, feeling currents of his element wrap around him, and grinned even moreso for what was now forming into his hands. The energy died out slowly and he remained on his knees, panting and choking on air as he held his instrument dearly to his chest, beads of water dripping from his hair and clothes.


<BlindTaleTeller> Watching from where he was, Xaldin's eyes stuck to the Nocturne watching his form and especially his respiratory system for any signs he might pass out. A slow smirk came for the kid's determination, and grew into a slow grin as he succeeded, using his own element from the door to keep dry and funnel half the water out before he started towards him, boot steps smacking in the shallow water that coated the floor yet otherwise. Putting his hand to Demyx's shoulder, he almost chuckled out. " Welcome back, Melodius Nocturne. "

<Hikari-Sora1> "F-Feels good." Demyx moaned out breathlessly. "So good..." He continued to cling to his sitar, wheezing a bit for his breath. "Th-that took...a-all I had....I can't move..."

<BlindTaleTeller> Xaldin's smirk grew into the smile, and he shook his head a bit as the rest hit his ears, leaning down to try and catch his eyes. " Want me to carry you back? You wouldn't be the first I've had to. "

<Hikari-Sora1> "I-It would be...very much a-appreciated thanks." Nine shivered, feeling wind blow against damp skin, his flesh breaking out into goosebumps.

<BlindTaleTeller> " All right then.. " the Third leaned in further, coming down on the balls of his feet briefly as he moved to pick the Nocturne up; his eyes shifting forward. For a moment as he stood adjusting Demyx's position in his arms, his eyes caught on Axel's crumbled proof, a slightly more serious expression before it was wiped away to the normal and more passive version. " Hm. " For a moment, his mind had been playing tricks on him. He could have sworn something was different from the last time he had been here; when he, Vexen and Luxord had restored their own tablets. " Lets get you back to your room, and rested up. "