Flower Child Ch. 4

Vexen sighed, he hadn’t seen Marluxia in a week and he was waiting on Xemnas’ final decision as well after showing their superior the ultrasound image. He kept a copy for himself, and he knew Marluxia had one as well. But what scared him the most was the fact that the assassin now had a heart. It hurt him, figuratively, to know what was going to happen to Marluxia once Xemnas figured out what to do about this. Or what would happen to the baby for that matter. He looked through various papers, sitting back in his chair while his eyes shifted from object to object.1

“Hard at work, IV or are you thinking about something other than your duties at this moment?” Xemnas asked portaling behind the other with his arms crossed over his chest. He was not pleased with this development at all. And now he knew that Vexen and Zexion were indeed telling the truth about the pregnancy. He held the printout in his hand, somehow knowing better than to tear it up.2

“Ah… I was just going through some old reports, sir. You haven’t seen XI around anywhere have you? I haven’t seen him in a week, and I figured that he would be resting since he’s getting further along now.” Vexen asked hesitantly, almost afraid to see what the other was going to do or what his answer was going to be. He was worried that he sent him on a long mission to some place that Marluxia couldn’t handle.3

“I sent him on a mission a few days ago. He should have been back by now. It was a simple, routine mission. Just going to Deep Jungle and then come right back. Or was it Land of The Dragons… if he doesn’t come back tonight, I’ll have you and Demyx look for him. And I know that you are telling the truth, I will lessen his missions starting two weeks from now.” Xemnas started, watching Vexen’s actions. He was almost amused by how quickly the other’s face turned almost red at the mention of the second world.4

Vexen narrowed his eyes, but he knew better than to strike his superior. How could he send Marluxia to Land of the Dragons? It was freezing in some parts, and he knew how sensitive the pink haired assassin was to the cold due to the fact he controlled plants and it was his element. He was full aware that most flowers died in extreme cold as well.5

“Damn it… just tell me where you sent him! If he hasn’t come back in a few days, he could be dead. Not that you would care. You know full well he can’t handle the cold. And if you sent him to Port Royal, those pirates probably killed him or Luxord decided to let him take part in a rum party.” Vexen hissed while having his hands clenched inside his cloak pockets.6

“We can’t care, Four. You know that. We have no capability for love, caring or worry. Or even regret for our actions. If we did, then we certainly wouldn’t be as notorious as we are. But if you want to know, I sent him to Land of the Dragons. And… I know about him having a heart. Remedy that situation, or I will have to take care of it myself.” Xemnas smirked before he portaled out of the lab, leaving Vexen standing there almost dumbfounded.7

Vexen narrowed his eyes, walking down the hall as he looked around the castle for any signs of Marluxia. Maybe he came back and was asleep in his room, or was in the garden tending his flowers. He really didn’t want to think that Xemnas was so cruel as to leave the other alone for more than three days, with no thought of even looking for him. He knew they couldn’t care, but it still got up quite a bit upset with the older man.8

“Vexy? What’s wrong?” Demyx asked, having noted the blonde academic heading toward Marluxia’s room. Then it finally clicked, he was looking for Marluxia or he was just heading down the hallway to check on something else. But it was worth investigating for the younger nocturne.9

“It’s Marluxia. You haven’t seen him yet have you? I’m rather concerned since Xemnas didn’t tell me until now that he was sent to a place that isn’t good for him. And since he’s pregnant, it could be worse… mostly for Marluxia, but the baby could be affected as well.” Vexen replied, stopping in his tracks to look at Demyx. A faint smile crossing his lips, knowing that the other would be more than happy to help look for Marluxia.10

“No… I was going to look for him too. Marly said that I could help him pick out something for the baby’s crib. But that was a few days ago. You don’t think he’s hurt do you?” Demyx asked a frown crossing his lips as the idea of Marluxia being injured entered his mind. It wouldn’t be good for him or the baby if that was the case.11

“Come with me. We have to bring warm blankets, and anything else we can find. I have a bad feeling that he’s in trouble. Especially if he was stuck on the mountain there for three days or more, and bring an extra cloak. He’ll need the warmth.” Vexen spoke as he literally ran down the hallway, hoping that Demyx would follow him. He knew this was a literal life or death situation for both Marluxia and the unborn baby.12

“Why did Xemnas send him there if he knows that he can’t handle the temperature? We know Marly hates cold and extreme heat. Normally he doesn’t go to Agrabah or Land of Dragons. What if he’s in Agrabah… that could be worse.” Demyx spoke, gathering an extra cloak just in case they found him in Land of Dragons.13

“We’ll check both places first. First Land of Dragons, and if not there then we’ll go to Agrabah.” Vexen spoke as he got a few blankets, trusting his first suspicion more than his second. He knew Marluxia never went to Agrabah, but he could also be wrong because he assumed the same about the assassin going to Land of Dragons.14

Marluxia opened his eyes, a soft moan escaping his lips as he looked around him. He instantly moved his hands over his stomach, fear and shock going through deep blue eyes. The baby was still there, but why wasn’t she moving? And why was he so damned cold? The last he remembered was going through a dark portal, and now he was staring up at a thatched ceiling with fire crackling in a make shift fireplace in front of him. But no blankets covered him… they knew who he was. Well, whoever they were.15

“Please… tell me where I am… and what happened. I’m freezing, literally… I can’t stand the cold weather. I’m not… exactly a normal person.” Marluxia spoke softly, his voice shaking along with his muscles. At least he was shivering, so that was a good sign of his body trying to warm up. That just didn’t make him feel better about his daughter and what could have happened to her.16

“And why should I tell you? You’re part of Organization XIII, and you only come after one of two things. New members to recruit or you kill innocents for their hearts because of your selfish goals. As for why you’re here, my daughter brought you in because she felt pity. However now you’re conscious, you best be on your way. And never come to this village again.” A middle aged man spoke, crossing his arms over his chest as he prodded the cushion with his foot. Forcing the rose haired man to sit up, and hopefully be on his way.17

“Oh for the… you think I had a choice in coming here? I was going elsewhere, not here. My superior forced me here. Yes, I am part of the Organization. But that really shouldn’t have anything to do with me being in your hut.” Marluxia protested, getting up slowly before putting a hand on his back. He narrowed his eyes as he walked out of the hut slowly, moving back toward where he came from.18

The older man shook his head, walking back into his hut as Marluxia walked off. As long as the young man left, he would feel better. And as long as no one came looking for him, he would be at ease. He just didn’t know how wrong he would be about finally finding peace and quiet here.19

“Marluxia?! Where are you? If you can hear me, answer my voice!” Vexen called, Demyx close behind him as they walked toward the village that they figured Marluxia could have been taken to. They found a frozen, dead rose on the side of the hill figuring that Marluxia was definitely there at some point. He just hoped that it didn’t mean that the Graceful Assassin was dead.20

“Wait… I see him Vexy. You can’t miss that pink hair anywhere. He doesn’t look that good though… he’s never that pale.” Demyx frowned, running up to his friend who was leaning against the wall that bordered the village from the outer edges that faced the mountains. He could see the assassin breathing, but he could also see tears in his eyes half frozen on his cheeks.21

“Demyx…” Marluxia spoke softly, looking up at his friend. His eyes half lidded, while his body remained shivering slightly. He hadn’t even been in the hut that long; he didn’t have much of a chance to warm up. It could easily be seen by his purple lips and chilled hands. He didn’t even really feel Demyx put his hand on his shoulder, or Vexen pick him up.22

“It’s alright… we’ll take you back and get you warmed up. And no, I won’t take you to my room. You’re close to being dangerously hypothermic, Marluxia. We can’t afford that to happen in your condition. So just hold on, I’ll get you in your room.” Vexen spoke before he opened a portal carefully, making sure Marluxia didn’t fall out of his arms.23

Marluxia just nodded, putting his head against Vexen’s chest as they went through the portal together. He wasn’t worried about himself, but rather their unborn daughter. But he cried all he was going to cry earlier, so there were no more tears left at the moment. He just prayed hard that she would be okay and that there would be nothing horribly wrong.24

“Don’t drop him. We can let Lexy to carry him to his room.” Demyx suggested, but just as soon as they entered the dark void they reappeared in the botanist’s room. He bit his lip, knowing that Vexen would think him crazy if not a little dense for his statement. He just didn’t know where the other was going to take them.25

“I won’t need his assistance. I have to run and get a few things for Marluxia though. Stay with him, keep him warm. Make sure that he doesn’t take off his cloak. And above all, please keep him awake.” Vexen spoke after he gently placed Marluxia on the bed, disappearing soon afterwards into another portal.26

Demyx nodded, staying close to Marluxia while waiting for Vexen to return. He smiled a little, pulling the covers over his older friend. He wanted to make sure that he was comfortable, and nice and warm. He put his head on the other’s chest, listening to Marluxia’s heartbeat. It was something he missed, but it proved that they had hearts. And even the baby did too.27

“Your heart is racing, I know you’re scared for the baby. But I’m here for you, so is Vexen. And Lexy… I don’t know about puppy though.” Demyx smiled, moving one hand toward his friend’s stomach. He was still happy for his older friend, especially since he was one of the first to know about it aside from Vexen and Zexion.28

“Puppy? Oh, Saďx. Right… he probably knows about this by now if Xemnas told him. And I think everyone can tell… wait do I still have feet? I know I’m only 5 months but I can’t tell lying down. I can see you though.” Marluxia smiled, letting the younger put his hand on his stomach. He almost gasped as the baby hit where Demyx’s hand was now.29

“You’re not that fat, Marly. I don’t know about later on, but right now you’re not that fat.” Demyx smiled, then looked own at his hand when he felt the baby kick it. That caused his smile to go wider, knowing that the little one was pretty strong at this stage of the pregnancy.30

Marluxia nodded, wanting to close his eyes. But he also had a feeling that Demyx would squirt him with water or something to keep him from falling asleep. He was just so tired, and cold. It was like having Vexen lying next to him with his arms around his body, but the academic wasn’t actually there.31

“You know I’ll never get my figure back after this. I just want to sleep… I’m tired, and cold. The bed is nice and comfortable…” Marluxia spoke softly, fighting a yawn. He closed his eyes halfway, only feeling a chilly hand on his neck. He opened his eyes again to look directly at Demyx. He sighed, knowing his friend was only trying to help out.32

“Marly… no sleeping. And who cares if you get your figure back? You’re having a baby, and with all that you do on missions you’ll get it back. Your scythe isn’t light; it can’t be with that blade.” Demyx giggled, cuddling up next to his friend. He just hoped Vexen wouldn’t be too upset with how close he was to the other.33

“It’s light enough for me to swing easily. But the blade isn’t light, that’s true.” Marluxia smiled softly, moving closer to Demyx but only in a friendly, wanting to be comforted manner. He had feelings for Vexen, and he’d keep those since he knew that Demyx had a few feelings for Xigbar. So there was no problem whatsoever with them not being entirely faithful to their respective partners.34

Vexen portaled into Marluxia’s room after a few minutes, which ended up being more like a half hour from when he left. But he had to explain a few things to Xemnas, try to avoid Saix and do it all in a short amount of time. Plus if Marluxia was suffering from hypothermia, he had to find things quickly to have the other regain body heat. But do so safely so he didn’t harm Marluxia or their unborn child.35

“Hey Vexy… he’s asleep. I tried to keep him awake like you told me to, but it just didn’t quite work out. But he’s okay; he didn’t say that he felt ill or anything. Just cold and very tired. Then again I would be too if I was stuck in that place for a few days. Do you know how long he really was there?” Demyx asked softly, trying not to wake up the sleeping assassin. Concern clearly written on his face still.36

“I know, Demyx. As for how long he was there, I deducted that given his state of hypothermia he was actually there for a day, possibly a day and a half. The full three days he would be a lot worse off than he is currently. But it was entirely possible that he was in that hut for part of it as well, which saved him from certain death.” Vexen spoke softly, walking carefully over toward Marluxia before he moved his hands over the other’s stomach. Everything seemed fine, and the baby was moving around now. So she did have a chance to wake up from her close encounter of nearly freezing with her ‘mother’.37

“But he’ll be alright? And the baby… you never told me what it was you know.” Demyx protested, almost giving Vexen his version of puppy dog eyes. He was a little hurt that Marluxia and Vexen kept the gender of their baby secret for two weeks, but then again he probably understood in a way since the others might not take well to the news of either or. Or if it was actually twins.38

“Marluxia will be fine. I just have to keep him warm, give him plenty of warm foods and liquids. And make sure that he warms up slowly. As for the baby, it’s a girl. We have yet to decide on a name, but I’m sure that Marluxia will try his best to get me to agree on a flower name. It better not be anything like poppy or chrysanthemum…” Vexen sighed, running his fingers through his hair lightly.39

“Oh! That’s great. It doesn’t matter what you name her does it? You have plenty of time. This is so exciting.” Demyx smiled, shifting his position slightly but stayed next to the pink haired assassin unless Vexen said otherwise. He was excited for his friend, but he knew that the next few months could prove to be dangerous for him and the others.40

“Not really. But it will have to be an anagram, unless he chooses a name that has an X in it already. And it would be hard to get poppy into an anagram… I’ll pray he makes a good decision.” Vexen spoke softly, sitting on the corner of the bed while watching Marluxia sleep. He too was aware of the fact that the next few weeks and days would prove to be interesting to say the least. He’d just take everything in stride and let it happen slowly.