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Chapter Text

Years. 

Chapter Text

Chapter Text

The metal of Gazing Eye shined brightly underneath the spots of sun that had rushed into the trees - it ready for action. Pride flowed through the old Master as he felt the familiar lightweight weapon within his fingers, threads of memory trying to pull themselves to the forefront of his mind. Definitely the right course of action...

Chapter Text

A hot sigh flew out of the elder male’s nose.

His eyes went and found a few dots, starting to count them on the ceiling. 1, 2, 3… Time passed and – 230, 231, 232-

No, not again.. he decided, as he abruptly sat up, which he found quickly to be a huge mistake. Throbbing from his wound presented itself, and a hand shot up to place itself onto it. Maybe rub it, maybe soothe it. Bandages were wrapped around his head, as he quickly found.. Was he still bleeding, or- Fingers tried to pull at the fabric, but that quickly earned him a wince.

A groan, as he slid back down.

His eyes met the dull white surface once again, and he scowled.

They were taking their time, weren’t they..?

A nasty thought wiggled out, as he looked down and over towards the doorway to his room. What if he was stuck like this forever?

Why did destiny –

He froze. That being had mentioned such a thing, and why did it feel so significant to him? Memories pounded on a locked surface.

He was broken… who would put the pieces back together again… If they could even do it. Tears tried to wrestle forth – but he hurriedly wiped away, as if he wasn’t allowed to feel the sadness. Pointless – wasn’t it?

It’d be better to shove the feeling into a bo –

“Are you okay, Master Xehanort?”

The voice awkwardly bounced into the air around them. A small startle rippled out of Xehanort’s body, as he hadn’t expected someone to come back already. But at the same time, he felt grateful. The mystery of just who he had been just seemed too overbearing at the moment. With that thought, he lifted his head a bit to glance at the boy. He debated whether or not to even say anything – “I…” his speech deflated, unsure how to even word it. “Don’t know,” he finished lamely, lowering his body back down. But that decision quickly slipped away; a fresh smell had entered the room.

Ventus hurried forward to help the other to sit up with some assist. “B-Be careful,” he said, the soup within his hands threatening to tip over. Once his Master seemed stably leaning against the wall, the messy haired boy moved to set down the soup. “…You… don’t know?” He inquired. I wonder if he had started to remember anything…

His head ached as he had been moved, but it did help that his head relaxed against the surface behind him. No comfort, but it hardly mattered. He only felt a mere touch of swimming-like motions within his body. “…It’s confusing, too… confusing,” he murmured, deciding to go with a more neutral response. His golden hues flickered on over towards the source of smell earlier, and they landed onto the bowl. Excellent way to switch up the conversation – keep it away from his troubles. “…What did you bring me..” he momentarily paused, shifting through recent memories. “..Ventus?” He finished with a lifted silver eyebrow, now allowing his eyes to fall onto Ventus.

A smile sneaked onto the boy’s face, showing that he clearly knew the aversion towards the topic. He couldn’t blame the other – but it seemed so.. typical of the elder male at the same time. High walls, not letting anyone in… But perhaps, at the very least, it could keep things simple for them. “Just some broccoli soup, it’s your favorite actually,” he answered, now and gladly moving to grab it for the other. It had been on a small sticky sort of tray, so fortunately due to that, the teenager hadn’t been able to spill any earlier. “Here,” he spoke gently, as he carefully plopped it down into his Master’s lap, the steam wafting upwards.

The boy paused now from moving entirely away, and winced as a form of habit.

“Oh, I forget… I forgot… do you want a drink?”

The heat seemed nice as it hit Xehanort in the face, and something wanted to wiggle out of his mind due to the smell alone. But.. what? Brief flashes occurred within his mindscape, but they didn’t want to fully form. Some sort of kitchen? The older male slowly dragged himself out of his thoughts. “..Sure, it’ll help, won’t it?” he asked, curiosity plastered onto his face as he lifted his head back towards Ventus after briefly observing the soup.

Ventus seemed relieved, less on edge. His fingernails had dug harshly into his palm as he had waited for the man’s response. Marks could be seen, as he now straightened up to go leave, even if a slight frown had managed to be on his face within those very moments. “I’ll be right back then,” he told the other.

…This isn’t the first time he had been… on edge? Something’s wrong…

It didn’t make sense, or did it? Maybe his memories would have the answer…

The soup. The old Master looked back down towards it carefully, watching as the yellow liquid and green bits gently swirled within the heat. Just moments before it had procured something, but what? He titled his head. His eyes flickered back up trailing over to the doorway. Ugh, another throb. A deep sigh left him, as he made sure to let his head lay against the surface of the wall, so the throb could just become more dull. Hey, it worked just minutes ago for him…

Before he could go deeper in thought, he could hear footsteps re-enter the room once again. A drink from within Ventus’ fingers had been placed upon the tray with ease. “There you go – I went with another favorite of yours, fruit soda.” Perhaps favorites could keep his Master kinder – especially as more memories would form. Make it all more gentle.

“Thank you,” came the gravel tone, a statement Ventus half-couldn’t used to hearing it from Xehanort, but also half-grateful for it with no strings attached. It didn’t have to be attached to some sort of deal, exchange in between the two. He could just do something out of the kindness of his heart.

Ventus nodded. “If you’d like, I could keep out of here, give you some space to eat,” he suddenly said, feeling just the slightest bit uncomfortable around the other.

”Could you stay?” It came quick out of Xehanort’s mouth, and a sharp frown briefly had slipped onto Ventus’ mouth. Oh, well, so much for that. It hadn’t escaped the elder wielder’s vision either – the frown. Just more pieces to figure out, it slowly maneuvering into a bigger picture within his mind.

Ventus’ orbs tossed themselves around the room – hadn’t there been a chair? Oh. A flush entered his face; the chair had been right next to the bed. Though it seemed a bit close to the other for his comfort, he figured it’d be for the best. Especially seeing as the other had been still healing. Too bad you can’t take too many potions… As he sat down, he couldn’t help but feeling an itch to go home, back to Xehanort’s house. At least he had a private space there as opposed to this location. “Yeah, sure,” he simply answered, a little too quietly. “Do you need help to eat?” he questioned, watching the other struggle to figure it out. But then clicked.

“No, not anymore,” Xehanort muttered, now lifting the spoon up to his mouth, slurping softly. Mmmm. No wonder he liked it, the taste pleasantly hit his tongue. It had been a touch too hot, so he lowered his spoon back down to the bowl to wait for a few moments. A piece occurred to him. “Did I eat this often?” He asked.

Ventus blinked, chuckling, amused by the question. One of those simple joys of enjoying one’s favorite foods. “Yeah, actually.. you’ve manage to eat it several times during the week. It’s one of your top favorites.” He didn’t mind the taste, but he could have stood for a bit more variety – but his Master had been too stubbornly stuck in his ways.

Xehanort blinked, soaking up the new information. “I do?”

Ventus nodded. “Several times I’d help making it along with you. Just so we can have plenty for the week, usually during breakfast, or lunches, since it’s something lightweight to eat.” He shrugged a bit. “Simpler that way for you, I think.”

Xehanort nodded. … “Come on, boy, hurry it up,” he heard echoing within his mind just then. A shard of memory? “Couldn’t I have bothered to make something else? What else are my favorites?” He inquired, enjoying the small conversation with the other – information felt comforting to gather.

Ventus leaned back in his seat. It looked like he could be here for awhile… “No, not really. You really seem to like to stick to routine, I’ve noticed. Keeps you structured, I guess,” he trailed off a bit. No, no need to elaborate, lest he’d say something unfair… “..Uhm.. you like seafood. Pasta. Pizza.” A smile couldn’t resist being pulled out of him that time. Pizza was delicious – one of his favorites as well.

“Are we able to have any of those while we stay here?” Xehanort inquired, now stirring his spoon within the soup. Another sliver of memory – “Don’t burn it, or else,” a threat easily slipped out.

“… I wouldn’t mind having… a pizza, yeah,” he said softly. Those nights where they had some pizza were always nice. One of the few rare moments his Master had managed to be on equal footing with him. “My favorite’s cheese. You tend to get sausage, or pepperoni.”

Xehanort nodded, as he now fell silent to take a bite of his soup carefully. “Sounds exhilarating to try, if I may say,” he stated once swallowing down his bite of soup. The soup felt warm going down his throat, and it seemed to warm his body too. Perfect choice for when his body didn’t otherwise feel all too great.

“Then tomorrow we can order a pizza. Or if you’re feeling well enough, we can go out to one of the pizza places in town,” the boy offered.

“That’s a great idea.”

Then an abrupt, yet not uncomfortable silence had fallen onto the scene. It wouldn’t be too much longer before something new decided to disrupt the atmosphere – more footsteps. Ventus had been the one to look up and over as Eraqus bursted into the room. “Hope I’m not interrupting anything,” he said hurriedly, as he crossed the room in search of something.

“No you’re fine,” Ventus said politely, curiosity poking slightly within his statement. “What are you doing?” He mused, deciding to simply speak what was on his mind.

The drawer Eraqus searched abruptly shut, as he turned towards another. “Potions. I need to make sure I have enough for a town invasion of heartless.” At briefly seeing the tension within Ventus’ shoulders, the dark-haired Master added on, “No worries. It’s minor enough that we can get it under control.”

Ventus nodded, while Xehanort finally decided to look up. “..Ventus, don’t we have some?” He asked, feeling a pull to help whoever this was.

Eraqus froze, only if for a moment or two. He hadn’t expected that. Out of all the people.. the one person he had been simultaneously close and far away from. “Erm.. ah, you do, old friend?” he flickered his eyes onto his old flame.

The other elder male pointed over to his coat. “In one of the pockets,” he explained. A relieved sigh breathed out of Eraqus, as he moved over to Xehanort’s coat, now digging into the pockets.

“Thank you, it’ll help out some of the townspeople.”

“It’s for you,” Xehanort elaborated, his eyes lifting up to fall onto the other.

Eraqus blinked. “Surprising…yet welcomed,” he said, a gentle hand resting briefly onto Xehanort’s shoulder once he found a few potions. A little dig towards his old friend, but he regretted it the slightest bit.

“Why should it be?” He questioned, feeling at ease with the other’s touch. “You… seem… special to me. Have you been a friend of mine for a long time?” Yet, at such a simple statement, his stomach twisted. Something didn’t feel right…

“Something like that,” Eraqus whispered, daring to do something within the very moment. He kissed the other man’s cheek. He laughed. “Sorry, Ventus, you may not want to see that… Public affection.” A light flush sent itself across Eraqus’ face, yet a shit-eating grin also had been on his face. “Besides.. once he remembers about our arguments, I may not get another chance,” he murmured to himself.

Ventus flushed, shaking his head. “I-It’s fine,” he said lightly, looking away for a brief moment before looking back. “Do you need help at all?”

Eraqus had been thankful to get back on track – and he shook his head. “You two have gone through enough. Stay here.”

Ventus nodded, before scooting back into his seat, having been prepared to get into battle once again. “Good idea. Plus we need someone to watch over Master Xehanort.”

Eraqus nodded. “Yes, we do,” he intoned, before sweeping out of the room.

Xehanort still felt a bit stunned by what had occurred – a tan hand resting on his cheek even if it had been several moments since Eraqus had done what he did. Really now? Something happy, yet darkened wanted to twist up to the surface – and more questions popped up within his mind. “How… What is he to me?”

Ventus blinked. “Er.. you two do seem to have a romantic history of sorts. But you two… don’t get along for whatever reason.”

“Why not?”

Ventus shrugged. “Not entirely sure. You’ve never spoke much on him. It seemed… painful, I guess.” At least that had been his interpretation through all the passive aggressive comments about Eraqus. Eraqus seemed alright to him though.

Xehanort just blinked, his vision now lingering on the doorway once more, just like before.

Chapter Text

Stillness.

It radiated within the environment – the curtains parted ways however to threaten such a thing, letting the sun to dance in to the room that mid morning. A gentle breeze also accompanied it, blowing gently at some flower petals nearby Xehanort’s bedside. The elder male rested peacefully enough, drool almost spilling out of his mouth.

A slight startle as if to break the subtle pieces of peace. Whispers, even if they seemed to come from his mind, drifted upwards and towards him even if he felt them come from within. Pulls consciousness didn’t want to be so quick, and so he was sort of stuck in a way. His eyes didn’t want to flutter open yet…

He so wanted to rest more…

I WILL COME VISIT YOU SOON..

That abruptly made his eyes snap wide open, and the shadows quickly retreated and sucked out of the environment.

“Who’s there?”

He had lifted himself up the tiniest bit in the process of calling out. His voice fell into the dense silence, not even a single noise answered him back. His heart raced – that was the second time… The second time that deep, enthralling voice called out to him. What the hell? It certainly was more worrisome than that other strange encounter that he managed to have – that one had been the complete opposite. Nice, gentle, and waiting to be invited. Instead, this one was harsh, dark, and harshly drew him in. As if it had been desperate.

Even more so than the last time…

A sigh left Xehanort, as he slid his eyes back shut. Only vague pullings wanted to pull at him from his past – did that voice know of his past or something? Could it help him? Better yet, could he even trust it?

Probably not.

His body slid back down, forcing himself to focus on the present instead, at least for now even if he had burning questions… Who was he to these people?

Why was he so highly regarded?

What did they see him, what exactly was this ‘Master’ business? Apparently, it had been an event that happened long ago – that had been part of the explanation before Eraqus had ended up saying goodbye the day before, not earning much talk from Xehanort. He would have pressed for talk on the mounting questions if he… hadn’t seen how chipper Ventus had been. It had made him pause, sink into the background.

The both of them had talked – and he had tuned it majority out.

Ventus’ unusual upbeat attitude was quite the change, wasn’t it?

Another sigh flew out of the old master, as he felt the familiar throb ebb back into his consciousness, as he woke up more. He had only been allowed to drink the max of two potions yesterday – apparently be cause of how the healing process worked. The potions would give him the strength steadily back, while giving him the essential steps of healing to the sort of injury he had procured.

How bizarre. But at least it kept things simple too.

Relief had climbed in him quite readily at such a thought, as he was quite glad to be out of harm’s way. He didn’t care if it didn’t fully heal him.

But it sure was annoying to say the least.

A hand rose, still ungloved as his fingers ran across the surface of his head wound, the bandage taken off yesterday evening. It had healed over into a nice scab, and apparently it had been bruised too to some extent. Just around nasty.

He had been lucky enough to be alive – and it was all because of Ventus.

His hand abruptly fell.

Maybe Ventus will be visiting soon, he mused, tossing a look over to the clock sitting on the nightstand beside him. 10:45 AM. About time for lunch, at least for the others. His body hadn’t responded very well to the idea of lunch at this time…

Just another small note to take about himself.

Another bout of thoughts had about started to take off until he heard his bedroom doorknob jiggle, and the noise tore him out of them. The orange haired boy’s head suddenly poked into the room, eyes blinking on over to his Master. “O-Oh, you’re awake,” the boy stated, now slipping into the room and shut the door behind him.

There was that nervousness again within the boy’s tone. “I am, I just woke up,” Xehanort explained, sitting up just the slightest bit, having to force himself. His head didn’t swim as much, but he could feel it as usual.

“We’re about to have lunch, but uhm… Would you rather try to get out and have lunch somewhere..?” He knew his Master had to regain his strength, some way or another.

Xehanort had been itching to get moving. He tried to wiggle his feet, feeling the stiffness. “That might be for the best, really. We never did get that pizza, did we?” He cracked a small smile, moving slowly to sit up more.

Ventus cracked one as well, shaking his head. “No, we didn’t,” he answered, before moving forward. “Are you okay to move so quick?”

“I’ll be fine,” the elder male said, as he pushed himself to finally stand. It had been a couple days; he figured he’d be alright by now, right? At least on a careful note. He stumbled a little – and Ventus was there to steady him immediately.

“You at least seem a lot better,” the boy commented, as he slowly ebbed away from the other, letting him stand on his own.

Then suddenly, Xehanort stretched, cracking his spine and other places. That felt much better immediately – and he threw a look at his clothing off to the side, sitting on the dresser. “We’ll take breaks if we need to..?”

Ventus nodded, moving to get the clothing, but the old Master put a hand out. “Yeah, sure.”

“I’ve got it,” Xehanort said stubbornly, taking his time as he slowly put it on. Nice, comfortable, and surprisingly light as well. He moved to get his boots, taking time to put them on, all the while Ventus lingered on standby just in case. “There..” he breathed out, rubbing gently at his head, as a throb threw itself out into the open. He staggered a little, now scooping up his gloves.

“We’ll definitely take breaks, yesh,” he repeated once more, leading the way out.

They made their way out of the room, multiple paintings covering the walls, which seemed to get a smile to wiggle out from Xehanort. “..Do I like art, or something?” He asked, letting the question vibrate a bit into the atmosphere.

Ventus instantly nodded. “Yeah, you really like to paint as well,” he said, throwing a look behind him to check on his Master.

“Do I now…?” he questioned, running a still bare hand over one of the paintings, feeling the ridges, captivated by it.

Ventus nodded. “When you’re not training me, you’re often in your art room… in your house, which I guess Master Eraqus would be coming back to get us there.” He shrugged. That is.. if Xehanort didn’t remember things entirely by then.

Eraqus? His eyes snapped right onto Ventus. “When would that be?”

“I guess in a couple more days.”

Xehanort seemed to accept the answer, and now started to walk again now by Ventus’ side. They eventually came out of the hallway now coming out to a home-styled type of waiting room. A black haired older gentleman picked his head, smiling. “Ah, Master Xxehanort! How are you feeling?” He asked, eyes sparkling with concern.

“…I’m fine, better,” Xehanort said, his tone indicating the slightest bit of confusion.

The man quickly stood up, rubbing the back of his head bashfully. “oh, I’m sorry… I’m your doctor, we just haven’t met just yet. Sorry about that.”

“Oh-“ Xehanort stated, but flickered his eyes over to Ventus. “..Ventus has been watching over me, anyways.”

Ventus gave a sheepish grin, as the doctor laughed. “He’s been so good with you. It seems like you two have a good relationship.”

Ventus flinched at that. Xehanort caught it out of the corner of his eye, but the doctor hadn’t, instead going over to a desk nearby. “It seems like your magick readings came back alright.. all healthy,” he commented towards the elder male, as he flipped through a couple of papers. “I may have to perform some magick onto you to help some memories to gently come back for you however… things still seem to be stubborn.”

“That’d be a relief,” Xehanort muttered. He nodded; maybe some of the mysteries that hung over his head would finally be cleared up.

“It’d be powerful – so I must only cast a small amount,” the doctor said gravely. “I can do it before you sleep tonight.”

Xehanort nodded. “As long as it doesn’t have any side effects I suppose,” he said, shaking his head. Well, that’s why he supposed the other would only do so much.

“This is to avoid any… So where are you off to?”

Finally, a flustered Ventus perked up at the question. “O-Oh, just to get some pizza. We had talked about it two days ago.” He forced a smile. “It’d be nice,” he at least said honestly.

The doctor nodded. “It’d be good for you two get out for a bit. Enjoy,” he said kindly, before both nodded and went on their way out of the building.

Fresh air blew into his face, and the elder Master blinked, golden hues scanning over every surface, taking it all in. The people, the bits of conversation, the variety of colors. It was beautiful – yet he dared to interrupt the silence in between them. “… Is it always so busy like this?” he inquired, hues momentarily flicking onto Ventus.

Ventus rubbed back of his neck, as he frowned. “I suppose… Yesterday was pretty calm though,” he commented, before starting to lead the way, in which the other had fallen in line behind the other.

“Oh,” he simply uttered, as they continued to weave through the crowds. An otherwise uneventful travel towards a less crowded part of town. Ventus smiled, as his bright eyes caught view of the building with its accents of red, yellow, and green. “The doctor said this was a delicious place,” he stated, as he went up and pulled open the door, holding it for Xehanort out of habit.

Xehanort wanted to brush past the other, but staggered a little, and the boy had come to the rescue.

“T-That was close,” Ventus breathed out, helping the elder male up carefully.

A groan as Xehanort rubbed gently at his still healing injury. He had to remain there against the wall inside of the restaurant for a few moments – to let the swimmy nature of his vision to clear. “Better,” he announced, before pressing off the wall, Ventus’ expression not changing away from concern. Though it hardly mattered to move, they were the last ones in a line leading up to the front.

Though fortunately for them, a server passing by had caught eye of what happened and decided to come over. “Are you two alright?” She asked.

“We’ll be okay, I think,” Ventus said, eyes considering Xehanort for a moment.

The server hummed, looking at the people first in line before looking back at the duo. “Come, I’ll seat you guys first,” she announced, before apologizing to the people in line. One even grumbled a hot come on!, but she paid no mind. She had been doing this for far too long by now.

Ventus stole a glance at Xehanort, who nodded, and they started to follow their server. A couple of corners turned, and they were at their table.

The elder male held his head in his hand, as his elbow placed itself onto the table’s surface for support. The aftereffects still clung to him as they sat there, barely tuning into the conversation in between Ventus and the woman. His senses had only picked up the word Xehanort and how Ventus had reacted with inquiry about him… again.

It was starting to become a pattern, it having been previously a long forming pattern perhaps? Curiosity finally pushed the question to the forefront of his mind, and once the server was gone to get their drinks, he decided to just go for it.

“…Why are you so nervous about me?” Nice and blunt.

It seemed to put Ventus on the spot, and he could feel his face flush the slightest bit. “W-What?” He absentmindedly almost asked.

“Again, why are you –“

“I—I don’t know.” Ventus cut him off. He should have known this would be happening soon…

“Not an answer, lad.”

A frown, as Ventus lost eye contact with the other, looking elsewhere into the crowds. “I.. know it isn’t. I just… you were hard on me.”

“I was? Why?” Instantaneous response – it had been bugging him for awhile now, so he decided to ignore the uncomfortableness on Ventus’ face about the matter.

“I don’t know, you’ve… never said much about your past.”

A harsh silence fell around them. Ventus had let his eyes continue to wander; Xehanort’s eyes remained on Ventus, observing all his little movements still, before snapping away his vision onto the crowds as well.

“… Will I go back to how I’ve treated you before?” His voice was low.

Ventus shrugged. “I’d like to think you won’t to keep hopeful, but…” he trailed off sadly.

“I might,” Xehanort finished.

“Y-Yeah…”

A frown pulled at his face. “…But you’ve treated me so kindly,” he rebutted.

“Then hope’s the only way, isn’t it?” Ventus said quietly, finally shooting a look towards his Master.

Xehanort looked over. “… I suppose it is.”

The silence fell once more. It wasn’t long before their pizza came. The old master had a lot to think on, considering things… he kept silent, mulling on topics discussed, even if briefly.

Ventus seemed like a precious friend…