#*xigbar

Marluxia was the one to make the first move. His hand rested gently on his thigh. Nothing sexual, just stability, comfort. But Xigbar knew how to change that.

Marluxia and Lexaeus were talking about dirt. Literal dirt. It made sense that that was what his flower elemental and the earth elemental would land on.

But it also meant when he leaned over to whisper something inappropriate in Marluxia's ear he ground to a halt. He didn't sputter or anything. He just full stopped.

"One moment," Marluxia's voice tried to be steady but his hand had tensed on his leg.

"Go ahead." Lexaeus had known Xigbar long enough to not question.

Marluxia turned away from him to stare Xigbar down. "Really, 'I'll plant you'? That's the best you got?"

Xigbar grinned at him. "I got loads better, but it got your pretty eyes to look at me."

Marluxia sighed softly and set a finger under Xigbar's chin "Honestly, you're the worst. I'll look at you plenty later."

"You promise?"

"Completely."

Marluxia placed a soft kiss to his lips and turned back away.

~~~

"So, what is this, a key to your heart?"

Xigbar was used to the question. "Nah, I mean, maybe like fifteen years ago." He shrugged a little. "It's to Vexen's place."

Marluxia stilled his playing with the key that rested on Xigbar's chest. "To Vexen's?"

"Mm, yeah. I guess since it's you, it's okay." Xigbar pushed himself up to sit on his bed.

Marluxia leaned away and watched him. His legs resumed their previous crossed position.

"Lexaeus and Zexion have keys too. Vexen's okay these days. He's come a long way. But there was a scare when he was younger. A- a drug scare. He-" Xigbar breathed deeply "Fuck, it was terrifying. We knew it was bad but none of us thought he'd do anything. Do- do /that/."

"He overdosed..."

"Yeah. So I check in on him from time to time. These days it's more for me than him. Last time I used it was to demand cookies at 2am."

"I see." Marluxia whispered. “You’re a really good friend.” 

“Yeah, well, Vexen is really important to me. Couldn’t imagine my life without him. He’s stuck with me.” 

Xigbar: I wasn't aware there was a right way to eat a burger.

Marluxia: I'm pretty sure buns have tops and bottoms.