The night was very comforting as Remington and Lux slipped into bed together. They did not require any conversation from each other but knowing the other was near was enough to help feed their hunger for the other that was developing very carefully whenever they were near each other. Lux was still getting used to having a companion, especially one that seemed to be attached at his hip now the same way he used to be with Vezaias. It was strange, feeling Remington hold him as he tried to fall asleep but the medication soon had him sinking into a deep thick blanket of unconsciousness. It was one of the most restful nights of sleep he had since he had arrived at the base. He woke to the sound of the alarm going off on Remington's phone but he was far too drowsy to wake all the way. He laid in bed, warm and comfortable, feeling Remington rouse to shut the alarm off then plop back on the pillow and stretch out beside him then roll putting his arms around Lux as if he were a teddy bear.

  “Lux?” Remington's meek voice helped him wake completely.

  “Mmm.” Lux hummed drowsily.

  “It's time to wake up.” Remington said softly as he ran his hand cupping it against Lux's shoulder very lovingly.

  “Are you enjoying this?” Lux asked mildly.

  “Enjoying what?” Remington asked curiously.

  “Whatever this is, being here with me, talking to me, helping me, holding me like you are, kissing me, and….” He paused with implication.

  “Very much Lux.” Remington said with a hint of coy. “Are you?”

  “Well……” He had to think about it for a moment. “Right now I feel…..” He paused trying to collect a response. “….uh, I'm not sure. What is the opposite of lonely?” Lux said in consideration.

  “Popular?” Remington suggested.

  “Nah…not the right word……” Lux said in contemplation.

  “Well think about it for a while, maybe you will come up with the right explanation. Let's get out of bed and start our routine. They headed to the gym first. Without the threat of Lucius showing up things went fairly well. Now that Lux had been there before he was only mildly apprehensive and mostly when Rocks showed up. Running on the treadmill helped calm him as he was able to expel most of his nervous energy by running at top speed for nearly a mile then reducing down to a mild jog for the next few miles. They switched to the free weights and Rocks was impressed with the amount of weight Lux could press. He was easily able to out lift Remington in both weight and reps. After gym time was finished Rocks said they could call it a day since Lux had not been approved for training and Remington wanted to save his energy for his big theatrical debut today. Rocks left to go and check on Ziona while Remington and Lux went to the locker room. Remington gathered his shower stuff and stripped his clothes off, wrapping a towel around himself to go and shower.

  “Come with me and I'll show you where the showers are.” There was an abrupt change in Lux's mood now. As they entered the large communal shower room Lux was now tense and almost frightened by the situation.

  “What's wrong Lux?” Remington asked as calmly as he could.

  “I'm uh….” He cringed not wanting to explain anything but forcing himself to highlight his emotion. “Fear….this is fear…..I'm afraid…..” Lux stuttered out.

  “What are you afraid of?” Remington asked softly, turning to Lux and taking him by the hand.

  “Showers were a dangerous place……in prison……” Lux shut his eyes and was now backing up against the wall. He seemed to zone out completely for a long moment. Remington began to pinch the flesh between Lux's thumb and index finger. Lux slowly surfaced from his dissociation and shifted his icy blue eyes to Remington.

  “Lux, we will be the only two people in the shower today. Plus nobody is going to hurt you while you shower, because I will protect you even if someone does show up. I'm no pushover, remember? I want to be a good owner.” Remington reassured him. Lux nodded softly and very apprehensively followed Remington into the shower. It seemed like Lux was very on edge as Remington helped him into a shower and stood nearly frozen in fear as the water began to soak him. Remington did most of the work for him making sure he washed and rinsed then handing him a towel before he washed himself. He got Lux out of the shower room quickly then back into some clean clothes he had found in the supply closet. Lux was much more calm once he made it safely to the bedroom to have a cigarette break.

  “That wasn't so bad was it?” Remington said as he ruffled Lux's wet hair lovingly. Lux leaned into the attention Remington handed out so freely and smiled.

  “It was horrible.” Lux said with a sigh. “…..but at least I wasn't beaten half to death.” He looked up at Remington who smiled down at him mildly. “……or worse.” Lux closed his eyes and let Remington run his hands all over him, his hair, his chest, his shoulders. “I think I figured out what I am feeling…” Lux mumbled as Remington caressed him.

  “Oh yeah? What do you feel?” Remington said softly as he rubbed Lux's neck up to his cheek wishing that he could kiss him.

  “I feel…..loved.” Lux said softly, he blinked at Remington hoping for a confirmation. Remington swallowed back the ache he felt.

  “We need to go to the infirmary and get your medication.” Remington said as he watched Lux look at him with anticipation. The moment seemed to go unfulfilled as Remington opened a portal to the infirmary. There seemed to be an awkwardness now as they landed in the infirmary and waited for Zexich to show up.

  “Hello, Lux, Remington, here for your morning dose? I will get it ready for you.” Zexich said as he arrived. It wasn't long before Zexich came back with a pill container and bottle of water. He let Lux inspect each pill thoroughly before he felt safe enough to swallow them.

  “How are you feeling today?” Zexich inquired.

  “I am actively avoiding what I am feeling right now. It is a very uncomfortable feeling.” Lux said seriously.

  “Can you name this emotion, it may help to know what it is so that you can help to dispel the uncomfortable feeling you are having.” Zexich encouraged. Lux seemed to consider this for a long moment.

  “I don't think I can describe it with just one word.” Lux said, still considering.

  “Emotions can be very complex. Sometimes it takes a whole explanation to describe the emotions that you feel, which is perfectly normal.” Zexich said simply.

  “Well….I am trying to think of a satisfying word for it…..It is somewhat unpleasant to examine this emotion.” Lux paused. Remington was now apprehensive as he was worried that he might have caused this unpleasant emotion that Lux was feeling. “I suppose I feel bit.…..scant?” Lux said curiously. Zexich seemed to tilt his head in fascination. “……and maybe a little……sullen? Possibly mildly dejected?” Lux said seriously.

  “That does sound uncomfortable. Do you know what caused you to feel this way?” Zexich asked curiously.

  “I suppose I got my hopes up for something that went unfulfilled.” Lux said, now looking downcasted.

  “Is there a possibility for resolution to this?” Zexich asked politely.

  “I cannot force the desired outcome. It is out of my hands.” Lux said with a sigh.

  “It is difficult when our hopes go unfulfilled, but if it is out of your hands to change the outcome, I find it best to accept that you cannot change it and validate how it makes you feel. It is uncomfortable, it hurts, and this response may last for a while, but eventually this feeling will resolve on its own, and go away, you will feel better, or at the very least it will feel more manageable.” Zexich explained. Lux looked unhappy. “Did the medication help you sleep, and are you feeling better now that you have had a full day's worth of doses?”

  “It is helping. I have felt very improved so far, and I slept much better last night than any other night I've spent here.” Lux said sullenly.

  “And the voices you hear? Are they prevalent?” Zexich inquired.

  “They have been only whispers so far. I'd say about a three.” Lux said, looking aloof now.

  “Very good Lux. I will see you tonight for your evening dose.” Zexich said. Lux followed Remington through a portal and back to his bedroom where he sat quickly to have a cigarette. Remington sat on the bed and was quietly soaking in how Lux had described how he felt. He began to ache harshly over it and looked up very bashfully at Lux as he remained aloof to the attention. They did not speak to each other at all until Lux was finished with his cigarette and smashed it into the ashtray. He crossed his arms broodingly and remained quiet.

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  “We should get going to the briefing.” Remington said. Lux only nodded softly. The briefing was very tense as there were always so many people there. Maxwell sat on his normal table swinging his legs and whistling cheerfully. Demetri was sitting beside him leaning against him very lovingly. Zexich sat just to their right. Sigil was still at his place at the computer as Maxwell elected to remain a regular member instead of requesting his position as leader back. When Lucius arrived with Ava trailing behind him things became even more tense. Lucius was sure to stare menacingly at both Remington and Lux while flaunting the fact that Ava was with him. He snaked an arm around Ava and held him close while eyeing Remington even more smugly. Remington ignored him easily because he knew more than Lucius did that Ava wasn't at all attached to him the way believed he was, in fact Ava would probably have no trouble at all cheating on Lucius with Remington or Lux if they let him, or even completely betraying the entire organization if Vezaias ordered him too. The briefing quickly focused on Remington's situation as Sigil wanted an update on the mission to recover Vincent.

  “I found him. He is trapped in a very difficult delusional world. His delusion does not seem to be fueled by what he would be most comfortable with as Maxwell's and Ziona’s was. His seems to be fortified as if Vezaias wanted to keep him secured for a much longer time. I do not know how to extract him. I couldn't even break through the barrier. I'm going to have to figure out what its weak point is, otherwise there won't be any way for me to free him. Vezaias really made this difficult. I am not going to give up though. I will figure it out and I'm sure there will be a trick to it, just a much less obvious trick this time. I will need Ava to keep helping me, and Lux too. I will try and work on it more today, before I go to theater.” Remington explained. Sigil listened very seriously.

  “Is this true?” Maxwell questioned.

  “I cannot see anything beyond him arriving at Vezaias's grandmother's house.” Skyler said seriously.

  “Why the hell can't you see what happened then? Seems very suspicious to me.” Maxwell said firmly.

  “He is not lying.” Sigil confirmed.

  “I'd like to see some proof beyond the fact that he is good at lying, because I don't trust him any fucking farther than I can throw him.” Maxwell pressed. Remington was nervous now as the room grew even more tense.

  “Rem, are you okay with showing me a memory of what you found?” Skyler asked, trying to be as respectful as he could, however Maxwell was losing his patience.

  “I don't give a fuck if he is okay with it!” Maxwell snapped standing up from his table very threateningly. Remington was now scared as if there would suddenly be an unplanned confrontation. Lux reached for his hand and squeezed it, snapping him out of his fear.

  “I will show you. I have no problem with that.” Remington said firmly.

  “Why can't Skyler see what happened while you were on this mission?!” Maxwell snapped. Demetri was now on his feet and trying to pull Maxwell out of his aggression.

  “I don't know!” Remington tried not to get angry or shout but things were not looking good at all now.

  “I don't fucking believe you!” Maxwell insisted.

  “Neither do I.” Lucius spoke up looking very haughtily at Remington.

  “He is not lying. If he is willing to let us see the memory then we can see for ourselves.” Sigil pressed with great authority now.

  “Fine, show us proof.” Maxwell settled back into his seat on the table. Remington took a deep shaky breath and prepared the memory Vezaias had him compose specifically for this moment. Skyler approached calmly and placed a hand on his shoulder and projected the memory. It was a brief memory showing Remington approaching the barrier and pounding on it. Vincent could be seen behind the barrier out of reach and unaware anyone was there in the room with him. The barrier seemed to hiss with electricity as he pounded it, sending a shock into his fists. He summoned his crystal blade and bashed the barrier with all of his strength. Nothing happened. He let go of his crystal blade and it vanished. Remington sighed. The barrier was strong and also painful to touch as if it was electrically charged.

  “This barrier is way too strong to break.” Remington mumbled. Remington seemed to fall into contemplation standing in front of the barrier, then after a long moment the memory ended.

  “Thats it? That's all you have?!” Maxwell was angry.

  “I'm trying my best. I will figure it out.” Remington said firmly.

  “You have 24 hours to show us progress.” Sigil said firmly. Remington looked unhappy but nodded in obedience. The briefing was over Remington couldn't wait to get the hell out of that office but he was abruptly stopped by Skyler.

  “We have theater today, you’re still going right?” Skyler said mildly cheerfully.

  “Yeah, I'm going. I will see you in a few hours.” Remington said unhappily. Skyler looked concerned but he didn't press for an explanation. Ava was next to approach, while Lucius watched very threateningly from afar.

  “Is it time to go on our mission, Remi?” Ava smiled gleefully.

  “I think Lux needs a cigarette break first.” Remington said with a sigh. The three of them returned to Lux's bedroom. Lux sat down very enthusiastically to light his cigarette. Remington sat on the bed and sunk into complete turmoil.

  “I can see why you don't like going to those briefings. That was rough.” Lux said seriously as he smoked his cigarette.

  “Yes, that was a rough one Remi but you did great.” Ava hummed cheerfully.

  “Yeah well your boyfriend sure wanted to make it difficult, and Maxwell too.” Remington huffed, dropping his face into his palms.

  “I've already told him that I didn't think you were threatening anymore now that Vee is dead but he insisted that he will prove me wrong. Hmm, I wonder what Vee is going to do about him. I know he must want some sort of revenge.” Ava said thoughtfully. “Louie wants me to report to him any suspicious behavior.” Ava rolled his eyes.

  “Ava everything you do is fucking suspicious.” Lux said seriously.

  “Not even, I'm a total angel!” Ava giggled.

  “Angel of chaos maybe.” Lux scoffed. Remington couldn't help but feel amused now.

  “Lux, are you done yet, we should get going.” Remington was anxious to see Vezaias. He had been thinking about him since he woke up and he was becoming impatient now.

  “Yeah, let's go.” Lux said, smashing the cigarette into the ash tray. They let through a portal and to Gran's house then Lux shimmied open the locked door again with his keycard and they headed straight for the safe room to shift to Vezaias’s hiding spot. Remington was nearly jumping up the stairs now and barreling through the hallway to find Vezaias. Only a moment later he found him in the kitchen making breakfast. He barely had enough time to move the frying pan off the heat and turn before Remington crashed into him in tears. Vezaias smiled and embraced him firmly then their lips met and suddenly it was a waterfall of desperate passion. Vezaias soaked up the desperation and lifted Remington up to the counter to continue kissing him, while Remington audibly made his approval heard.

  “Ehem, at least go to your bedroom.” Ava's annoyed voice interrupted. Vezaias held up his middle finger and waved it at Ava who stood in the doorway to the kitchen. “Ugh, whatever. I'm going to watch some TV.” Ava said in annoyance. Remington was heating up and blushing wildly as Vezaias started to run his hand up his back and inside his shirt then with a quick jerk he pulled the shirt up over his head and tossed it to the ground giving Remington an exhilarating chill up his back and chest. He shivered as Vezaias began to trail his lips downward. He gasped as Vezaias seemed to be chewing on his shoulder like it was a juicy steak. He reflexively dug his fingers into Vezaias's thick black hair urging him to continue until he opened his eye an saw Lux standing in the doorway looking very unhappy. Remington retracted making Vezaias stop abruptly looking up to see why Remington had halted himself.

  “Can I smoke in here?” Lux asked meek with unhappiness.

  “No, go outside.” Vezaias said mildly.

  “I don't want to go outside alone.” He glanced at Remington looking as if he were heartbroken. This look nearly crushed Remington completely.

  “Tell Ava to go with you.” Vezaias said with a hint of authority. Lux turned his eyes away for a moment then walked away. Vezaias turned his attention back to Remington smiling mildly and returning to kissing him only more tenderly this time.

  “Maybe you should finish breakfast. I am pretty hungry.” Remington said softly.

  “So am I…..I've been starving all night, alone in my bed. It is very lonely without you to hold in my arms.” He said smoothly. This was all it took for Vezaias to coax him away from his thoughts of Lux's situation. Vezaias lifted him up easily and carried him to a bedroom, shutting and locking the door where he was able to satisfy what he wanted without any spectators. Remington tried to relax now and enjoy the force in which Vezaias drove him towards the release he needed, and the pain he felt he deserved to suffer. Afterwards Vezaias sat on the edge of the bed to pull his clothes back on. Remington lay on the bed breathing heavily and soaking in the physical pain that Vezaias had left behind.

  “We are going to eat a meal, and then we have work to do before theater. Get cleaned up, dressed and ready to eat.” Vezaias said mildly just before leaving the bedroom. Remington wondered what the work would be this time as he slid out of bed and cleaned himself up with a box of tissues, before dressing himself and leaving the room. He sat at the kitchen table quietly waiting for the food to be ready. Vezaias brought the food to the table before shouting for Ava, and Lux to come and eat. This time it was pancakes, bacon and sausage that Vezaias served. Ava didn't complain at all and dove right in after soaking his pancakes in syrup. Remington however stared at the offensive food and only ate a few pieces of bacon. Lux was at war with himself trying to convince himself that the food was safe but he was slowly losing this battle.

  “I am absolutely not trying to poison you Lux.” Vezaias snapped at him.

  “Remington is not eating them!” Lux highlighted.

  “Not because they are poisonous, I just hate pancakes.” Remington said meekly.

  “I do not want to eat them if they are poisonous.” Lux pressed.

  “Ava is eating them, so am I.” Vezaias said firmly.

  “I don't want to eat the fucking pancakes!” Lux shouted. “Not unless Remington tries them first.”

  “Oh for fuck sake.” Vezaias groaned. “Rem, eat the pancakes.” Vezaias said, getting frustrated.

  “I hate pancakes.” Remington repeated.

  “I love your pancakes, Vee.” Ava said delightfully.

  “Shut up Ava. Rem please eat your damn pancakes.” Vezaias was growing angry now. Remington sighed and looked at Lux and how uncomfortable he was, then swallowed back his own food apprehension and scooped up a bite of his pancakes and ate it quickly.

  “There, see Lux, I'm not poisoned, I just don't like pancakes. I promise it is safe to eat.” Remington said sourly then he fell silent in frustration while Lux worked up the nerve to take the first bite which was much more successful this time.