Au: None (Set in s8)

WC: ~1.7k

Yeah, so over the summer this ship kind of popped into my head while driving because Bad Romance came on the radio, and somehow that led me to pair up these two. So for those who have seen season 8, this takes place after xB and Hypno get the IOU from EX and after EX recruits xB for his little Evil Nation group thing. I kinda fixated on them for a hot minute over the summer and decided it was about time to share this with the class

-

xB sat quietly on the steps leading up to the nether portal at Horse Head Farms. It was a warm, peaceful day. No hermits had dropped by and Hypno was deep in the mines. Meanwhile, xB had a precious piece of paper pinched between his thumb and forefinger. He studied the handwriting, his brows creased, his lips pursed. He glanced down at the dark gray helmet resting beside his foot.

"Maybe this is a stupid idea," he whispered, lifting the helmet and staring into the red-tinted visor. Glancing at the paper still in his hold, he sighed as a smile formed on his face. "And so what if it is?"

-

Whilst staring at the portal, xB leaned against the railing across, next to the lectern. Soon enough, a figure popped up, stepping free from the purple mist.

"So, what do you want?" EX asked, brushing remnants from a basalt delta off their pants.

Flashing a smile, he held up the piece of paper, slightly waving it. "I wanted to cash this in," he explained.

Maybe Hypno would be mad at him for wasting such a valuable IOU. If they were to auction it off like the rest, surely it would've made them a big profit. Alas, he couldn't help himself.

Despite the helmet covering their face, he could see them raise an eyebrow. "Alright..." they slowly replied as they crossed their arms.

He placed down the paper atop the helmet EX had given him, which was sitting atop an anvil.

"What strenuous favor am I to be forced to be subjected to?" EX asked. xB lightly laughed, pushing himself off the railing.

"Nothing bad! I just want you to spend some time with me! Y'know, for like, most of the day!" He explained. Slowly, EX unfolded their arms.

"That's... it? I mean, I get why I'm interesting and cool but... seriously? You don't need my building or redstone skills?" xB simply shook his head, his smile growing.

"Honestly I just want to get to know you," he sheepishly admitted. "I know it might sound silly, but hey, if I'm going to be a part of your... Evil Nation, I want to know who I'm working with!"

Humming, EX tapped their chin, their other hand beneath their elbow. "I guess that makes sense. Alright then xB, I'll spend the day with you." They agreed, although xB wondered if he should've pointed out that with the IOU they technically didn't have a choice.

-

xB had suggested they spend some time simply walking along the paths connecting all of the different bases and areas. "So," he asked, his hands behind his back. "What is your name? Is it actually 'Evil Xisuma?"

They shook their head. "No, that's just a nickname. I've been running with it though because I think it's badass." The smile on their face was audible, which led to xB chuckling. "My uh, my real name though is Xavion."

"I'd say that's still badass," he commented.

Xavion didn't reply.

"Am I... allowed to know where you've been this whole time?" He quietly asked only to immediately worry he was crossing a line.

Sure enough, Xavion's shoulders tensed, but before he could take it back, they responded. "Xisuma didn't say, huh? I was banished to the Void," they casually answered. Their relaxed voice completely contradicted their body language which left xB both confused and concerned.

"I can't imagine it was any fun." They arrived at a fork in the road so he looked at EX. He wanted to let them decide where they should go, but instead, they began walking down the path leading to where Stress, False, and Gem were living so he quickly followed.

"No, it was very boring," they laughed. "I mean as mad as I was at first, I did deserve it for trying to burn down the server and all."

xB nodded. "I guess that's true, yeah."

From the corner of his eye, he spotted a creeper in the woods which had locked onto them. EX unsheathed their sword but he was quicker, pulling out his bow and sniping the mob through the head. "You like being back then, yeah? Plan on staying longer this time?" He dared to tease.

"Uh... y-yeah, yeah that's the plan," Xavion answered, their voice somewhat distant. "You- you're uh- your bow skills are... impressive. That was some fast and- and kind of brilliant movement."

His smile grew at the sudden compliment. "Oh, you think so? Thank you! I try!" He lightly laughed. Surprisingly, he found the praises left a warm feeling in his chest. It wasn't like such comments were foreign to xB. Whether it be competitions or even snowball fights his friends would point out his skill. Perhaps it was the fact that he didn't expect EX to be so impressed by him.

It was... nice.

"Y'know I..." he swallowed, unable to believe he was going to admit his thoughts out loud. "Honestly I can't exactly blame you for wanting to see the server crash and burn."

EX stared at him. "Really? I'd never expect one of you softies to even remotely agree with me." xB laughed once again as he scratched the back of his neck.

"I-I dunno it's just- well sometimes the server can get... boring. We have our occasional wars and big-scale fights but they're never as chaotic as I hope they are. They always end too peacefully and nicely. I know it's bad to- crave violence but it's not like- we're immortal, so what's the big deal?" He rambled.

Xavion chuckled. "Oh, I agree completely. I'm not even immortal and I still see where you're coming from. Violence and chaos are fun. Y'know I'm glad we can agree on this." They playfully hit his arm.

"Hey I'm a part of the Evil Nation for a reason," he teased, nudging him.

"Now I see why you agreed to join so quickly," they laughed.

This time when something in the woods caught xB's eyes, it wasn't a mob.

-

Xavion wasn't sure how to feel with xB seemed to mindlessly grab their wrist and pull them off the path. They still weren't even sure how to feel about him complimenting their name. Although they'd never admit it out loud - especially to their brother - a part of them liked his name more than theirs. Which was why using 'Evil Xisuma' was kind of fun. It was stupid and beyond ridiculous, but even so, the simple comment by xB was enough to leave them startled and almost... happy.

They finally got a glimpse of what xB saw, which was a bench swing connected to a birch tree, alone in the woods. There were some vines and flowers wrapped around the ropes. "I bet Gem made this," xB noted, finally letting go of them. "This looks like her handiwork."

"What's it doing out here?" They asked, cautiously walking around it.

He shrugged. "Probably a prototype she made before building the one at her base?"

Nodding, they stood in front of it. "So are we going to... sit on this?" They ran their hand along the wooden seat, feeling the light dust of pollen.

"I think we should!" xB brightly agreed, brushing off the rest of the seat.

Xavion couldn't help but keep their thoughts trained on what xB had said about death and chaos on the server. It was somewhat shocking, considering his mostly sweet and down-to-earth demeanor. Although considering his sharpshooter skills, Xavion was glad he wanted to put those abilities to good use. Albeit 'good' was a relative term.

The two sat on the swing, EX practically jumping when they accidentally laid their fingers atop xB's. Although the other thankfully made no comment. Instead, they said, "I really like the helmet you gave me. I know I'm not wearing it right now but I think it's really cool!"

They couldn't help but smile. "Thanks. Comfortable, right? The visor is very handy." They tapped the side of their helmet.

"Do you ever take yours off?" He whispered.

Xavion pursed their lips into a thin line. "I don't really see a reason to," he quietly lied.

"Well... what if I wanted to know what you looked like?"

They froze. "There's not much to look at," they attempted to joke, however much to their surprise, xB frowned.

"You should let me be the judge of that," he whispered.

Cracking a lopsided smile, Xavion shook their head. "Don't say I didn't warn you," they laughed. They hoped it masked their irrational anxiety as they lifted the helmet off to most likely reveal the worst helmet hair.

They had to blink a few times to adjust to seeing the world without the visor, finding xB staring at them, a hint of a warm color sneaking onto his cheeks.

"You look very handsome," he whispered.

"Oh. Thank you." That was the last thing they were expecting to hear.

They began to wonder how exactly they looked. Xavion could only assume their white hair was still a rat's nest and that sweat had built up on their pale, scarred skin. It seemed not even their red eyes atop a black sclera was remotely bothering the hermit.

Embarrassingly enough, their heart began to pound as they felt they were paralyzed under his eyes. Finally, after managing to swallow the feeling, they turned to stare at the sky. "Y'know what? Keep the IOU. This- This doesn't count."

"Are you serious?" xB asked in disbelief.

They nodded. "Yeah, do whatever you want with it." Finally glancing back at him, a small smile grew on their face. "I- This has been fun so far," they dared to admit.

"I'm- I'm glad." This time when Xavion let their fingers rest atop of xB's, it was purposeful. They hated to admit it, but truthfully, they felt their demeanor melting away. It typically was an easy effort to hide away their 'softer' side. It was easy to ignore the pretty fields of flowers and the idea of learning to bake pies to focus on serious work. Yet now, they felt they could indulge in whatever stupid hobby or activity they wanted because they could use xB as an excuse to.

Once again they found xB gazing at them with a bright smile. "Well, the day is still young, is there anything, in particular, you want to do?"

They thought for a moment, before admitting, "Well I honestly would love to learn how to bake."

-

FYI I started writing a baking oneshot but didn't like how it was turning out so don't expect it anytime soon (or possibly at all lmao)

On the other hand, if you want some Warden!xB and EX, then that I can supply you no problem