Half lidded grey eyes, sclera sporting a red tint from too much time at a research computer, stared down the hallway that held his dorm room. A few more steps, he told his body, a few more steps and then he could strip and fall into the realm of dreams.

A small clink sounded from down the hall, along with a clearing of the throat. Grey eyes snapped over to the source, opening all the way at what they found. A man that looked extremely familiar, to the point of making him uncomfortable, walking down the hall towards him. What was this man even wearing? It looked like he’d found some sort of old linen rage and covered himself in it, and threw some kind of armor over it. A closer inspection would reveal that it was actually a rather ragged robe, and the armor had dents and scratches. Who…

The other man held a knowing smile on his face, reaching out with a cold hand to clasp Lex’s shoulder. The Hunter realized it just before the knight spoke, “I’m you, in a way. A fragment of you that was created by a trapped soul – a memory.”

Lex nodded, though still confused about the situation. A fragment… ”Then how are you here? How can I talk to you?” He questioned, looking into his own grey eyes. There was more humility in this other version’s, more compassion and honesty. It made him sick with himself – his Deus self – to see a version of himself that didn’t hide himself from the world.

”I myself am not quite sure, friend.” Alexei muttered, casting a glance to the side. ”All I know is that, when I was made aware of my existence as a fragment, I was shown some of your memories. You make others very happy, Alexei.”

”Lex. I’m Lex – you’re Alexei.” The man interrupted, eyes narrowing. He made others happy – and not just in a sexual way? ”Who? How?”

Alexei gave Lex a sad look, able to tell just from the other man’s question that he really didn’t have the confidence he exuded. Both hands went to Lex’s shoulders now, an almost fatherly smile playing on Alexei’s features. ”The short blonde girl, for one. I saw you two reading, and I could tell it was a moment of bliss for her. The White King – ah, forgive me – the black haired man? With the goggles? Your companionship to him makes him happy.” His hands were taken off Lex’s shoulders, the man giving the Paladin a skeptical look.

”Ami and Wilson? I suppose, yeah.” He muttered, introspectively looking at his feet. They made him happy too, if he were to be honest. A lot of people made him happy – Solia, Madeline, Kat, sometimes Ryan, and even Marcus in his own really odd and almost big brotherly way. Did he make all of them happy too?

Alexei apparently picked up on his train of thought – which wasn’t surprising with them being the same person when all things were stripped down. ”You make a lot of people happy, Lex. Bedroom and otherwise.”

They both cracked a grin at that, and mutually decided to sit down in the hall. Wait, there wasn’t a hall any longer, but just a solid pitch black. Still, they sat with their backs against an unseen wall in a good moment of shared silence.

”So, you’re a fragment that doesn’t know how or why he’s here?” Lex finally asked, still confused as to why he was seeing his doppelganger. After all, not everyone met their double.

”Oh, I know the why. I don’t know how, but we – the other fragments and I – were given a chance to meet our actual selves. Call it divine intervention, a happy accident, or what have you, but that’s why I’m here. I wanted to meet the real me and tell him what an honor it is to be made from his memory.” Alexei smiled, truly fond of the person he actually was. Lex may not have had complete confidence in himself, but he was certainly a joy giver. ”And I wanted to share my memories with you, however simulated they are. Hopefully you’ll find them…interesting.”

Lex quirked a brow at the last bit; why was Alexei smirking like that? Had he done something? They both laughed it off and stood up, shaking hands.

”Fare thee well, Lex. Keep bringing happiness to those around you.”

”Thanks, Alexei.” Lex smiled, watching him slowly fade like dust.

---

Awaking with a start, Lex fell out of bed – as per usual when he was alone. He shook his head as he made his way to the showers, strange memories that definitely weren’t his all replaying in his mind’s eye. The hot water helped him put everything together, remembering the dream and the other Lex. God, that guy had been a goober…

Wait. What was this memory…

”HE DID WHAT WITH OFELIA?!”