#*26

ares stuff againn... and dame. and harper ig

Jealous kiss - Okay so this is LauriamEven but whatever.

“Ven said I would find you here,” Even spoke as he briskly walked up to Lauriam.

Lauriam made a non committal sound in response and continued to stare at the painting.

“He was their old master, correct?” Even attempted as he stood beside him.

“Correct. I wish I could have met him. Ven tells me about him but their time together was short lived. And Aqua and Terra have biases.” Lauriam responded.

“Is Yen Sid’s advice not enough?” Even questioned.

“It is not that. I wanted to know /him/. About his home. His family. Maybe than I could find better closure.” Lauriam explained.

“Closure?” Even whispered.

“Would you still love me if I was a woman?” Lauriam’s voice was hardly audible.

Even stepped back “W-what?”

“I think about it sometimes. Maybe than I could have stayed behind with him. Been his queen.” Lauriam’s head was tilted downwards. “Known Eraqus.”

“What in the Worlds are you saying?”

“Master Eraqus carried the blood of my former lover.” Lauriam finally looked at him. “I come here to think. Just like Marluxia would sit in Vexen’s lab for hours I would sit with him. But our fates never were lined up. I was foolish to believe they were.”

“That sounds detrimental to your mental health.” Even stated before he sighed deeply. “I like you for who you are, Lauriam. If I would be physically attracted to you if you were a woman is a different story.” 

“Can you forget your first love?” Lauriam questioned. “No matter how much they hurt you, you still loved them. Is it not normal to think on ways you could have stayed together?” 

“You know the answer, why ask?” Even stepped closer to him and curled his fingers around his wrists. “How long have you been here?” 

“Because I want you to admit it.” Lauriam stared at him. “Unsure. I spoke to Terra for a little when I first arrived and then I came here.” 

“Admit what?” Even snapped. “I’ve betrayed or been betrayed by everyone I’ve loved.” 

“Exactly.” Lauriam smiled softly at him. “What are you truly mad about? You know my loyalty to you is flawless. For a little while I allowed myself to think on my past. I know you do the same.”  

Even frowned and bent down to claim his lips gently. “You wanted a family with this man.” 

“No, I wanted him to only look at me. I knew his promises were empty but it was nice to dream. Back then I was too naive to see the truth. The full truth.” Lauriam pulled on his arms slightly. “I won’t run.” 

Even slowly let go of his wrists. “And now?” 

“I would have liked to know what he became after me. About his loveless but fruitful life. About the World he made. Both people that may have been able to answer my questions are gone.” 

“Both?” 

“By the time I remembered it was too late to ask Master Xehanort.” 

“I see, you think about all of your past while here.” Even looked to the portrait. “In the grand scheme of betrayal you were lower.” 

“I’m not sure that is a compliment. You threw Ansem away and lied to a /child/. And Braig, Master Xigbar, is…” he trailed and placed a hand on Even’s arm. “I’m sorry.” 

“Sometimes I think my whole life is a lie.” Even gave a broken laugh. “I couldn’t save anyone back then so Vexen dedicated his life to making clones. And now, now I have everything I wanted, but you are right, it is normal to think about the past.” He ran a hand down his face. “I’m jealous of a dead man. A dead man you knew as a /teenager/.” 

“Took you long enough to admit it.” Lauriam teased and leaned up to peck his lips. “If it makes you feel better, you are a better kisser.” 

“I would hope so.” Even scuffed and curled an arm around his back to pull him closer. “You should come here less.” 

“Even, you missed out on the time I spent three days here.” Lauriam whispered. “A couple hours is nothing.” 

“What?” Even cupped the back of his head. 

“When I was first reformed I sought out Ventus and found this World. He couldn’t get me to leave here for more than ten minutes.” Lauriam explained. 

“Why didn’t I know this?” 

“You didn’t need to know.” Lauriam brought up a hand to tap his thumb against Even’s lips. “You can’t change the past. I know that. So give me a reason to come here less.” 

“You can’t distract me.” 

“You know I can.” Lauriam laughed softly. “You want to kiss me. You’ve wanted to this whole time. Kiss me and take me home. And then tell me why you were trying to find me in the first place.” 

“I… wanted to have dinner together.” Even admitted. “If you want to.” He deflated. It was pointless to be angry or jealous. Brain was never coming back. 

“I would like that.” Lauriam smiled. “I’m not sure I had lunch…” 

Even made a noise and finally pulled Lauriam into a kiss. “For someone so obsessed with making sure others eat you are terrible at doing it yourself.”