#*cancer

It was not a completely uncommon message to receive from his not-son. He was at the Keyblade Meeting, more on account that he was a prince than that he was a Keyblade Wielder. Ienzo had still not fully accepted either role. 

/I might have messed up as well./

But that was odd. Ienzo rarely admitted any wrongdoings, and Even knew that to be the fault of his upbringing because he was the same. 

/We had assumed you would tell your husband first./ 

Even’s heart skipped a beat. No. No no no. 

He was not good with his Gummiphone and Ienzo had laughed at him over it many times before.

/Who told him?/

Even stared at his phone as he waited for his response, as his brain tried to work up a way to mend this. He had been trying to find the right time. 

He had told Ienzo after the results came back positive. 

He had told Ansem about the physical in general. About his health. About his worry. 

But Lauriam... 

Even pressed a hand to his chest and stared at Ienzo’s response.

/Lea./ 

That would not weigh in his favor. Ienzo must have confided in Xion who would naturally talk to Roxas and Lea about it. 

Work could wait. Work would wait. It was not as if anyone else was there. 

He needed to be home. He had no doubt that Lauriam had used a portal to get back. That every second his brain spent trying to think of a plan instead of moving was time lost. 

For a moment he almost missed when they still lived in the castle. At least than Lauriam would be closer.

Instead he grabbed his coat and headed for the exit. Their home was not a long walk, but it would still take time. 

I'm just sitting here working on a commission sheet, applying for freelance work, like nothing's wrong.

“Swallow before speaking.” Isa sighed at his side. 

Roxas merely shook his head. 

“Odd for you to ask.” Lauriam responded and blinked over at him. 

“Hey, don’t be like that. Xion told me.” 

“Told you-?” Lauriam’s head tilted. 

Lea frowned at him. Weird. “About Even’s cancer.” 

“What?” Lauriam’s expression fell slowly. “I- excuse me.” He swallowed as he pushed his chair back. 

Ven reached a hand carefully out for him. “Lauriam?” 

Lauriam shook his head a little. “You know my opinions. Speak for me if needed.” 

Ven settled his hand back on his lap. Just like back then. “Okay.” 

Lauriam gave him a shaky smile before he hurried off. 

“Did he not know?” Roxas whispered. “Why would Even not tell him?” 

“I... overheard him tell Ienzo.” Xion sighed. “Figured it was safe to talk about. Man my dad is stupid.” 

“Our dad is indeed.” Ienzo stated as he stared at his Gummiphone. “I know Aeleus and Dilan know. Should I warn Even?” 

“Lauriam’s...” Ventus trailed and stared at the table. “I don’t know if the adult Lauriam would do anything. Is- Is Even going to /die/?” 

“It is not that serious.” Ienzo tried to keep his voice calming as he messaged Even. “How much did you hear, Xion?” 

“Uhh, really just you saying ‘You have cancer’. Figured he could wait on the ingredients he asked me to pick up...” 

“He has lung cancer. Another side effect of Vexen’s death, he worries, which is probably why he put off telling Lauriam.” 

“...Oh.” Lea let out a small broken laugh. “Well shit.” 

“Mmhm.” Ienzo hummed at him. “I still cannot understand why Vexen helped you and Saix.” 

“Curiosity, mostly. Once he understood the severity of the situation he was willing to do anything.” Isa explained. “But more than that, that death did make him Even, once more.” 

“True.” Ienzo sighed. “There is nothing to worry about, Ven. Even is more sturdy than he looks.” 

“Promise?” Ven sounded younger than usual right then. Too open. Too bare. 

“I promise.” Ienzo gave him a small smile. “Your concern for my father is appreciated.” 

Ven shook his head a little. “It’s for Lauriam. I don’t think his heart would be able to handle Even dying.” 

“Ahh. He would not be alone, Ven. Even is an important part of many of our hearts. But that fear is understandable; I would not like to see Marluxia again.” 

“Would he become a Nobody again?” Aqua questioned. 

“I think he would just stop.” Ven shook his head. “I’d have to keep him away from the students. That kind of dark influence could be disastrous.” 

“Would he still be able to wield his Keyblade?” 

“Perhaps not the one you are used to, but yes.” Ven frowned to himself. “Should I check on him?” 

“No, let Even fix his own mess.” Ienzo shook his head and put his phone away. “If he can.” 

“I’m taking dad in the divorce.” Xion teased openly. 

“As if Lauriam would take you.” Ienzo teased back. “There’s nothing to worry about. Lauriam cannot stay angry at Even for long. Even will get treated, and everything will go back to normal.” 

Xion stuck her tongue out at him. 

“If- if he did become a Nobody again would he really /be/ Marluxia? Xemnas gave us those names. Would he really take it back up?” Roxas questioned the room. 

“Fair point, we reclaimed those ‘X’s, can’t imagine him doing the same.” Lea mumbled. “Look at you thinking this hypothetical through.” 

Roxas rubbed the back of his head. “It was just a thought.” 

“We shouldn’t keep talking about this.” Aqua ended the conversation. “If Lauriam falls down a dark path we will deal with it then.”