#*ienzo

"Not a word." Ienzo ground out as he attempted to carry Even. He had grown considerably but his father still had nearly a foot on him. He had tried this as a child as well. And that had only been laughable as he managed to get Even on the floor and awake.

But now, now he was struggling to carry a man that should weigh more than he did. But he was walking, or had been until Lauriam came into view.

Lauriam hummed and walked up to him to pat his head. "You tried." His voice was soft. "I'll take him from here."

Ienzo stared at him for some moments before accepting his small defeat. He had not gotten far from the lab. And he'd never admit to Lauriam that Even's head had gotten knocked.

Laurium bent to take Even from his arms. "He's difficult for me as well." He admitted once Ienzo withdrew and he curled Even close to his chest. He held the man bridal style and turned from Ienzo.

"He's not even the tallest of my family."

"I would pay to see you try to carry Aeleus." Lauriam laughed a little and stilled when Even made a groggy sound against him. "Sorry, we'll be in bed soon."

Olette tells him about other students. Pence will go into what they learned. And Hyner usually clams up because it's School and who cares about School.

So Ienzo put on a brave face for his adoptive father. Their hearts were all broken. Aeleus had offered to watch him but Even insisted. Ienzo knew it was more for Even's sanity and future than his health.

If Ienzo was there his vices would be kept at a minimum. But he didn't miss the cigarettes on the grocery list. And Braig had put a finger before his lips when he caught them returning home late.

So he looked up at the man he would never outgrow and accepted the small white box. Even had never been one for packaging.

"Dilan mentioned you were curious in his and Aeleus's tattoo. I- I have no say in what they do to their bodies but do with yours. But I understand the meaning and thought this would suit you better." Even didn't make eye contact and Ienzo knew he wasn't sleeping correctly.

Ienzo removed the lid carefully and gasped gently. Dilan and Aeleus had gotten sea salt ice cream on their left wrists. What was inside was an ice cream locket.

Even accepted the box back from him.

Ienzo opened it carefully and his eyes scrunched up. "I didn't think we still had this photo."

"I went through his office." Even admitted. "You finally grew into your eyes."

"Unlike you." He hadn't bantered with Even in weeks.

"I am forever a lost cause." Even attempted a smile. "He was so proud of you."

"He was of you too." Ienzo knew he needed to hear it. "Thank you."

"From my understanding Marluxia was a separate entity. We may have shared a body but something happened to my heart in the move."

"Nothing at all?" Ienzo bit his lip.

"Correct." Lauriam gestured a hand at him. "Is there something I need to know?"

Ienzo crossed the kitchen to him and placed his hands on either side of him on the counter Lauriam leaned against. "Do you like Even?"

Lauriam stared down at him. "Marluxia apparently had love at first sight for Vexen. I cannot focus on those feelings yet."

"But you have them?"

Lauriam sighed and closed his eyes. "I find him attractive, yes."

"And me?"

"What?" His eyes opened in alarm.

"Do you find me attractive?" Ienzo pressed against him.

"I- I have not put weight into your appearance. You are the prince of this world, Ienzo. My duty is to protect you."

Ienzo frowned and went on his toes to press his lips to Lauriam's cheek. "Forget about duty for a little while. How do I make you feel? You're struggling."

Lauriam flinched. Ienzo would be easy to move, but he needed answers. "You smell lovely." He started and bent his head back. "Marluxia and Zexion were close?"

"On a physical level, yes. They traded information. And Zexion liked to see Vexen mad."

"I see." Lauriam finally lifted his hands to push Ienzo away. "I have biscuits in the oven. Afterwards..." He shook his head a little. "This is not a good idea."

"Once is all I'm asking. I have an itch that you need to scratch."

"May I come in?"

"Yes. O-of course. Is everything alright? It's not like you to come to my room."

"It's exactly like me." Ienzo whispered and shook his head when Lauriam gave him a confused look.

"Marluxia and Zexion's complicated relationship?" Lauriam questioned and sat down on his bed.

Ienzo weighed his options. "Yes," he responded carefully "We all had our own agenda." He bit his lip and approached Lauriam "What is yours with Even?"

"I understand if it makes you uncomfortable that I am courting your father figure." Lauriam sighed softly. "But I have only felt this way once before and I would like this to go well."

"...courting..." Ienzo repeated. "You are not dating?"

"I- we have been on a date. I do not believe our relationship has reached a point where I could call him my boyfriend."

"I see." Ienzo sat down beside him. His scent was faint compared to Marluxia's. "His birthday is coming up. I thought you might like to plan it with me."

"That's why he's been fretting about being old." Lauriam laughed softly. "I would enjoy that. It would be a welcome distraction."

"Distraction?" Ienzo whispered.

"Nothing for you to worry about. I need to snuff out Darkness once and for all." Lauriam smiled at him and Ienzo understood him a little clearer. A master of light would always cast the greatest shadow.

"We are here to help."

Lauriam shook his head. "This is between Ven and I."

Ienzo placed his hands behind him and leaned back slightly. “For someone that wants me to be a Keyblade Wielder you’re not letting me practice.” 

“Take it up with Luxu.” Lauriam scuffed. “This is my mission. My sister.” 

“Mm,” Ienzo closed his eyes “My parents.” 

“Don’t.” 

“As time passes that reality becomes clearer. My parents. Your Dandelions. Everything has sacrifice.” 

“You’re not facing Darkness and that is final, Ienzo.” Lauriam growled. “Do you really think I can live with your death on my hands as well?” 

“It really is annoying you don’t recall Marluxia.” Ienzo sighed. “So many good quips.” 

“Ienzo.”

“Why do you think you can defeat it now? From what you’ve told me it sounds as if no matter what happens someone will be sacrificed. I don’t want to lose my family again. And when you and Ventus die do you really think everyone else is just going to sit by? You can’t live with my death on your hands? I destroyed my own planet. Do you know how many times I’ve had to accept that Aeleus and Even are dead? Just to have no idea if we’ll come back again?” Ienzo’s voice grew softer as he spoke and tears started to slide down his face. “I can’t be useless again. So you will let me help.” 

Lauriam watched Ienzo carefully. Ienzo had confided in him about Lexaeus’s death. 

Even had yelled about Vexen’s when they first met. While he tried to get out that he did not know him. Even had gone from angered to sad. 

Ienzo’s fingers trembled as he touched the choker Lauriam had made him.

Ienzo had watched Even and Aeleus be struck down as they tried to protect him as a boy. 

“I’ll talk to Ven.” Lauriam settled on. “He... He’d never admit this to you, but I know seeing you is odd for him as well. We’ve both grown considerably.” 

“It is odd.” Ienzo agreed. “Can I ask you something? About Ven?”

“Go ahead.” 

“How do you feel about him?” 

“I... That’s a complicated question, Ienzo. I tried to use him to fill a hole in my heart. I thought if I could see him as my little brother things might be easier. I was wrong. I was falling right into the path Darkness set for me.” Lauriam started to explain. “And now. Now I’ve allowed him to be hurt even more by Darkness. I wasn’t there to keep him safe.” 

“You mean Xehanort?” 

“Correct. It’s terrifying not knowing if he is safe. I know if I fail he’ll have to die. He knows that too. So, for now, I try not to feel anything.” 

“...die?” 

“Yes. We were each picked for a reason. And then that reason corrupted. Your darkness became Zexion. Ventus’s became Vanitas. You must know he is scared.” 

“He tries to hide it.” Ienzo nodded. “But if you strike down Ventus what is to stop a chain reaction? Would you not become the next target? Darkness is not that simple. That was the only conclusive fact from our research.” 

“Do not worry about that.” Lauriam rested a hand over his heart. “After all, this heart was already seeped in darkness once, right?” 

“...You mean to become Marluxia again.” Ienzo sat up straight. “Why?” 

Lauriam shook his head. “You only asked what may happen. I am prepared for everything. Which is why it needs to only be Ventus and I. You, my precious prince, need to stay away.” 

“I’m starting to have doubts that I should be allowing you near Even.” Ienzo sighed and rubbed between his eyes. “/When/?” 

“When?” 

“There must be a time frame.”

“Not particularly. Time means little. My power draws from the future, after all.” Lauriam shook his head. “The battle will happen when the time is right. When all players are in place.” 

“I see...” Ienzo sighed. “You plan on living, right?” 

“I will do my best.” Lauriam responded honestly.” 

(I typically write Ienzo as at least 18. There’s a running joke about him turning 18 and Even giving him the kingdom back. I... Have no idea what my headcanon age for Aeleus is. I know older than Lauriam, so at least early 30s.)

“What do you think of Aeleus and- and /me/?”

“Aeleus is quite a bit older than you,” Even stated.

“You really want to go there considering the ages of Ansem and Lauriam?” Ienzo countered.

Even sighed. “It’s different.”

“Is it?” Ienzo tilted his head at him. “Try again.”

“There’s his size.”

“I promise you, /father/, Aeleus is frustratingly gentle.” Ienzo drummed his fingers. “The only true argument you could make is that deep down I know he still loves you.”

“Do you love him?” Even’s voice was small. He had known of Lexaeus and Zexion’s closeness. It was impossible not to. But this was different.

“I’m still trying to figure that out.” Ienzo admitted. “But I’m trying to figure out all of my feelings. I might have a complex.”

“A complex?”

“Yes. It’ll pass. That did remind me that Lauriam asked to go out. As a party.”

“I am here for you to talk to, Ienzo.” Even reminded. “Did you talk to Lauriam about Aeleus first?” 

“Father you are terrible when it comes to romance. My heart is trying to catch up with my memories and it is causing various physical annoyances. I am far too old to be /hormonal/.” 

“Everyone reacts differently. I may not have much experience with romance but you can still talk to me, Ienzo.” 

“You have no interest in psychology, Even. I do not know /who/ I want. I just know I want something. Lexaeus was... easy. And I need to accept that Aeleus is not the same. That I do not own him. I have no idea how to start a healthy relationship, and neither do you.” 

“You are correct. I am trying with Lauriam. I know no matter what I say you will do what you want. Especially this matter. So I should support you. I’ll talk to Lauriam. We’ll plan something.” Ienzo would be safer if he didn’t need to hide again. But that didn’t mean he had to like it. “All I ask is that you treat him better than I ever did.” 

“That won’t be hard.” 

“I’ll always be a scientist first, Ienzo. Aeleus knows that. I never felt anything romantic towards him and the notion that anyone could like me was absurd. So I-” he sighed “From his point of view I must have strung him along. Make up your mind quickly, for his sake.” 

"Clothing synthesis. I'm rusty." Lauriam smiled up at him. "I wanted to make you a choker."

Ienzo swallowed. "That so?"

"Myde mentioned your nightmares. Even never has been good at controlling his children. But what's a little murder between siblings?" Lauriam spoke calmly while he stared Ienzo through. "You struggle around the true Riku as well."

"It- It's subconscious." Ienzo whispered. "Riku would strike us down if need be."

"You are correct." Lauriam sighed. "I was trying to decide if a strength or magic boost would do you better. I'll just make both." 

“There’s no need.” Ienzo shook his head a little. 

“It’s a want. /I/ want to. If you choose to wear it is on you.” Lauriam responded. “I can’t help Even with his scars. Let me help you.” 

“Okay. Strength would be better then.” Ienzo responded. “Can I help?” 

“I’m still in the design process. I need to contact a Moogle for the rest.” Lauriam hummed. “I’ll keep you up to date.” 

"I do not expect you to." Aeleus replied. "I am unsure as well."

"Really?" Ienzo laughed a little.

"You were not allowed to have normal formative years. We pushed you to be an adult. And now your heart is catching up with your hormones and it must be confusing." Aeleus explained. "I'll always be loyal to you, Ienzo, but you need to figure out what you want."

"I want you still at my side." There was no question about that. "I still yearn for you. But these days I find myself particularly horny for most. It's annoying."

"It'll pass." Aeleus hummed.

"I know I love you. But I also love Ansem and Even. The differences are... Difficult to tell." Ienzo sighed. "But I don't /own/ you. Not like Zexion did Lexaeus. That festering need to possess you is gone."

"You've always been possessive." Aeleus whispered. "But if owning me is your goal you'd need a ring."

"I don't know what my goal is."

"Then start there."

"You'll always be here, right? No matter my decision."

"Always, Ienzo."