#*myde

Ienzo settled down beside him on the ledge.

"How'd you even get up here?"

"Braig and I would travel all over. This was part of his jurisdiction." Ienzo shrugged.

"Do you miss him?" Myde asked and finally looked at him.

"At times, but I understand he has his own destiny to follow."

"Destiny, heh." Myde sighed "Yeah, guess so."

"What's wrong?"

"I understand myself and heart very well, Ienzo. But everyone else is still torn up about theirs. Xig's off doing whatever and you're busy being a prince and grappling with your feelings." Myde looked off into the distance "I just want things to be easy again."

"You found being a Nobody easy?"

Myde shrugged. "Look, Demyx got a lot of crap but that was all part of the point. Just to wade it out until the pieces were right again. And they're mostly right now but I've never felt so alone."

"You're hardly alone."

"It's easy to feel alone when in a crowd of people." Myde whispered "I miss /you/. But you still need time to figure out your family, and I respect that, but make up your mind soon? For me?"

"I- I- oh." Ienzo made a sound and stared at his lap. "You also miss Zexion."

"Huh? I guess a little. He didn't force a mask like you do. You're so /fake/ around the kids. I can tell it exhausts you. But I understand needing to be liked."

"If anyone could tell it would be you." Ienzo mumbled. "I am a prince, Myde. I am expected to behave in a certain manner. I also want them to like me. You understand."

"I do understand. But I kinda miss you being a bit of a brat to."

"A brat?" Ienzo gasped too much and put a hand to his chest "Me?"

"Oh, totally." Myde chuckled. "That's better."

"You've always allowed me to be my truest self." Ienzo whispered. "What about you?"

"This is all there is to me." Myde gestured a hand to himself. "I'm good just existing and exploring."

“I’m not sure I believe that.” 

“I don’t need you to believe it. We can’t bring back my old team. I don’t have high hopes in seeing my old home. All I can do is pass each day and be thankful I’m alive.” Myde responded. 

"I don’t think I’ve ever seen you so pessimistic.” 

“I like to believe I’m being realistic. Besides, Luriam stole all the optimism.”

"You have your thinking face on. I didn't want to disturb you, but wanted to know if you were up for lunch." Myde explained.

"Aeleus and I have been trying to talk." Ienzo replied and pushed his chair back to stand. "Lunch sounds nice."

"Like in general or-?"

"About Zexion and Lexaeus."

"Oh, about the ownership sex thing." Myde perked up and turned away. "Rolund mentioned that Dilan has been odd because of Aeleus."

"I wouldn't put it so simply, but yes." Ienzo followed him. "I'm not sure how I feel about him."

"You're not sure how you feel about anyone."

"Does that bother you?"

Not that Myde had much time to think about it because Lauriam beat him to talking. Lauriam was a solid presence by his side when they traveled and he appreciated not being alone. He would never be his Leader, but he understood why he was picked to lead them. 

“What’s wrong?” Lauriam questioned gently. 

“I-” he looked to his keyblade and then to Lauriam. “Nothing. I am still not used to traveling with this.” Ienzo swallowed “My own heart keeps surprising me.” 

“Ahh,” Lauriam nodded and turned away. “I am going to head forward, Myde. Brief Ienzo.” 

“Wha-what? Wait.” Myde huffed, arms being thrown before himself. “You have the map.” 

“You know how to find me.” Lauriam laughed and patted his shoulder. “I will not go too far. Only enough to not listen.” 

Myde pursed his lips before letting out a heavy sigh. “Fine. We probably should catch up to Elrena and Rolund anyway.” 

Lauriam gave him a nod and headed off.

"We're just resource hunting." Myde sighed "No reason to leave."

"No, I realized something," Ienzo started "I wasn't necessarily looking for you. I am still figuring this out," he shifted his keyblade "I was following my heart..."

"Oh," Myde swallowed "I see."

"We should get moving." Ienzo stated and stepped forward. "We can talk more later."

"Yeah," Myde nodded and turned around "I find the castle that way."

"The castle?"

"Mmhm, Aeleus and Dilan feel like safety, but you feel like home." Myde explained. "I know the Line now so I don't need to focus on those feelings but they are still present."

"I see." Ienzo whispered and walked beside him. "Home."

"Mmhm." Myde nodded and held a hand out for him. "King Ansem said to think of the castle as home. But for me what makes it home would be you."

Ienzo carefully took his hand. "You say it so easily."

"No reason to lie or dance around it." Myde shrugged and took a firm hold of his hand. "I know my heart very well. If yours answers why deny it?"

"No reason to," Ienzo breathed. "Thank you."

"You're welcome," Myde teased "I am going to make you the best dinner."

"What are you looking for?"

"Anything and everything," Myde grinned "But I know Lauriam is focusing on potions."

"Okay." Ienzo nodded "I still have a very good sense of smell. Let's get to work."

"You're going to stay and help?"

But anything related to Lauriam stole his sensibility.

It could be worse. Even imagined he would have locked the door if it was worse.

He was not sure Elrena would lock it, but Rolund was respectable enough to.

But this was Myde.

Lauriam had called it grounding.

Myde looked like he would call it a lifeline.

It was gentle. The way Lauriam's hands soothed over his arms. The way Myde's arms were lose around him.

Lauriam kissed his face.

Myde laughed and Even understood how Ienzo could handle him for hours.

And then he broke it. Their moment.

"At this point I'm determined you're trying to catch me having sex." Lauriam's eyes were narrowed.

Myde pressed his face into his shoulder.

"But Ienzo is the only one allowed to see that."

"Master Lauriam!" Myde whined.

"What do you want?" Lauriam ignored him.

Was he supposed to know that about Ienzo? He swallowed and tried to remember why he had come. Something related to Ansem. He was sure. "Lord Ansem wanted to see you." He wrung his hands before him. "To check in."

"I'll find him later then." Lauriam replied and moved a hand to Myde's lower back to tug him closer. “If that is all-” He tilted his head towards the door to finish the statement. 

Even swallowed and turned away to leave. 

“You remember nothing?” Myde asked when they were alone again. 

“Why do you ask?” 

“You reacted,” Myde shrugged “I’m aware we’re not really your type. That your heart isn’t in any of this.” he shifted a little to rest a hand over Lauriam’s heart. “But him- There’s something.” 

“He’s persistent.” Lauriam replied. “But I’m in no position for romance or a relationship, Myde. That’s why I keep this the way I do.” 

“I know,” Myde sighed “But there’s clearly something residual from Marluxia. Be careful.” 

Aeleus was the one to tell him to check the outskirts of their home. And there the Dandelions were. 

Lauriam had his back against the tree, an anchor, a leader. Myde had mentioned he had not been ready for how soft Lauriam was. He had heard Elrena call him broken more than once. That none of them truly knew Lauriam. That he was the closest to slipping back to the Darkness of them. 

Myde was to his right. One of Lauriam’s arms was draped around his shoulders and his face pressed into the crook of his neck. 

Rolund was to his left. His head rested on Lauriam’s shoulder and he had a hand over Lauriam’s. He was the one to notice him. To crack open an eye and lift his hand to place a finger before his lips. 

Elrena rested between his legs. Her shoulder dug into Lauriam’s chest and her hands had surely once been clinging to his pants, but now were loose against him. 

He had not needed them. He had only been curious about Myde’s whereabouts. 

He took his gummiphone out to write up a message. 

/Would you not be more comfortable inside?/ He showed his phone to Rolund before handing it over to him. 

/Lauriam had not planned on falling asleep. Myde has been suffering from nightmares. Elrena only fell asleep because I said I would stay awake./ 

Ienzo stared at the returned message slowly. Even had mentioned his increasing urge to use status effects on Lauriam. The man would not sleep until he ‘fixed’ everything. 

Myde’s mind was so spliced up with Demyx’s memories that he was having trouble with time and the dark. 

Ienzo’s fingers brushed over his phone as he tried to work up a response. 

/Can I join you?/ He held his phone before him, expression tight. 

Rolund gave a single nod after a moment. 

Ienzo shot Aeleus a quick message to tell him he was safe. 

And then. 

/Can I take a picture?/ 

Rolund stared at him and frowned a little but gave a nod. Weakness. But Heartless did not check photos and Xigbar needed no help in finding them if he really wanted to. He rested his head back against Lauriam’s shoulder. 

Ienzo stepped back a little further to take a photo of them and post it. It was the easiest way to tell Even what was going on. 

He settled down beside Myde after that. Grass stains would be a problem for later him. 

Rolund sighed beside him because they were not going to be able to get him back asleep. Of course Even would be able to wake him up.

"About an hour and fifteen ago," Rolund stated. "Asked to join us."

"I see," Lauriam whispered and looked at the blond before leaning forward a little to look at Myde beside him and Ienzo against him. "I suppose we should move inside."

Rolund stood slowly. "You should sleep more."

"I'll try." Lauriam frowned and rose a hand to run over Elrena's arm while the other gave Myde's side a squeeze. "Wake up."

Elrena turned into his chest further. "No."

"When did Ienzo get here?" Myde rubbed a palm into his eyes. "Even?"

Even shifted awkwardly. "It's late." He should have just picked Ienzo up and left.

"Mmm," Myde made a sound and nosed Ienzo's hair. "Okay."

"If I tell you to stand there for five minutes would you?" Ienzo mumbled.

"This is hardly the place for jokes. Your health is still fragile. I understand that being a Keyblade Weilder I need to give you more freedom, but it's... Challenging."

"I know, Even." Ienzo sighed and looked at his father, challenge in his eyes "I will help Myde with his nightmares if you can get Lauriam to go back to sleep."

Even flushed and looked away. "Fine."

"I have no intention of that." Lauriam stated. "Elrena, up."

"I'll make something up," she mumbled.

Lauriam thunked his head against the tree. "Rolund?"

"As the actual insomniac here, you all need to sleep. Somewhere safe." Rolund replied. "I'll follow if you ask."

Even's face only grew hotter as he listened to them. Turned down. Lauriam was bisexual. Marluxia had always spoken of Larxene in a casual sense. Somewhat loving but distant. Maybe he had never understood that Marluxia did not kiss and tell.

"Myde?" Lauriam sighed.

"I would like to go with Ienzo." Myde mumbled.

"Okay. You know where my room is." Lauriam nodded. "Elrena."

"Fiiine." Elrena huffed and elbowed him in the chest for effect before getting up.

Ienzo stood and dusted himself off. He had tried. He'd message Even later but for now he accepted Myde's hand and helped him stand.

Even stayed still. It was too much to take in.

"I'll see you later," Ienzo whispered as they walked past Even.

Even gave a small nod.

Elrena looped an arm with Lauriam's once he was up.

"Even?" Lauriam kept his voice careful.

"Yes?"

"We'll see you at breakfast."

“I wanted to double check you and the others were coming.” 

“When is it?” 

“Tomorrow. Sorry. I was positive you knew.” 

“Time is still a little funky to me.” Lauriam admitted. “Of course we’ll be there.” 

“Good. I’ll tell the staff.” Even grinned. “I’ll talk to you later?” 

“Yes.” Lauriam smiled back. “Later, Even.” 

Lauriam stared at his phone long after it went black. “I still have no idea how this works.” he admitted when Elrena leaned against his arm. “How they made it so small.” 

“That’s not the only thing that’s small.” 

“You really want to go down that path?” Lauriam questioned with a raised brow. “I have no qualms about telling you all about him.” 

“Ugghh, you’re still so gross.” Elrena leaned away. “So, a party?” 

“Yes. We probably should get Ienzo something that isn’t self doubt.” 

“What does Ienzo like besides books?” Rolund questioned. 

“More books.” Myde laughed. “Um, let’s see,” he put a hand on his chin and tilted his head back a little, “Vanilla and cinnamon scented things. He actually has a soft spot for plush animals. Pickaling. He’s not actually that big into sweets. Which is kinda surprising considering Even’s sweet tooth... Most of our time together was over meals and he was usually reading.” his hand moved from his chin to the side of his head, rubbing it awkwardly. “Maybe I don’t know him as well as I thought...” 

“No. There’s not much to know.” Lauriam sighed. “Even’s like that as well. I have /no idea/ what he is getting him. Being around the other Apprentices didn’t give him much time to be himself. To figure out what himself is.” He stared at his left hand, curling it. “And considering how I’ve been pushing him with the Keyblade...” 

“I say we get him a bath set.” Elrena intoned. 

“Is that a jab or-?” Lauriam tilted his head at her. 

“Who doesn’t like relaxing? That and Ienzo’s so wound tight.” Elrena shrugged. “Some bath salts and what have you would do him good.”

“That’s... thoughtful.” Lauriam stared at her. “Let’s call it a day. We’ll meet back here later.” 

“Seriously, Lauriam. You /know/ me. I expect them to think stuff like that, but come on.” Elrena huffed and crossed arms over her chest. “Good luck figuring out your own gift.” 

“I’m sorry. It’s still all a bit fuzzy... Before the war. After the war. You. The castle. Oblivion. It’s hard to keep in order.” 

“Right,” Elrena frowned. He had an extra life on them. He had mentioned it before. But she could never fully understand. “I’ll see you nerds later.” She moved her Keyblade with that, casting open a portal. 

“So, mission find the prince a gift is a go?” Myde asked as he stretched his arms above his head. “That shouldn’t be too, too bad.” 

“You literally just complained about not knowing what to get.” Rolund reminded. 

“No. I complained about not knowing Ienzo better. But I know him the best!” Myde grinned at him. “I have the perfect plan. Bye~” 

Rolund waved him off and then focused on Lauriam. “You’re worried.” 

“Yes.” Lauriam agreed. “He could have messaged me. I’m going go see him.” 

“Are matters going better?” 

“We’ve talked. We’ve talked a lot. Neither of us can undo the past, but it is challenging not to think about.” 

“One of these days you need to clue Myde and me into what happened at Oblivion. Elrena just makes faces.” 

“I know a report was made.” Lauriam shook his head. “I did what I had to do. We all did. Vexen and Larxene paid for my failures. Lexaeus and Zexion... They didn’t need to be there. That’s the truth. I risked everything to get /here/. Sora... Sora only ever did what he was told. Taught. He could not have known better.” 

“Most people would hate their murderer, but with Sora...” Rolund shrugged. “Do you want me to come with?” 

“No. He’s probably feeling lonely. I’ll kiss him better and be on my way.”