/"Kindly stay back and let me do my job."/
Even shouldn't have actually obeyed those words. But Lauriam had proven himself to be efficient and the last thing Even wanted was to get in the way of a Keyblade.
Aeleus had told him plenty about Lexaeus's death.
Even had moved a safe distance away.
Nothing could have prepared him for the message from an unknown number. Of course Ienzo would have put his number in Lauriam’s phone.
Even had never missed Vexen’s ability to float as much as in that moment. No one would ever call Even fast. He was a scholar. A mage. Not a fighter. But right then he bolted through the forest back to where Lauriam had originally told him to leave after spotting the rather large Heartless.
One of these days he would convince Lauriam to train with him.
Vexen had loved the rare moments that Marluxia asked him to train with him. The rare moments that he saw Marluxia bare and every bit his title. The moments he called ‘stamina practice’ with a smirk.
But Lauriam. Lauriam was not ready for a partner in battle. And Even did not have it in him to fight with Lauriam when he held a Keyblade and a bitter expression.
Even found Lauriam deeper in the forest. The Heartless gone, along with a few trampled trees, and what looked like scorched ground.
He was propped up against a tree and his Chirithy was softly patting his face.
“I know you know Curaga, do you know Esuna?” Lauriam asked when he tilted his head back to look at Even.
“Doesn’t a status effect typically stop when the battle is over?”
“Mm, it’s my own poison magic.” Lauriam breathed and closed his eyes. “Do you?”
“I... do not.” Even admitted.
“Okay, sit with me then? And cast Curaga when I ask. I won’t pass out, but it would have been nice to limit break it.”
Even watched him for a few more moments before he knelt down in the grass beside him. It would surely stain his lab coat but that was his own fault for not changing into something more sensible. “I didn’t know you used poison magic.”
“Have to have a little bit of mystery.” Lauriam laughed lightly and leaned his head against Even’s shoulder. “I’m lucky it wasn’t Sleep.”
“All you are is mystery.” Even sighed and turned his head away from the urge to rest his cheek against Lauriam’s hair. He was weak. That was all. “Are you in pain?”
“It’s more like a slow ebbing. In battle it is a rush to destroy who cast it. Outside it is a reminder.” Lauriam explained. “I’m sorry I’m asking for your magic.”
“I stopped wanting you dead ages ago.” Even huffed. “It ran it’s course long ago, didn’t it?”
“I do not believe you.” Lauriam mumbled. “...Yes.”
“Did you run out of potions?”
“You hate asking for my help that much?” Even was not angry, he was wounded. More wounded by the fact Lauriam was trying to hide just how low his health was.
“It is not personal.” Lauriam replied.
“That is not the correct response.” Even’s laughter was sharp. “You’re not going to ask, are you?”
“...I’m not.” Lauriam swallowed. “But I wanted to see you.”
“And yet you still want to kiss me.”
Even huffed loudly. “Curaga.” He didn’t even watch as the small petals restored Lauriam’s health. “Let’s go home.”
“Perhaps more than kiss.” Lauriam laughed and breathed a little easier. “Thank you.”
“Let he help you.” Even ground out. “Let me be at your side.”
“I’ll work on it.” Lauriam whispered. “I have a track record of letting those close to me die.”
“I know.” Lauriam leaned away from him. “But you are not a Keyblade Wielder. Being at my side is dangerous.”
“That is my choice to make.” Even stood slowly and held a hand out for him. “And who knows, maybe I’ll be one of you chosen one day.”
“As if you want to be.” Lauriam laughed and accepted his hand.
“I might reconsider the thought if it meant I could be beside you.” Even pulled him up and tugged him close, other hand going to his lower back. “Give me a chance, Lauriam.”
“Okay. But not alone.” Lauriam swallowed and leaned his head against Even. “And only if you learn more magic.”
“Deal.” Even nosed his hair. “Home. Please.”
“You could kiss me here.” Lauriam hummed and drew away to summon a portal. “But I know how hard it is for you to stop.”
“You’re insufferable and irresistible in equal degrees.”
