It wasn't as though he was obtrusive. He was enormous, of course, but quiet, careful, and sensible. He didn't talk to himself like Ansem or grumble like Dilan or act a nuisance like Braig. There was something else about him that cut right through Even's concentration, something that brought constant attention to strange little details like the way the muscles moved in his arms when he picked up a beaker, or how the sun lit up the frizzy ends of his hair.

Details like the gentle pursing of his lips as he concentrated.

Details like the imagined feeling of kissing those lips.

Even put down his pencil.

"Aeleus," he called, trying to keep his voice steady, "Would you come here, please?" He had been struck with a hypothesis, now all he had to do was test it. He wasn't used to experiments giving him sweaty palms.

"Is something wrong?" asked Aeleus, arriving at Even's side. Concern softened his stony face.

"No, everything's fine. I'd like to… ask a favour, of a sort." Aeleus nodded, waiting expectantly. Even licked his lips. "May I kiss you?"

Aeleus blinked. Even flushed, suddenly feeling foolish, and apologies started to babble forth on his tongue. He stopped short when Aeleus placed a hand on his cheek, gently running a calloused thumb across his lips. The touch made Even's skin tingle, then flush hotter. Slowly the pair drew closer together. Their lips met.

Aeleus' lips were pleasantly firm, his chin pleasantly rough, his body pleasantly solid. He slid his hand down to rest at Even's waist, which sent a shiver up his spine. Overall, it was precisely what Even had hypothesised - his fixation on Aeleus had been nothing more complicated than desire. He pondered the ramifications. Would indulging this desire make it easier or harder to focus with Aeleus around? Should he start scheduling them to spend less time in the labs together? Should he organise a date? Aeleus' lips curled into a smile Even could feel through the kiss.

"What?" asked Even, pulling away slightly.

Aeleus kept smiling. "You're lost in your thoughts again," he replied, not an accusation but a simple statement of fact. "Focus on the present."

"Yes, I-" Even stammered, "You're right. My apologies." He took Aeleus by the lapels and gently pulled him back in to the kiss. They pressed closer together as their lips moved against each other, soft and searching. The top of Aeleus's tongue brushed against Even's lower lip, setting his senses abuzz. The kiss deepened. Even moved his hands to the back of Aeleus' head, where they tangled into his hair and tried to pull him closer still, somehow. Heated breath spilled against their faces. Even's tongue crept forward to greet Aeleus', and--

A loud wolf-whistle came from the doorway.

Even jolted. Aeleus was still, but his face flushed pink. At the door was Braig, smirking like the cat that swallowed the chocobo chick.

"I hate to disturb you lovebirds, but Lord Ansem wants to see you, pronto," he drawled, looking at Even. "Don't wanna keep him waiting!"

Even cleared his throat. "Fine. Aeleus, we should… we can discuss later." He hurried out the door, carefully avoiding Braig's gaze.