35. Difference.

Aeleus never realised how different he and Ienzo was until they got a little closer.

Ienzo was petite and slim-built, with soft, sloping features. Aeleus was the tallest and stronger, with more angled features.

Ienzo dressed for style and fashion while Aeleus dressed for comfort and practicability.

Ienzo was an only child who came from a wealthily family, living in a grand city house made for twenty. Aeleus had many brothers and sisters - some with children of their own - all of which lived on a small farm in the middle of Nowhere.

Ienzo saw the big picture when it came to experiments and tasks, and always spoke his mind, while Aeleus looked at the little details and listened to everyone before giving his own point of view.

Although, maybe it was those small differences that made their friendship special. Those little pieces they had, which the other lacked.


36. Care.

"Oh, p-perfect!"

Lexaeus looked around (or tried his best to look around in the blizzard) while Zexion continued to complain. "Why did w-we have to-o go looking for-r Rapid Th-Thrusters in the S-Summit? It is pointless! Now we have no where-re to stay-y for the ni-night. Achoo!"

"Gesundheit."

"T-Thank you." Zexion sniffed and pinched his nose. His head felt heavy and his throat was full of mucus. "Oh, Hell."

Lexaeus put an arm around his shivering comrade, in an attempted to warm him. He looked around again, and saw a black area against the mountain surface.

"Come on. We can stay in that cave."

"D-Delightful."

The cave was dark and smelled a little like damp. It was - however - empty and deep so they could get away from the wind and snow, and there was odd little shrubs growing in cracks, which could be used a fire fuel. Lexaeus placed his bag on the ground, as Zexion settled down for the night.

"There is a blanket and some food in there."

Thanks to the fairly dry, woody plants and some flint, a fire was burning perfectly, and the sandwiches (a la Xaldin) were very good. Zexion - flushed, shuddering and sniffing - finished his late night feast first. Lexaeus glanced at the miserable Nobody leaning up against his side.

Zexion had a terrible immune system.

Lexaeus sighed and offered the smaller Nobody his remaining sandwich.

"You need to keep your strength up."

The Schemer smiled slightly and only took half. "Thank you."

Lexaeus pressed a kiss to the long hair. "I don't like it when you're ill."

"I'm not on the edge of death, Lex" Zexion smirked. "I'll be fine."

"All the same." Lexaeus draw Zexion closer. "…You should try to get some sleep. I'll keep watch and tomorrow, we will look for a town so we can get you some medicine."

"Primitive herb remedies. Oh joy." Zexion gave him a peck on the cheek then snuggled up close to the warm, inviting body. "Good night."

"Good night."

Lexaeus watched the ambers of the fire burn and snap away while he listened to the whistling wind and Zexion's calm - if not slightly groggy and snuffed - breathing.


37. Sadness.

Zexion did not cry when Lexaeus' scent faded away.

Not a tear. Not a whimper. Not even a sigh.

He did not have a heart. Of course, he did not feel anything. It was ludicrous to even suggest it.

Yet, it was he who sent the Hero to his death. It was his plan that when foul. He was the one who misjudged Riku. Maybe he could feel… guilty? That must have been the heavy weight on his empty chest. Guilt for sending his dear friend to his grave.

He did not cry over the loss, but instead basked in the knowledge that, if he did have a heart, he would cry forever over his Hero. Contented with that in mind, he picked up his Lexicon and went to do the next best thing.

Take revenge.


38. Brand.

"What's with the scarf?" Even asked one summer afternoon, giving the lilac material wrapped around the youngest apprentice's neck a small tug. Ienzo tried to bat the hand away.

"I'm cold."

"It's thirty degrees centigrade outside" Even smirked. "You must be boiling."

He was, actually - His hair was stuck to his forehead - And he did look silly, wearing a scarf with shorts and a t-shirt.

Biting his bottom lip, Ienzo slowly unravelled his scarf and tied it around his waist instead. Even's frosty green eyes widened in surprise.

"What's that?" he grinned, pointing at the large purple-and-black bruise on the base of Ienzo's neck.

The boy placed a shy hand over the mark. "It's nothing."

"It's huge!" The eldest boy pushed his glasses up his nose, getting a closer look. "How did you get it?"

"I fell" Ienzo hissed, stepping away.

"Odd place to gain a bruise from a fall" Even mused, as he walked into the storage room. "It must have hurt."

"It did."

Ienzo looked to the other side of the room and gave a short, unimpressed look to the boy writing notes at the desk - eyes on paper and wearing a small smirk. Ienzo furrowed his brow. "A lot."


39. Thought.

"Lexaeus?"

"Hmm."

"What do you think of me?"

"…"

"Well?"

"What do you mean exactly?"

"Generally. What do you think of me, generally?"

"Well… I think you are, generally... alright."

"…'Alright?'"

"Is something wrong?"

"You just see me as 'alright?'"

"…Why? What do you see me as?"

Zexion crossed his arm, looking as proud as a peacock but embarrassed too. "My whole world."


40. Silver.

Ienzo was shocked when he looked into the slim box in his hand. He dropped the lid onto the floor and ran his fingers up and down the large shining links resting on the silky padding. It was simple - just a silver chain - but it was pretty - no - beautiful. It was perfection.

"You don't like it, do you?"

Ienzo looked up and met Aeleus' eyes, shining through the darkness. He was sitting crossed-legged with the smaller boy on the library floor, a small frown on his lips. He was like a kicked puppy.

Ienzo run his finger through his slate hair. "No." Aeleus looked away, broken-hearted. Ienzo smiled. "I don't like it. I love it."

Aeleus looked up, his heart becoming alive again. "Really?"

"Of course" Ienzo smirked. He took the necklace out of its box, watching the snowy moonlight outside bounce of the gleaming surface. "It's wonderful. Thank you."

Aeleus smiled properly. He stretched somewhat, trying to act causal.

"It's nothing really. I thought you might like it, that's all."

Ienzo stopped himself from rolling his eyes. He held both ends of the chain in his hands.

"Can you help me put it on?"

"Erm… Sure."

Aeleus took the necklace then kneeled up on his knees, leaning closer to Ienzo so he could reach around the slim neck. His fingers stumbled a little, and the boy breathing warm air on his shoulder was not helping in the slightest. When the clasp finally clicked, Ienzo grinned up to the blushing face and gave the teenager a little kiss on the cheek.

"Thank you" he smiled. "And I didn't get you anything yet. I feel guilt now."

Something wicked flashed in Aeleus' eyes and he leaned closer again, grinning inanely.

"I know what I want for Christmas."

Ienzo dreaded to ask but - "What do you want?"

Aeleus glanced upward for a moment, and Ienzo copied. Then gulped.

A sprig of mistletoe. Hanging from one of the stair's beams. His cheeks flushed.

"But it's only the fifteenth. The rest of the decorations are not up yet - Ah!"

Ienzo did not really have a moment to protest. Not when he was flat on his back with a gigged friend pinning him down, kissing him all over.


Word Credit - Thank you to Khelc-sul Renai (for Care. Sadness. and Thought.) and Drowning in Ice (for Silver.)