His breath fogs up the glass of the store display he's staring at, shaking him out of his reverie. Ever since his little spat with Colette, Zelos hasn't been able to decide what he wants to give Lloyd as a gift.

His first thought had been food-related, like he'd expressed to Colette. Thinking back on it now, he doesn't think it's enough. Lloyd deserves so much.

Lloyd deserves so much more than him and the thought makes his stomach churn.

Lloyd deserves so much more than him, but he can't shake the feeling that Lloyd wants more than what they already have. The texting, the physical affection, the hand in his hair that night... There's tension between them that needs to be resolved somehow.

But Zelos can't. He can't do that to Lloyd.

Truth is, he's never been in a serious relationship before. For all that he appears as a womanizer, he's never really engaged someone in anything long-term. Sure, he knows how to speak to a target, but that's all they've ever been: prey; someone to be taken advantage of. A real relationship involves standing on equal ground, and Zelos is just so far below Lloyd, he couldn't dream of climbing to that height.

He dreams anyway, but that's beside the point.

Zelos shakes his head and moves past the store, shoving his hands in his pockets. He's pretty sure that Lloyd would enjoy anything he bought him, and that's just the problem. He needs to impress Lloyd, blow his mind.

He'd sure like to blow other things.

Now his mind's just getting away from him.

The guy's sentimental, and Zelos doesn't really do sentiment all that well. The closest thing he has to sentiment is hoarding all the postcards his sister has bothered to send to him over the years. The messages she sends always vary in hostility, but they're from his sister. She's the only family he has left, and he'll take what he can get.

Unconditional familial love isn't exactly what he feels when he reads those postcards, but he figures it ought to be close enough. They love each other in their own way.

Zelos always sends her money in return. That's a practicality thing, a compensation thing, not really a... not really a love thing. It wouldn't be fair if she suffered from poverty due to the fact that his father decided to screw them both over.

Not that he loves Lloyd or anything. That'd be ridiculous.

Zelos rubs the bridge of his nose with gloved hands. God, he hates this time of year.

The dilemma sticks to the front of his brain for the next few days. Work doesn't help, either; it's a constant reminder of how ineffective his wealth would be at impressing Lloyd. Showering him with wealth takes no thought, and he really doubts Lloyd would enjoy the idea of being bought.

Zelos can't make him anything, either. Lloyd isn't a doting parent, and Zelos isn't anything close to a kid making a macaroni picture frame for a family member.

If he were in Lloyd's place, what would he want? There's nothing Lloyd can buy him that would particularly impress Zelos. Then again, Zelos would pretty much enjoy anything Lloyd gave him for the simple fact that Lloyd was thinking of him. Although it's not much to work with, he's certain Lloyd would feel the same way about a gift Zelos bought him.

He's still got time. Less than a week. He can work with that.

His phone buzzes on his desk. A text from Lloyd; typical.

"so the kendo clubs in the city are having a tournament to end the semester! wanna come watch?"

"What, you don't think I have anything better to do?"

"well, that's why i'm asking, geez. but to answer your question, no i don't lol"

"Let me check my schedule. You know I'm high in demand."

"naturally." Lloyd sends the time and place of the event.

"I don't know, Lloyd. I've got a meeting that day, and it's only like an hour before your thing starts."

"i can pick you up!"

"You really want me to come that bad?"

"well, i thought it'd be cool. my kids are really good!"

"Your 'kids'?"

"yeah, my students! i'm one of the instructors. my dads take turns coaching. when i was in high school, i was captain! which is why they wanted to keep me around."

It would be cutting it close, but Zelos is positive he can fit it in his schedule. It doesn't help that he has a hard time saying no to Lloyd. He and Colette are bad company, seeing as Zelos is always compelled to give them what they want. "Alright, I'll come. I'll even let you drive me around."

"sweet! don't worry, you'll have fun."

"Is that a promise?"

"damn right! so how's your kris kringle gift coming along?"

"Lloyd, I'm not telling you who I got."

"aww, come on!"

Zelos avoids work for the next half hour on his phone, but he can't escape when he's whisked away by an office-wide conference.

The problem with going out immediately after attending a meeting is that Zelos is overdressed. His suit jacket is folded over one arm as he hurries out of the building, but he hasn't had time to undo his tie yet.

Lloyd waits for him outside. When he's within earshot, Zelos huffs a greeting and waves a hand.

"You weren't kidding about the meeting," Lloyd comments.

Zelos can only glare at him, still trying to catch his breath. Standing before one another, they size each other up, although Zelos is much more subtle about his efforts. Lloyd comes very close to staring; at least Zelos is used to people staring at him. Although receiving that kind of attention from Lloyd is different - to say the least - he can't afford to dwell on it for too long.

In the winter cold, Lloyd has a jacket and a hat on, hiding whatever he's wearing underneath. But Zelos can see his jeans from under his layers. Zelos, on the other hand, can't do much about his work attire. The sweat under his shirt cools much too abruptly and much too harshly for comfort.

"So can I go in or what?" Zelos asks. His tone comes off lighter than he would have liked, but he doesn't have the energy to fight.

Lloyd snaps to attention. "Y-Yeah! Go ahead. It'll be fine if we're late, they can't really start without me."

"They'll be waiting on you?" Zelos exclaims, scrambling into the passenger seat.

"Well- I mean, I guess. We'll be fine, we can make it." He puts the car into gear and drives off. It doesn't make Zelos feel any better.

No point in worrying about it if Lloyd isn't worrying about it. Sighing, Zelos deflates in his seat and begins to undo his tie. "Alright, hunny, I believe you." He rolls it up and shoves it into his pocket, moving onto the buttons on his shirt. "Maybe I should have left some of my casual clothes with you. I'm a pro at changing in the car now."

"Don't be so proud of yourself," Lloyd mumbles, his face colouring slightly. "Where's the dignity in that?"

"Lloyd, I've outgrown dignity. I mean, look at this." He gestures to his clothes. "Wait, no. Don't look. Pay attention to the road."

"Zelos, calm down. I'm a great driver."

"I'll believe it when I see it. Sebastian? Excellent driver. He really knows how to avoid huge crowds of women."

"Now you're just bragging."

"About what, being rich enough to have a personal driver or being constantly chased by numerous women?"

"Why not both."

"Don't be jealous, hunny, you know you're my one and only," Zelos coos, leaning closer to Lloyd's ear.

Lloyd rolls his shoulder. "Don't be an ass."

Pouting, Zelos retreats. "Fine, fine." Once he settles down again, he reaches for the heat settings on the dashboard of Lloyd's car. "At least it's warm in here." Satisfied with the current temperature, he sits back. "Hey, do you have a sweater I can borrow? I left my coat in my office."

"Sure, if you'd rather wear one of my sweaters than your suit jacket." Lloyd shoots Zelos a sideways glance before gesturing to the backseat. "I left it here after work yesterday. Should be clean."

"Look, I don't want to look like a dad visiting one of his kids. I can't wear my entire work ensemble when visiting a high school."

Lloyd stifles a laugh. "Oh my god, that's what you're worried about? Looking like a dad? Zelos, you look like the exact opposite of a dad. You look way more like..." He trails off and bites the inside of his cheek.

Sighing, Zelos turns to search for the sweater. "What, an older brother? That's not much better, thanks."

"I don't think you fall anywhere on the family spectrum, actually. With your expensive suit, you'd probably look more like a model or something," Lloyd's face colours again, and Zelos can't help the smirk that pulls at his mouth, "Or- I don't know."

"Like someone's boyfriend, maybe?" Zelos suggests, grinning like the cat who ate the canary.

"Sure, whatever. Someone's friend. Just- not a dad, oh my god. What are you, like twenty-five?"

"Twenty-seven, actually."

"See? I honestly doubt someone would think you're a dad. They might think you're confused, if anything. They'd probably direct you to the nearest office building."

They pull into the parking lot of what Zelos can only assume is Lloyd's old high school. Zelos leans forward to peer up at the building.

"Alright, we're good for time," Lloyd states as he turns off the engine. Now that they've stopped, Zelos can finally reach the sweater in the back. It's a red pullover with a sparse covering of lint on the sleeves and elbows. Whatever; it'll have to do.

Once he steps out of the car, Zelos slips the sweater over his head and discovers that it's probably a size too big. The sleeves hang over his thumbs.

"Why the hell is this so big?" Zelos asks, shooting Lloyd a look, "I'm taller than you."

Lloyd has his head in the trunk of his car as he replies, "It's kind of old. I guess it stretched. I think I'm wider than you, anyway."

Scoffing, Zelos crosses his arms over his chest. His jacket lies draped across the back of the passenger's seat. "If you're saying you're fatter than me, sure."

"You've got a tiny waist, man. Don't go calling me fat."

"Really, now?" Apparently someone's been paying special attention to his body. Unfortunately for Zelos, Lloyd hides his expression behind his car's back door. "That doesn't change the fact that the sleeves go up to my fingers."

"You don't have to wear it, Zelos." With a dull thump, Lloyd closes the trunk door and hefts a bag onto his shoulder. "We'll be inside soon, anyway. Sorry for making you wait, are you cold?"

Lloyd approaches Zelos and puts a hand on his shoulder. The sweater is pretty warm, despite the way the neckline hangs loosely over Zelos' body. Heat seeps from Lloyd's hand and into Zelos' skin through layers of clothing and he can't help but lean into Lloyd's touch.

"I'm alright," he says lowly, "So are we going to get this show on the road or what?"

Lloyd beams and slides his hand down to Zelos back, guiding him. "Yeah, come on!"

Zelos sits on the second closest bench to the floor, the sleeves of his borrowed sweater pulled over his hands. Wearing it, he feels younger somehow; his surroundings don't help much, either. Although this isn't his high school, he can't shake off the feeling of nostalgia that comes with just being there.

The participants of the tournament are lined up against the wall, all dressed up in robes and armour. The shouts of the current combatants and the sound of wood against leather fills the air. Lloyd, also dressed for the occasion, stands off to the side, his brow furrowed in concentration. Two older men flank him, arms crossed over their chests.

The event has a much more serious air than Zelos had anticipated, but it's exciting. Watching the swordsmen move so fluidly yet in such a calculated manner entrances him.

It's a full audience, too. A very enthusiastic mother sits a row above him; although she doesn't speak, she moves a lot, probably waving her arms around to expend her restless energy.

Lloyd was right. His kids are good.

After the closing ceremony, Zelos offers to help clean up. Some of the students recognize him and give him starry eyes. He just grins and congratulates them on their performances, hoping that he doesn't distract them too much.

Evening falls by the time they finish up. The students have left, and only Zelos, Lloyd, and the two coaches remain.

"So what's the poster boy of Regeneration co. doing here?" asks the shorter of the coaches, his hands on his hips. His eyes flicker up and down Zelos' person; he doesn't seem very impressed.

"Dad!" Lloyd shouts, rushing up to his father's side. "Oh, come on Dad, lay off him. I invited him." Pausing to catch his breath, Lloyd gestures to Zelos with his hand. "This is Zelos."

"This is Zelos?" Again, the man looks Zelos up and down. "This is the guy you've been-"

"Dirk," the other coach interrupts. When Zelos makes eye contact with him, he recognizes him.

"Kratos Aurion?" Zelos asks, eyes widening for a moment. It doesn't take him long to calm his expression, however. "Vice president of Cruxis? You're-?"

"A kendo instructor as well, yes." Kratos adjusts his robes. "And, as I'm sure you've heard by now, Lloyd's father."

"Other father," Dirk cuts in, jabbing a finger in Zelos' direction, "And just so you know, that doesn't mean we're together. I wouldn't be caught dead dating this guy."

Quirking a brow, Zelos smiles wryly. "Yeah, Lloyd already told me that one of you is his adoptive father and one of you is his biological father." His gaze slides between Dirk and Kratos. His first guess of the adoptive father wouldn't be Kratos, but he decides it'd be smarter to keep quiet.

Beaming, Lloyd puts an arm over each of his fathers' shoulders. "Yeah! I grew up with Dirk, but when we moved here, I met Kratos and we got to know each other."

"I'm guessing kendo was one of your bonding activities?" Zelos says, his smile taking on a more sincere tone.

"Yes," Kratos responds curtly. "It's a respectable sport, and I was glad to have an opportunity to.. connect with my son."

"Aw, Kratos." Lloyd grins at him. Kratos gives him a small smile in return.

"But I'm afraid I have other matters to attend to..." Kratos continues. With some hesitation, he untangles himself from Lloyd's grip. "You did well today, Lloyd. I'll see you on Tuesday."

Kratos exchanges glances with Dirk before exiting the gym.

"I was wondering why that looked so familiar," Dirk says as he continues to wave that finger of his around, "You're wearing Lloyd's sweater."

Zelos rubs the back of his neck. "Yeah, I had a work meeting right before the tournament so I didn't have time to get a change of clothes. I didn't really want to show up in my suit."

Dirk hums in response, but he doesn't sound convinced. "Yeah, alright. Well, thanks for coming. Take good care of my boy, eh?" He claps a hand to Zelos' back. "I'll see you around."

Both Lloyd and Zelos watch Dirk's retreating back.

"Well, that was a quaint family meeting," Zelos comments.

Lloyd turns to look at him, wearing a sheepish smile. "Well, it was bound to happen eventually. All of my friends have met my dads at least once."

"So Mr. Aurion likes to mingle with the little people?"

Lloyd chuckles. "I think he makes an exception for me."

"You're a special one, aren't you?" Grinning, Zelos reaches out to ruffle Lloyd's hair. "The three of you looked cute, all dressed up in your matching robes."

Although Lloyd blushes faintly, he wears a wide smile. "I think I pull it off pretty well, thanks very much." Pausing, he looks down at his attire. "Guess it's finally time I got changed, though. Watch my stuff."

He nudges a bag towards Zelos. If his memory serves right, it should contain the armour and weapons Lloyd had with him during the tournament. Even though Lloyd didn't actually participate in the tournament, Zelos supposes he brought them with him just in case, or for ceremony's sake.

Taking a seat, Zelos watches Lloyd's back as he walks off. His arms hang between his knees, sleeves falling over his hands again.

From the few things Dirk managed to say, Zelos estimates that Lloyd must talk about him more than he initially anticipated. Wearing this sweater, showing up immediately after work, Zelos realizes he must look... more dedicated than a casual friend. Not to mention the fact that none of Lloyd's other friends are here. He understands it could look more than what it really is.

At least Aurion interrupted Dirk before he could say anything incriminating. Owing something to that guy has got to be one of the worst feelings ever.

His stomach knots and unknots a few times in his abdomen. It's possible that all of Lloyd's other friends are just busy. And what does that say about him, rushing out of his office building in a suit and tie to come to some high school competition?

Sighing, Zelos begins to braid his hair, restless. There's no way he'll be able to divine the real reasons why he's here, alone with Lloyd, and there's no point in trying to make it into something it's not.

When Lloyd returns, he gives a little wave.

"Hope you weren't waiting long," he says, taking a seat next to his companion.

"Don't worry about it."

Lloyd leans back and rests his weight on the bench behind him. "This place sure brings back a lot of memories. I mean, I come here twice a week during the school year to help out the team, but still. Brings a lot of nostalgia."

It occurs to Zelos at that moment how much this place, this event, means to Lloyd and that Lloyd chose to bring him here to share it with him. His stomach flips again, and he pulls his braid a little tighter.

"You said you moved to the city with Dirk," Zelos starts with some hesitation, "Where did you live before?"

"A little town to the north called Iselia. Dirk's a wood and metal worker who specializes in jewelry, and I bet you can guess that there wasn't a ton of work for him there. So we moved." Lloyd scratches his cheek. "I grew up with Genis in that town. He and Raine moved with us so they could go to better schools."

"Did you... Know about Aurion when you were growing up?"

Lloyd shakes his head. "No. Dad - Dirk, I mean - told me that my mom died when I was about three and that my birth father hadn't been around, so he took me in instead. I first met Kratos when I joined the kendo team. I don't know who told him I was here, but he came here the same year I did."

"Sneaky."

"Tell me about it. But... I was glad. He paid special attention to me," Lloyd recalls with a smile, "And at first, I thought it was him being an asshole. But he wanted me to get better. Really enforced all the teachings and stuff." Looking up at Zelos, Lloyd adds, "You sounded like you knew him."

"I've met him a few times thanks to work," Zelos replies, "He's stoic, but he stops Yggdrasil from making stupid decisions. They run that company, Cruxis? They overlook a lot of the city's budgeting."

"Oh. Okay."

Zelos nods. Once he finishes his braid, he looks up to see Lloyd staring at him. When their eyes meet, Lloyd's face colours, but he doesn't shy away. Instead, he gives a crooked smile and reaches out to touch Zelos' hair.

"You do this often?" Lloyd asks, his touch light against the folds in the braid.

"If I want to keep my hands busy, sure. I usually can't be bothered."

Eventually, Lloyd's hand comes up to the side of Zelos' face. He brushes red strands out of Zelos' eyes and pushes them behind his ear.

"Looks nice," he states, drawing his hand back.

Zelos stares for a few breaths. "Thanks," he finally says, watching as Lloyd gets to his feet.

It takes him a while to regulate his breathing. The very idea shocks him- that sort of dashing and charming move is definitely something Zelos should be doing, and yet here he is on the receiving end, butterflies beating themselves silly against the walls of his stomach.

After stretching, Lloyd turns and looks at Zelos with a smile. "You ready to go?"

Zelos desperately hopes his face isn't the same colour as his hair. Ducking his head, he tosses his braid over his shoulder before standing. "Y-Yeah."

They exit the gym in silence. The lights in the hallways flicker on as they walk through them. Zelos stays close to Lloyd's side, uncertain of their destination.

When they return to the parking lot, Lloyd goes to the trunk first, letting Zelos recollect his thoughts as he slides into the passenger seat.

That was ridiculous. Lloyd is never going to let him live it down.

"I guess this is the first time I'm gonna see your place!" Lloyd comments as he gets behind the wheel, "Let me guess: you live downtown in one of those huge houses. Sebastian's gotta double as like, your butler or something, right?"

Zelos cracks a smile, relief flushing through his system once he realizes Lloyd isn't going to bring up the hair thing. At least, not yet. "You're right about the downtown thing, but no, I don't live in some mansion. I live by myself; do you honestly think I'd bother with a giant house? It'd be depressing as hell to live in a place that echoes!"

"Then it's gotta be one of those high-rise condos. I bet you have a sweet view from the balcony." He starts the engine. "Am I right?"

Shaking his head, Zelos says, "Yeah, sure, but anyone could guess that." He provides an address and Lloyd gets on the road.

"Kratos lives in a fancy condo, too. Damn, should've known," Lloyd mumbles, looking around through the windshield, "Shit, it's dark. I had no idea it was already this late." He reaches for the heat settings like Zelos did earlier. "Are you cold?"

"I shiver uncontrollably one time so now you've always gotta ask if I'm cold?"

"I'm just being considerate! You're the idiot who didn't bring a coat!"

"I had work, I was rushing! What do you want from me?"

Lloyd reaches to punch him in the shoulder. "I want you to tell me if you're cold!"

Slumping in his seat, Zelos plays with the end of his braid. "...A little."

Twisting the knob, Lloyd turns up the heat. "See, was that so hard?"

"You don't have to treat me like a kid."

"You're the one acting like a kid!"

"Wow, I can't believe I heard that from you. You, of all people."

"You're an ass."

"I'm your one and only, hunny. Get used to it."

It's so hard to shake the habit of flirting. Zelos chances a sideways glance at Lloyd and finds him smiling and shaking his head.

"Doesn't change the fact that you're an ass."

"You sound like a broken record."

"You still sound like an ass, ass."

"You love this ass," Zelos grumbles, turning his head towards the window.

"If it helps you sleep at night, sure," Lloyd retorts with a grin.

Quiet begins to settle in the space between them, slowly filling every nook and cranny. It's not a bad quiet; it falls over Zelos like a blanket, keeping him warm alongside the heat from the radiators.

Eventually, Lloyd turns on the radio and the latest top 40 song vibrates through the car. Zelos' head droops a little.

When the car stops moving, Zelos snaps to attention, scrambling to sit up. He throws a quick look to Lloyd and finds him examining his phone.

"I looked up the address you gave me, just in case," Lloyd explains without looking up, "Are we in the right place?"

Holding back a yawn, Zelos leans forward to peer out the windshield. The car sits a few feet in front of the front lobby of the condominium Zelos lives in.

"Yeah." Zelos rubs at his eyes with one hand and uses the other to point to a corner of the building. "Parking's that way if you... wanna come in."

The engine's still on. Lloyd puts his phone into the cup holder beside him and looks Zelos up and down. The sensation of Lloyd's gaze scaling Zelos' body sends a shiver down his spine, though he tries his best to hide it.

"Nah, it's fine. Just go to sleep, you look tired," Lloyd replies as he rakes a hand through his hair.

Zelos' brow furrows as he examines Lloyd's face. For once, his expression isn't an open book, shadowed by the dark of night and blurred at the edges by Zelos' fatigue. However, when their eyes meet, Lloyd smiles at him, immediately dissipating the doubt building in Zelos' stomach.

He's way too good at that, Zelos thinks.

"Thanks for coming, by the way," Lloyd says. Zelos' gaze follows the curve of his mouth as he smiles. "I was really glad you could make it."

Zelos scoffs and puts a hand on the door handle. "Seeing my hunny all dressed up in his fancy-shmancy robes? Like I'd miss that."

"Don't act like you had any idea I was supposed to get dressed up for the event," Lloyd huffs, red seeping up his neck.

"Hunny, acting is my life. Don't tell me you don't love it."

Lloyd rolls his eyes. "Go home, idiot."

Before he opens the door, Zelos leans over and ruffles Lloyd's hair. For a moment, Lloyd adopts an annoyed expression, but another smile stretches his lips soon after.

"Night, Lloyd."

Lloyd leans into Zelos' hand before Zelos can pull away.

"Night, Zelos," Lloyd replies, his mouth soft and way too sincere.

Zelos turns and opens the door before he's tempted to do anything else. Just before he closes it, he can hear Lloyd put the car into gear, the radio humming quietly, distantly. When he shuts the door, the quiet of the night abruptly overwhelms his senses.

Although Zelos doesn't turn around, he takes his time walking towards the lobby, listening for the sound of the car leaving the driveway. It takes a minute or two before he hears rubber rolling over asphalt as it pulls away.

When Zelos gets to his bedroom, he begins preparing for bed by reaching for the hem of his shirt. That's when he realizes that he's still wearing Lloyd's sweater.