exploringcastleoblivion:

So I was talking to ansemsapprentice and mysticpotato654 about Lea, Ienzo, and Even interacting post-DDD. I ended up writing a small scene:

---

“…So my point is, Lea,” Ienzo says with a resigned sigh, finally lifting his eyes from the stack of research notes to give Lea his full attention. “Without your rather…deplorable actions, we likely would’ve met far worse fates enslaved as vessels in Xehanort’s schemes. With that in mind,” A pause. “I suppose I should thank you.”

Lea blinks, momentarily taken aback. He was expecting a snide comment of some sort, or at least a passive aggressive hint of ill will. Perhaps an open threat even. But a thank you?

“Uh, you’re welcome,” he says, running a gloved hand through his hair before rubbing the back of his neck. Acid green eyes remain wary however– Zexion was always skilled at hiding behind polite words and calculated lies. He’s willing to bet Ienzo is the same. One can never be too careful.

But Ienzo isn’t looking at him anymore. Instead he’s gazing expectantly across the room where Even is pointedly ignoring them both as he organizes the bookshelf. 

Silence descends. Ienzo clears his throat.

“Even? Is there anything you would like to add to the conversation?”

Even takes his time meticulously rearranging the last handful of books before straightening and turning stiffly around. He doesn’t bother glancing at Lea, choosing to glare down his nose at Ienzo instead.

“If you think for one minute that I’m going to thank the traitorous filth who murdered me in cold blood, then you are sadly mistaken.” Turning his back on both of them, Even marches for the door. “While you may have chosen to forgive him, it doesn’t mean I’m obligated to do the same.”

“Hey,” Lea raises his lanky arms in what he hopes is a calming manner, prepared to launch into an explanation in his own defense (it’s isn’t as though he wanted to carry out those orders – he didn’t really have a choice if he was to gain Marluxia’s trust.) But the words die in his throat.

Because there’s a pair of steely blue eyes watching him once more–and suddenly the air feels oppressively thick and suffocating. 

“Oh, I never said anything about forgiveness.”