"Aeleus," Even didn't come find him at the gate often. "We need to talk."
Aeleus gave him a nod. Dilan was out patrolling.
"About Ienzo," Even breathed. "Without a heart I did not particularly care what Zexion was getting up to. I trusted him enough to keep himself together. But with one you must understand-"
"I have no intention of dating him, Even." Aeleus cut in. "Lexaeus allowed Zexion to use him as he saw fit."
“O-oh,” the sound stuttered out of Even “Was that all?”
Aeleus shrugged. “What Zexion and Lexaeus had was not healthy. It was what Zexion wanted and Lexaeus was loyal and willing. I have no intention of building on that.”
“I see.” Even breathed deeply. “Then I have nothing to worry about.”
“What is your worry? Do you not trust me?” Even had not seen Aeleus look so wounded in a long time.
“It is not a matter of trust. Or at least not from you. I don’t trust him. I didn’t raise him to date or court. I raised him to be me... To be lacking. I had hoped this Castle would be enough. Completely ignoring the people inside of it... And now he is grown and I- I was not prepared.”
“You have to let him live, Even. If Ienzo decides that he wants to date me I will not say no. But it will be on my terms.” Even froze when Aeleus rested a hand on his side. “My heart has always belonged to you. Ienzo knows that. Zexion used it.”
“You know I-”
“I know,” Aeleus gave him a small smile “Our duty and loyalty comes first. I will never reach your heart.” He let him go. “But I might reach Ienzo’s, and you need to give him that chance.”
Even swallowed. “Okay. No secrets this time. Vexen was so mad and I need you to not do that to me.” His voice broke. “But you are right. You are the only person I could truly trust Ienzo to. The only person I have ever trusted.”
“I worked very hard to gain that trust.” Aeleus responded. “No secrets.”
“Thank you.”