On the nature of friendship

[cloakitwithplot]

Existence is a curious thing, and not - as Zexion(/Ienzo) is finding out - to be spent alone. Some days are rougher than others, and the nightmares are frequent although he manages enough sleep to function on. Blessedly he is rarely alone, Lexaeus the rock of his existence to hold onto, gone only for the few moments when he absolutely must. Though

Comments

[theforerunner]

After his conversation with Teja, Steve asks a passing rat for guidance to Zexion's room. He hesitates at the door for a long time, before finally knocking firmly three times.

[cloakitwithplot]

Zexion wonders if it's a wait rat bringing up food - again, he does not expect to be called upon by anyone. So he gets up and goes to open the door.

And looks up.

"..."

[theforerunner]

"Hello, Zexion." The bandages are taken in with some concern but no comment. Yet.

[cloakitwithplot]

"Why are you here?" it'll have to function as a 'hello', because he really isn't understanding, and the confusion is clear in his voice and expression.

[theforerunner]

He can't say he expected a better reception.

"Checking up on you."

[cloakitwithplot]

Does not compute.

"...Why?"

[theforerunner]

"You were suicidal." 'Were' is hopefully accurate.

[cloakitwithplot]

It's more or less close enough to be considered accurate. He's just self-destructive now.

"But why do you care?"

[theforerunner]

"Why wouldn't I?" Steve asks, genuinely confused.

[cloakitwithplot]

Zexion had not considered that reply and just kind of shrugs, a bit helplessly.

"...Lexaeus is not here at the moment. Would you like to come in?" the room is dark, Zexion is not in the habit of turning the lights on that would create shadows for him to jump at.

[theforerunner]

He steps in after Zexion. "How have you been?"

[cloakitwithplot]

"...I am still here." Zexion shrugs, closing the door after Steve and turning on a small lamp that gives dim light. "Ael- ... Lexaeus is taking care of me. As he always does."

[theforerunner]

Neither are very good answers.

"Where is he now?"

[cloakitwithplot]

"Getting me food." Zexion says, as though that's a novel concept with just an edge of bitterness to it. "...I require it now, it seems." he sits down on the edge of the meticulously made bed. Appealing to his own need for order and pattern has kept his sanity maintained when Lexaeus is not present.

Most of the objects on the desk and end-table have been carefully arranged going from smallest to largest.

[theforerunner]

Steve notices. "Eating's not so bad."

He wonders if he could go without. Probably.

[cloakitwithplot]

"I have had no need to do it for a decade." Zexion points out quietly. "A fully functioning digestive track is... disturbing to feel."