The Salt in the Sea

Chapter 2

I'm so sorry this took so long xx I don't really have an excuse other than you usual writers block and general life getting in the way, so thank you for all who have waited!

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Without much to pack, and with a fairly simple check up, Ienzo agreeing to let Isa leave was more than a little easy.

He was relieved Lea did most the talking, as he stood idly by, offering kind smiles whenever the young scientist looked his way. Although, watching the nervous drift of his old companions eyes, and the way he scratched at the flyaway strands of red hair at the base of his neck, it was obvious how nervous he was.

"Did you need us to leave now, or..?" he said. Ienzo brought out a bright smile that reeked of innocence and attentiveness; Isa wasn't sure whether to be grateful or insulted. He was a grown man now after all.

"Well, I have a lot to organise still, but I completely understand your hesitance." his smile softened, "you're welcome to stay, or come back to visit, if you need it."

And Lea nodded robotically, like he wasn't paying attention at all. Watching his face, Isa could tell he was, but there was something else keeping his brain occupied. 

So yeah, definitely nervous.

Isa couldn't imagine why, the two never interacted more than necessary back at the organisation. Perhaps it was just the reminder of what they used to be, he himself shuddered at the mention of anything his nobody did, but he felt there was something more to it.

Maybe it was the drifting eyes, that crinkled at certain moments, or the grim expression that conveyed much more than nerves. But Lea just looked so– guilty.

He hadn't said much after Ienzo left, just stood leaning against the doorway of the room with its horrid white walls and collection of medical equipment that twisted Isa's insides up into a knot. The red-heads arms were crossed, his gaze distant still, as his eyes stayed locked in the general direction of Isa's hands while he shifted munny and the few other things in his possession into a duffle bag Ienzo had offered him.

He was tempted to snap his fingers in the others face, if only to see if he'd jump as high as he did when they were younger, or at least to have him react at all.

Instead, he just pulled the strings on the bag tight, and turned to see the other blink out of his trance at the sound. In a familiar Lea fashion, he smirked at him, standing up straighter while his black coat fell around his knees.

"Ready?"

And did Isa ever miss that smile directed at him, it warmed his core just as before–

No, that was a thought for later. Or never, more likely.

"Are you really sure, Lea?"

His smirk fell, and Isa cursed internally, "about what?"

"Well, what about Roxas and Xion?"

Lea sighed, and his grip on his arms tightened enough for his fingers to curl upwards, "You don't have to come, Isa."

"I want to, but..." he hesitated, the words not quite finding shape in his mouth. If he was honest with himself, the idea of seeing those two kids again, in their own home where they felt safe, truly terrified him.

Although he was considered a somebody once more, the deep emptiness that suffocated him as a nobody hadn't vanished. Those lingering regrets, that underlying jealousy; he felt just as lost as before.

He had harmed so many people, through aggressive means or otherwise. A part of him wanted to believe that he did nothing wrong, that all he did was spew some ignorant insults. But going to Twilight Town and facing Roxas, who he actively hated on, and Xion, who he refused to call nothing but an it– he knew he'd have to face his regrets then.