Work Text:
Lloyd wasn't sure when it started.
Zelos, the irreverent stranger. Zelos, the traveling companion. Zelos, the friend.
Zelos, laughing when he shouldn't laugh. Mean-spirited, sly. But always there, solid at Lloyd's back, a graceful sword in time with Lloyd's own.
More than a friend.
Then, a betrayer.
Something in Lloyd shattered, but he still accepted Zelos when he came back. That broken part of him tripped over itself to coalesce.
Zelos' smile was different now. Beautiful.
It pierced him.
"Don't ever do that to me again," Lloyd whispered. Fierce.
The slyness had gone from Zelos' face.
"I know. I won't."