Lloyd's not stupid. He knows the way Sheena tightens her grip around his waist is less hug and more please don't do the fucking thing because each one of his friends have done this to him at least once. He wants to fight, wants to protest, because Zelos is right there and he wants to scoop him up into a hug, but the logical part of Lloyd's brain resonates with the words Sheena whispers in his ear.

It's not what I want to think.

It only makes sense, honestly, that the world where Lloyd still has a mother and a bonus grandpa is the world where Zelos is still alive. Lloyd wants to believe for a second that this is the world he's destined to live in, but he - he knows better. It's all temporary.

His eyes water on their own accord, he forces it back with a strong blink and pulls out of Sheena's grasp, looking away to will a smile onto his face. He'll think about this later, when he can afford to cry, but Sheena is here and he's not going to let his dumb fucking hopes get in the way of that.

"Thanks for warning me," Lloyd says, genuinely, placing an arm around her shoulders, turning to face the safehouse. "I'm really glad you're alright, too," he adds, and that's genuine too.

Anna, Malos, and Zelos are all talking at the door, and seeing his mom clearly, for the first time, brings all sorts of emotions to the forefront. Excitement, anxiety, and fear all mix in this gross combination of mind vomit, where he can't think straight - especially since Zelos stands right next to her, and Lloyd can't even run up and kiss him like he's dreamed about since that last day they had together.

It's like everything Lloyd has ever wanted, but the rest of his friends aren't there and everything is being hung over his head, like he's a pet to be played with but never truly rewarded.

It's fine. He'll live with it. He always does.