"Lavi, what is the purpose of our clan?"
"To capture history and back the history of those whose aren't told, so that the truth is not omitted or forgotten, so that those in future generations may remember it."
"What must a bookman not do?"
"A Bookman must not meddle in the affairs of another person, it is out of the question to become attached to someone. We may not pick a side or become biased so as not to obscure the facts."
"Do not become attached."
"I won't. Humans are dumb, they only ever fight wars, one after another, on and on making them continue forever, making others suffer so that they can become satisfied, I understand all that. They're disgusting, vile creatures. I couldn't become attached if I tried. This world should be cleansed of their stupidity."
'That's always how the conversation goes,' Bookman thought to himself. Even now when he could see Lavi starting to change before his eyes, the kid would repeat the same thing over and over, just to pacify the old man and to stop him chewing on his back and going on about their responsibilities as the keepers of history.
Bookman looked up watching as the group of young exorcists walked in, talking loudly amongst themselves and joking with each other, apart from Kanda who stood slightly apart from the huddle. Amongst them he could see a shock of red hair belonging to his apprentice that was causing him so much worry, the visible green eye bright and full of laughter.
He'd known at the time of their arrival at the order that this would be a hard test for Lavi. For the first time in his life he'd be with people his own age and would be allowed to mingle freely with them. He'd assured the old man before meeting the supervisor that he'd be able to just smile and breeze through easily, without forming friendships and paying attention only to his duties. But the Bookman had seen the difference in Lavi in only a matter of a few short weeks. He could tell that the young teen enjoyed engaging in a battle more than observing from the sidelines, that he liked being closer to other people who made him laugh and laughed back at his jokes without hitting him around the head for being immature. He liked acting his own age.
The group sat at a table not too far away from Bookman who surveyed them with a practiced eye. Lavi was putting an arm around Kanda's shoulders saying something in his ear that made Kanda grab the front of his top and delicately place the tip of his sword at the base of his throat. Lavi raised his hands in surrender a smile plastered across his face as Kanda slowly loosened his grip. Allen was laughing at the pair around a mouthful of food in his mouth as Lenalee scolded him for not chewing with his mouth shut, and Crowly patted Allen on the back as he started to choke. Lavi cracked up laughing at Allen and Kanda turned his head away in disgust with a '"che" escaping from his lips.
'I'm sorry Lavi," Bookman thought as he watched the antics before him. 'I have to stop this before it gets any worse. It's for your own good.'
"Oi, panda," Lavi called, sticking his head around the door to their shared room. "Did you want me? Panda?" He stepped into the darkened room, treading softly across the carpeted floor and a few scattered sheets. Their room was a lot bigger than many of the other Exorcists. It had shelves stretching from ceiling to floor stuffed with history books, old maps and parchment. Two beds were pushed up at one end against a stained glass window that glowed purples and deep reds. The source of illumination in the room came from a deep set stone fireplace in another wall which roared fiercely. A few high backed comfortable armchairs were positioned around it. Bookman was sitting in one of them, the back of the chair facing Lavi.
"Sit down Lavi," Bookman said in his gruff voice.
Lavi walked around to the other armchair and lowered himself gently into it, bringing a knee up to his chest and resting his chin on it. He glanced at the older man before staring deep into the fire, watching as it flickered and danced, memorizing the patterns of the shadows across the room.
"What did you want, Jiji?" he asked. "We were about to hold a party for Komui. It's his birthday today you know and Lenalee wanted us all to go and help put up decorations. "
"We're leaving, Lavi," Jiji said softly studying the boys reactions.
Lavi froze, his eyes glazing over. Leaving? It couldn't be, not now. What about Allen and the others, he couldn't leave now. Besides they were still fighting against the akuma and the Noah family. He couldn't just leave when Exorcist were still needed so badly. What was going on?
"But Jiji, what about the war? I mean…don't we have to stay here to record it?"
"I know that's not the reason you want to stay," Bookman said harshly.
"Of course it is!" Lavi cried.
"Then look me in the eye and say that's the reason you want to be here. That it's not because you've become attached and involved in the affairs of others."
Lavi looked away guiltily before putting on his mask. "That's not the reason," he whispered, but it sounded like he was trying to convince himself rather than the old man. He looked Jiji in the eyes, "please, let me stay a little longer."
"I'm sorry Lavi, but we're leaving in the morning. I've already talked to the supervisor. You're not to go to the party tonight, nor are you allowed to say goodbye to Allen or the others." He rested a hand on Lavi's shoulder as he got to his feet. "Get to bed." He started to walk away. "We're meeting the Millenium Earl and Noah family tomorrow. You'll need your energy.
Lavi's stomach clenched in dread.
Here goes my fisrt DGM fic, so let me know what ya'll think! It's kinda a spur of the moment thing but hopefully i'll keep at it to the end.