Kanda had never paid much attention to externals, more concentrated on his own thoughts. But recently something changed, and he couldn't quite tell, what it was. As he examined the change he found out that it was absence of something. Something, that he didn't assume important. Something daily, that now was gone. And sometime later he realized, what it was. He spotted Lavi on a staircase, he expected everything from him, but Lavi managed to surprise Kanda: he just passed by. No prank, no joke, no greeting, not even a word. Just silently walked by, looking lost and haunted. Kanda now remembered, that Lavi didn't bother him recently, and thought, that the future Bookman was just busy. But days went and nothing changed. It almost looked like Lavi died, and it was his ghost, that walked around the building. Kanda started to… be concerned. It was far from alike Lavi, something serious must have happened, but he decided that Lenalee or Allen will deal with it, they are close friends, after all. But they didn't seem to notice, as if they forgot about the very existence of him. So another couple of days later Kanda finally felt like interfering. Embracing himself he caught up with Lavi in a corridor.
-What's wrong with you? - He asked, wondering, if it didn't sound rude.
He decided, it did, so he added:
-You have been so quiet lately…
Lavi looked up at Kanda with unreadable face and stared for a second.
-Why are you asking? Did you worry about me?
Kanda wanted to say "No", but it would be a lie, since he did feel something remotely reminding worry. Besides, he wanted to help, and it would be far from his intentions, if he just grunted to Lavi again, so he said with a slight pause, carefully, clutching his fist:
-In the matter of speaking, yes. – Then he stood, waiting.
What happened next confused Kanda a lot: with a broad smile Lavi hugged him, squeezing almost too tight. Kanda was astonished. It was not the first time something like this happened, but such a sudden change in the mood was not really what he expected. He felt something else, apart from confusion. Something like… relief. He felt somewhat relieved, that Lavi was back to normal. Then Lavi spoke:
-I almost gave up a hope, you will ever say this, I… I thought I will lose that blasted bet and will have to share my food with Allen for the rest of this year, I…
-Have you been... pretending this whole time? - Kanda asked, narrowing his eyes.
-Uhm... yep. The deal was that I pretend all sad and lonely trying to get your compassion. Little faith Allen had... Yuu, I am so grateful, I can't thank you enough...
As Lavi finished his sentence he let Kanda go and looked in his eyes. Then he heard Mugen clicking from its sheath.