LAVI'S POV

It wasn't until late that they'd gotten back to the order. After filling Komui in, Lavi met up with Bookman, who was watching Allen sleep - literally.

"That's not creepy at all, old man", he whispered, trying not to wake the boy up.

The Panda only opened an eye to look Lavi over before relaxing back in his usual meditative, cross-legged sitting position. "What was the mission about? You don't look damaged; I can't imagine that you were engaged in battle."

The old man sounded like he was feigning curiosity and ignorance. It made Lavi mad, so he closed his eyes and sat abruptly on Allen's night table, leaning against the wall and putting his hands behind his head to cushion it. "Tell me about Allen and I'll tell you about my mission."

Bookman sighed and relaxed his body, before opening his eyes, finally, and looking at Lavi. "You already know, don't you? Why ask me to tell you what you already know?"

Lavi peeked an eye open. "That's hypocrisy, ya' old panda. Didn't you-"

Bookman smacked Lavi on the top of the head, knocking him off of the night table and face first onto the floor. The panda whispered sharply, "You idiot! Have some respect for your elders!"

Meanwhile, Lavi was howling loudly, causing Allen to jump up and out of his sleep. He looked at the two wide-eyed as Bookman began his apology. "I'm sorry that this imbecile woke you up." Lavi began to shout "hey!" but was cut off by the panda's foot to his head, slamming his face to the ground and silencing him, entirely.

"We'll leave right away." The old man turned on his heel and let out a sharp "come, Lavi", as he walked toward the door.

"Wait", Allen quietly began, inducing stares from the two. "Can Lavi stay?"

"Why, it's after hours and-"

The panda was cut off by Lavi shouting, "Yeah, I can stay, buddy~!" He jumped on to Allen's bed like an excited child having a sleepover and hugged the boy way too tightly, making him chuckle and attempt to protest.

Bookman sighed and turned to leave, once more, speaking sharply on his way out. "Behave yourself, Lavi." And, with that, he closed the door behind him and the room was silent, because Lavi knew what the Panda meant by that. He was reminding him not to get attached. It's too late, though, Lavi thought. I'm already attached.

"Lavi?" Allen looked up at him with worried eyes.

"Hm? Are we having a sleepover tonight? Can I sleep on your bed again? Please~! I'll be good!" Lavi rubbed his cheek up against Allen's like an overly affectionate puppy.

"Yeah, of course", Allen said, through his laughter.

They plopped down on the bed, facing each other. "So", Lavi began. "Did you have another nightmare? Or did you just miss me?" Lavi smiled as cheesy as he could, trying to make it clear that he was joking.

Allen laughed slightly, at that. "Both, actually." He scat closer to Lavi and leaned his head against the red-head's chest, gripping his shirt as if he were trying to pull him closer. "Your presence brings me back - I don't feel like myself, when I'm not with you." He chuckled and looked up at Lavi with a nervous smile, then, waving one hand and saying, "Sorry if that sounds weird."

Lavi put his hand on Allen's cheek, causing him to jump slightly, silence his laughter, and look up at Lavi in confusion. The red-head pinned his forehead to the boy's, causing their white and red hair to merge between their cheeks. They both closed their eyes, savoring the closeness. "Just call me when you need me, Allen", Lavi whispered. "I'll come running."


(Sorry that this chapter's a little short. I was going to do two to three scenes but I'm short on time and figured it would be better to upload a short chapter than to wait a few more days to upload one long chapter. I'll be back with more, soon. Expect a chapter Sunday night! :3)