The golem suddenly moved, grabbing the mans's attention. The door to his office opened at this time. Bookman was short, but poking his head in through the small gap he opened made him seem even shorter compared to the large sturdy doors.
"Perfect timing, Bookman. Go ahead and have a seat." Komui gestured to the couch in front of his desk. "Kanda's calling now. I'll be right with you after this," he smiled, apologizing for the wait.
Komui pushed the top of the black-winged golem gently, waking its one eye.
"Kanda? Can you hear me?" Komui tested the line.
"Yeah. I can hear you," Kanda's voice came through clear enough.
"Oh good, it's working! I was afraid it might be temperamental the first time around. It is the first attempt at this sort of thing," Komui was relieved. He was taking chances when he first rewired the golem to a one-line connection. It was a hit-or-miss. Komui had hit.
"How are things? Were you successful? Were you able to meet up with Allen and Lavi?" The old man shifted in his seat the tiniest bit. Komui suspected his apprentice's name was the reason for any unease with the Bookman.
"I made it ok. But the next time Lavi writes a note and fails to mention important details, it won't be my fault what happens," Kanda replied. Though his answer sounded angry, the chief could detect a small hint of humor present yet.
"How are they?" Komui inquired, eager for an answer.
"Allen's seen better days, but he's coming around. Lavi is still the same as ever," Kanda offered as his answer. "They're staying at a small inn right now. The matter of funds is another question though." Komui didn't quite understand.
"How do you mean?"
"Allen is bringing in a little money through street performing, but it won't be enough to keep room and food. I planned on leaving half of my supplied funds behind when I return. I assume you are ok with my decision?" Komui only smiled.
"Of course Kanda. I don't have a problem with that. But now you have me curious. Street performing? I never would have guessed."
"Both you and I know you already knew. When Allen came to the Order, you reviewed Timcanpy's video history. It's in your nature to snoop," Kanda added, his old attitude showing.
"You got me there. I'll give you that at least. I just didn't imagine something of the nature would ever come in handy again. I'm glad they have a source of some kind at least."
"Yu? Are you out here?" Kanda recognized the faint call as Lavi.
"There you are! We were just talking about sleeping arrangements. Did you want the bed, or were you wanting to make a cot on the floor?" Lavi was asking Kanda on the other end.
"If you want the bed, you'll have to sleep with Allen." Somewhere in the distance, a very insistent 'no' could be heard. "It's not that bad, Allen!" Lavi called back.
"Lavi, long time no see. Well, you know what I mean," Komui chuckled, finding his mistake funny for whatever reason.
"Chief Komui? Is that you?" Lavi sounded confused, even through the golem.
"Yeah, it's me. I'm glad to hear your voice. You sound well." Lavi smiled, though Komui could not see it, he could hear the boy's infamous chuckle, hesitant sounding almost.
"Yeah, I'm not so bad off myself." Komui had to ask.
"And Allen?" There was a pause, but a short one.
"He's not too bad. Could be better, but I could say the same about most of us probably."
Komui let his smile fall a little. His excitement fading, but not gone.
"I'm sure things will pick up soon. You have Kanda to pick up the mood." Komui added in humor.
"Your funny Komui. What do you think Kanda? It's always a laugh with you here." An audible sigh could be heard over the golem. Komui knew it was Kanda.
"If it's alright with you chief Komui, I'd like to speak with Lavi," Bookman moved closer to the desk, so as to be in range of the golem.
"Old Panda!" Lavi's excitement transmitted clearly.
"Listen kid." Lavi went silent.
"I'm not going to praddle on like you do. I don't have a lot to say. I can't help you from here. You've made your own choices. And these choices leave me with two decisions of my own." Bookman waited, but still received patient silence on the other end. Komui was quiet too.
"You are no longer a Bookman. You are still my apprentice. Only the circumstances has changed. Stay alive." The old man looked up at Komui and thanked him.
"Thank you Bookman." Lavi wasn't loud. He wasn't animatedly excited. He was satisfied.
Bookman left the office. The old man had only known one way to show affection, and it wasn't always beneficial. Sometimes even him, a bookman could have a heart.
