Chapter 29

`Tyki

The restaurant wasn't too high class and expensive. I've never been here but have heard about it a great deal. It has been here for around three years yet I've never stepped a foot before.

Entering the place, I can see it looks elegant and the aura around it is comforting. You won't feel uneasy. Even the music being played is nice and somehow familiar. I really do feel like as if I heard it somewhere. I wonder where?

The waitress who brought us to the table near the elegant white piano was a young girl probably working part time. She placed us in our seats and gave the menu with a smile. The place is as it was told which makes me wonder why Lavi is looking so uneasy. The waitress left for awhile to give us time to order and went somewhere else.

"Hello there, Lavi. And you must be Tyki. You've grown and a looker as they say."

"Uncle Neah, I didn't know that you know each other."

"He works for me. I own the place."

`Lavi

How weird that Tyki called him uncle and then it hit me that they look so alike. I should have easily guessed they're related. I feel like an idiot for not noticing.

"Lavi? Are you alright?"

"Yeah. I was just thinking about something."

"So what will you have?"

"Any will do fine."

"As your uncle. I'm treating you for today. Don't hold back. It's just now."

"How about this?"

"Your drinks?"

They continued talking while my mind was elsewhere. I just nodded every time they have a question. My thoughts kept me in my mind and didn't notice that the food was already being served.

Chomesuke gave me a nudged to wake me. She seems to have noticed I was distracted. She's a friend of mine here ate the workplace besides Yuu-chan and the others. It depends though on her time if we are on the same shift just like today. She couldn't come awhile ago so she took a night shift. She's older than me and a first year at college.

For the whole time, Lavi seemed to be distracted and rarely focused on eating. He was silent and didn't hold the usual cheerful character he played. Something is bothering him and Tyki could take a guess but he'd rather hear it from Lavi himself if he can help it.

"Did you enjoy the food?"

"Yes. Thank you very much."

"What was that song you played awhile ago? It seems familiar," asked Tyki.

"Fourteenth's Song. I composed it myself. I played it once when you were this little," replied Neah as he showed how tall Tyki was back then.

"The food is great. I'll come again and maybe with other people."

"See you then."

"Sure."

"And maybe bring Sheryl, his wife and little Road. Haven't seen them for along time."

"I'll ask them and tell you when to expect us."

The two exited the restaurant then got inside the car with Tyki on the driver's seat and Lavi next to it like awhile ago. Tyki started the engine and drove but came to a stop before reaching the house. It was silent as tension slowly filled the air until he suddenly spoke.

"Don't recklessly do things, Lavi."

His voice had a hint of worry yet reprimanding at the same time.

He's acting strangely. Every action he took lately contradicts what he said before I decided leaving. I was almost brought in by it but the sudden reminder of the past lies made me doubt it. I know I should have replied but I chose to ignore him.

"You also never did tell that you work for him."

"I did tell Uncle Sheryl that I work for Allen's uncle," Lavi replied with indifference.

I can't understand him at all. Does it even matter if he knows? I don't really care about his questions. The questions I wanted answered aren't his but mine.

"So do you want to go inside the old house next time. I have the keys."

It doesn't matter anymore. How'd he even know about it?

"It's fine but how'd you know?"

"It is expected. You'd go there sooner or later. You've been gone for years. It would be unlikely for anyone to at least visit their old home when in the area."

"It's really late."

We should just go home already if I won't be able to have the chance of asking him why is he that way.

"Are you thinking of visiting your first home? You've never been there since you came..."

"I've no need to go there. The place was sold."

His questions are getting irritating.

"How is school for you?"

"Fine."

Will he not stop with those questions?

"Doing well?"

I can't take it anymore.

"You sound like Uncle Sheryl," I replied with spite and irritation while he tried to remain calm.

"I'm just as concerned as he is."

What the hell? Concerned? I don't really get him.

...the only reason I tried getting along with you was because of guilt and pity.

"Concerned? How can you be concerned?" I replied with a much stronger tone of spite. I know I'm acting like a kid acting so fired up and angry. He didn't even start an argument but I can still remember those words he said in the past.

It's better for everyone, Lavi.

You'd lessen the load if you come with Bookman.

"You're my younger brother, why shouldn't I?"

Younger brother?

You're not really related to us anyway.

You have no importance to me at all unlike my real family.

You cursed child! You should just die!

"That just sounds wrong. Younger brother? I remember that you clearly told me that I'm no concern of yours. I'm not even related to you by blood. Is it pity again as you've called it? Guilt? Or debt? Was it because Uncle Sheryl asked you to?"

I know my character and voice aren't anymore the persona I'm supposed to play. This is Lavi, not the one assigned by Bookman but the real one that supposedly died. This also happened with Lenalee. I can't control him anymore when he's angry. I have to calm then yet I can't seem to care.

`littlebunny1412: Lavi's mood swings are expected of his character. The next chapter's almost finished so I'll probably update it within the week. Busy time can't really seem to make me update like before. Thanks for reading.

Thanks to 'PINKhairedBADASS', 'You Still Love Me' and 'Lifepaw' for reviewing ^_^ Your reviews are greatly appreciated.

And there's this fanfic by my friend, Ezekeel entitled, 'The Apprentice'. It's about Lavi becoming Bookman and taking in a little girl to be his apprentice. He kinda left the order and there starts his journey with the little girl who reminds him of himself when he was younger. It's different type of read but I think it's nice. I hope you try reading it.

01/15/2012