(Aaaaaa I’m glad you enjoy our writing! I miss Lavi too. Hoshino, when will my husband return home from war ;-; )
“I have no need for a heart.”
The redhead’s words echo in your head, playing back like a scratched record, months after you had initially heard them. The sudden seriousness and emotionless tone in his voice when he had said it shook you to the very core. You wouldn’t have ever guessed that that was how he actually felt, but then again, you didn’t really know Lavi Bookman. Despite his warm and welcoming nature, he was never very open in regards to himself–at least not in any serious tone.
You would have taken his word for it if not for the fact that you knew better. Despite his claims of not needing a heart, you saw how much he cared. His actions betrayed his words. When he ran to Lenalee’s aid during the Noah invasion at the Black Order, when he fought by Kanda’s side despite his lack of Innocence. He could have easily stayed in the sidelines to record history, yet he chose to act instead.
There was also the fact that no matter what, he always had your back, in both battle and daily life. You can’t remember exactly when this bond had been formed, but before you knew it, his presence had made a permanent residence in your life. A part of you wondered why the self-proclaimed “heartless man” had attached himself to you. You were not of any significant importance in this battle between Exorcists and Akuma, and yet he remained by your side.
“I have no need for a heart,” Lavi mumbled into your lap one evening, causing your hand to still, fingers frozen in the motion of carding through his scarlet locks. You thought your heart may have stopped in anticipation, waiting for a follow-up, or explanation for the sudden declaration. You had thought the two of you had gotten past this. “So why do you make me feel like I have one?”
You opened your mouth, and closed it. No words came to you. You stared down at him, heart thumping in your ears. He wasn’t joking or teasing you–in fact, his voice sounded very serious. He lifted his head off your lap to gaze up at you, his emerald eye searching your face, as if memorizing every last detail. You felt warm under the weight of his attention.
“Not only do you make me feel like I have one, you make me feel like I need one. It’s…so confusing, I don’t know what to do about it.” He turned his head slightly, raising your hand to his lips to press a kiss to it. He did not look you in the eyes as he continued. “I fought with this need to be beside you always, but I’m not a strong enough man to keep it up. I can’t even bring myself to flirt with anyone else–the thought alone makes me sick to my stomach. [Y/N], what do I do? What have you done to me?”
Finally, he looked you in the eye again, but did not let go of your hand. He looked so lost and unsure. Your eyes softened at the sight and you leaned down to press your forehead against his. He leaned into you, squeezing your hand.
“I’m sorry,” you whispered.
“You have me completely confused,” he whispered back.
“I’m sorry,” you echoed.
“Don’t ever leave me, okay?”
You leaned back a bit and Lavi opened his eye. You placed your hand against his cheek. His head tilted to the side a fraction, leaning into your hand.
“I only make that promise if you do.” Lavi closed his eye again.
“I promise, I promise, I promise,” he chanted under his breath.
Toad's Cave 