"Your heart will open minds"

[lostinshadows]

[It was over.

It was a long war, too long for Lavi to even appreciate to the fullest. Switching sides midway wasn't even surprising for his nature - Bookmen were never exactly loyal to any side but their own, after all - but what was surprising was how much Lavi began to enjoy their company, even if he and Shun didn't exactly see eye to eye. It was even longer until they managed to split everyone up again from Yuya and Yuzu, back into their respective counterparts.

With the dimensions still damaged from the war, it would take everyone's help to restore the proper balance again.

But now, it was a time of celebration. Everyone was enjoying themselves, partying as they celebrated having their friends back.

Lavi watched them for a bit longer from his place in the shadows, a hint of a smile on his face. However, it faded when he remembered that he still had a job to do - he needed to report back to his mentor - and sighed softly. Giving the party another look, he turns and walks out, fidgeting with the duel disk still attached to him.]

Comments

[darkduelist]

Even so, the damage was still done...

[He turns towards the party again.]

The war has ended but... it'll take a lot of time to forget about it.

[And to return to their normal everyday life.]

[lostinshadows]

[There's something he could say, but it's all lies.

He simply squeezes Yuto's hand before he pulls it back.]

All that's left is to enjoy the future ahead. Don't think too much about it. The nightmares will stay, but it does get better so long as you don't continue to let it trap you.

[darkduelist]

[Yuto glances at him.]

Then why won't you do the same?

[lostinshadows]

I've thought about it before, but I have no reason to want to leave it.

[It's simple enough for him.]

There was never a reason for me to stray from a path that I've chosen, so I stuck with it.

[darkduelist]

There's... no reason?

[Sounding like he can't believe this, Yuto mutters those words and looks at Lavi.]

[lostinshadows]

You sound surprised.

[He raises an eyebrow.]

[darkduelist]

[He shakes his head, then closes his eyes.]

I just can't believe anybody would want to continue living like that...

[Being throw into wars one after another.]

[lostinshadows]

[Lavi hums softly, a hint of a smile on his face.]

I have my reasons.

[He's always been a child of war. This isn't too different.]

It's also why I can't stay for too long either.

[darkduelist]

[His brows furrow, but he sighs eventually.]

I won't try to convince you anymore...

[No matter what he says it just won't work anyway.]

[lostinshadows]

Thanks for trying, though.

[He grins.]

But like I said, you guys are better off just thinking of me in a good light than wonder where I’ll end up being in next time.

[darkduelist]

It doesn't work that way.

[It just doesn't. Yuto will now always wonder where Lavi is and what is happening to him.]

[lostinshadows]

...I’m surprised to see how much you care considering how suspicious you were of me in the beginning.

[Yuto, please don’t be attached to him. There’s no telling if Lavi would even be alive the next time they meet.]

[darkduelist]

That's in the past now. You helped us and right now you are an ally, a comrade. So I have all the right to worry about you.

[He seems like he wants to say something more, but he never does.]

[lostinshadows]

Mm, is that all there is, Yuto?

[He steps closer to him, moving in front of him and smiles.]

[darkduelist]

[He blinks when Lavi gets closer, looks at him, then averts his gaze. A blush is now visible on his face.]

...Of course that's all.

[lostinshadows]

Are you sure?

[Lavi leans closer, his smile widening.]

[darkduelist]

[Yuto tries not to flinch, but his cheeks become even redder than before.]

I'm sure.

[lostinshadows]

Your face is turning red, Yuto~

[darkduelist]

[Now he takes a step back and frowns at Lavi.]

It's not... You're probably seeing things!

[lostinshadows]

Hm, I could be.

[Pulling back, he smiles at him unapologetically.]

[darkduelist]

[Yuto gives him a look, before he turns away. The blush is still on his face and a small sigh escapes his lips.

He doesn't want to say goodbye to Lavi.]

...I won't see you again... right?

[lostinshadows]

....Chances of that are low, so we may not.

[Honestly, if Yuto asked him to stay for him, he might.

But at the same time, that'd be odd, wouldn't it?]

[darkduelist]

[His expression turns somewhat pained when he hears those words. They won't meet again and Lavi has no reason to stay... or to come back here.

Yuto's gaze drops down to the ground.]

I see.

[There's nothing he can do.]

[lostinshadows]

Hey, why are you looking like that?

[He reaches forward, gently cupping Yuto's chin and lifting his head to look at him.

He smiles.]

You look pained.

[darkduelist]

[His heart starts beating faster and a blush creeps on his face as Yuto stares with wide eyes. Then he blinks and starts shaking his head.]

No, I...

[What is he trying to say? Maybe he should just... tell the truth.

He tries to avert his gaze.]

I... want to see you again.