#lavenweek2017

The person that his stare was directed at hadn't noticed yet that he was the centre of Lavi's affection right now, and that was perfectly fine if Lavi was concerned. After all, it wasn't often he got a nice, uninterrupted view of Allen like this. He drank in the sight before him, committing it to his already perfect memory. Allen's head was slightly bowed, staring down at the papers in front of him, brows furrowed in concentration. He was biting his lip, a habit Lavi noticed he had when he got stressed or nervous. Allen brought his hand up to rest his cheek on it, his fingers playing with the soft hair behind his ear.

Lavi sighed again, giving himself a mental pep talk.

Come on, you can do it, he thought to himself, it's just a few simple words, 'Do you wanna grab a coffee?'  

He looked at Allen again.

Just say it! This is the perfect opportunity! Are you stupid? Say it!

A small voice spoke up then, but what if he rejects you?

He stopped and blinked at that.

What if that did happen? What if Allen didn't want to be be his friend anymore because of that?

No. Lavi couldn't stand that. He'd rather just be Allen's friend than nothing at all.

“Hey Lavi? I can't figure this question out; would you give me a hand?” Allen spoke without looking up.

Lavi shook his head, escaping his thoughts. He deflated slightly, his confidence leaving him; however, he plastered on a big grin as he answered Allen back.

“Sure Al! What's the question?”

As Allen read him the question he heaved a great mental sigh,

Idiot.

---------

The two men met out front of the Historical Studies building before beginning their trek to the bus stop. Lavi stretched his arm high above his head, a huge grin plastered across his face.

“Man, I am so glad that that's finally over! I thought I was gonna die in there, Al!”

Allen rolled his eyes at his over-dramatic friend.

“It wasn't that bad Lavi, you're exaggerating.”

Lavi snorted. “Yeah, that's easy to say for you Al, you're a music major.”

Allen looked slightly offended.

“It's a lot harder than you might think, Lavi,”

“Mhmm, sure,” Lavi said with a teasing twinkle in his eye. Allen looked away, grumbling under his breath. All of a sudden, he felt an arm slung around his shoulder and a voice very close and very loud in his ear.

“I'm just teasing you, Al! You know that, right?”

Allen nodded but didn't say anything, suddenly too aware of how close the other man was. This close, Allen could see the faint red stubble coming in on Lavi's jaw, the way his bright red hair curled slightly behind his ear, the light smattering of freckles across his cheeks as well as the bridge of his nose. He could even see a few more freckles peeking out from underneath the man's collar. But most of all, Allen could see his bright green eye, shining with mirth and excitement.

Do it. He said to himself. Just open up your mouth and ask him. It's not that hard.

Allen nodded to himself slightly, too wrapped up in his thoughts to hear what the redhead was talking about now.

Ask him if he wants to see a movie? His inner voice demanded

But what if he's too busy? A meek voice spoke up.

School's over, and he has the next couple days off of work because of his exams, he thought back trying to see a silver lining.

What if he says no?

That stopped Allen's optimism.

What if he did? Oh God, what if Lavi never wanted to see him again? He didn't think he could stand not having the exuberant redhead around.

Allen's shoulders dropped slightly, his good mood vanishing.

“Hey, what's wrong?”

Allen looked up, startled to see Lavi looking at him with a concerned smile on his face.Allen smiled back quickly.

“Ah, I was just thinking about how I have to stop at the grocery store on the way home today,”

Lavi winced. “That sucks, buddy. Me? I'm gonna to go home and sleep. Probably for the next three months.”

Allen chuckled, mentally berating himself.

Moron.

---------

They were over at Lena's house for a summer BBQ. The four of them where outside in her backyard, doing their respective duties. Lenalee was in the kitchen making drinks for everyone, Kanda was trying to set up the BBQ and becoming increasingly more frustrated with it, and Allen and Lavi where sent to fetch the outdoor chairs that were still in Lenalee's basement.

Lavi opened up the door that lead to the basement, flipping on the lights and giving the wooden staircase a wary look. He felt Allen step a little closer to him and tried to calm the fluttery feeling in his stomach.

“Let's go Al, the sooner we get this over and done with, the sooner we can go back out into that gorgeous sun!”

Allen looked to Lavi and gave him a nervous little nod. Lavi then proceeded to head down the stairs, Allen following close behind him. Once they reached the bottom of the stairs they began heading to the spot Lenalee said the chairs would be in.

“Aww man! They're not here!” Lavi gave a little pout, folding his arms in front of him and drooping his shoulders. Allen patted his back and gave him a little smile.

“Oh well, that sucks, we'll have to go back and tell Lena that we couldn't find them. We gave it our best shot, though!” Allen smiled encouragingly and turned around to head back up the stairs.

“Hey, wait Al, we can at least look around a bit before we head back.”

Lavi began heading over to a different part of the basement. Allen fidgeted in place for a moment before giving in and joining Lavi. After a few moments of looking in relative silence Lavi spoke up.

“Are you okay? You've been acting really nervous and fidgeting a lot.”

“I-I'm fine Lavi.”

Lavi raised an eyebrow. “Are you sure? You know you can tell me what's up.”

Allen looked away, wringing his hands and steadily avoiding eye contact, before heaving a great sigh.

“Okay, okay, I'll tell you.” He stared down at his hands feeling his cheeks heat up in slight embarrassment, before finishing in a rush, “I'm-uh-sort...of...um...sortofafraidofghosts!”

Lavi blinked. Then blinked again.

“Did you... just say... you were afraid of ghosts?”

Allen nodded furiously, his cheeks even redder.

Lavi had to cover his mouth to stifle the chuckles that threatened to escape. Obviously, he didn't do a very good job of it because he was suddenly met with a very angry and slightly embarrassed pair of grey eyes.

“Lavi! Don't laugh at me!”

That only made him laugh harder.

“That's just so cute!” he exclaimed. When his brain finally caught up with what he said, he stopped laughing and looked at Allen.

Allen was staring at him with wide eyes, cheeks still flaming red and hands clenched tightly together.

Lavi turned his head away quickly and cleared his throat.

“Ah, look at that! I think I see them over there!”

Thank God, he thought to himself.

After manoeuvring through the boxes labelled “Lenalee's baby photos” and “Lenalee's baby clothes” they finally reached the chairs. After some careful footing and superb teamwork, the two men managed to get the four patio chairs out and in the open.

They both just stood there for a moment, taking deep breaths. After a few seconds, they both began speaking at the same time.

“Lavi I-”

“Al I-”

They stopped and stared at each other for a few seconds before Allen gestured for Lavi to go first.

“I just wanted to talk to you about something.”

Allen nodded. “Me too.”

“Why don't you go first, Al?”

“I'm kinda embarrassed to say it, to be honest,” he said, his cheeks beginning to gain a soft dusting of pink. Lavi scratched the back of his head and could feel his cheeks heating up too,

“Yeah, me too...” He said, an awkward air filling the basement.

Allen all of a sudden clapped.

“I have an idea!” Lavi gestured for his to continue, “Why don't we both say it at the same time?”

Lavi began thinking it over. After a few moments, he nodded. “Sure, why not?”

Allen grinned.

“Okay, ready?”

Lavi nodded, taking a deep breath before mentally preparing himself to take the plunge.

“One...”

“Two...”

“Three...”

“Do you wanna go on a date with me?”

They started and stared at each other. Lavi opened his mouth but no sound came out.

“Did we just ask each other out?” Allen questioned feebly, cheeks flaring red again. Lavi just nodded, still not believing what had just happened. They stared at each other for a few more seconds before Allen started laughing.

Lavi stared at him before he too started to laugh. Soon enough the two of them where sitting on Lenalee's basement floor trying to catch their breath after their laughing fit.

“I can't believe that just happened,” Allen said, shaking his head in amazement.

“Somehow, it's totally us though,”

Allen laughed

“Yeah, you're right.”

They sat there staring at each other with stupid grins on their faces.

“So, what do ya think? Get some dinner at that nice burger place downtown before catching a movie tomorrow night?”

Allen nodded eagerly. “That sounds really nice,”

Lavi's smile grew even bigger, if that was possible, before he stood up, offering a hand to Allen.

“Let's get these chairs upstairs, Lena and Yu-chan are probably wondering where we are.”

Allen made a noise of agreement, reaching for Lavi's outstretched hand and letting him help hoist him off the ground.

“Yeah, that sounds like a good plan,”

The two of them grabbed their chairs and made their way upstairs, huge smiles still plastered on their faces.

Of course, neither one really cared.

“So, I know I'm late for our date, but that's only because I found something!”

Allen grew apprehensive, “What exactly...did you find?”

Lavi's smile widened even more and Allen saw his arms begin to move, right before his entire vision was taken up by something black and fluffy. Whatever it was, its fur was tickling Allen's nose. He quickly backed up, rubbing his nose at the same time to relieve the itchy feeling, before taking in the furry object that was previously shoved in his face. His eyes widened and his jaw dropped when he saw it.

“It's....a cat?”

Allen took in the fluffy black mass before him. It had long sleek black fur, devoid of any matts or tangles, and was huge, easily the size of a toddler. Allen didn't know how Lavi was holding it up so easily. Allen made eye contact with the creature and winced. It looked absolutely murderous.

He looked up at Lavi, “Uhm, where did you find it?”

“He was hiding under a bush! He doesn't have a collar at all, and I was going to phone around to some vet clinic's to see if they had him on file.”

Allen nodded, backing away from the creature when Lavi pulled it close to his chest. The thing looked like it was about to claw somebody's face off.

“Okay, but what are you going to do with it in the meantime?”

“He's gonna stay with us!” The red head exclaimed.

“Uh uh, Lavi, no. It looks like it'll murder us the first chance it gets.”

“Pfft, c'mon Al, no he won't he's harmless!” As he said these words he squeezed the creature closer to him and buried his face in its fur. Allen grew slightly worried at the way the cat's eyes narrowed.

“Lavi, I don't think tha-”

He was cut off by Lavi's yelp of pain. The cat had lashed out, biting the other mans hand and growling menacingly.

“Fuck! That hurt!”He shuffled the cat so it was wrapped under one arm – which the cat did not look pleased by – and shoved the other, bleeding, hand into his mouth. Allen sighed deeply.

“C'mon Lavi, let's get you to the hospital.”

----------

After a brief stint to the hospital and a confirmation that, no Lavi did not have rabies, and yes he would need stitches, the pair headed back to their apartment, the cat shoved inside of a box they borrowed from the cafe they where at, and sitting on the back seat. Allen could hear its low growling from the front seat and glanced nervously over his shoulder at it.

“Lavi, I really don't think it's a good idea to bring this thing home. Its already hurt you once, I'm sure it'll do it again.”

“Nah, it's okay Al! It's just cause it doesn't know us! Once it does I'm sure everything will be alright.”

Allen nodded, still unconvinced. For the rest of the ride he kept glancing over his shoulder at the cat, still wary of it.

Upon arriving at their apartment, Allen grabbed the box that contained the cat and lugged it up the stairs to their room. Depositing the box on the couch, he slowly took the lid off, not wanting to startle the already angry creature. He peeked over the side of the box to see a black puddle with two dark blue eyes staring back at him, unblinking. He gulped and backed away from the box and set the lid down on the coffee table. He watched as the cat jumped out of the box, sniffed the ground once, then promptly turned around and hid underneath the couch. He heard Lavi whine, then saw the other man get down on all fours, leaning down until he could see under the couch.

“Hey there little buddy. C'mon out, we won't hurt you.”

In reply to the red head's words he saw a black paw come out from under the couch and narrowly miss the man's face. Lavi jerked his head back, shuffling away from the couch to avoid getting swiped again.

“Maybe you should start phoning those vet clinic's.”

Lavi nodded, “Yeah, maybe.”

-------------

After an hour or two of phoning around to the different clinic's in town, the red head came up empty handed. He walked back to the couch to sit beside the other man, doing a little dance when he reached the edge of it, so as to avoid the claws that were trying to swipe at his ankles.

He flopped down with a sigh, putting his feet up, and out of the way of any future swipes.

“Well what should we do with it now?” Allen said, mindlessly flipping through the TV channels. Lavi was quiet a moment, before he spoke.

“We could keep it.”

Allen looked over at Lavi incredulously, “Are you serious? Lavi that thing's already hurt you and tried to hurt you several times since its been here.”

“I know but I really want him Al! He's so cute, and you know I've always wanted a cat. Besides I've already picked out a name for him!”

Allen sighed knowing he was defeated. If he said no again, then the red head would just keep pestering him until he eventually caved.

“Alright let's hear it. What's the name?”

Lavi's face lit up, knowing that that was Allen's way of saying yes.

“It's Yu! Ya know, like Y-U. But I'm going to call him Yu-chan.”

Allen looked over at his boyfriend like he had lost his mind. He was about to say something when he heard this howl come from under the couch. They both looked down in the general direction of the noise before Allen burst out laughing.

“I don't think he likes that name very much.” Allen said between laughs. Lavi pouted, mock glaring at the laughing man.

“He likes it perfectly fine. Right, Yu-chan?” Lavi said, looking down to where he assumed the cat was. He got an angry hiss in reply. Allen laughed even harder, clutching his sides. Lavi whined at the man, turning away and pouting. After Allen calmed down from his laughing fit, he stood and walked to the front door, making sure to avoid the black paw that swiped at his feet.

“Lets go Lavi. If we're keeping him we better go get some stuff for him.”

The red head cheered, leaping up from the couch, only to yelp in pain as one of the cat's paws finally made contact. Allen shook his head at the mans whining before finally managing to usher him out the door.

---------

When they got back to their place, laden with treats and toys for the cat, Lavi immediately set out to find said cat, his precious 'Yu-chan's' new collar in his hands. As Lavi went searching for the cat, Allen decided to set up the cat bed and litter box. The litter box was deposited in the bathroom, a little matt placed under the front so no cat litter would get tracked throughout the house, and the bed was decided to be put in their bedroom. As he stepped into the room he stopped abruptly, staring down at their bed. Smack in the middle lay the cat that Lavi was currently trying to track down. When he heard Allen enter the room, the cat's eye shot open and stared the man down. Allen gulped and shuffled nervously. The two stood there for a few moments, both just staring at each other before Allen felt a presence at his shoulder, Lavi's loud voice following soon after.

“Yu-chan! There you are!”

The creature hissed, its white fangs and narrowed blue eyes all that was visible from the black void that was called a cat. Paying no attention to the warning, Lavi barrelled forward, arms thrown out in front if him. The cat growled and hissed, jumping up and racing to the edge of the bed. Lavi however, was quicker and managed to scoop the cat up in his arms. The cat howled, thrashing around trying to get free. Lavi sat on the edge of the bed with it clutched tightly in his arms.

“Close the door, quick, in case he tries to escape.”

Allen sighed and closed the door. He walked over to Lavi and grabbed the collar out of his hands, positioning it above the cat's head. When Lavi had finally managed to make the cat stop wiggling Allen attempted to put the collar on. It took several tries to finally get the collar on, the cat trying to wiggle free or hissing and biting at Allen's hands. Once it was on though, Allen had to admit that Lavi did pick out a nice collar for him. It was a nice, plain, deep navy blue collar that was currently struggling to be seen through the cat's massive amount of fur. Lavi finally let the poor creature go, where he immediately ran to the other side of the room and hid underneath their dresser.

“Aww, come on out Yu-chan, I wanna see how handsome you look with your new collar!” A low growl was heard in reply.

“Let's leave him alone Lavi. He's in a new place, a new environment and we're just making him more anxious.”

Lavi huffed and pouted but finally relented and left the room. However, as soon as they crossed the threshold into the living room they heard a loud crash from the bed room. Both men turned back around to the room and looked inside, only to see the cat out of his hiding spot and on top of one of the nightstand's.

And the lamp on the floor.

When the cat realized that he had gained their attention, he proceeded to knock off the alarm clock as well. Allen spluttered.

“Oi! What do you think you're doing you asshole!”

The cat paid him no mind and knocked off the coins that lay on the table as well.

“Hey! Stop that!”

The cat sat there and stared at the man, long tail swishing.

Lavi went to walk away to go to bed -he was just going to leave Allen where he was, little shit could sit there and freeze for all he cared- when his leg bumped the coffee table, and he heard the clinking of the bottles bumping against each other. He stared down at the bottles in disdain, like they had personally offended him.

He stood there for a moment contemplating if he should leave it for Allen to clean up, or clean it up himself. He heard Allen shift on the couch and looked over to see him roll on to his side, arm curled under his head. Lavi's face softened at the sight of Allen sleeping so peacefully. He bent over and started picking up the bottles, not even wincing at the loud clinking noise they made against each other.

He went over to the kitchen and heading to a bin that was tucked away in the corner. Upon reaching said bin Lavi noted with anger that it was almost full. He put the bottles into the bin, being a little more forceful than necessary and not really caring about the loud noise they made. Who cares if it woke up Allen? Lavi certainly didn't.

How long he stood there staring into that bin full of stupid, ridiculous, absolutely fucking useless bin of bottles he had no idea. All he knew was that he suddenly heard the padding of socked feet in the kitchen and the sound of the window opening, accompanied by the sound of a lighter coming to life.

All he knew was the he was fucking angry. Absolutely livid.

He spun around to see Allen casually leaning out the window, a cigarette dangling between his lips, his fingers poised and ready to pluck it out of his mouth. His glassy eyes slid over to meet Lavi's single, infuriated eye, before swinging around to continue gazing out the window.

“...Hey...” Allen muttered, blowing a cloud of smoke out when he said it. Lavi's fists clenched and he turned to go without a word.

“Wait, Lavi.”

Lavi stopped, but didn't turn around. He heard Allen move behind him, the subtle noise of his foot sliding against the floor, the rustling sound of his clothes. He heard Allen make a noise like he was going to say something, but nothing came of it. They stood there for a couple moments, both just waiting for the other to say something, and Lavi knew Allen had something to say.

“...Thanks...for, ya know...cleaning up...” Allen said weakly. Lavi barely nodded, running a hand through his hair, moving to leave the room.

“Lavi, I-”

Lavi whirled around and stared Allen right in the eye, “What.” He snapped.

Allen flinched at Lavi's tone, taking another drag from his cigarette.

“I...just...I wanted,” He gulped, “...I...”

“Allen I swear to God if you don't spit it out, I'm leaving. And I won't stop of you call me back.”

Allen's face became etched in panic and he finally blurted it out, “I'm sorry.”

Lavi crossed his arms and stared at Allen, face not revealing anything.

“I'm sorry Lavi, I really am. I-”

“You promised.”

Allen stilled at Lavi's quiet words, his mouth snapping shut and his eyes dropping to the floor guiltily.

“You promised Allen. You promised you wouldn't do this again! You promised that you wouldn't drink yourself stupid! You promised that you'd give up that disgusting habit!” He shouted, gesturing to the still burning cigarette in Allen's hand, “You fucking promised! And you broke it...you broke it Allen.” Lavi's voice cracked and he looked down, not wanting Allen to see his wet eye.

They stood there, neither looking at each other, feeling the tension growing stronger and stronger the longer the silence went on.

“Lavi, look at me...please,”

Lavi grudgingly lifted his gaze to meet Allen's, and felt his heart break a little at the expression the other man wore. He looked so sad, so vulnerable.

“I know you don't believe me Lavi, but I am sorry. I know I made a promise to you and I know I broke it, and I can only imagine the anger you must feel right now, but I am truly and honestly sorry.”

Lavi sighed, “I'm just tired of watching you do this to yourself. I'm tired of watching you indulge in this self destructive behaviour Allen, I just...I just don't know what to do any more.”

Allen rubbed the back of his neck and brought his cigarette to his mouth, but thought better of it, and snuffed it out on the ashtray next to the window.

“Lavi.”

Lavi looked up to see the person he loved more than anything else in the world walking towards him. Allen stopped in front of the red head and he took in Allen's glassy, bloodshot eyes, his cheeks that were still red from all the alcohol, and the smell of smoke that still lingered on him. He reached up and brushed a lock of white hair out of Allen's face and tucked it behind his ear.

Allen smiled up at the red head, “Let's make a pinky promise.”

Lavi looked down to see Allen's hand in between the two, already in the shape to make said promise. He looked back to his face, and Allen dropped his smile, staring at Lavi with a serious and determined expression.

“I pinky promise that I won't ever drink again. I will never ever touch another drop of alcohol. And, I won't ever smoke another cigarette in my life.”

Lavi looked back down at Allen's hand, then at his face. Saw those grey eyes staring at him, full of determination, and a touch of fear. Fear that Lavi wouldn't accept. Fear that this just might be the end of them. Lavi watched that fear disappear as he felt his pinky finger hook on to Allen's.

“Alright. You pinky promise.”

“I pinky promise.” Allen smiled before pulling Lavi into a tight hug.

The red head accepted the hug, arms wrapping around Allen to squeeze him back just as hard. He closed his eye and breathed in the smell of his scent, trying his best to ignore the scent of smoke. He knew in the back of his mind that Allen wouldn't be able to keep his promise. He knew that in about a month Allen would be back at it again, drinking till he blacked out and inhaling cigarette's like they where going out of style. He pulled Allen even tighter to him and buried his face in the man's neck. He could wish with all his might though that Allen would change his habits.