DISENCHANTED

2 - THINGS THAT I MISS

This morning, like most mornings, is dull.

Lucille starts the day in the same way as always, showering in the bathroom of his and Shinya's quarters then sorting through his, Shinya's and Guren's reports to hand in to Kureto (it's not his job, but Guren's a lazy shit and he may as well deal with Shinya's while he's at it - because really what's a third batch of paperwork when he's already done two?) and then when all that's out of the way, it's breakfast with Shinoa. Really, considering it's basically the end of the world you'd think there'd be more exciting things to do.

Sure, he could seek out Yuichiro and see how he's doing, but over the course of four years Lucille's only managed to pluck up the courage to speak to him once or twice in brief passing. It's sad, considering they used to be family.

"You know, Yuichiro hasn't made any friends yet." Shinoa starts as the digs into her pancake. "It'd probably help a lot if you'd show your face around the school more."

Lucille wants to ignore her, eat his pancake in peace and leave. This isn't a conversation he wants to have. "He'll sort himself out eventually. He's a difficult sod, but he's not completely impossible." Taking a bite, he leans his chin on his hand.

His female counterpart studies him for a moment. They've known each other for four years and yet she still can't wrap her head around his constant need to distance himself from the only connection he has left to his big brother. "Or... you could talk to him? C'mon, Lucy. Guren said he won't let Yuichiro join the army until he makes at least one friend."

"Sounds like a him problem."

"Lucille-"

"If you're quite finished, I have places I need to be." No, he doesn't, he's free for another hour, but sitting and staring at the ceiling is better than talking to his new family about his old one. "I've moved on from my past, it's about time Yuichiro does the same."

Picking up his half full plate from the cafeteria table, Lucille walks away (like you always do, coward. Like you did from Mika!), ignoring the burning in his eyes. They're not tears, he's sure, they can't be, he's cried enough this week already.

He groans when he hears Shinoa run up behind him. "At least come to the school today! I don't know, you could report to Kureto everything you see - anyone you think would suit the army! You know he has a soft spot for you, Lucy."

No. "Fine. I'll ask. Just... don't hold your breath, ok?" Seeing the girl he's come to think of as a big sister smile so brightly, Lucille can't quite manage to be angry at himself for giving in so easily.

So ask, he does.

Rather than heading to his bedroom to do the bare minimum for an hour, he beelines right towards Kureto's office. He's hesitant to knock, but does it anyway. "Come in" Kureto's deep voice calls from inside.

"Hello, mister Kureto." No, he never did quite manage to break out of the habit of calling people 'mister' and 'miss'.

Kureto raises an oddly shaped eyebrow at the unexpected visit. "Ah, Lucille, I wasn't expecting to see you again so soon. Is there anything I can do for you?"

"I was just wondering if I could go to school today with Shinoa."

"Why're you asking me?"

"Oh um," Lucille hesitates, "I guess, I didn't know who else to ask?"

Kureto chuckles, something he doesn't do often and always seems to reserve for Lucille and Aoi. "Yes, you may go to school. I'll have Aoi speak to the board on your behalf."

-

Why Lucille thought school would be a good idea he really doesn't know.