Unspoken Shadows

A Fresh Start Amidst Shadows

Lavi wandered through the garden the next morning, each step a burden on his weary soul. The previous evening, Tiedoll had opened up about the university, revealing himself as both its principal and a dedicated teacher. Lavi found it surprising yet relatable; Tiedoll's preference for teaching over administrative duties mirrored Lavi's own desire for meaningful connections.

Pausing by a bed of roses, Lavi couldn't help but smile sadly. The sight of these flowers brought back cherished memories of his mother, whose love for roses had been a constant source of warmth and beauty in his childhood. They reminded him of her gentle smile and the peaceful moments they had shared before tragedy tore them apart. He could almost hear her voice, feel her soft touch, and the memories both comforted and pained him.

"What are you doing, baka?" Kanda's voice startled him out of his reverie. Lavi turned to see Kanda standing there, his usual stern demeanor softened by the absence of his shirt and the sweat of training clinging to his skin.

"I was... um... admiring the roses. They remind me of my mother's garden," Lavi explained, his gaze lingering on the delicate blooms. Kanda didn't respond, simply turning abruptly and heading back toward the house.

"Oh, and I'll be attending the university with you next week," Lavi added, following Kanda's retreating figure. Kanda froze in his tracks, then spun around with a mixture of surprise and concern etched on his face.

"Nani?"

"Yeah, Tiedoll said I could stay and ride with you. It feels like the right thing to do," Lavi said with a tentative smile. Kanda's expression darkened, and he stormed back into the house. Lavi hurried after him, finding Kanda already confronting Tiedoll in his office.

"What's the meaning of this?!" Kanda demanded, his voice sharp as he approached Tiedoll's desk. Tiedoll looked up, his expression one of mild confusion.

"What do you mean?"

"Lavi staying and attending the university!" Kanda exclaimed, his frustration evident.

"Oh, that..." Tiedoll trailed off, seeming unfazed by Kanda's intensity.

"If you don't want him here, talk to him about it. I wouldn't mind him staying," Tiedoll replied calmly. Kanda shot a glare at Lavi, then seized him by the shirt and dragged him down the hall to his room. Slamming the door shut, Kanda stood there, his glare piercing through Lavi with unspoken accusation.

"Kanda, I want to stay. I don't want to return to the castle. I want to make a fresh start," Lavi pleaded, his voice tinged with desperation. Kanda scoffed.

"So you can use people as prey? Like hell you're staying," Kanda spat bitterly. Lavi's face fell.

"I'm not going to harm anyone! I'm tired of being alone! Four thousand years alone!" Lavi exclaimed, his voice cracking with raw emotion. Kanda narrowed his eyes, unmoved by Lavi's anguish.

"I don't care. I want you gone."

"Why? Because of what I am? Because I'm a 'freak' to you? Because I was the one who—" Lavi cut himself off, his words hanging in the air between them. He turned away, unable to meet Kanda's gaze, but felt the weight of Kanda's stare burning into his back.

After a long silence, Kanda's voice cut through the tension like a blade.

"Finish that sentence," Kanda demanded, his tone low and dangerous.

"No," Lavi refused, his fists clenched at his sides.

"Finish it," Kanda insisted, stepping closer.

"No," Lavi repeated, staring at the floor.

"Because I was the one who killed your parents," Lavi finally confessed after a long silence, his voice barely audible. Kanda released him abruptly, retreating to where Mugen lay discarded on the floor.

"Get out," Kanda ordered coldly. Lavi looked up at him, his heart heavy with regret and sorrow.

"Kanda, I—"

"Get out," Kanda repeated, unsheathing Mugen and pointing it at Lavi, tears streaming down his face as memories flooded his mind.

"I said... get out," Kanda choked out, his voice breaking with anguish. Lavi hung his head, shoulders slumped in defeat.

"Alright... I'll leave. But I won't return to the castle. I'll ask Tiedoll if I can stay in the dorms," Lavi said quietly, walking past Kanda and opening the door. Leaving Kanda standing alone. As soon as he was sure Lavi was gone, Kanda retreated to his room, collapsing against the door as he began to cry quietly.

He berated himself for not recognizing Lavi sooner, for not avenging his parents. The thought of Lavi remaining nearby filled him with dread and guilt. He dreaded the upcoming week when everyone returned from vacation.

The sun began to set, casting long shadows across the manor grounds. Lavi sat on the edge of his bed, staring out the window. The view of the sprawling gardens, once a sight of solace, now seemed cold and distant. He couldn't escape the feeling of isolation that had plagued him for centuries.

A soft knock on the door pulled him from his thoughts. Tiedoll entered, his expression a mix of concern and understanding.

"How are you holding up, Lavi?" Tiedoll asked gently, sitting beside him.

"I've had better days," Lavi replied with a weak smile. "But I'll manage."

Tiedoll placed a comforting hand on Lavi's shoulder. "You don't have to go through this alone. We're here for you."

Lavi nodded, feeling a small measure of comfort from Tiedoll's words. "Thank you. It means a lot."

As night fell, Lavi lay in bed, his mind racing with thoughts of the past and the uncertain future. He knew he had to face his demons, but the path ahead seemed daunting. The weight of his confession to Kanda hung heavy on his heart, and he couldn't shake the feeling of impending conflict.

In the darkness of his room, Lavi made a silent vow to himself. He would find a way to atone for his past sins and build a new life, one filled with purpose and connection. The road would be long and arduous, but he was determined to see it through.

The next morning, Lavi awoke to the sound of birds chirping outside his window. He got out of bed, stretching his limbs as he prepared for the day ahead. Despite the heavy emotions lingering from the previous day, he felt a glimmer of hope. Today, he would be leaving the manor for the campus dorms, a new chapter waiting to unfold.

After breakfast, Tiedoll found Lavi in the garden, where he had returned to the roses. This time, instead of sadness, he felt a quiet resolve.

"Ready to go?" Tiedoll asked, his voice warm and reassuring.

Lavi nodded. "Yes, I'm ready."

They gathered Lavi's belongings and headed to the car. Kanda was nowhere to be seen, and Lavi felt a pang of sadness, but he knew their paths would cross again soon. As Tiedoll drove them to the university, Lavi gazed out the window, watching the scenery change from countryside to city.

Upon arriving at the campus, Tiedoll led Lavi to the dorms, helping him settle into his new room. The atmosphere here was different, buzzing with the energy of students returning from summer break. It felt like a fresh start, an opportunity to reinvent himself and find a place where he truly belonged.

Tiedoll stood in the doorway, watching as Lavi unpacked. "Remember, you have a family here now. Don't hesitate to reach out if you need anything."

Lavi turned to him, gratitude shining in his eyes. "Thank you, Tiedoll. For everything."

As Tiedoll left, Lavi looked around his new room, feeling a sense of hope he hadn't felt in a long time. He knew the journey ahead would be challenging, but for the first time in centuries, he felt ready to face it. With a deep breath, he stepped out into the hallway, ready to embrace the new life that awaited him.