『バウンド』 Bound

It's a Start

"Wait here. I will gather everyone. Our butler Weis is here for any assistance." Lauren said before going upstairs. Lubbock and Tatsumi were inside the mansion in the living room. Tatsumi grimaced at the mention of the butler but he was more worried about Lubbock's paleness.

"Hey." He said and Lubbock shakily grinned.

"H-Holy shit. I never figured this day w-would come. " He joked and Tatsumi did not bother smiling, clearly seeing it was Lubbock's way off brushing off the situation. It was pretty serious and he hated not being able to cheer Lubbock up.

"You're going to be fine." Tatsumi reassured, Lubbock only hugged himself, back in his thoughts. If only he knew what the male was thinking about. Tatsumi finally inhaled the courage to step up and bring his friend into his arms. Immediately, Lubbock stiffened at the sudden affectionate gesture but Tatsumi did not budge. He tightened his hold and felt Lubbock's hands clench at his shirt.

"Lubba. You're going to be okay." Tatsumi attempted once more. He saw Weis looking directly at them and silently stared back until Weis looked away, while pulling Lubbock closer. He still did not trust the butler and would make sure to keep an eye on him.

"HE'S WHAT!?"

"M-mom-"

"HOW DARE YOU BRING SUCH FOOLISHNESS TO YOUR ILL FATHER AND I!"

Tatsumi and Lubbock listened slightly terrified at the booming voice of a raging woman. Lauren had ran back down and dodged a thrown stapler that flew past him and thudded against the wall.

"Don't attack me and come see for yourself! He's standing right next to me!" Lauren argued and flinched when footsteps thundered the marble staircase.

"When I get down I am going to make you WISH you were never born-!" There, a short plump woman froze on the steps with gold eyes on the other two boys. Mainly on Lubbock. Tatsumi felt his friend rack in shivers and he could not blame him since the woman's previous threat, although aimed at Lauren, shook them both up.

"How on earth..." Her hands covered her mouth and Lauren took the chance to walk up to her.

"Mother, that's actually him. He's really alive and right in front of us."

Lubbock moved out of Tatsumi's arms just as his mom marched right over. Tatsumi had a bad feeling about the distance between them. Lubbock and his mother that is.

"My god it really is him." She whispered, her eyes darting up and down his figure. Her hand slowly raised and Tatsumi faltered, ready to intervene. However, she wrapped her arms around Lubbock tightly and quiet sobs could be heard. He relaxed and slightly smiled at the relieving and touching scene. Lubbock had shakily held onto her blouse and tears fell from his clenched shut eyes.

"Come on. Let's give them a moment." Lauren had muttered and Tatsumi had no choice but to agree. He gave them one last look before following Lauren into the dining room.

"So, are you like a close of friend of his?" Lauren asked at once and Tatsumi nodded, trying to shrug off an indifferent part of his heart about that title.

"Yeah. We're trying to get back home. Erm... well, mine." He had hoped Lauren did not take too much on the account of his hesitance.

"Why..."

"Eh?"

"Why did he... wait so long to reveal himself?" Tatsumi looked down guiltly. How stupid would it sound for him to respond with 'Oh yeah he pretended to K.I.A. so he could follow the girl of his dreams'?

"I-I'm not sure. But I know he doesn't entirely forgive himself for not thinking things through. It's better to accept him now with open arms because he's afraid that his mistakes may have caused you guys to have a change of heart." He rambled. He wanted to ask about the family supporting the empire but he did not want to overwhelm Lauren.