『バウンド』 Bound

To Come to an Understanding

"He's already at the base."

Tatsumi nodded and waited for Najenda to finish gathering her belongs so they could go back to the base. He had asked about Lubbock, hoping to talk things out and apologize, but it turns out Lubbock went back early with everyone else. His heart only ached more, because it became more clear that Lubbock is still upset about their argument. In fact it scared him since he was nervous on how their relationship would be affected.

"Alright, Tatsumi. Remember the plan. You will have to be a bit quicker packing all of your living necessities, et cetra. We leave first thing in the morning, and no you will not be taking Incursio. I have that covered."

"How could I forget?"

Half an hour later, they were riding the flying manatee in the skies and Tatsumi finally came to terms with his thoughts. Both he and Lubbock were wrong in a sense. Lubbock had selfishly convinced Najenda to basically steal Incursio and tell him right after it is locked up. However, Lubbock did it out of deep concern for his survival. Tatsumi found himself guilty for not considering their justification for taking Incursio. He was always wrapped up in how he feels and how he believes things will turn out without predicting any worst-case scenarios.

Remembering how he moved away from Lubbock's hand made him feel terrible. Lubbock was just trying to help. Everyone is just trying to help. The least he could be is open-minded and not act like a child. The Spirit is a dangerous being inside of him and Tatsumi committed to taking his situation more seriously.

They eventually made it back and Tatsumi immediately made a plan to see Lubbock.

"Oh, he left a while ago for a walk after finishing up packing."

Tatsumi weakly thanked Akame. He officially hated his self. Before he could go to his room and sulk, Akame poked his back.

"Perhaps he could use some company." She hinted. Tatsumi exhaled with a nod and turned back around.

"Alright, thanks again. And uh try not to tell anyone about us having trouble. It'll cause a scene." Tatsumi suggested and took off. Even if he has to lie and say it was all their fault that they are apart, it is better than having to sufferably wait for Lubbock to return.

...

Tatsumi walked down the path in the forest behind the base. He was not exactly sure where Lubbock decided to go. He could only depend on his knowledge of Lubbock and think of the hot spring area. Then again, he did not believe going to the hot springs is a good way to sulk.

After a while, whether by luck or intelligence, Lubbock happened to be on a grassy slate ahead. Tatsumi gave a heavy sigh of relief and caught up behind the male.

"Lubbock."

The older teen turned his head with a slight perplexed expression.

"Oh. Hi."

Tatsumi nervously stood beside him, not knowing how Lubbock is currently feeling. It seemed like Lubbock caught onto his hesitance.

"... I'm-"

"No." Tatsumi cut him off, knowing he was about to apologize. "I'm sorry for being stubborn. I should have listened to you."

"But I-"

"And you're right about me being rash. If you hadn't taken Incursio, I would have used it anyway at some point. I just didn't want people to worry about me so much."

"Tatstumi-"

"You were right. I was wrong. Just don't feel bad-"

"Hey!" Tatsumi blinked and Lubbock sighed, "I want to apologize as well, it's not just you Tatsumi."