Conceived Circumstances

Mostly an apology fic for being on an unofficial hiatus. ^_^' I guarantee this story will make it up to you, because you love me- *slaps self*

Enjoy!

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Some say you will end up catching feelings. Some say you will end up getting hurt. It all inclusively comes down to whether or not you will become induced to receiving more than intended. It starts with one silent gesture.

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Conceived Circumstances

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"Dinner, Tatsumi. Najenda cooked this time." Lubbock announced, opening the door to the boy's room with as much enthusiasm as he could muster. It came to no shock when his eyes roamed over to Tatsumi sullenly sitting on his bed. Lubbock did not receive an answer, and his forced smile finally wore off as his bright facade clearly achieved nothing.

Sheele's death hit Tatsumi pretty hard. It was the first death of a comrade as a member of Night Raid, and the third death of a friend to Tatsumi. It was an unexpected and untimely death, so everyone could only mourn and wish the best for the Extase user in the skies. Mine was especially hard on herself, yet she put on a strong mask just like everyone else. They could not show weakness or instability in the group because of one loss. They must continue on, and Tatsumi must unfortunately learn from it.

"... Tatsumi?" Lubbock asked. Normally, he would not bother Tatsumi if the boy has no intentions of wanting to be bothered. In fact, Lubbock could not remember a time he actually hung out with the new member since his arrival. He always thought of him as a rival, because all of the girls seemed to divert their attention only onto him. What good would it do to finally show some care for him right after Sheele perished?

"Good night then." It was not as though he knew how to comfort Tatsumi anyway. Lubbock made a move to shut the door, until he heard Tatsumi shift in his seat.

"Is it as Akame said...?" Tatsumi barely said over a whisper. Lubbock paused and contemplated anxiously on how to answer.

"What do you mean by what Akame said?" He asked.

"Are... Are you guys all masking your pain?" Tatsumi repeated more clearly. Lubbock blinked several times at the question.

"Where is this coming from?"

Tatsumi clenched the sheets on his bed with a mournful look.

"It's hard... to hide it..."

Lubbock cautiously stepped in and shut the door behind him, knowing he could not leave at this point. He sat beside Tatsumi while making sure to give a reasonable space between them.

"Then why hide it?" He said after getting as comfortable as he could. Tatsumi looked up in confusion.

"Hide it...? Didn't you guys train or something to no longer show weakness?" He said.

"I mean accepting it. You're getting worked up not only over Sheele, but your inner conflict. Sure, you may have to conceal your pain as an act of strength, but that does not mean you have to hold it in all the time. It will only pain you more." Lubbock elaborated, surprised that he even had a thoughtful answer.

"Am I trying too hard?" Tatsumi asked afterwards.

"Honestly, maybe a little. You're in the comfort of your room where no one is here to judge you and you're still trying to hide your feelings." Lubbock said, slightly swinging his legs."

"... Do you do the same?" Tatsumi questioned with a curious gaze. Lubbock sweat-dropped at the question. This is basically their first time having a close discussion. Would it be alright to share personal information already? Well, Tatsumi is allowing himself to be vulnerable with him at the moment, so perhaps sharing his side could not cause any harm.