Drabble
"You alright?" Lavi asked as he looked over at Deke from his own bed.
Deke, breathing heavily, looked over at his roommate. Lavi frowned, worried, when he saw fear in Deke's eyes. Taking a deep breath, the other looked away and ran a hand through his hair.
He answered, "'m fine. Nothing ta worry about."
The redhead nearly flinched back when he felt a hand against his forehead. Deke looked up at Lavi in surprise who merely smiled down at him reassuringly. Lavi sat down beside his roommate while running a hand through Deke's hair. He knew from experience that the younger feels relaxed when his hair is being touched, and frankly, Lavi liked knowing these small things about Deke. It made him feel useful. So, he smiled when he felt the younger finally physically relax.
"Hey, you know you can tell me anything."
"I know I can."
Lavi tilted his head to the side, curiously. "Then why are you hesitating?"
Deke stiffened a bit and averted his eyes so that he wasn't looking at Lavi. Frowning, Lavi said, "Deke. Look at me."
After several seconds of hesitation, green eyes looked back at him and that smile is back.
"C'mon. Tell me why you woke up looking like you've just seen a ghost."
Sighing, Deke pulled away from Lavi to run a hand through his hair again. He glanced over at Lavi who just looked back at him patiently. Releasing a heavy sigh, Deke rubbed the back of his neck.
"It was only about my twin's death."
"Oh." Lavi went quiet before looking at Deke. "Mind if I ask a question."
"Go ahead."
"Do you only like to be around me because you see me as a replacement for your own brother?"
Deke grew quiet as he gave Lavi a look of disbelief. "I don't see ya as a replacement, Lavi. You and my brother are two different people. Look, I like being around ya because I enjoy being with ya. You're fun, and I can be myself much easier. I see you as a big brother, yes, but you're not a replacement. I'll hit ya on the head next time if ya think that again."
Lavi just blinked at that before grinning and ruffling Deke's hair. "Glad to hear it then! Now, do you need me to hold you as you go back to sleep?"
He was just teasing of course. Deke rolled his eyes and lightly pushed him.
"Nah. I think I'll be fine. You should go ta sleep yourself."
Lavi pouted. He said, "But I'm not tired!"
"Lavi." Deke gave him a stern look, and it was rare for the other to look at him like that. Pouting more, Lavi headed back over to his own bed and lied down. As he turned towards the wall, he smiled when he heard a low, "Thanks."
"Don't mention it." Smiling wider, Lavi closed his eye and fell into a peaceful sleep.