Sooo as you can see, this is my second Tatsumi x Lubbock fanfiction, but first-ever chapter story of them. I'm notorious for being super slow with multi-chapter story updates but I have been super into the fandom so let's hope my motivation keeps me going.^^"

Warnings: There will be minor gore and action. (Still working on my writing) There will also be yaoi, heavy use of language, and lemons. I have warned you, therefore you cannot complain.

Enjoy!

Tatsumi stared blankly around his dark cell. He was going to be publicly executed. The rest of Night Raid had no clue he and Lubbock were missing. And Lubbock...

He clenched his teeth and squeezed his eyes shut, daring himself to not have another break down. The moment Esdeath told him about his friend's untimely fate, his world turned blank. What was the point anymore? Who cares about this revolutionary movement anyway? After the many painful losses, why does Night Raid keep trying? Tatsumi was tired of suffering so many losses. He expected this when he first agreed to join the assassination group, but he did not know that so many important role models would die before he has the chance to say goodbye. His friends, Sheele, Bulat, Chelsea, Lubbock... Why did the news of Lubbock hurt the most?

The fire in the hall went out and Tatsumi knew it must be time to sleep and accept his fate tomorrow morning. Esdeath was truly insane. Just because he would not join the remaining Jeagers, she decided if she could not have him, there was no point of him existing. Why did he feel almost relieved when she stormed out, planning his execution? That he no longer has to worry about losing anymore friends? That he no longer has to walk on eggshells and watch his back?

A tear finally slipped down.

That he could finally meet Lubbock and everyone else?

The more he thought, the more his motivation went away. Who cares anyway if he dies? Night Raid will always find a replacement. The group will just move on and continue with its nearly impossible goal of taking down an entire government to start a new era of equality and peace. Is he really needed at this point? He couldn't even escape with Lubbock with his Incursio. If only he had...

There was a soft knocking on the brick wall behind him. Tatsumi wondered if it was just rats when he noticed that the knocking became louder and more precise. He turned around on the dusty ground and stared with hazed eyes at the wall. Well, wherever the notice was coming from. It was silent until the wall suddenly exploded and bricks flew in all directions, clanking loudly on the floor and against the bars. Tatsumi yelped and coughed as dust flew around and gasped when a hand clenched his shirt and yanked him out.

"Tatsumi!" He regained his balance and looked up, his eyes widening when he saw Leone grinning down at him. "Thank goodness!"

"Leone! How-!? What-!?" Leone only waved a beastly finger as a 'we'll talk later' sign and grabbed his arm and began running.

"We only have a few second headsstart before they check out the commotion." She stated, dragging the boy beside her. Tatsumi forced himself to keep up and sure enough, the alarm sounded. Up ahead, he could see Akame hopping down from a tree next to a few dead guards.

"Grab Tatsumi, I'll go and search for Lubbock!" Leone said and Akame nodded while swiftly grabbing the male and running ahead. Tatsumi wanted to call for Leone about this attempt but she was already heading back.

"No wait! Akame stop! She can't-!"

"Don't worry Tatsumi, she'll get Lubbock and have him at the base in no time." Akame reassured.

"That's not it! Lubbock is-!"

"Ah, we gotta stay quiet." She whispered as she whisked them through the forest. Guards were patrolling the area with flashlights and Akame was determined to not let them get caught. Tatsumi dreaded this. Leone was only going to find out that Lubbock is gone, and by then Esdeath and her crew will find her and...

"Akame we have to turn back." He whispered to the shorter girl but she did not even budge.

"I already said Leone-"

"Leone is going to her herself killed. Lubbock is... he's gone." Akame shot Tatsumi a horrified look before she tried to regain her posture.

"I-I see. Even so, my mission is to bring you back."

"So you're going to let Leone die!?"

"Shh!" Tatsumi forced her grip off his arm and scowled.

"I don't get it." His voice wavered, "How could you let her go alone? She's not capable of going alone. She'll be lucky if she finds Lubbock's body but by then it will be too late and all for nothing. If we hurry, we can make it!"

"I can't go back or I can't garauntee your survival."

"I don't give a shit if I live or not!" He yelled and Akame tensed, "You're bringing someone as pathetic as me back to the base when we still have this chance to save Leone! I'm so sick of everyone dying off on me and I'll be the only one alive since everyone babied me and there would be no point... t-to..." He had already broken down to sobs but the sudden brightness of a flashlight interrupted their moment.

"I found him! And that wanted girl!" A guard yelled and Akame huffed while drawing her sword.

"Tatsumi, stay close-! Hey!" Tatsumi was already sprinted back. He couldn't see himself returning to Night Raid with yet another dead comrade. He was tired of the "It's Just How It Is in War" rules. They were like a family to him, and he would not dare leave anyone behind.

At this, Tatsumi gasped when he realized Akame was not following him. Shit, those guards must be occupying her, but Leone...

At that moment, his body suddenly shut down and blacked out on the forest ground.