Author's Note:
Konnichiwa~ This is my first D. Gray-Man fanfic! ^_^
Thanks for stopping by. I'm really excited about launching my second romance fic and I'm hoping that this story will be a success. Please do not expect too much from me, I'm not as good as the others in here. My apologies for any errors, my eyes are not that sharp. I think over these past months, my skills dropped. So sorry for any disorganised parts. And just a warning, guys: Slight OOC-ness in some chapters. :P
Summary: Allen Walker is an outcast who hides the deepest secrets. All he wanted to do is to move on and live normally. But he never expected to fall in love along the way. Meet Lenalee Lee, the beautiful girl next door who caught Allen's eyes and heart in an instant. Now, he is plagued by conflicted feelings and thoughts, whilst the inevitable obstacles in life get in the way. AU, AlLena.
Disclaimer: D. Gray-Man does not belong to me.
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THE GIRL NEXT DOOR
Chapter 1: Prologue
Today was a perfect day. A perfect day to take the first step into my new life. After being simply idle for a long time, I found a way that might help me clear my doubts somehow. Because of my past. I've inflicted so many unhealing scars from those horrid memories, that it gave me nightmares every night.
5 years ago..my foster father, Mana, passed away due to an incurable illness. Ever since that fateful day, I really find life hard to cope up with. He was the only family I have. The changes were big, a part of me died along with him.
After he died, I constantly dreamed of his death in the hospital. I'll often wake up in the middle of the night, nauseated and terrified.
All my life, I've been so alone. I feel so lonely. But he saved me. At the time he adopted me, I finally know what it's like to be happy. The feeling was good, I felt so free, as if I broke the chains that were hindering me from my freedom. And I thought that this happiness, the beautiful and warm feeling I have never felt before, would last long until I get to grow up. I was dead wrong.
I enjoyed the brief moments of those blissful memories too much, that losing it shoved me hard back to my usual gloomy days. My destiny of a lonely child in darkness.
Because of my overwhelming grief, I spent the entire summer at home. And summer was suppose to be the month when Mana and I will travel across the world.
I was dealing the pain by myself. I can only feel nothing but the lingering sorrow inside my heart. But after four uneventful weeks of tears..my Uncle Neah took me in, after hearing the sad news.
I was really thankful that he came along. It took me a lot of effort to accept Mana's death, but I managed to get over it after staying with my uncle for a while. My nightmares ceased. I do sometimes experience it, but it's nothing compared to last time. I laugh, but every so often I fake them. I smile, but not as much as I do when Mana was still alive. Yet, even up to this day..I still miss him. Before he died, he told me to never stop and keep walking forward. I promised him that I would. It will make him happy.
So, to fulfill that promise, I'm right here in Uncle Neah's car, heading to the airport to travel to England. I have to attend highschool there, far away from here. Since I don't really fit in the schools in here, Uncle Neah enrolled me to Black Order Academy.
I heard that one of the prestigious schools in England and it's education system is good. Though, I'm not sure if I could really be comfortable there. I've seen it in the internet, and by the looks of the building, it looks pretty scary to me. But appearances does not matter to Uncle Neah. He enrolled me there to freshen myself up, after all the mess I've been through.
And so, here I come. New life. New things to discover. New challenges. I'm willing to take the risk.
-Linebreak-
I sighed in annoyance and slumped on my chair. My stomach kept protesting for the past thrity minutes. Eating a light breakfast wasn't a good idea. My eyes feel so heavy, I was very sleepy. I packed so much stuff, since I'm going to be away for a whole year. Guess I'm not much in my element today. The flight is so early as well, it was just the break of dawn and the sun was still rising.
"I'm hungry.." I muttered as I leaned onto the car window. "...And tired." I heard my uncle chuckle beside me.
"Allen, I told you to go to bed early. And you just had breakfast."
"Uncle Neah, I'm about to stay there for a whole year and I need as much needs I can gather. Packing isn't a piece of cake. And second of all.." I pointed at the digital clock at the car's panel. "It's quarter to seven in the morning and the breakfast I had was light."
Uncle Neah sighed. "Goodness..why didn't you pack early? And do you really need to eat that much?" he asked.
"..Just had a few things to take care of.." I replied, rather sheepishly. "..And I'm going on 12 hour flight. So yes, I need to eat that much."
"Right." he shrugged. "By the way, how do you feel? Are you nervous for your first flight alone?" he asked as he did a left turn.
"A little nervous to be honest.." I said, with my lips curved into a small smile. "I just hope that the school I'm about to enter isn't a jungle or some sorts."
"Relax, I've read the school's bio. It's not that bad. To give you a hint, Black Order Academy has a strict uniform policy. If you miss something, even a tie, you'll be in the detention hall."
Upon hearing the fact, I gaped at him with questioning eyes. "Did you happen to attend that school?"
"Well, when I was your age, I did."
"Then, tell me all what you know about it!"
He only grinned at me playfully. "Sorry, can't tell you. Find out for yourself, Allen."
I pouted and crossed my arms. "That ain't fair, uncle.." I said under my breath. "But, do you think there are trouble makers there?"
"Last time I checked, not much. But that was before. I don't know for today's generation.."
"..." I turned silent all of a sudden and locked my eyes at my feet. Uncle Neah did not let it go unnoticed.
"Something wrong?"
I shook my head. "Nothing much. I'm just..really really nervous." I said softly. "Just look at me, uncle. Look how much of a freak I look. My white hair, my left arm is deformed and this..scar, is enough to scare someone. People will probably keep their distance away from me and I'll end up alone...even in my new life."
"Don't sweat it that much, nephew. You'll never know, white haired youngsters like you might become famous in that school."
"How would a hideous looking person like me, become famous?"
"Um well, since your hair is white, maybe they'll think it's rare."
I rolled my eyes. "Really? I'm not gonna get beaten up into smithereens?"
''Erm..maybe." Uncle Neah said with sly grin.
"..Nevermind."
"Just trying to cheer you up, kiddo. You'll be fine there, I'm sure of it." Uncle Neah said as he ruffled my hair with his free hand. "Just stick to your instincts. That's best way to do if you ever get teased because of your looks."
That cheered me up and I feel my nervousness drifting off my shoulders. "Right. Thanks, Uncle Neah."
''Don't mention it. We're almost there, so prepare yourself."
I grinned. "Yeah."
-Linebreak-
After Uncle Neah pulled into the driveway, he unbuckled his seatbelt and went out of the door before me. This is it then.. I took a deep breath, grabbed the small suitcase containing all the important belongings I need and stepped out of the car. Uncle Neah had already got my luggage carried with him. He set it down beside me.
Seemingly that it's time for us to separate from each other, he heaved out a sigh. "Well, I guess..this is where we part ways." he said. "Now, this is just a reminder for you. I'm sending you there to make you feel happier. Are you okay?"
"I'm fine, I suppose.." I said, my voice softening.
"Good. Glad you are. Oh and not only that, I also want you to do well in your studies. I'm sure Mana will be very proud at you if you graduate successfully."
I nodded. "Yeah. I'm sure he will. " I said as I smiled a little. "Thank you. Thank you for everything, Uncle Neah.."
"Anytime, nephew.." He pulled me into a warm embrace. With a light chuckle, I hugged him back. My eyes stung with tears..I'm really going to miss him. Especially if he's the one who helped me bear the pain of losing Mana. I felt him trembling. Was he crying?
"Um..Uncle? Come on..don't cry."
"But Allen.." Uncle Neah whisphered and slowly pulled away, with both of his hands resting on my shoulders. "You're growing up. And in just three years you're going to be an adult. The last time I saw you..before Mana's passing..you were only a small child. Now, you look..really grown."
I laughed, trying to fight away the sobs that are threatning to wrack me. "You sound like a mother you know...not that I'm complaining." I chuckled heartily and wiped the tears at the corners of my eyes.
He chuckled and wiped his tears as well. "Oh am I? Sorry."
"It's fine. We'll see each other again, right? Once the schoolyear ends.."
"Yes, you are going to visit here." he finished for me. "Ah, you're going to be late for your flight. You must go."
"Ah, right.."
"Before that, remember to give me a call or a text when you arrive at your destination. I want to know if you made it there safe and sound."
I smiled. "I understand. Well, see you next year, uncle!" I grabbed the handle of my luggage and began to head to the entrance. "Drive safely!" I called as I waved a farewell to him.
"Be careful, okay? Until then, Allen!" he waved back. I flashed him a smile one last time, before I entered the airport to begin my journey.
When I first stepped in, I heard noises of people all around the area. My eyes studied the whole place. The airport building was bigger than I thought it would be. I looked at the various areas that I have to go through.
Hm..okay..
Everything looks so different, the last time I checked. I've been here before, but I haven't seen it in a long time..and I assume that they had upgraded the appearance the whole year. Giving up on admiring the place, I glanced at my watch. I only got one hour before my flight.
I have to hurry.
Looking around once more, I know that I'm about to have an airport shuffle..considering on how many slots I'm about to enter. "Eh..this is going to be a long day." I groaned. I put my hood on to hide my ridiculously white hair and pathetic scar. I don't want to attract too much attention. Then I dragged my luggage with me and got into the first line. Yup, this day is going to be a total blast.
-Linebreak-
I have never expected the line to be so freakishly long.
I've been standing here for a mere fifteen minutes, yet I have not reached the front line. I constantly took peeks at my watch, to know if I still have time for the others. To my dismay, I only have like forty-five minutes left. Great. About another five minutes later ( which makes it forty ), my stomach grumbled again. It was seriously craving for lunch.
Ugh, not now. Back off, stomach. Later.
It was boring, just standing here. I peered from my left, to see if I'm almost there. I was just halfway to the front.
I let out a heavy sigh. At this rate, I'll never make it. Or so I thought.
Time passed by, my patience was growing thinner. I pleaded for the 5th time. Then at last, I made it to the front.
And the list goes on as I shuffled through the airport..following the steps needed until I was finally free and can go to the waiting room to glomp on something. After 20 bloody minutes of venturing in this place, I can take advantage for the remaining time I have to get my stomach to shut up and wait for the announcement for my flight.
I walked to the spot where there were several empty chairs lodged near the huge glass window, with some passengers seated here and there. And just a few meters away, is the gate where I will supposedly board. "Okay..so this is the waiting room. Is there a fastfood shack here?" I scanned the area, I spotted a small fastfood place nearby. I grinned at the sight.
Finally! Before I knew it, I was happily running to it, as if I'm heading towards paradise. I didn't care about my sorroundnings or anything at this moment. All I can think about is food and nothing more. Then suddenly..
Someone ran into me, I assume it was a girl. Her legs buckled and started to trip. She let out a yelp. I extended my arms and she landed on them safely.
"Oh, I'm so sorry! I wasn't looking.." she apologized.
Then, I caught a look of her appearance. I felt my breath hitch, the first time I saw her look. Which was odd.
She had long dark green colored hair, tied into pigtails. And her eyes were the enticing color of amethyst. Her figure was slim..but to me, it looked perfect. She wore a black trench coat that reached up to her knees and a pair of black boots. And a teal scarf wrapped around her neck.
The sight before me made my heart race. I don't even have an apparent reason why. I pondered at my emotions. Why am I feeling like this?
"Um..excuse me?"
I got slapped back to reality. Nervous and embarrassed, I smiled sheepishly. "S-sorry.." I help her get back on her feet. "Are you alright, Miss?"
She flashed me a smile, which made my heart beat faster. "I'm okay. Thank you."
She..she's kinda cute. No..shut up, brain.
She smiled. "Um..well..Sorry for suddenly running into you like that. I can be a klutz sometimes.." she said. "Well, um, bye!" And then she was gone. I was left alone to stand there with my thoughts.
Gosh, that was awkward..well, I hope she didn't see my white hair and scar..
Shaking off the thoughts that I wasn't suppose to be thinking, I went for the fastfood place.
-Linebreak-
"Ah, at last." I said as I leaned on my chair, feeling quite sleepy with a full stomach. I glanced back at the time. I still have some time left before my flight. I should get going.. I thought as I stood up from my chair, grabbed my suitcase and made a beeline to the waiting room. As I stepped in, I noticed all the seats were occupied, except the one at the last row. Surprisingly.
But then..
I froze at my place when I spotted a familiar face, three rows away from my seat.
Sure enough, it was that girl that I bumped into.
Unexpectedly, I felt a warm sensation creeping up to my cheeks. And I swear that I felt my stomach churned at that moment. I recalled that awkward encounter between us a while ago, and it wasn't pretty. I don't want it to happen again, I'm not good at dealing with awkward situations.
If I don't want her to see me..what should I do? Maybe I should just not look at her. I think she won't notice me.. Taking a deep breath, I made a move for it, trying to act naturally as much as possible. I know that I'm still blushing but I couldn't stop it.
I felt a pair of eyes looking at me. I'm not really sure, but I think it was her. I tried my best to not look back, but it was somehow tempting. I ignored the feeling, and quickly made my way to my seat. I sat down with a heavy sigh escaping my lips, my heart still pounding against my chest.
I never felt like this before. She was just a girl. Why do I have these unusual feelings whenever she's around? I just shook my head and continued to look down at the ground. Stress..yeah, I think I'm just stressed..
-Linebreak-
It was relaxing. The chairs of the plane were soft and comforting. They even have extra pillows and blankets to make ourselves more comfortable. I sat next to the window, because it would be cool to see the parting and pleasing view of the country once we take off and look at the clouds in the sky. I had always admired eye-catching sceneries, until now. It eases the heavy feeling inside me.
I stared out the window, dazed. I was buried in my thoughts for a moment. Thinking about my past..and Mana.
I could still clearly remember him, struggling to say his last will to me..
-Flashback: 5 years ago-
"A-Allen..come.." Mana told me with a broken and rough voice. He broke into fits of coughing. I jumped down from my seat and rushed to his side. I clutched his hand, as if he was my only lifeline. Tears were flowing violently down my cheeks.
"Mana! Are you alright..?" I asked worriedly.
"Allen..I'm afraid my time is almost up. But..while I still have time..I shall tell my last will to you.."
I held Mana's hand tighter. "D-don't say that..you'll live. We will still explore the world..right..?"
He smiled. "How I wish to..but I can't. I'll be going soon. Please, Allen..just listen.." he said, followed by another loud and painful cough. "There's only one thing I want you to do..you must promise me..that you will keep walking.."
I shook my head. "But...I can't walk if you're not around. I'm..going to be alone..and I hate living alone!" I cried. I couldn't take this anymore..the pain is too much. "Please..don't leave me. I want to grow up with you, Mana!"
"Well..I also want to see you grow up, graduate and become successful..." He chuckled and patted my head gently. "But...I'll be in the other side if I were to do that.."
Mana coughed again. When he recovered, my eyes widened when I saw him taking in shallow breaths. I began to panick .
"Don't worry..I'm okay..don't cry, my boy." he gently whisphered with a raspy voice. I bursted into tears and embraced him. It hurts..it hurts so much. He's about to die and I'm about to be alone. And being alone is what I feared the most back then.
"Allen..I love you. Remember..to keep walking. Take care.."
I heard a flat and heartbreaking sound resounding from the monitors hooked on him. Mana flatlined. He was dead.
At first, I didn't know what was happening. I wasn't able to realize instantly..that he already left me in this cold and cruel world.
I gasped when I felt him go limp. "M-Mana..?" I whisphered and shook him. He didn't wake. I shook him harder. Still, no response.
But the truth soon registered to me, and it hit me like a knife's blade cutting through my heart.
"No..NO! Mana, you can't be dead! Don't leave me! Please..!" I screamed. I refused to accept my fate. I desperately wished for time to rewind everything and go back to the happiest moments of my life. I wrapped my small arms around his still form..his skin was cold. Too cold.
"No..you can't go..Mana.."
-Flashback end-
Suddenly, I can feel tears forming. Upon noticing this, I immedietly wiped them away with my sleeve. Mana..I miss you so much. I thought sadly. Now that I think about it, I should pay a visit to his grave once I arrived in England. Surely, he would like that. I haven't visited him ever since Uncle Neah took me.
I just continued to space out in my own little world for a little while, until someone sat beside me. I turned to look at my 'neighbor' in this plane. I was shocked. Why? Because, I'm beside her. Her, out of all people. I have no clue why am I suddenly nervous whenever she's in the same roof as I'am. I barely even know her, for goodness sake.
Just as I expected, my heartbeat is off the roof and I sweatdropped. Should I say hi to her or just keep quiet? I'll just stay quiet. No, I need to speak. But I might say something stupid. GAH! Whatever, I'm talking! I turned away. I don't want her to see me. Especially my appearance.
"U-um.." I silently cursed myself for sounding so lame. What a good way to greet a woman. And I instantly regret my decision on talking to her in the first place.
I felt her look at me with those piercing violet eyes. From the corner of my eyes , I saw her cracked a simple smile at me, which made me blush. "Oh it's you.." she chuckled. "I feel kinda strange to say this, but..I'm surprised that we're in the same plane.."
"Yeah. Me too." was my simple reply. I'm too jittery to speak at the moment. I have never talked to someone else, except for the ones I knew. Let alone a girl.
There was a thick silence between us that hung in the atmosphere, until she said "By the way, my name's Lenalee Lee." she said.
Lenalee..that's..a nice name.
"And you are..?"
"I'm Allen Walker. Nice to meet you, Lenalee-san." I said, gentlemanly as I could. I'm still not looking at her, she'll see my scar and my ridiculous white locks.
Lenalee smiled again. "Don't worry about formalities. Just call my name as it is." she chuckled. "Your accent sounds British. Let me guess, are you from England?"
"Yeah. After five years, I kinda..felt nostalgic." I said. I didn't give her the real reason why. I never really opened up to myself.
"I see.." She averted her eyes to the ground.
I really like her eyes. Wait, hold up there. I shouldn't be thinking this. I have to get to know her first.
"What about you?" I asked.
"Huh?"
"What's your purpose about coming to England?"
"My brother has been living abroad there, actually. I've been sent here for some important matters to take care of. I haven't seen him since last year, so today I'm going back since I'm about to begin my highschool there."
My heart jumped, upon hearing that. Could it be, that Lenalee will be attending Black Order Academy too? I feel a sense of hope. "What school will you be attending?"
"Black Order Academy. My brother works there as a principal, so it's the easy way possible." Lenalee said.
My mind practically went crazy, but I still kept a calm look on my face. There were so many thoughts entering my brain. Should I tell her I'm going there as well? Maybe I'll surprise her.
"R-right.." I turned my gaze at my folded hands resting on my lap. Again, another fat silence. And I'm not doing very well on handling it. I was sweating and slightly hyperventilating.
"Ne, Allen-kun.." she began. "You sound so silent all the time.."
"Oh..really?"
"Yeah. But it's okay, I won't mind at all." Lenalee smiled.
"Attention passengers, we will be taking off shortly. Please ensure that your seatbelts are tightly fastened and mobile phones disabled. Thank you."
"It seems like it's time to go.." she said.
"Yeah.."
We suddenly felt the plane move. I looked out the window, and couldn't help but put on a small smile on my lips. My new life is ahead of me.
The plane wheeled itself to the launching pad. Still, so many memories were flashing repeatedly before my very own eyes. I remembered that I'm not suppose to think about the past too much, for I'm about to move on. I need clear these thoughts away, but these memories cannot be lost even if I don't think about them.
I tore my gaze from the window and leaned on my chair. I shut my eyes tightly as I heard the engines bustling. The aircraft went off with a heck of a headstart. It moved extremely fast towards the ramp, which made my stomach clench. It lasted for about 20 seconds until it finally took off. I began to feel a little sick as I felt it depart from the land. But it soon subsided, and I was able to open my eyes again.
I'm finally leaving. Leaving that plain old life I used to lead.
I took a sneak peek from the girl beside me, but I turned away seconds later. I let a small smile grace my lips. I guess this flight won't be too bad after all. I mused to myself internally. Closing my eyes again, I relaxed on my chair.
~To be continued~
Author's Note:
We shall stop there for now. Hope you guys liked it. I highly appreciate feedback from you guys. It really helps me progress and hopefully, improve my style of writing. The main story starts at the second chapter and that's it. So, add follow this story or add it to your favorites if you like it. :)
See ya soon! ^.^
~ZeroMystoganWalker 1718
