A short one-shot about my favorite, yet unfortunately not canon, pairing. There's not really a specific time period for this, so allow your imaginations to run wild~ Constructive criticism is always appreciated.

Disclaimer: I do not own D. Gray Man, nor its characters. ^. .^

xoxoxoxox

All of the Headquarters was mum during the young hours of the morning, save the hollow moans of wind rasping tree branches against the windows. The typical ruckus from the Science Department had ceased long ago, leaving the behemoth of a building quaint, if only for a short while. Within the library, the aroma of aged books and espresso sat stagnant in the air, while the gentle sweep of pages being turned could be heard, accompanied by two hushed voices.

"I hope they come home tonight." Lenalee murmured into the darkness. "They were supposed to be back a few days ago."

"Knowing those two, I'm sure they're fine. They'll be back any minute."

"...I hope you're right, Johnny." The exorcist let out a long, drawn out sigh as she mindlessly flipped through a book in her lap. Both of them had spent the last few nights in the library, impatiently waiting for Allen and Kanda to return from a seemingly endless mission. Nearly three weeks had gone by without any communication.

"Say, Lenalee?"

"Yes?"

"Has he ever said it?" A quizzical hum retorted the question. "I mean, does he ever say that he loves you?"

"Why do you ask?"

"Just a passing thought."

"Love?" Lenalee shifted on the couch so that she was resting against the arm. "Not that I can recall." She stole a glance at the young man sitting next to her. His face, barely illuminated by the candle burning on the coffee table, contorted in astonishment. "Johnny?"

He leaned back and brought his drink to his lips, enjoying the warmth of the steam as it rolled out of the mug. "I understand it's Kanda we're talking about, but you two have been together for a while."

It was true, the swordsman had never literally said that he loved her throughout the entire duration of their relationship. Hell, she had never heard the word 'love' escape his lips at any point in her life. Even so, she had never felt unloved.

"I don't think whether he says it or not matters all that much. Saying that you love someone and showing that you love them are two completely different things. For instance, when he comes home, he'll probably get angry that I stayed up to wait for him and make me go to bed."

"That doesn't sound very loving." Johnny laughed teasingly.

She shook her head. "Maybe on the surface it doesn't, but to me, the fact that he cares about my well being says more than any 'I love you' possibly could." With Kanda, actions always spoke volumes over words. While on missions together, he'd clasp her hand in his own when no one was looking, allowing his thumb to brush against sensitive smooth skin of her palm. During times of stress, they'd meditate together, their rhythmic breathing gradually becoming synchronized as their knees just barely touched. Their free time would often be spent in his room, where she was free to play with his hair to her heart's content while he sharpened his katana. Sure, he wasn't a man of many words, but he didn't need to be.

Of course, to the average person, this wouldn't seem like much. However, for the introverted exorcist, even the smallest acts of affection toward his companion completely obliterated any mental walls he had built up throughout the years. With each touch, Lenalee was reminded of his feelings all over again, and not even for a second would he let her forget just how dearly he loved her.