D. Gray-Man Oneshot
Allen Walker x Lenalee Lee
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What is it like to fall in love? It a thought that Allen Walker barely thinks of or probably something that only crosses his mind once, twice or even close to seldom. As a child, all he had in mind was to survive. It was a very vague memory that was at the same time sharp enough to stab his heart. It reminded him so much of the cold that he felt hollow inside. He felt what it was like to be alone in the world.
But after meeting Mana, he discovers the will to live happily–to be happy. He was one of the reasons why Allen wanted to be alive. Yet just like how Mana arrived in his life, so did the Earl of Millennium. However, unlike Mana, all the Earl did was to destroy his dreams and happiness, and give him his life with Cross. Though his life was spared, the reason behind it still remains unanswered. Now that years have passed and that he has grown accustomed to the life of an exorcist, and fond of the Black Order (only his friends though), falling in love seems to be a trivial matter.
He keeps meeting more people. He keeps saving akuma. He gains friends. Not just any kind, close ones. He forms a list of people that he could call family. What else does he need? Being there seems to make him complete, like he does not need anything anymore. Being with them is what makes him complete. He has a lot of questions about the Black Order, the Innocence, the Noah, the Earl, and of course matters between him and the 14th, but all of that seems to not matter when he's at ease with the people he loves. It doesn't matter. Nothing matters.
Or so he forcibly thinks.
"Lenalee..." the name comes out in an unsure whisper. Ah Lenalee Lee. Who is she? Who is she to him? A friend? A foe? Obviously a friend, a really precious one, but what kind? A bestfriend? But that seems to be an understatement. They've gone through a lot but maybe she is something "...more?" than what he thinks of her. She's probably something more than his image of her. Allen scratches his head in a mix of confusion and frustration. Why does he have to think of such questions (and probably answers)?
A light shade of red forms on his cheeks. Sprawled on his bed in his (and Link's) room, he stares at the ceiling letting himself drown again in his pool of thoughts.
He really wouldn't be thinking about this if Lenalee isn't a girl. In fact, the people in the Order wouldn't make him think of this if Lenalee isn't a girl and if he isn't a boy sharing a great amount of closeness. Their genders are things that never bothered him, until the people around them started making a big deal out of their relationship.
He gets up in a sitting position and thinks of the origin of this stress and confusion. He sighs after realizing that the burden started because of the ever-loving big brother Komui Lee–who suspects any guy who approaches his Lenalee-chwan as a suitor slash a-must-be-destroyed-entity. Allen is well aware of Komui's tendencies. He still respects him in a lot of ways but probably loses it when he goes berserk over his sister-complex issues.
He sighs. That is the issue. Komui suspects any guy but for some reason, has a special eye on him. He thinks it was his imagination but the earlier events just had to prove him wrong.
Allen just came back from a mission and was on his way with Link Howard and two finders to the central office to report. "I'm hungry," he muttered. If he wasn't a responsible exorcist (or Link wasn't watching him), he probably wouldn't hand in his report but would rather spend his first step in the kitchen. His stomach growled in return. "Oh you really understand my pain, buddy," he reached out to stroke his 'buddy'. "I know you miss Jerry too, I do too. Let us endure this together."
With the word 'buddy' coming out of his lips he remembered something. His golden friend didn't seem to be around. "Hey, has anyone seen Tim?", he asked abandoning his thoughts about hunger. The gold golem was just with him moments ago. "At least that's what I believe so," he murmurs 'cause making it audible for everyone to hear didn't seem to matter.
Before anyone opened his mouth, a female screech was heard, "Kyaaaaah!"
The white-haired exorcist instantly knew who owned that voice. Aside from the fact that the Order lacked in the female population, his senses seemed to be more sensitive than usual when it came to her. "Lenalee!?" he called in between worry, and at the sight of her figure being pulled to his direction; while..."T-timcanpy!?"
Timcanpy was eagerly biting Lenalee's skirt and bringing her to where he was standing. "A-Allen-kun!? You're back? Welcome back!" The earlier distress and confusion that graced her figure, melted in an instant. A silver platter was fixedly put in her arms and she wore a smile that made him feel warm-a feeling that he's home. It looked like she was helping the Science division like her usual free days.
Allen was in a daze. It has been a while ever since he was able to talk to Lenalee. They've both been pretty busy in missions in which they worked separately. And with the circumstances given that he was supervised by Link, and Lenalee's crystalized innocence was under surveillance as well, didn't help their situation. "Yes thanks, b-but more than that, Tim stop that!"
Timcanpy let go leaving small holes on Lenalee's skirt, flew and smacked himself to Allen's face. "What was that for!?" Timcanpy simply grinned and nudged Allen to come closer to Lenalee.
Lenalee giggled and smiled, not minding the worn out threads left by Timcanpy. His presence mattered the most. "You look great Allen-kun! You're not heavily-wounded, thank goodness," she pointed at his bruised left cheek, "...but be sure to treat this one as well even though it's small." Allen smiled and was about to open his mouth.
But just when he thought things won't have to go wrong, another screech was heard. "Lenalee-chwaaaaaaaaaaaaaan what happened?! I heard you screaming!" Komui's voice rang in their ears as he stepped into the scene with brisk and solid steps.
The supervisor halted, "Oh if it isn't... Walker?", and smiled–the smile that never failed to give Allen the chills. Oh and was that a drill in his hands...?
He sighs. Probably the fifth sigh of the day if he didn't lose count. He refuses to remember the events that followed after that but it involved three Komurins chasing him and a Komui laughing maniacally. The worst part is that he doesn't even know why Komui has to act like that. He didn't even touch Lenalee, not that he has no intention of touching her... "What are you thinking Walker!?" Allen's face grows furiously red. The color soon drains as Komui's laughter echoes in his head right after.
Allen thanks the gods that Johnny 'borrowed' Timcanpy for a while and Link's not with him supervising him or he would have a hard time hiding his thoughts and emotions. Currently the aforementioned supervisor's at the main office reporting Komui's slacking off. He also volunteered to deliver the report for their mission. Link insisted that he needed rest after Komui's 'harassment'.
The exorcist couldn't think of a better word for that.
Again it bothers him. Why is Komui eyeing him like that? It's not like he's the only guy she's close to, considering the higher population of the male species in the organization. Lenalee considers the Black Order as her family, as her world, and probably it was deeper than his own feelings for it.
She was close to Lavi and Kanda too. Great point, why not Ba-Kanda? Why won't Komui just hunt Ba-Kanda instead of poor him? After all, Lenalee's been with Kanda ever since she was eight. Though the samurai seems like a jerk (or really a jerk), Allen has to admit that Lenalee and Kanda have a close relationship. He finds it hard to believe at first considering how Kanda hated everybody but he did notice how Lenalee could get Kanda to follow an order–her order specifically in an easier manner. "Maybe, Lenalee just has that special power on anybody..."
Now that he's thought of it, it somehow makes him angry. His eyebrows meet in frustration. Why is it that Kanda can have that kind of relationship with Lenalee and yet not be bothered by Komui? Why? Or is he just troubled that Ba-Kanda's that close to his Lenalee?
Allen smacks his face to a nearby table. Now his face's all red for two reasons, the table being the other one. "She's not mine to begin with."
The growing frustration in him seems to be foreign. He has no idea what it is. Or rather, he doesn't know what to do if he finds out what it is. He seems to be a possessive young man. Yet he shrugs at the term and lets his thoughts fly, knowing that it can ease him somehow.
Rubbing his whole face with his right hand, his left cheek stings. "Oww," oh right, she did tell him to cast a band aid on it however small it was. He chuckles at the irony. Despite the numerous wounds he had before, even small scratches can make him wince. He actually thinks he has grown in a way that he can endure more pain now. Or maybe, it's just Lenalee pointed it out at him, that's why he became aware of that small wound.
He chuckles again, realizing how Lenalee affected him even in the simplest ways. Way before, on one of their first missions together, she had to slap him out of his senses. She didn't now, but it made him aware of things he usually ignored–specifically, when it comes to himself.
The now bothered, confused and jealous (scratch that out)-frustrated exorcist drags his feet to the cupboard by the window. He opens the drawer to grab a band aid and cover that small scratch on his face. He smiles, remembering Lenalee's words. His thoughts and realizations, didn't really matter. Right now, he's just happy that she cares for him in whatever way.
"HAHAHA!" His ears perk a bit at the sound of the laughter. The said laughter is loud enough to catch his attention, and his sharp hearing didn't fail him to recognize the owner of the voice. Judging by the blocked and distant sound, he guesses that the source is from outside. Curiously, Allen peers out the window pane by slightly brushing the curtain out of the way.
The red-haired exorcist. "As expected," but the smile on his lips falls upon seeing the exorcist's company.
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"It's not really a laughing matter Lavi," Lenalee says in embarrassment. Their current topic is her brother under a one-week probation. It feels like Komui's a student under detention because of bullying.
Lavi hugs his stomach with tears gracing his cheeks. "I just can't HAHAHA! That Sis-Com!" The thought of Komui under detention just tickles every part of his body enough to make him cry tears of joy. The best part is that, no matter how loud he laughed, the chief officer is nowhere near him to punish him. "He's probably sitting in seiza* fashion while being scolded by Brigitte-san!"
(A/N: seiza- proper sitting position; sitting position with butt on legs and heels; can be very uncomfortable/painful for those who are not used to it)
Lenalee sighs. Right after the short deliberation, it is decided that she has to go on Class C and D missions around neighboring towns just to be away from her brother for a while. Normally, the Order wouldn't interfere with her relationship with her brother, but with Link Howard in the background, his brother's slacking cannot be ignored.
Lavi who hears the decision, accompanies her to the exit to see her off.
She smiles sadly. She knows that her brother could be very childish and overprotective but it will be really lonely to not see him for another week. "Well I'll be off then Lavi."
The eye-patch-wearing-exorcist is interrupted on his merry laughter. Lenalee is really affected. He couldn't blame her, tension has been slowly building up in the Order ever since Allen's surveillance. He places his left hand on Lenalee's head, tousling her hair. "Sheesh. It's just a week, your brother needs a lesson. Besides, if you're to be bothered by something, it's that your boyfriend was nearly killed y'know."
Lenalee coughs out, blushing. "B-b-boyfriend...!"
Bingo. Lavi mentally pats himself at the back, for being a genius. "Isn't he?" he asks as he enjoys looking at that face she's making.
"Not..." Yet.
It's been a while ever since she talked to Allen and unfortunately, it is interrupted a while ago. She feels glad to be able to speak a few words, but he isn't able to reply. She at least wants to hear his voice a bit more.
There are a lot of things she wants to ask. There are a lot of things she wants to talk about. There are a lot of expressions to be shared with each other. Though, whatever those things are, it doesn't really matter. In the end, all she wants is to spend time with him; even if they are to stay in silence she wouldn't mind. Whether he was smiling, or even crying, she wouldn't mind either. She just wants to be with him, that's all.
She blushes and starts punching Lavi's shoulder. "Just stop it already!"
"What the? I haven't even said anything yet-oww! Hey that really hurt Lenalee! Your punches are strong too y'know!" Note-to-self, blame Yuu for Lenalee's increasing strength due to training.
"S-sorry...", now embarrassed because of her actions, she bows a bit. Really, it's Lavi who brought up the idea after all. But she does feel guilty on lashing it all out on him.
Lavi laughs. Hard. In a mischievous manner. He gets a loud smack on his arm because of that. Maybe she really doesn't feel guilty for hitting him.
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She is blushing. That is the first thing Allen notices when his gaze falls on her. At first she has a small disappointed and down expression, but somehow it makes him glad to see it disappear quickly. Is it Lavi who made it all disappear? Is she disappointed because she has to say goodbye to Lavi?
His large hand patting her head, that bright smile and sound laughter, those serve as a clear answer to his question. Why is he even asking? It's not like he's dealing with jealousy anyway.
He suddenly feels uncomfortable and lost, unable to realize that he has been staring below far too long.
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Lenalee looks up at a certain window–the window to Allen's room. The bright sun's flare blocks a portion of her vision, and makes her unable to recognize whatever or whoever is in that room. She places her hand by her forehead to shield her sight from this as her brows furrow.
"Is something wrong?"
She faces Lavi who has a curious expression on his face. She brings her hand down and shakes her head. "Maybe... it was just my imagination." But for some reason, she thinks Allen is there watching them. He must be tired and hungry, she thinks, that's why there's no way for him to just stare at them. "Besides, he would've called if he was really there," she softly mutters under her breathe.
Lavi didn't quite catch whatever Lenalee is saying but he decides to follow her gaze. A smirk forms on his lips. "Well see yah Lenalee! Good luck with the missions. Keep safe."
She smiles at him, her missions were fairly easy compared to their usual but, "Thanks!" she beams.
"Oh wait!" Lavi pulls her by the shoulder and wraps his arms around her, giving her a big bear hug.
The female exorcist is surprised by the sudden action but returns the gesture. Lavi was just caring, he just wants to comfort her. "Thank you Lavi, really. I'm alright now."
With her burden off her, Lenalee finally sets off in full spirits and in top condition.
Lavi waves at her retreating figure with a smile. With her presence now gone, the red-haired looks up at the window and gives someone a taunting smile.
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"Bastard," Because he is not jealous, Allen's grip at the curtain becomes dangerously tight, almost ripping its threads and stitches. Of course, still not because of jealousy, his jaw clenches and he has the intent to pull Lavi's scarf and use it to hang him somewhere. Or probably just pull it, tight enough to suffocate him. The young man feels his black horns grow – Black Allen's summoning 67%.
"Oh is he?" Link's voice caves in.
In panic and shock, he accidentally grabs the cloth downward with too much force, pulling the curtain rod and rails to his head. Shifting his weight, Allen falls on the floor with a loud thud. "L-link-san, you're back. That was fast." He forces a smile, trying to untangle his lying form from the disarrayed curtain.
The supervisor decides to ignore that and instead shows him some papers. "Your signature is needed on the report."
"Ah right right," he totally forgot. Grabbing a pen by the counter, Allen approaches Link, his eyes focused on the papers.
He uncaps the pen as he hears Link speak, "Miss Lee has left."
Allen tries his best not to show his jolt after the mention of her name. "Ah I see." He signs the paper with his gloved hand.
"Are you alright with this?"
"With what?" Allen stands straight after returning the cap of the pen, as he finishes afflicting his signature.
Link stares at the pretending boy. "It is not in my job description but I cannot help but notice. Every time you come back from a mission, she is always the first one rushing to know how you're doing. If I am not mistaken, you are clearly in favor of this considering that you blocked the door in order for me not to come in this room before."
Allen though not guilty (probably) of anything fails to look at Link in the eyes. He has no idea where this conversation is going. Or maybe he knows too well that's why he doesn't want it to continue. "I guess Lenalee has other things to do," a lame attempt to end it.
Link, though not convinced, fixes the papers in his hands and prepares himself to go out of the room. Before closing the door, he speaks again. "Walker."
Upon the mention of his name, Allen bobs his head, giving his full attention–or at least what he could muster.
"You signed on the Inspector's line. I'll prepare another set of papers, please sign above the Exorcist's line next time."
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Chomp. Chomp. It is dinner time and even his appetite is clearly affected. The amounts didn't vary at all but his pace is slower. True, he didn't have much time to spend with his friends-being assigned to different missions and all, but he misses it a lot. He misses them. Those times he stole Lavi's yakiniku. When he smashed Ba-Kanda's face on his bowl. And maybe... or truly those times Lenalee-
"Would you like a portion of this chocolate cake, Allen-kun?"
Allen immediately looks upfront with bright eyes wide open.
"Bleh..." Lavi's face, sticking his tongue out, welcomes his sight.
Allen fights the urge to flip the table over him (killing Lavi in the process. Hopefully).
"I'm pretty good with voice imitation huh, don't ya think Allen?"
The younger exorcist scowls and starts digging in again. He hates to admit it, but Lavi is good. Really good. "Not really," of course he wouldn't tell him.
Lavi smiles and takes the seat in front of him, while Link continues eating quietly beside Allen. "So how was your mission?" it is Lavi who breaks the short silence.
The white-haired settles his chopsticks near his dish, "It was pretty tiring. There was a level 4. Then a couple of level 3s but a bunch of level 1s and 2s. Despite that, there was no innocence in that area." As he states a summary, it looked as if the energy and spirits drained from his face. Lavi is of course sharp to notice this.
"Do you want this?" Lavi asks gliding his plate of yakiniku near Allen. Normally, Allen would've already made something to take revenge on him, like devouring it all or smacking it on his face, in line with his earlier pranks but the other exorcist looks poorly unmotivated to do so. He gets a deadpan look from Allen. "You know, if you want something, you have to do anything you can to get it," Lavi starts as he places his plate back to its original position.
"Just like now. I'm pretty sure you wanted to take revenge on me, no? Ruining my meal would truly declare quits wouldn't it? Nothing's restricting you Allen, except timing. When you're given the chance, you have to grab it, before it goes away forever. Just like... this," Lavi ended by eating the remaining slices and leaving his plate clean. He smiles and excuses himself to exit the cafeteria.
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"Say Link..." exactly one day after that encounter with Lavi, Allen speaks as he lays down on his bed, his palm atop his closed eyelids. During breakfast, snack time, lunch and even dinner, Allen didn't meet any of his close friends. It seems like everybody is busy and it just makes him more uneasy.
Link with his glasses on, flips the page of the book he is reading–How to Handle Beansprouts. Even with no reassurance that he was listening, Allen continues, "Is it wrong to wait for the right time?"
The supervisor once again flips a page but speaks, "I do not remember being a love adviser as part of my job description Mr. Walker."
Allen quickly stands up with an embarrassed expression, "L-love adviser... th-that's not what I meant Link!" He tries to remain calm and composed but fails miserably. It is never his intention to bring up his love life or probably anything about that topic, but Lavi's words bother him. And it just adds more to his dilemma.
He has always considered himself as a patient person. Calling him the Destroyer of Time is almost some kind of irony. He values time well as it is something that cannot be taken back but, rushing into things just seems wrong. He learnt that through experience. Sometimes, letting yourself be guided by your raging emotions may bring you to situations you'd regret. Memories of regret flashes through his mind in horror, and yet despite that, he starts doubting if he is making the right decisions.
The sound of the book closing brings Allen back from his trance. Link stands up from his chair and looks outside the window. From his position, all Allen could see was the dark night sky but Link's eyes narrows. The supervisor is seeing something he couldn't see from his view. But the disturbing thing is his grim expression. Just as Allen is about to ask, Link speaks, "It looks like Miss Lee has arrived from her mission..."
It is a statement with no tone but Allen jumps from his position and rushes to the window almost whacking Link out of the way, an intense worry filling him up. Fear. "What happe-?", only the street lamps are seen outside and nothing else. The strong worry slowly subsides but anger suddenly fills him this time. His gray eyes pierces Link's figure, "You shouldn't joke about this Link!" Allen's left hand grabs Link's collar as his right hand balls into a fist ready to land a sound punch.
Link, though under a tight situation just stares back at him maintaining composure on his face. For what seemed like five seconds, Allen releases his collar and drops his vision to the carpeted floor, "I-Im sorry... Link-san."
The blonde while fixing his crumpled collar speaks in the same tone, "As your supervisor, I am supposed to do my job and report your behavior earlier..." Allen bites his lip and closes his eyes, he isn't supposed to make his situation worse. He wants to bang himself on the wall right now, as if it would relieve him off the situation. These are some of the situations he hates, when he acts upon his emotions. "...however, it was my fault for provoking you and I apologize for that."
Allen looks up and sees the supervisor's back facing him. "Link-san..."
"Reflect on your earlier reaction. That can probably answer your questions. I will be outside the room, you need this room for yourself, I trust that you wouldn't do anything suspicious, yes?" dragging his chair by the door, he closes it and leaves Allen alone.
Being left alone is something he didn't have in mind. He is pretty sure a while ago that he needed someone to talk to, but it somehow makes sense that he needs to think again on his own. "Thank you," he says though the one he wanted to thank already left.
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Distraction is something Lenalee always shoos away in her mind. As an exorcist living the life in a war against the akuma, even petty things like getting distracted can cost one's life. That's why there should be no room for one. However, her current condition negates all these thoughts.
"So... Elizabeth-san... may I ask why we are in such a place?" she asks the female finder as they stroll around.
Elizabeth Morris, one of the few females in the Order chuckles at the question. Lenalee is slightly taken aback by this. "Forgive me for being amused. I just never thought you would ask."
Lenalee blinks but continues to observe their surroundings. They are in the city's plaza where the benches, the gardens and almost all corners are filled with sweet couples and happy families. Mostly couples though, much to her chagrin and discomfort that she doesn't want to admit.
The plaza is full of people as if celebrating some sort of celebration. She remembers checking the calendar earlier and it is still half a year until Valentine's Day. Despite her first question not answered yet, she decides to ask another, "Does this town celebrate Valentine's day today?"
She starts noticing the clown selling balloons by the corner. The said clown smiles when their eyes meet. She returns the smile and brings back her attention to the older finder.
Elizabeth laughs more openly this time. "Valentine's Day isn't the only day to be sweet you know."
"You're right," Lenalee laughs while her teal hair strands sways with the wind. "I guess with the missions here and there, for me, special occasions are the only days that I can see sweetness and carefreeness. In fact, at times of emergency, even the special occasions are neglected."
Silence envelops them for a while until Elizabeth says something.
"Forgive me Lenalee-sama. I know that we are supposed to go back and report to the Order today and instead here we are here, taking a detour."
The exorcist opens her mouth but closes it again to listen further.
"For your question though... do not worry. Valentine's Day is nowhere near today in this town. It just seems that most couples hang out here when it's almost sunset."
The answer to her question sparks an interest in her. "Why is that?" Lenalee asks.
The finder stares at the exorcist and smiles. "Don't you think sunsets are romantic?" For the nth time, Elizabeth answers Lenalee with a remark rather than a real answer. This question takes her by surprise, and the second one, "Hasn't your boyfriend asked you to watch the sunset with him?" makes her face flush.
"B-boyfriend?" She waves her hand frantically, "I-I h-have no such thing!" Just how many times will the same word make her agitated like this?
Elizabeth watches Lenalee's face intently, trying to decipher her expressions. "Could it be?"
She tries to swallow her nervousness and panic, "...Could it be what, Elizabeth-san?"
The older female just smiles, not wishing to press it any longer. "You know what? I really wouldn't want to add to your discomfort. Though it can be amusing, I do apologize for that and for dragging you here."
"It's not really something to apologize for Elizabeth-san. But I really want to know why you chose to be here?" There are a lot of places one could possibly choose as detour. She could've chosen a fancy restaurant or perhaps a cozy spa since they are being funded by the organization. However, she decides to pass by a busy plaza? Lenalee couldn't help but question her reasons.
"It's just... it's been a while since I did something non-work related. We've been using every minute, every second of our lives on hunting akuma. There is nothing wrong with that of course. But I feel like I am not getting any younger. I keep missing days to relax, to live normally and just to live my life. So at times... walking slowly and appreciating whatever's around us... I think it's something that should be done occasionally."
The younger female drowns in Elizabeth's words. Just as Lenalee thinks, the finder's words can't affect her more, "And most of all, you have to consider that these things are only here now at this very moment. You can't appreciate them anymore once they're gone. So while I still have the chance to value their existence, here I am, not wanting to miss a chance."
The female exorcist places her hand on the finder's shoulder. "I understand. No need to apologize," Lenalee pauses and stares at the clown right across them.
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"You okay?"
Allen didn't even bother to look after hearing the voice and realizing who owns it. "Well it's good that you asked," he watches the shadow play just by his feet. The figure further confirms the identity of the voice owner.
He sighs. He isn't in the mood for Lavi to interrupt his musings. However, more than three days of isolation wouldn't help him at all; company would definitely be best for him.
Lavi sits beside the white-haired exorcist. They are in one of the stairways near the halls. Because of the arc system adapted in the Order, most people use it and stay away from long passages like the stairs. "Quite ironic that the controller of the arc is here. Alone. In the stairs. In solitude. With no company. Sitting al-"
"I get it already, thank you very much," Allen cuts him off.
"Well someone's being extra grumpy."
Allen sighs. "You would be if I was being a Lavi to you."
The red-haired man almost laughs out loud at the clown's retort. He of all knew what this young man is going through. "Why are you alone though? Your moled nanny's not with ya."
"You could say Link-san has other orders he's attending to. He has no replacement but I'm pretty sure we are being watched. At least, I am," his last statement comes out of his lips bitterly.
"What if I tell you that I am the replacement?"
This time, Allen turns to face his fellow exorcist–an attempt to read his friend's expression, except that it was his eyepatch that welcomed his sight. Allen makes a face, "That was a joke wasn't it?" He presses a finger on his temple, "Oh wait. In fact, you don't have to answer me."
Instead of another nudge, Lavi replies. "Yep. But I meant every word I said the other day though."
Allen, sensing the direction of the subject decides to stare at the wall. "I know." There is no way out. And he knows that this should really be dealt with–to end his misery.
"If you knew... why are you still undecided?"
"It's not that easy."
"What is so difficult with being honest?"
"Who even said telling the truth is easy?"
"Well maybe you are just a coward," Lavi's voice is starting to sound sharp and louder in every comeback.
"Fine! Call me a coward for knowing that rushing things and that rushing her would not do any good!" Allen stands abruptly with knitted eyebrows and a dark glare.
Lavi stands as well matching the level of rage. "This is not about rushing, this is about you, being a coward and scared as hell from speaking the truth!"
"No! This is about you, rushing me into confessing with no thoughts on other things that we have to consider! Our lives as exorcists are never easy, Lavi! You of all people should understand what I'm saying, Lavi!"
Lavi's fists started clenching as he tries to stop himself from landing a punch on his friend's face. He grips Allen's uniform's collar with both hands and boar his eye to his in hopes of making him understand. His height proves its advantage. "Then tell me! Just how long will you have to wait, you bastard named Allen Walker? Until she gets another guy? Until her body's gone cold!? We're in a war goddammit!"
Allen's shocked expression makes him loosen his grip and let his collar off. "You said it yourself, our lives as exorcists are not easy. I am not rushing you for laughs or just to torment you. But I want to make you understand. We're not sure until when we'll be able to see each other." Lavi breathes out loudly. "Who knows what will happen in our next missions?"
The white-haired attempts to fix his collar as he listens to Lavi–each word digging deep into him. "You of all people should understand what I'm saying, Walker." He flinches upon hearing his own words bounce back at him; his last name rubbing salt on the wound.
The loud thump of Allen sitting back on the stair case, fills the silent hall.
Lavi sighs and takes his former spot beside Allen. For what seemed like a ten-minute duration of silence, the younger exorcist speaks up. "Do you know which town she's in right now?"
The red-haired can only smile, "Thought you'd never ask."
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Coward. Coward. Coward.
"We're leaving already?" Lenalee asks Elizabeth, both surprised and disappointed. With all the realizations she had with their small talk, she is starting to enjoy their small break. Or rather, she is starting to discover deeper things.
Elizabeth makes a slightly surprised face, "Well, I was thinking that you'd want to watch the sunset with another person you know, rather than an older female finder." The said finder stands up from her sitting position, stretches both of arms upward, satisfied with the cracking sounds that fill her ears.
Lenalee eyes the distance, with an unreadable smile on her lips. The finder is right. Apart from trying to crack her, that remark actually makes sense, as they have to return to the headquarters to hand in reports. But, something is beginning to swell inside of her. It is an unexplainable feeling. Judging from the slowly changing skies, sunset is to come in minutes, and this seems to matter for her for some reason.
She looks down, in an attempt to take away her gaze from the sky. This catches more of Elizabeth's attention. Lenalee, with a sour and confused expression bites her lip. Elizabeth smiles, "That's what I call, a mix of patience, and faith."
The young girl gives the finder a quizzical look. She feels glad that with no words, Elizabeth is able to sense her mixed thought bubbles. But what does she exactly mean by patience and faith? Is it possible that Elizabeth is not just able to sense, but also to define and understand whatever she is feeling right now? "I... I'm really not sure of what I'm feeling right now. This is... the first time that I felt like this. It's like I don't want to leave yet." Her hands crumple into pair of fists shaking atop her lap. "It bothers me that I am delaying our responsibilities in the Order, but somehow this unexplainable feeling is getting the better of me. Calling it patience and faith... I-I... just what exactly am I feeling, Elizabeth-san?"
The finder smiles, standing still next to Lenalee's seated figure. "It makes me happy that you entrust such a crucial question to me, though sorry to disappoint you, but I don't really know how to answer that."
Lenalee looks down on her fists, at loss for words and thoughts. What if this is futile? What if, she was just confusing exhaustion with that faith and patience? What if...?
What if this breaks her?
"You know, none of us really knows the answer, but... waiting is the only way to find out, right?" Elizabeth excuses herself and buys some balloons from the clown, leaving the exorcist sitting alone.
Slowly, a perfect blend of indigo and orange hues filling the skies, reflect in her lavender eyes. The sun descends to the point where the remaining light kisses the darkened horizon. No wonder she makes a fool out of herself, asking why people are gathered there. Yes, she is a fool for not seeing how the sunset is this breath-taking.
She is an exorcist. She has been too dedicated to being one-which is not wrong- but she is human as well. More than being an exorcist, she is Lenalee Lee.
But maybe, it's not that she fails to see everything around her. It's more of an escape to the things surrounding her. Not as an exorcist, but as a human, vulnerability grows inside of her by each second. All the worries and anxieties of being human, of committing mistakes, and of knowing that death may come in any instant-these fill her.
Maybe being an exorcist empowers her strength, not just physically but mentally. Maybe being an exorcist gives her the courage to live, and to keep things moving forward. Maybe being an exorcist shelters her from seeing the little things that are surrounding her. Maybe being an exorcist hinders her from losing things she has seen in her life.
Maybe being an exorcist stops her emotions from overflowing.
"I'm such a coward!" She immediately stands from her position and vows to herself. She can't just wait. She can't just wait for him.
"Th-then so am I…"
In a snap she turns to her back, abandoning the view she was mesmerized with a while ago. "Allen-kun!?"
With a tired smile in-between his quick pants, he approaches her. He bends down a little and rests his hands on his knees. "Good thing… you haven't left yet," he says in relief, still panting.
"What are you doing here…? And… did you run all the way from the Order?!"
Allen gives Lenalee a thumbs-up. "Bingo. It's almost a miracle… that you're assigned to the nearest town from HQ."
Lenalee encourages Allen to sit, worrying for him. Her face leaves a mark of red, all the motivation a while ago gone. "Allen-kun, this is the nearest town, but running on foot? Did you need something?" Her worry for him gets the better of her drive.
The white-haired refuses to take a seat, and pulls her hands instead. He places her left hand on his chest. "C-can you feel it?" He starts unsure and nervous, almost hearing the loud pounds of his heart beating.
The Chinese exorcist, though quite shocked by the gesture, tries to maintain composure. "Y-yes. That's what you get for running all the way here!"
He almost laughs at her remark, in which she pouts in return. "Why are you laughing, Allen-kun?!" Her face burns possibly darker in uncertain embarrassment.
Allen leans closer, their foreheads almost touching. "I love you."
What is it like to fall in love? Link says only he could answer that. Lavi says it has something to do with timing. Komui says it's "Lenalee-chan". Elizabeth says it's a mix of faith and patience. Lenalee says…
"I… I love you too."
Maybe none of those definitions matters. Maybe she is all that matters.
.
.
.
fin
Author's Notes
This has probably been one of the lengthiest pieces I've ever published. I am deeply proud of this, since when I started writing, reaching 2000 words really gives me a sense of accomplishment. I won't say that I am back here in FFN. In fact, I'd stop giving reasons on to why I haven't been publishing. I'll simply publish what I have and what I can. This story has undergone countless revisions. It has been in my laptop for around two years. I've been revising, rewriting and continuing it every time, I get the chance or the motivation to do so.
FFN has helped me discover passion for writing. I will be publishing pieces, when I actually finish them. Sadly I am one of those people you call a mood-writer. If you are wondering why these are written on my AN (unlike my usual rants), I am thinking of pursuing writing as a career years from now. Not only is it inclined in my current course and organization, but I am simply in love with writing. FFN was the place that helped me discover that, and the place that help me learn a lot of things. I would like to get back to that kind of learning. So in short, reviews would be nice. Bring them on :3 thank you very much
-Miyo-chan02