Title: Before Dawn

Rated: T

Genre: Angst/Romance

Summary: The war was over and the Black Order was officially disbanded. Everyone was parting ways, preparing for their next journey. Allen, on the other hand, wasn't really sure whether he could move on. Yullen.

Note: This was just a sudden idea after I finished watching Yu-Gi-Oh! Seriously, I wasn't really happy when Atemu (Yami no Yugi) was leaving for the UnderWorld. It was just so painful and sad seeing the two of them fight during the Ceremonial Duel. I just wished that he could stay with Yugi and his friends in the real World, but this wasn't right either. Atemu wasn't considered a living being but a spirit wandering for 3000 years in the Millennium Puzzle. I guess he has to move on in his afterlife. I cried a little at the last part when he was going to step into the UnderWorld *sniff*-

Another DGM story, this time a one-shot. I have never tried writing one-shots before so this is my first time! Reviews are always welcome~! This story is my very first angst fic so pls give me opinions on how I write!

The war between Exorcists and the Millennium Earl was finally over. The Millennium Earl was pronounced dead, killed by the Destroyer of Time, Allen Walker. The Noahs had mysteriously disappeared, except Tyki who decided to stay with his friends working at the mines. It was a heavy burden put down as the worst had finally passed by.

"It's so glad that it is over!" Miranda said happily.

"You are right!" Lenalee smiled and replied. The two of them were helping the Science Department to clear up the office which was filled with papers filled with the information of the Innocence and the relevant cases which the Exorcists had done and completed months ago. The whole place was filled with laughter, as everyone was discussing excitedly on what they were going to do when the Order was disbanded from tomorrow onwards. Many would be returning to their families and loved ones who were waiting for them for such a long time.

"Please eat as much as you can! There are still plenty of food for all!" Jerry shouted merrily as he served the delicacies on the table. A farewell party was held tonight, and it would be the last day for all of them to eat his food so he wanted them to remember his delicacies forever in their hearts. Loud cheers could be heard among Exorcists who were celebrating their victory over the Millennium Earl.

"It is so great that this is finally over! Now I can return to my family!"

"Yes, it is. But where is Allen-dono? He is the main character for defeating the Earl!"

"Yeah, you are right. Where is he?"

Allen was in his room, packing up his stuffs as they were going to move out tomorrow. He was alone in the first place after Mana had died, but Lenalee had offered a place for him to live together with her and Komui, so he was to move in together with the two of them and live with them from tomorrow onwards. The silver-haired teen was putting his shirt into his bag, when he stopped.

It was supposed to be great news. Though Lenalee and Komui weren't his real family, but at least he had company and would not be alone anymore. Those sad memories in the past with Mana were gradually fading. He was sure Mana wanted him to feel this way as well, yet there were some facts which he couldn't forget. Allen stared at his left hand which was his Innocence when invocated. This was the hand which hurled down and killed Mana instantly. At that time, he couldn't control it in time and caused that tragedy, one which made him regret, that painful mark could not be removed. It was after years later when he was doing his job as an Exorcist, did he finally understand how Mana was feeling at that time.

Now, he was going to abandon that past completely, stepping into a new life. It was a brand new start for Allen Walker, yet he wasn't really feeling happy about it. Something seemed to be missing. He zipped his bag and left it at the side of the bed, walking over to the window.

"Allen, are you coming down?" Lavi's shriek could be heard from Timcanpy who was flying over to his side. Allen smiled at the little golden ball settling down on his shoulder as he stroke its soft fur gently. The golem reminded him of that annoying Master who kept giving him debts that he left behind. He could imagine those days when he had to work very hard just to reduce the million pieces of bills stacking up his desk. It was really hell, and he swore that he would take revenge one day.

"How are you, Master?" Allen murmured softly at his lips, looking at the distant moon above the sky. That revenge couldn't be realised anymore, now that his Master had gone to a faraway place. He wondered how he was doing now. He wished to tell him personally that he had defeated the enemy by his own powers, not depending on the powers of the Fourteenth.

"Allen?"

"Soon, Lavi." But the truth was, he did not want to leave this room one bit. Allen slowly sat down on the floor and leaned against the side of his bed, gazing at the moon and the stars. The night breeze entered the windows, making the room cooler. The small bell attached at the ceiling rang continuously throughout the silence of the night, never ending. He stared at the clock. It was ten o'clock. The farewell party should be starting now. He could imagine the variety of delicious delicacies displayed on the tables, yet surprisingly, it did not make him hungrier. He sighed, closing his exhausted eyes as he put his hand on his forehead.

He started thinking about Kanda.

"Stupid! What the hell are you doing? Go and get the Innocence now!"

"No."

"No, I cannot do that, Kanda." He spoke calmly. Kanda threw his Exorcist coat right at his face hardly.

"What is this? Exorcists wear it! It isn't meant to be a pillow for the wounded!" Kanda hissed before he stood up, walking towards the doll.

"If you cannot do it, I will."

"Then I will be it." That stopped the other's footsteps, as he turned and stared at him with shock and anger. That dark and cold gaze wrenched his heart, yet he knew he had to continue.

"They promise each other. So until then, I cannot take her Innocence. As long as I destroy the Akuma, it will be okay right? Everything is meaningless to win a war with sacrifices!"

He felt a hard slap on his face. Both of them fell onto the ground. Kanda winced and coughed hoarsely, clutching on his severe wound on his chest which was still bleeding.

"What a pathetic fool, having feelings for them and wanting to sacrifice yourself just for their promise."

Allen laughed softly at that recollection. That first mission with Kanda hadn't gone rather well for the both of them. In fact, they were already at loggerheads when they met each other for the first time. But somehow, it was pleasant for him to be able to remember this which had happened for such a long time ago. He had a good memory, but he wasn't sure that he would remember parts of it with Kanda. That guy always hated him to the core, and he was displeased with his snobbish and arrogant remarks as well.

He sighed as he opened his eyes, hugging his knees tightly as he put his head on his knees, feeling depressed all of a sudden. He was not sure why he was feeling so down lately, especially today. No doubt he was going to miss all his friends in the Order, but there was someone he couldn't erase away from his mind lately. Allen stood up to his feet and walked out of the room, with Tim following him behind.

He walked across the corridors, greeted by many people who were grateful that he had defeated the ultimate enemy. Allen forced a smile, not in a mood to engage a conversation with the Finders and the other Exorcists right now. He refused politely, excusing himself whenever someone approached him. He wondered why he was acting so stupid in front of everyone. He was the main hero, and it was rather rude not to be present at the farewell party. It was his last moments with his friends. He should use this time to catch up with them, yet...

Kanda, what the hell are you doing? Why are you doing this? I didn't ask you to do this! Bastard, this attack is meant for me! Why did you take it?

Kanda was a mysterious person. He wondered whether his mood was originally foul and bad-tempered. No one could guess what he was exactly thinking. He was one who would abandon people without the slightest hesitation if they proved to be a burden to him, and he did not allow anyone to get any closer to him. No one could reach to the inner side of his heart. He was always pushed away by the raven-haired samurai, yet the more he pushed him towards the edge, the more he wanted to understand him.

Why was he thinking about Kanda at this point of time? Wasn't it...too late?

Allen shivered slightly at the coldness entering his body. He pulled his coat closer to his body as he walked down the flight of stairs to the basement. He could heard the loud cheers from a faint distance. He turned and walked the opposite way from the cafeteria. He wondered whether he was avoiding them, and for what reasons is he avoiding? Through the paths laid in front of him, where exactly was he going?

The silver-haired teen turned to the right, seeing the training room in front of him. It was a place whereby the Exorcists trained themselves, yet why was he here? Allen stopped and stared at the training room for a while, hesitant to proceed forward. It seemed that the light inside was switched on. Someone was definitely inside, and he had a slight hunch on who he was.

Allen slowly approached the wooden doors, and as he was about to reach it, he stopped abruptly, his hand in the air. The coldness of the night breeze was making his chest heavier, his heart thumping inside with difficulty. Something was preventing him to open this door. He did not have the courage to open it and face that person who was inside. His fingers were shaking slightly. He was feeling afraid; afraid of the truth he had to face when he opened this door.

Suddenly, the door opened, startling Allen as he jumped back in astonishment. The long shadow of Kanda Yu was standing by the door, shocked to see the silver-haired teen at the doorstep as well.

"Why are you here?"

"No, um...I just come here," Allen answered with a stutter, avoiding the other's gaze as he stared hardly at the ground. Why was he acting stupid in front of this guy?

"Aren't you supposed to be at the party?"

"Yes."

"I see."

The whole conversation was getting out of place. At the same time, Allen was shocked that he could ever have a calm conversation alone with the Kanda Yu who would always throw sarcastic remarks at him. He felt his face burning red with embarrassment, urging his legs to move immediately, yet that pair of legs did not listen to his command. He cursed inwardly to himself, feeling totally screwed up.

"Then, do you want to come with me to the party then?" He asked gruffly. Allen's eyes widened at that statement, before he nodded his head. The two of them walked side by side, not saying anything for a few minutes. Kanda turned and stared at the night sky, while Allen just stared at his shadow, wondering how to talk to this samurai. Staying silent wasn't a way to solve the problem between the two of them.

"So...Kanda?"

The raven-haired samurai did not respond at first. Allen bit his lip, wondering whether he should just keep quiet for the rest of the moment.

"What?" He finally responded, his head still facing the sky. He did not get his total attention, but this was all he needed. Allen took a deep breath, preparing his first question for the raven swordsman.

"Where are you heading from tomorrow onwards?"

That sounded weird. It was as if he wanted to know exactly where Kanda would be going. Allen slapped his face mentally, wondering why he was asking such a question. He looked down in disappointment, decided not to talk further.

"Not sure. Probably returning back to Japan."

Surprisingly, Kanda answered, to his greatest astonishment. The raven-haired teen turned away from the sky and started to look around aimlessly. Allen blinked, wondering whether he was dreaming. Kanda had actually...had actually replied his question clearly without a slight scowl to tell him to mind his own business.

"I see. That's good! You must have missed your hometown a lot right? After all, you have not gone back for years."

"No." He replied again, his tone soft and cold. The moonlight was now shining brightly at their footsteps, their long shadows casting across the clear white tiles. His hair wasn't tied up as usual, the loose strands falling down onto his broad shoulders gently. Allen stopped in his tracks, gradually feeling sick in his stomach. He wasn't used to chatting nicely towards Kanda, and he was definitely not used to Kanda chatting rather amiably towards him.

"I see!" He suddenly laughed for no reason, rubbing the back of his head and acting like a random stupid fool. He couldn't find any more questions to ask the raven-haired teen anymore. Not that he had no questions, but he couldn't bring out the questions towards him. Allen opened his mouth, but realised that no words came out. He stalled for a while, before closing it as he looked outside solemnly.

In the end, what exactly was their relationship? In the past, they quarrelled. They couldn't get along with each other well. That was because they hadn't known each other very well yet. The war was already over, and the both of them had somehow understood each other. In conclusion, were they going to stay this way forever? Was their relationship going to remain this unclear?

"Why are you acting so strange today, Moyashi?" Kanda suddenly stopped walking and asked, staring at him with a serious gaze. That blue sapphire eyes shimmered so beautifully under the faint moonlight, never wavering. It was his first time seeing such a strong light in his gaze, looking straight into his eyes which stunned him. Allen blinked in slight astonishment as he stopped as well, staring back at him. His lips parted slightly for a moment, before it closed. Allen turned 90 degrees to the left, his side facing the swordsman.

"I don't know." He managed to say something, trying to swallow the lump in his throat that had been there for a while. He frowned, feeling wet tears welling up his eyes. Was it that painful? Was it so painful to say his last farewell to him? The weird and heavy feeling was slowly travelling up to his chest. His heart wrenched painfully. Allen looked down at his solitude shadow, clenching his hands tightly as he pushed away these emotions.

Was it that hard to let go?

He saw the ground, seeing another shadow gradually approaching him. As that pair of hands touched his shoulders gently and lightly, tears started spilling out and streaming down his face uncontrollably. He shutted his eyes and pushed Kanda away, but not too hardly.

"Sorry." He turned and started to leave. Steps echoed throughout the quiet corridor as he walked on and not turning back. He continued to stare at the ground, until he could no longer see his shadow. The walk turned into a run, as he sprinted back to his room and slammed the door, leaning against it. Tears still did not cease, even when he was not around. Allen sobbed softly, hugging his little golden friend who flew towards his chest for comfort.

There was a knock on the door. Allen ignored it, but when there was another knock, he frowned in annoyance and cleant away the tears, standing up and opening the door. He was about to shout at that person disturbing him when that person turned out to be Lenalee.

"Allen? What happened to you?" She asked in a soft whisper. She must have noticed his red and swollen eyes from the moonlight view. He said nothing and let her in, walking to his bed and sat down. She went to his side and sat down on the bed as well.

"Allen, why aren't you joining us at the farewell party?" Lenalee asked, looking at him worriedly. Allen's head was still downcast, refusing to look at her. He wondered whether Lenalee came at the right moment. She was his important friend, so it wasn't right to chase her away either. But he looked so horrible right now. Why must he always bringing such inconvenience to his friends?

"Allen, can you at least...say something? Don't keep it to yourself." Lenalee clasped his cold hands together with hers. She sounded as if she was about to cry. What could he say? That he wanted to remove the barrier which had been blocking him and Kanda for a long time? That he had feelings for him, yet he knew that it could never be returned?

"I'm sorry, Lenalee." He did not know what to say.

It was three in the early morning. The loud noises and laughter had died down about an hour ago. It was assumed that everyone was tired from all the partying and had gone back to their respective rooms to sleep for the night. Allen sat on the bed, staring at the night sky blankly. He couldn't sleep. Even if he was extremely exhausted, he would not allow himself to close his eyes and fall asleep.

Soon, dawn would arrive. It would be just a matter of time. Allen sighed, remembering the happy days together with this huge family protecting one another when danger approached. He did not expect time to pass by so fast. In just a blink of an eye, everyone was going to part ways tomorrow. He wasn't even sure whether they would be able to meet again.

Allen reached down to the drawer beside the bed, taking out the only photo album he had. It was his birthday present given to him by his friends. He flipped the heavy book open, seeing different faces and smiles greeting his eyes. There were little pictures of him and Mana though. There was one taken when celebrating Lenalee's birthday a year ago, together with Lavi and Lenalee. Another one was taken when they were in China. Everyone was so happy at that time. He would not forget those days together with them.

He flipped the page, seeing one taken together with Kanda. It was the only photo which had Kanda inside. Apparently, he was deceived by Lavi into taking this picture together with him, Lenalee and the redhead. After that, he could remember Lavi having multiple injuries which had probably gotten from the hot-tempered raven swordsman. Allen laughed softly at that memory. It was still vivid in his mind.

Allen's laugh gradually stopped, his smile faltered. He slowly closed the photo album and put it beside his bag for tomorrow's journey. Everyone's happy memories would be kept safely in this photo album. Whenever he missed them, he would take out and read page by page, remembering every single enjoyable encounter with them.

Everything had all become a memory. There will be a time when everyone will eventually part, embarking on their own journey towards their future. He couldn't be selfish. The relationship between him and Kanda...would only be a fleeting moment. Allen looked down, forcing his tears back.

A fleeting moment...

Just before dawn, he wished in his dreams.