To Maria Cleary for winning 3rd place in the DGM Fanart competition April-June 2014

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Allen stared up at the ceiling with his hands behind his head. He wanted to take Lenalee out since they had not be informed about any odd occurrences. The only problem was he didn't know where to take her. He sighed and sat up. Then he had an idea. He got of his bed and left his room in search of Lenalee. He hoped she would be in her room, but then again she was probably trying to keep her brother in line. He would try her room first since that was closer. The halls were empty as he silently made his way to the other end of the hall. Allen stopped in front of the wooden door and knocked. He didn't have to wait long because Lenalee opened the door and poked her head out.

"Allen!" she grinned and opened the door the rest of the way.

"Hey, Lenalee." he returned the smile. "I was wondering...would you like to go out later? I mean..." he trailed off, suddenly nervous. "Well... we are both free...and it-"

"Sure!" she interrupted. "Do you have something in mind?"

"Yeah. It's a surprise, though." Allen blushed and looked down shyly, earning a giggle from Lenalee.

"I promised my brother I would help him with one of his projects, but after that I will be free."

"Be careful. He might try and keep you down there." Allen joked as Lenalee closed her door and started back down the hall. He followed after her, mentally planning how it would go later. He liked Lenalee, but he wasn't sure if she returned those feelings. He intended to find out.

"I won't let him. Not as long as I have you waiting on me." she smiled over her shoulder.

Allen's heart began to race. He didn't know how to respond to her words.

"Hey, Allen?" Lenalee stopped and turned to face the white haired teen.

"Yes?"

"...Never mind." Lenalee turned quickly and continued on her way. She couldn't bring herself to ask that question. She thought she knew the answer, but she was afraid to ask. Did Allen like her? She liked him.

~X~ TIME SKIP... LATER THAT DAY ~X~

"Where are you taking me, Allen?" Lenalee asked. He had her blindfolded so she couldn't see anything, but she could smell the salting ocean breeze so she assumed they were near the ocean. But why was Allen taking her there? There wasn't anything happening there that she knew of. She loved the fact that Allen had her hand in his guiding her. She could feel the sidewalk turn to gravel as they walked.

Allen didn't answer her, but instead stopped and asked. "Are you ready?"

Lenalee gave a small nod in return.

Allen slowly removed her blindfold and said "Close your eyes." before taking both of her hands.

Lenalee complied. She felt the ground turn from gravel to sand. Were they at the ocean?

Once more Allen stopped. "Keep your eyes closed." he said and took a large blanket from his bag and spread it out. Taking her hands again he sat down and pulled her down next to him. "Okay. You can open your eyes now."

Lenalee opened her eyes. The first thing she saw was the stunning blue sky and shimmering aqua water. Then, Allen's hand on her hand with their fingers intertwined.

"Surprise." he whispered.

"Oh Allen!" she breathed.

"Just wait. It gets better." he said and gazed up at the sky just as the sun began to set.

"So pretty..."

Allen laid down and let Lenalee rest her head on his chest.

"Thank you,Allen."

"Lenalee?"

"Yes?"

"I love you." Allen murmured softly.

"I love you,too, Allen." Lenalee replied.