Simply Captivating Chapter 2:Machiavellian Dining Invite, a d.gray-man fanfic

Disclaimer: I do not own D-Gray Man. I cosplay Allen instead. XD This story was written for my friend. So just so you know, it is a Lavi x Allen all over the place. –LEMON WARNING- Don't like them together, don't read it. I like them. They seem almost, I repeat, almost canon when you read the manga. You just have to look through those little black lines.

Welcome to another Exorcist tale:

Simply Captivating

Chapter 2: Machiavellian Dining Invitation

Dawn broke across the sky as the morning crept over the town. The Exorcists shared a leisurely breakfast where indeed Lenalee and Lavi for various reasons were almost back to their normal selves. Krory felt much better as the tension was gone. It had made him quite nervous all last night. At least, the inn was not parsimonious when it came to the food. The inn keeper himself was thanking the heavens that these visitors would only be staying one day as two of them seemed to be famine demons. He tried not to cry as he set out another set of plates and took the empty ones away.

"So, Krory. Did you find out anything last night?" Allen asked over a mouthful of porridge.

"Not much." The older man replied. Krory took a bite of a biscuit then a drink of the rose wine he had been served, "I heard that it isn't often that anyone is invited up to the castle. Apparently, this town's trouble with the Akuma has been going on for quite a while. It seems quite normal for them but recently a lot more people have been getting killed randomly. A lot of people didn't feel like talking."

"Hmm. So what about this Claudia chick?" Lavi asked. He sipped the orange juice that had just been left by the inn keeper.

"She's the reigning ruler here. Her father died not very long ago and her mother at child birth." Krory recited from memory, "The villagers speak highly of her. They say that she really cares about the state of the country."

"But yet she sends pompous messengers to deliver dining invitations?" Lenalee put her glass down.

"Come now Lenalee." Allen spoke gently, "She can't be responsible for all of her workers actions. The guy obviously was not thrilled with the Order."

"Aren't you two done yet?" Lenalee sighed not wanting to admit that Allen may be right.

They both chugged their drinks then put the glasses back on the table, "We're done."

The group then took to the tailor shop. In the case of Allen and Krory, all they needed were a few articles to be added to their normal clothes to complete the appearance of formal. Both Lavi and Lenalee had to have an entire formal outfit sewn. While waiting for their companions, Krory and Allen decided to take a walk around town. Their reception form the people was quite friendly and some of the people even recognized Krory from last night. They received quite a few tidbits of free food from the market vendors.

"The people here are so nice." Krory smiled as he bit into the turkey leg that had been given to him.

"It seems so." Allen replied cheerfully then he put a hand on Krory's shoulder. He stretched up and adjusted the man's top hat, "There you go, Krory." Timcampy was perched on the white hair.

"Thanks." The vampire smiled.

"Hey!"

Krory and Allen turned to see Lenalee and Lavi walking toward them or rather, Lenalee was walking and Lavi was racing toward them like an excited child. He looked quite misplaced in his suit and hat. The redhead almost collided with the two but managed to stop short and put an arm around both sets of shoulders dragging the three of them together. He grinned like a maniac.

"This might be fun after all." Lavi let them go then turned to the tall Exorcist, "Looks like you've been having fun Kro-chan."

Krory smiled, "Yes."

Lavi looked left as he felt the top hat which had fallen off of his head from the run suddenly pushed back on. Allen was smiling at him then, casually the shorter teenager began to straighten out his rumpled clothing, "You shouldn't run in this outfit. You'll rip it."

Lavi shook his head, "You're always fussing about my clothes."

"Allen's right." Lenalee spoke up as she approached, "Most of it is made of silk, besides, we're supposed to be on our best behavior."

"You guys are no fun." Lavi stuck his tongue out at them playfully. He grinned as Allen made a face back at him.

Krory looked up at the sky then checked his pocket watch. He frowned at the castle, "It's almost time."

"Well…" Lenalee sighed.

"Heh," Lavi grabbed Allen's wrist, "Then let's go!"

"L-Lavi!!" Allen stumbled at the redhead took off at a run.

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Once the quartet reached the castle, the Exorcists were immediately escorted into its dark depths. It was quite as dreary as Krory's own castle had been, except maybe brighter. Tapestries and portraits of young and old people adorned the cold gray stone walls. They were not allowed much of a look around as they were without delay taken to a banquet hall. The room itself was immense but strangely unadorned save for the long wooden table that stretched down the center and the various chairs the surrounded it. It seemed slightly eerie. Lavi and Lenalee had to stifle their laughs for as soon as they had walked into the room, Allen and Krory's jaws had almost hit the floor. Their eyes had been drawn to the large spread of food that covered the near length of the table. They all turned as the doors at the opposite end of the room opened and a richly adorned young woman came walking into the room. She was exceedingly beautiful. The woman raised her arms.

"Welcome. I am Princess Claudia Isabella Anastasia Talskaya. It is an honor to receive you here in my home, Exorcists. Please be seated."

A maid quickly drew the chair at the head of the table for Claudia to sit. Following the maid when she gestured at them, the Exorcists were seated, much to Lavi's disappointment, with Allen and Krory to the direct left of Claudia and Lavi and Lenalee to her right. The black haired woman smiled at them pleasantly while a servant poured them some wine. Allen held up a hand as the serving girl went to pour his cup.

"I'm sorry I don't drink. Do you have anything else?"

The girl looked briefly to Claudia who nodded. The princess smiled, "We have tea if that would suit you better."

"Yes, please." Allen made a slight respectful nod of his head.

The servant finished filling the others cups then returned to the kitchen area.

"So, why have you asked us here?" Lenalee asked as politely as she could muster.

Claudia's smile never faltered, "Oh, but it would be rude to get down to business quite so quickly wouldn't you think? I did invite you to dinner after all. Please, friends, eat and after we shall discourse." She waved a hand at the feast as Allen was served his tea, "Else all this shall become cold."

The four exchanged a look, seems that this was not going to be over quickly. Getting the ok from their companions, the two parasite type Exorcists did not need to be told twice to eat. They dove into the fare piling their plates high as though they had been starving. Lavi carefully made himself a small plate and began to eat. The forced meeting was annoying but at least the food tasted sublime. Perhaps, this was not going to be a complete waste of time. Maybe even a tidbit of information would crop up that would impress the old man. Bookman had been on his case lately for his lack of attention. Lavi could not help it. After he had let his feelings in, the war was constantly on his mind. He did not want to lose any of his precious friends; friends that he was not supposed to have.

The feast continued on in silence broken only by the casual conversation of Claudia as she became acquainted with her guests. She refused to talk about anything important insisting that they wait until after dinner. After a while of enjoying the food, Lavi was full. He let out a happy sigh then looked at his companions. Lenalee was near the end of her own plate but it seemed as if she too were quite full. The other two were still ravenously devouring whatever was in reach. Lavi had to give Allen credit, the usually frantic eater was controlling himself quite well and though consuming the fare like a hole was in his stomach, he appeared mannered. Bored, Lavi turned to their hostess.

"We really do feed them, promise." Lavi laughed.

Claudia's smile turned to him, "It's alright. Let them eat their fill, we have plenty here."

"Maybe not when they're done." Lavi received a slight elbow to the ribs from Lenalee. She shook her head at him with a slightly amused grin then turned back to the tiny conversation she was having with Krory. Lavi started to talk to Allen when he heard Claudia speak again.

"It's Lavi, is it?"

"Yeah, that's me." Lavi looked back at her only to be taken aback for just a second at the look she gave him. Seeing the slightly confused expression on his face, Claudia looked away almost bashfully. Lavi's brow furrowed and a small frown set upon his lips. What was that? It had almost seemed as if she had attempted to flirt with him. Something funny was going on. The lean Exorcist turned to mention it to Lenalee when Allen spoke up.

"I'm sorry to have eaten so much without thanking you first."

"No, that's perfectly fine." Claudia's flawless voice came.

Lavi would have laughed at Allen's attempt to give a half bow with part of a piece of bread handing out of his mouth if he had not noticed that Claudia had just tried to give the white haired teen the same look she had given him. Even though he was looking straight at her, Allen was too oblivious to have noticed what it meant. Even if there had not been food to distract him, Lavi doubt that the other boy would have realized what had just occurred. However, an anger was rising, stirred in the depths of Lavi. He ground his teeth resisting the primal urge to lash out in defense of what was his. The redhead tried to calm himself. He had promised Allen, his most important one, that he would behave. Besides, it was not as if it had worked on either of them. So he would be on his best behavior, but if she as much as put one finger on him… Lavi ground his teeth some more.

"Is something wrong Lavi?"

The teen glanced over at Lenalee who was now staring at him, "Not…" He looked back to their 'gracious' host, "much." He felt a little better now that Claudia had noticed that her charm was wasted on Allen and had move on to Krory. Good luck with that, bitch.

"You sure can eat a lot handsome." Claudia put on the best smile that she had but was having trouble keeping it there past the frown that wanted to draw across her bright red lips. Were all these Exorcists dense as stone?!

The red haired boy had seemed to be the most promising. He was young and had a roving air about him but the terribly startled look that he had given her in return to her flirtatious exchange seemed to say that he was off the market big time. He must have a steady relationship already. The younger boy was apparently either stupid or had far more estrogen than testosterone. He was quite slight after all. She knew that he had been looking straight at her when she had attempted to catch him but he did not even seem to notice her attempt. Stupid Exorcists! At least they had not caught on to the fact that the body she inhabited was not her own but that of her dearly departed sister. If those incompetent Level Three Akuma that she had sent out had just done them in she would not even have to try and kill them herself! Claudia lowered her head and blinked shyly as she noticed the older one react. Finally, got one! She had not been looking forward to trying a pass at the girl. She was probably the red head's girl anyway.

"Krory?" Allen turned to his friend as he heard the vampire choke on his last bite. Krory seemed to be unable to breathe. Allen struck him hard on the back several times in an attempt to help then offered the coughing man some tea, "Are you ok?"

"Y-yes…" Krory choked then he took the offered tea cup and had a sip. His hands were shaking.

"Your face is red." Allen started, puzzled.

"That's because he was just choking, Allen." Lenalee passed Krory a napkin, "Take smaller bites, Krory."

"Ah…" Allen looked back to the tall man. He noticed that his friend seemed to be acting slightly more awkward than usual, "Krory…?" He touched the vampire's shoulder.

Krory jumped almost completely out of his chair as if he had been spooked which startled Allen into falling backwards in his own chair and hitting the floor. Both Lenalee and Lavi stood to their feet instantly. Claudia let out a quick irate sigh before mimicking the worry of the Exorcists.

"Allen?" Lenalee called.

"You ok?" Lavi started to walk around the table when he saw one thin gloved hand rise up from over the wooden surface of the table.

"I'm ok." Allen got quickly to his feet and straightened his chair, "I'm sor—" He had bowed just as speedily as he had gotten to his feet only to strike his head on the table and return to the floor.

"Allen?" Krory reached down to help the white haired teenager up. He was over his awkwardness of Claudia and was only consumed with concern for his frantic friend.

"I-I'm…alright…"Allen took Krory's offered hand and stood up once again. This time far more slowly.

"Back away from the table before you apologize." Lavi shook his head amused now that he knew Allen was fine.

"I'll remember…huh?" Allen blinked as the bandage over his eye peeled half of the way off. He started to reach up and pull it off the rest of the way.

In an instant, Claudia was up and by his side. Just as he had finished removing the bandage and was about to open his wounded eye, she covered it over with her hand. Allen gasped startled.

"You're eye is hurt. You shouldn't expose it to such bright light yet." Claudia spoke quickly. A fake beautiful caring smile was plastered on her face.

Damn it! Claudia cursed to herself. She had planned to separate them and take them down one by one. She had thought that it would be easy since three of them were male but they had to be the three most drive-less men in the world. Her irritation grew as she noticed Allen's bandage falling. The whole plan would be over if the cursed Exorcist opened his Akuma seeing eye. Stupid Exorcists! Better try and take this one.

"Come. There's an infirmary just down the hall. I'll take you there myself." She filled her voice with as much concern as she possibly could without choking on her own disgust.

"U-uh…um…" Allen winced. His eye was burning badly. It felt as if there was a hot iron over it. He tried to step back just a little but Claudia stepped with him to protect the eye. Maybe it was burning because something had already gotten into it or perhaps she was right about the light, "O-ok…" Allen started to follow Claudia when he felt a strong hand take his left elbow.

"Don't worry yourself about Allen. I'll take him there. Just tell me where it is." Lavi forced a smile to his face but his teeth grit almost threateningly. He gripped his prized possession.

"No need to trouble yourself…Lavi." Claudia's fake smile strained in its place, "You should finish dinner. I'll take him there and bring him right back in no time." She tried not to glare. What was with this one? She bit the inside of her lip. Did he suspect her?

"I'm done." Lavi's smile dipped viciously as he showed his teeth, "Trust me. It is no trouble." The red haired teenager would be damned if he let this crazy bitch take his gullible lover anywhere alone.

"Please can we go…" Allen's eyes were tearing up from the burning pain, "My eye is burning."

"Burning?" Concern took Lavi's face immediately. He had been so caught up in being territorial that he had missed the fact that Allen was in pain, "How long has it been burning?" Lavi reached over to remove Claudia's hand. He had to check it. The lean teenager could have kicked himself for not reapplying the bandage this morning. Bookman always said to check wounds once every morning for signs of infection, no matter how well they were treated.

Claudia's eyes darkened as she saw Lavi reach for her hand. Now was the time for something entirely drastic. Fighting three Exorcists would be preferable than all four at once. The two Innocence imbued ones had still not been infected yet. They would be the most problematic to her plan but she'd at least get this one. She had grown tired of this pathetic farce anyway.

As soon as Lavi's fingertips touched her hand, Claudia jumped back taking Allen with her. In mid jump, she let her human form melt partly away to show the Akuma beneath. One inhumanly elongated arm was locked around the white haired teenager's arms pinning them to his sides as she kept him close in her steel grip. She dragged the hand that was set over his eye down the side of his face carving deep grooves into it as she saw the other Exorcists jump to action. Hopefully, the infection would set in soon. A wicked grin stole across her face as she watched the immobile enemy. They were afraid that she would kill him. How wonderful!

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Lavi was surprised when in the moment it had taken him to blink; Claudia had shown her true colors. Gnashing his teeth in fury, he brandished his hammer from its trusty place by his side. Out of the corner of his eye, Lavi saw both Krory and Lenalee activate their Innocence as well. He started to move when Claudia spoke again.

"Move and I kill this one." The Akuma gripping Allen's chin tightly, turned his head to one side as far as it could go, then a little further. The taut vulnerable neck flesh was beginning to turn a slight shade of red from being stretched past its limit. The boy's vertebrae were straining against the pressure.

Lavi muscles were taut in waiting. He dare not attack right now. She was far too quick. If he made a move, Claudia would snap the white haired teenager's neck easily. He could tell that the other two Exorcists were trapped in the same dilemma. They could only wait for an opportunity to present itself if they wanted to rescue their friend. The red head was glad that Kanda was not here.

Allen's mind was racing. Everything had happened so quickly he was a bit confused. His cursed eye had activated upon release and was now throbbing angrily. He became aware that Claudia had scratched his face as the pain overrode his confusion. The scratches burned badly but they served as something to concentrate on. He could barely see his companions with his head turned so far to the side. It hurt and the pressure was clouding his thinking even more. He briefly attempted to move his arms but Claudia's grip was stronger than steel. If he did not do something soon, she was going to kill him. It was then that he caught Lavi's eye. The intense stare begged him to create an opening for an attack. Allen closed his eyes. He knew what he should do then. His Innocence was commanding it.

"WHA—" Claudia looked down. She nearly dropped Allen as his Innocence burst into being.

What kind of fool was this Exorcist? The Akuma barely began to apply pressure to his neck when she sensed something coming at her. Before she could react, the Innocence hammer struck her in the side flinging both her and her captive to the side. She lost her grip on the teenager as she hit the floor and rolled. With a loud curse, Claudia got to her feet quickly to gain a defensive position. She froze where she was as soon as she stood. The Crown Clown stood before her with long razor fingers poised to destroy her. The white cowl swirled around the young Exorcist brimming with power. She knew her death was at hand there was no doubt about it. Damn it!! So close…why was it not working!? It should be working by now!

"Thank you for dinner." Allen spoke before bringing his arm down.

Just as it almost sliced into the Akuma, an overwhelming burning engulfed his arm. Allen gritted his teeth against it but it was too much all of a sudden. His arm reverted back to its inactive form as the pain grew. It was as though his arm was on fire! He screamed as the fiery feeling dropped him to his knees. There was no longer room in his mind for anything other than the pain.

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Seeing Allen prepare for the distraction Lavi readied himself for the strike. As soon as he saw the slender razor fingered hand forming, he swung hard. He had taken the time to aim while waiting so that he did not hit his angel but rather solidly strike the Akuma who dared touch him. As the two went sailing across the room, Lavi pursued with Lenalee and Krory, the quicker of the three, darting ahead of him. However, when they got within combat distance, Allen was already about to administer the coup-de-grace to the enemy. Lavi smiled relieved that his dearest companion was alright. Everything seemed well in hand now.

Then it happened. No one knew just what had gone wrong. Allen started to kill Claudia when he collapsed screaming in pain. She had not even touched him. Confused but battle ready, Lenalee and Krory went in for the attack to defend their friend. Lavi rushed to the smaller Exorcists side. What had happened?

"Allen, what's wrong? Where are you hurt? Allen?" Lavi saw that Allen was not paying him any heed. He quickly gave the cursed teen a look over. It was his arm. The lean Exorcist reached for the cradled left arm but it was jerked away from him. Tears were pouring down Allen's eyes. Lavi's hand gripped the hammer shaft tighter in anger. That bitch. What did she do? Lavi turned as he heard his name shouted over the noise of combat. He swung his hammer up to block a strike from Claudia who had decided to attack him while his back was turned.

"Bitch!" Anger lit his emerald eye with fire.

"Die Exorcist scum!" The enraged rasping voice howled back at him.

Lavi exchanged blows with the Akuma woman then he heard more screaming. He swung wildly in a large arc to get Claudia off of him for just a few seconds. The redhead glanced quickly in the direction of the new screaming. Krory was writhing on the floor near Lenalee who was trying to help him. The tall man was tearing at his face as though his teeth were causing him intense pain. A set of gashes snaked across his neck from where Claudia had clawed him. It was the same as Allen. Lavi turned back to his fight as she came at him again. He growled angrily as he fought and dodged.

"What did you do to them!" He demanded as he caught her arm with the hammer shaft in a block. He strained against her strength.

"You humans are so pathetic and dumb." She hissed with a smile, "It's obvious. I poisoned their Innocence."

Claudia pushed with all of her strength pushing Lavi back nearly unbalancing him. The redhead staggered backwards leaving Allen exposed to attack curled on the floor crying. With a dreadful murderous laugh, Claudia stretched out a deformed clawed hand to strike down the white clown of death. Lavi lunged forward batting the offensive arm away from Allen with a swift swing. He was still regaining his footing.

"Back off!"

"You little fool!" Claudia cuffed Lavi in the head sending him flying into a wall. He struck the stone head first.

The young Bookman struggled to get to his feet but his vision was spinning before his eye. Everything was like a big smudge. He could feel something warm crawling down his face. A metallic taste was in his mouth. Lavi managed to get to his feet but his first step stumbled and he fell to the floor. He raised his head reaching out an arm to where he could barely see a silver smudge on the floor far away. Suddenly the all the screaming and noise stopped. Had he gone deaf? Everything was slipping away from him.

"Al…len…"

Lavi's vision blackened as a sickeningly warm feeling encompassed his being. He fell becoming lost in the darkness.

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DREAMING MEMORY

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How long had it been since he had fallen into the darkness? He lost all reflection of it as his mind opened up into a place to retreat to.

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Lavi walked out into the expansive flowering garden. Exotic flowers were everywhere. This manor was a nice reprieve on their mission: investigate the hint of Innocence in the remote mountain village of Aswald. They were resting up at a Supporter's manor before making the final three day hike up the mountain to get to the town. The redhead had passed Krory on his way to the outside. The dark man was roaming the enormous manor's halls and entertaining rooms admiring all of the works of art. He had said that it reminded him of his grandfather's massive collection. It was at that point that the fanged Exorcist had begun to cry. Lavi had patted him on the head then left him to reminisce. Their friendly host stood by confused. Lavi had the feeling that it would all lead back to Eliade. He had decided to find Allen. He felt like a hunter on the prowl. They had just gotten off of a four day train ride and by now the mere sight of that beautiful love filled smile was enough to tease his nerves.

The redhead started walking down the garden path that seemed to wind in no particular rhythm. Soon the tall rosebush blocked path opened up into a massive courtyard with a stone canopy supported by intricately carved pillars that stood over the cobblestone path. There standing near a pillar was Allen. He had an arm outstretched and at the end of his gloved hand was a resting blue winged butterfly. A look of awed concentration was on the pale face as he watched the brilliantly colored insect. A hungry grin cut across Lavi's face as he silently approached.

Allen gasped in surprise as two arms wrapped around his waist from behind and pulled him roughly into the body residing there. Familiar hands rested along the tops of his hips. Silver gray eyes watched the startled butterfly flap away into the nearest flowering shrub. He smiled as a warm comfortable neck came to perch on his shoulder.

"You frightened the butterfly."

"Did I?" The heated voice breathed into his ear.

Allen felt chills run down his back and arms only a moment before the warm mouth attacked his ear biting and pulling. The white haired teenager let out a breathy sound. If it were not for the strong secure arms holding him up, his knees would have buckled beneath the tingling chills that were dancing down his spine.

"Lavi…" Allen spoke slowly when the assault on his ear stopped, "We're outsiii—"

Lavi grinned wolfishly as he released the ear. There were no sounds more pleasing to his ears than the ones that came forth from his intoxicating angel. As Allen started to speak he raised a hand to the slim chin and tilted the nonresistant face to the other side exposing the unmolested ear. Without waiting for the younger boy to finish speaking he attacked. The sound he drew forth from the object of his attention sent a burst of adrenaline through his blood. This ear he tortured relentlessly while holding the chin in place to listen to the low music breathed from his lover's chest. When he finally relinquished, Lavi was supporting all of his love's weight which regardless of intake was not much. His grin broadened then he ran a hand through the soft white hair. He spoke against the scarred cheek.

"I want you." He was never one to be subtle.

It took Allen several seconds to recover his senses enough to stand on his own. The heated sentence tickled his cheek, "I-I can tell."

Lavi turned the shorter teen around to face him in a firm gentle manner. His green eye gazed deeply into the silver pools that gazed back, depthless and eternally shimmering. He stepped forward as the sweet face leaned up toward his and kissed him with parted lips. Without breaking his stride while returning the affection, Lavi pushed his thin lover against one of the white pillars. He pressed bodily against the younger boy and let his hands trail down the clothed torso and hips. He felt Allen's slender hands slide under his shoulders to grip the back of his uniform to draw him closer in the kiss. Several moments passed before the redhead released the now swollen lips. He rested his forehead against Allen's gazing meaningfully into the silver ocean.

"I need you. Right now." The words rumbled forth from deep in Lavi's throat.

Allen smiled closing both eyes then tilted his head down rather submissively, "But Lavi…we're outside…someone could…"

"There's no one else out here." Lavi took the lowered chin and raised the lightly blushed face. He lavished it with nipping kisses before taking the lips once again drinking deeply of the draught that soothed his aching soul. No matter what happened these lips always comforted him speaking or not. He unbuttoned the clothes covering the lean chest, yanked the tie free, and pulled the white shirt from the midnight pants letting it hang loosely by Allen's sides. Lavi felt hands slide over his back before slipping around to the front of his chest. Lavi kissed the light skinned forehead.

"You're so hot."

There was that heavenly smile that through the war remained the same filled with warmth and love, "I love you."

Lavi let his lover bite gently at his lips and jaw while he ran his hands across the smooth chest and back. He felt his way up to the thin shoulders then pushed the offensive fabric back so that it gathered freely about the top of the ivory back. The redhead lightly ran his lips from the side of Allen's face down to his neck teasingly, "I love you too."

Nails dug into the front of his uniform coat as he bit and sucked at the defenseless neck flesh. Biting harder as the sweet taste heightened his senses, Lavi pushed forward moving a leg between Allen's to rub up against him. It caused the pleasured sounds to grow louder adding more fire to his blood. This was the point of no return. His beloved, despite his words of decency, was more than willing to allow him to have his way right here and now, and so he would. Lavi ran a hand up the soft bare chest as he felt a tug at the zipper that held his coat closed. He wrapped his hand around the lean chest to Allen's back and pushed him slightly forward into a ravishing kiss. He grinned as he let up. There was only one way to describe how his disheveled lover looked right now with his open shirt and coat hanging off his shoulders, back arched, eyes closed, lips parted— fucking beautiful.

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Lavi woke to the headache of a lifetime and an uncomfortable hard on. He closed his eye as pain racked his temples. Well, shit. Could he not have stayed unconscious for just ten more minutes, fifteen to be sure? This sucked. Unwillingly, Lavi reopened his eye to take a brief glimpse at his surroundings. He was in a rather large cell made of cold gray stone. Straw was strewn across the floor for something resembling insulation and a large wooden door with a small barred window was directly across from him. What a boring place.

The redhead started to attempt to stand when he felt a pull on his arm. Lavi looked slowly to his left as it made his head hurt worse. As soon as he did, he felt as if a large weight had fallen from his mind as he beheld his unconscious angel laying to the left just behind him. However, it also posed a problem. The white haired teenager's left hand was clamped about his wrist like a vise. Lavi had failed to notice it at first because his arm was now quite numb from the steely grip. This was going to hurt. Still, he could not help the small smile that took his face. The reason that they were in the same cell together was most likely from the fact that Claudia could not separate them.

Speaking of which, why were they still alive? Lavi turned his head for a second shaking the thought out, first things, first. The redhead looked down at Allen then pushed up the sleeve of the insensible teen's left arm exposing the deformed crimson forearm. He knew that it would be quite useless to try and pry his wrist free from the death grip. Instead, the young Bookman put his extensive knowledge of his lover's body into play. Rolling the arm over so that the palm side was up, Lavi began to run the backs of his nails up the rough skin. His plan was rewarded as the grip loosened until the hand lay open. For the first several minutes, Lavi wished that he had not done it as fresh blood poured into the ignored cold veins. He grimaced, grit his teeth, and clutched his arm at the pain of one thousand red hot needles until it slacked off and became numb once again. Not that he should be grateful but the intense pain did serve to kill the problem between his legs. Two problems down now he was just still trapped. Supporting his bruised arm carefully, Lavi sat cross-legged by his unaware lover and began to stroke the tangled white hair. They were together, that was the best he could hope for right now.

End Chapter 2

Chapter 3: Captured by the enemy, what will happen to the four? What does Claudia intend to do with them by keeping them alive? With two of the group poisoned, how will they escape?

P.S. Sorry for the long wait for the update, I'm busy working on my cosplay props for JAMP con. ;