Chapter One: "You've Got to be, what, six?"

Dear Anonymous,

It's me again. I hope you're the one that got the letter yesterday. Oh, and if you manage to see the one that delivers this, don't think you've won. That isn't me. Honestly, I'm not even sure where he's taking these letters. Anyway, why I'm writing today is because I've lost my voice. So, this letter may be longer. I stayed home sick today. Though, I suppose I should be used to having to stay home; I get sick a lot. I guess I just have this weak immune system, or something. I'm not sure. As if my deformities weren't enough. Because of those, I've been known as a freak my entire life.

However, Anonymous, today, I was surprised. Today, when I didn't show up for school, someone missed me. After school was over (for them; like I said, I wasn't there), they came to my house to see how I was going. One of them, the male one, is the one who delivers these to you. The other was one of his best friends. She was really pretty. Long, greenish-black pigtails, a black top, and skirt that was way too short. That's what greeted me. I didn't mind (okay, I kinda did; it scared me to no end), but I don't really take interest in females in... that way.

Kanda kept a straight face, until he got to that point, at which he laughed. So, they're either coming from a female, or a gay guy. He smirked at this, and kept reading.

They stayed for a few hours. They made me the best soup I've ever tasted (and believe me, I've tasted many soups.) I hope that they'll be my friends. Still, I'll need you. Whoever you are...

Well, I'm off to get some tea at a local shop now! Bye!

Sincerely,

An Acquaintance.

As he finished reading the letter, the boy (he was still only half sure of what the other was, but he was sticking with 'male') from the day before walked in. Kanda couldn't tell if he'd seen the boy prior to that day, and the one before. Then again, he hadn't, at the time, a reason to care, had he?

"Green tea with honey and just a bit of sugar," he said, and help up the appropriate amount of money. The boy's voice, he noticed, was different sounding. Compared to how soft and smooth his voice had been before, his voice made it sound like he now had sandpaper caught in his throat.

The small boy took a seat against the window, leaning his head against it, and once he got it, occasionally took a sip of his tea. After about fifteen minutes, the boy fell asleep. He did look tired, Kanda noticed. He let the boy lay there until the shop was about to close. Then, he had to deal with him. "Hey, Brat," he called, and looked at the sleeping boy. "Hey. You." He poked the boy, and frowned.

Allen looked up at the man he knew to be an employee, and yawned. "May I help," he paused to let out another small yawn, cupping his hand over his mouth, "you?" He finished, drowsily. He hated being woke from a good nap...

"Yeah. Where are your parents?" He white-haired boy's mouth closed into a tight line, and he looked at the other, somewhat sadly.

"Which ones?" He asked, trying to play it out as a joke. He wasn't sure to whom. Surely not himself; it'd be a cruel joke to tell. He couldn't help but feel sad over the loss of Mana, not paying attention to the fact that he had no idea where his real parents were.

"Brat. Just tell me where the fuck you live so I can get you home. You're like, what, six? Seven? Eight? It's got to be past your bed time, if your parents have any fucking sane mind," Kanda said, and Allen's mouth turned to a frown yet again.

"I'm sixteen, and my parents are nowhere to be found. My foster father died, and my guardian – if you can even call him that – is off on some... business trip." Kanda swore he heard a soft, "Yeah. Some business trip. Bloody bastard, he is." He coughed, then frowned again. He hated being sick. Really, truly hated it.

Kanda ended up driving him home that night, and then staying for about an hour – until the younger fell asleep. It made him feel oddly needed...

Chapter One: "You've Got to be, what, six?" End.

Author's notes: Looky who updated! Yeah, I'm that awesome. Onlynotreally. But whatever. ;D

Hope you enjoyed.

-ChalkyWhite`