All the images, all the faces, the blood the screams… even in his dreamless sleep, they didn't leave him. They tortured him relentlessly, but nothing more horrific than the sight of his dear friend dying. No, he wasn't just dying… he was being murdered right in front of him, by him… Lavi didn't want to see this, but he couldn't look away. Death was nothing new to him, so why did this death hurt him so? Tears stung his eyes and his nails clawed into his skull as he covered his ears, attempting to block out the weakening, pained sound of Allen's voice. Lavi…Lavi… No, he didn't want to hear it…! Lavi…L-Lavi… getting fainter now, but still clear. It stung to hear his name called so cruelly and he yelled out.

"No…stop it…stop it Allen… just stop…! Stop it!"

Lavi…Lavi…!

"Lavi!"

That noise wasn't pained or weak, and it was that voice, coupled with the loud banging on his door, that awoke Lavi from his nightmare. At the time, he wasn't thinking who was calling him, or the fact that he was back in his room after passing out in another; but he stood up, simply grateful that he'd been rescued from his dreams. When he opened his door, however, it was Allen's surprised face that he met. Lavi almost gasped. Allen was stunned, looking at him in such a peculiar way, but it reminded him of what he'd seen. However, he'd obviously surprised his comrade, and he put his own thoughts aside and gave him a goofy grin.

"Oi, Moyashi! Mornin'!"

"My name is ALLEN." He corrected the redhead, a vein bulging on his temple. Lavi stuck out his tongue at this, ceasing his teasing.

"Hai, hai, I remember! So, what's up? You need something?"

"Actually, Komui wants to see us."

"…Us? You and me? ….And Yu?" But Allen shook his head. Lavi's heart rattled.

"No, just you and me. I think we have an assignment."

"A…Ah. Okay, um… gimme a sec and I'll get ready."

"Okay!" Allen smiled, then.

Lavi softly closed his door and stood with his back against it, a hand moving to his mouth. A mission…? Just the two of them…? No, Lavi didn't want to think about that. His dream was just a dream, no matter how real it seemed! Despite his attempts at remaining calm, his hands were shaking again. But it wasn't the images, the dream, per say… it was Allen's smile. Something about it seemed unreal, and foreshadowed tough times ahead. Shaking his head, he pushed the thoughts from his mind once again and began getting dressed.

"…Although," he began, talking to himself. "If it wasn't just a dream…" His eyes trailed along the wall and to the window, showing a cloudy sky. "…I'll protect him. I swear I'll keep him here with us…"

Lowering his gaze, Lavi had to laugh at himself.

"Talking to myself like a nutcase… Ji ji would mock me!" He grinned to himself as he got what he needed and met up with Allen. The boy was in high spirits, and rambled on about what he had for breakfast all the way to Komui's office; which, for those of you who don't know, is a rather lengthy walk. (.; ) After a minute, they were let into the room and sat down by each other in front of the paper-stacked desk. Komui was reviewing a file, but his silence wasn't comforting.

"We have a rather disturbing case this go around, boys." Lavi tensed slightly.

"I'm sure whatever it is, we can handle it. Ne, Lavi?" Allen smiled again. This time, Lavi had no choice but to look him in the face and smile back. It was difficult…

"Good. I'm glad you boys are up to the task! Now, you have a carriage waiting nearby, good luck!" This was a little odd… Usually, Komui would explain the mission before rushing them out of his office, but Komui, himself, was a complicated person, and they'd long since stopped being phased by his random behavior. The boys grabbed the file and took their suitcases out to the location nearby to meet the carriage. Once they were situated, they had nothing better to do than talk and discuss the case. Well, it was mostly Allen who spoke. Lavi was keeping himself alert for anything unusual or dangerous. He swore, after all, that he would keep this boy from harm, and he didn't intend to let his guard down for anything.

"Lavi?"

The redhead's head snapped up to look at Allen once again. He'd let his thoughts wander too much and had no idea what was going on.

"Are you okay, Lavi? You look distant." So observant…

"Ah, gomen, Allen! Didn't sleep much last night is all."

"I'm sorry to hear that…" He looked hurt there… It was cute, but made something in Lavi's heart clench and twist. Allen suddenly leaned towards him.

"I bet there's a nice inn in the town we're going to, so you can take a nap!"

"You know, that doesn't sound like a bad idea! Wanna sleep together?"

In the next moment, the only sound that could be heard was that of a boot making contact with Lavi's face. The finder driving the coach tried not to get involved with the scary, moody teen exorcists.