Man, I'm on a roll here!

I'm pretty proud of myself for having these chapters up so quickly. I made a sort of rule for myself: I can't upload a chapter until I have at least a rough draft of the next one written. So, chapter 5 is written, I'll just need a day or two to edit it. So you should be hearing from me again pretty soon.

Also, to my reviewers: you make my life. Seriously, the reviews I got for chapter 3 are the nicest reviews I've ever gotten on any fanfic ever. You rock-moral of the story.

Disclaimer: I do not own D Gray-man.

It was the first day of classes and Allen was nervous as hell. College, he knew, was a lot different than high school. The expectations were higher, the work was harder, and the professors were tougher. But Allen Walker had always loved learning—especially the fact that he now possessed knowledge he couldn't even have fathomed only a few moments before. Black Order U was a different world, but he was ready for it.

"Bring it on!" Allen whispered to himself. A girl in a blue sweater eyed him uncertainly and picked up her pace to get away from him.

Note to self: Allen thought, embarrassed. Do not talk to yourself in public.

He was walking to class this morning, since campus wasn't far and the weather was beautiful. Most students would lament the fact that they were saddled with a 7:45 history class, but Allen didn't mind. He had signed up for all morning classes so that he could have his afternoons free to study and to explore the town. Most of the students trudging along the sidewalk moved like zombies from an old horror movie, but Allen had a noticeable spring in his step. The kids around him could not comprehend his excitement.

"Freshman," one of them muttered.

Allen made his way around the football stadium and toward the history building. He reached the large double doors with an air of eager anticipation, and pushed them open with a bit more force than he had intended.

"Hey, watch it!" shouted the boy he'd almost smacked in the face.

"I'm so sorry, I guess I just—"

"Che, it's the beansprout."

"Oh. Kanda," Allen intoned. "You know what, I take it back. I'm not sorry. In fact, walk back over here so I can hit you properly."

"You did not say what I think you just said," Kanda growled, eyes narrowing dangerously.

Allen was unaffected. "Wow, deaf and dumb. How did you even get into college?"

"It is far too early," Kanda began, shaking in anger, "to deal with you right now. I will kick your ass later."

"Oh, and when would that be, hmm? Details, Kanda. These are important when making plans, you know."

"I can do it any time I damn well please. You forget, brat." He smiled victoriously. "I know where you live."

The smug smile slid from Allen's face.

"Che," Kanda scoffed, and stalked away.

Allen pinched the bridge of his nose. "Oh, this is not how I wanted to start my first day of classes."

"Kid," someone barked. "Get the hell out of the way. You're blocking the door."

Oh, well, so he was. Allen blushed and apologized before bolting into the building and racing up the nearest flight of stairs. Unfortunately, Allen had been born with a lousy sense of direction. By the time he reached the right classroom, the clock read 7:44.

"Just barely made it," Allen breathed, sliding into the last vacant seat. It was in the back of the room, which was less than ideal, but one of the good things about Black Order U was the small class sizes. Even though this was a freshman history course, there were only about sixty students in the class. This was opposed to the four hundred students that filled auditorium-style lecture halls at other universities. Another aspect of his school's small size that Allen liked was the fact that every class was taught by professors instead of grad school-level TAs.

The classroom consisted of three tiers that rose toward the back of the room, like risers. Allen was on the last tier, at the far left. There was a girl sitting in the desk to his right, chewing on her sweatshirt strings and staring vacantly at the map of Medieval Europe that hung at the front of the room. To Allen's left there was nothing—just a large empty space, as though two or three desks had been removed. It left him feeling a little off balance, but he could deal with it for today. He'd just have to get there earlier on Wednesday to get a better seat.

"Hello, class," greeted an elderly gentleman with long white hair. He was standing at the front of the room, though Allen hadn't seen him arrive. He snapped to attention, pulling out his 3-subject notebook and his favorite pen.

"My name is Professor Yaeger," the man continued. "This is History 101: Global Origins of the Modern World. The first thing I'm going to do is send around a sheet of paper that has a seating chart on it. You will sign your name on the slot that corresponds to the seat you are sitting in. This is the space you will occupy for the duration of the semester."

What? Allen thought, bewildered. A seating chart? What is this, fifth grade?

"This is in order for me to better learn your names, as well as to help our TA hand out papers and tests and so forth." Professor Yaeger noticed the class' quizzical looks and explained. "I will be teaching the class, but I will be having a third year undergraduate student assist me in things such as grading papers and answering student questions. Which reminds me." He turned to the classroom door, which had been left slightly ajar. "You may come in now."

The door swung open all the way and Allen couldn't help but give a small groan. There in the doorway was none other than his obnoxious neighbor, Lavi Bookman. The redhead waved jauntily to the class.

"Mr. Bookman here is a history major and has already begun work on his senior thesis. Which is quite good, I might add." Professor Yaeger smiled fondly at him.

Lavi ducked his head and scuffed the ground with a booted foot. "Aww, thanks Professor Y."

"Oh my god, he is so hot," the girl sitting next to Allen murmured to no one in particular, still chewing on her shirt. Allen slapped his hand over his face and groaned again.

"Mr. Bookman will attend all of our classes. If you have a question about the material and I am not available, please see him."

"So I should just sit anywhere?" Lavi asked.

Professor Yaeger nodded. The majority of the girls in the room sat up straighter and smiled. Lavi smiled back, his single green eye roaming the area for a place to sit. He began to make his way to a seat next to a girl in the front row, which Allen silently berated himself for not seeing when he first rushed into the room. Said girl was slowly beginning to hyperventilate, smile wide enough to crack her face.

What the hell is wrong with these girls? Allen wondered. He's just a guy. A really stupid guy. I don't get it.

As Allen continued to ponder this, Lavi's eye finally fell on him. His face broke out into a smile that made the sweatshirt-chewing girl gasp.

"Neighbor!" Lavi called, waving. Every eye in the room snapped to Allen, who tried to sink low in his chair to avoid being seen. Lavi bounded over to him, smiling that wide smile. "Mind if I sit over here?"

"What are you going to do," Allen mumbled. "Sit on the floor?"

"You're right," he replied, frowning. "Professor Y, where did the desks that used to be over here go?"

"Professor Tiedoll borrowed them for his art class. Something about still life and needing a solid surface on which to place a bowl of fruit."

"I'll just use this for now," Lavi said, racing back to the front of the room. He seized a rolling desk chair and proceeded to drag it back up the three tiers and situate it next to Allen's desk. He flashed Allen another smile and gave Professor Yaeger a thumbs-up. "Ready to go, teach."

Allen thought that the venerable old professor would be annoyed with Lavi's antics, but he just smiled and began writing something on the whiteboard.

"I didn't know you were in this class!" Lavi whispered excitedly. "Now we get to see each other every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 7:45 to 8:50. Isn't that awesome?"

"Yeah," Allen whispered back distractedly, leaning around the tall boy wearing headphones who was sitting in front of him so that he could see the board.

"I didn't know you were into history," Lavi continued. "Is that going to be your major? We could be in the same department!"

"I'm just taking this as a gen ed requirement. I don't have a major yet," Allen replied, scribbling something about Ancient Mesopotamia in his notes. "Could you please be quiet? I'm trying to learn some things, here."

"You don't have a major yet?" Lavi repeated, incredulous. The girls in the row ahead of them turned around and looked at him. He just smiled that charming smile of his and they all turned back around, blushing furiously.

"No, I'm undecided. What does that say?" Allen muttered this last part to himself, squinting, but Lavi answered anyway.

"The Tigris and Euphrates rivers," he said, barely glancing at the board.

"Thanks."

"No prob. But seriously, you came to college not even knowing what you want to do?"

"A lot of people do that," Allen said defensively, turning to look at the taller boy for the first time since he'd sat down. He was wearing a dark blue button up shirt with the top two buttons open and a pair of crisp khakis. His wild red hair hung loosely and framed his face, freed from the strange green scale-patterned headband that had held it up every other time Allen had seen him. He actually looked rather nice and respectable, Allen thought.

"Yeah, but I didn't think you would. You seem like you've got it all together, you know?"

"Well, I don't. Now shut up. I'm learning."

Lavi chuckled quietly and did as he was told. For about four minutes.

"Hey, what time do you get done with classes today?"

"Wha?" Allen whispered, copying Professor Yaeger's rough sketch of Egypt.

"When are you done with class?" Lavi wasn't annoyed that he had to repeat himself. In fact, he seemed supremely amused at Allen's level of concentration.

"Oh. Noon. Why?"

"That's when I'm done, too! You wanna grab lunch with me? I can show you all the best places to eat on campus!"

Allen eyed him doubtfully. "Are you asking me on a date?"

Lavi blanched. "Dude, no! I thought I would be nice to my new neighbor, show you around a little. No need to get all weird on me."

Allen giggled. "I was just teasing you, Lavi. Calm down."

The redheaded boy relaxed. "Don't scare me like that, dude."

"Sorry," Allen grinned, obviously not sorry at all. He noticed movement out of the corner of his eye and when he turned to his right he saw sweatshirt-girl glaring bloody murder at him. It probably wasn't for talking during class, Allen decided, because she hadn't even opened the purple notebook that sat on her desk. He hastily turned back to the whiteboard and focused on note-taking.

Note to self part two: When it comes to Lavi, all girls become terrifying.

Lavi stayed quiet for the rest of the class period, occasionally staring around the room or leaning over Allen's shoulder to see what he was writing. When Professor Yaeger dismissed the class and everyone began to pack up, Lavi picked up Allen's backpack and unzipped it for him.

"What are you doing?" Allen hissed, snatching it back. "This is mine."

"I was just helping! No need to get all protective. Unless…" Lavi looked at him slyly, making another grab for Allen's bag. "You have something in there you don't want me to see."

"No, I don't," Allen said, holding the bag just out of Lavi's reach. "I just don't like other people touching my stuff."

"Uh huh," Lavi said doubtfully. "And now my curiosity is piqued. Shouldn't have done that, beansprout. I'm a very curious person by nature, and I won't stop until I figure something out."

"There is nothing to figure out. I just didn't want you stealing my stuff."

"That hurts, buddy!" Lavi cried, placing a hand over his heart. "I would never take your stuff. Friends don't steal their friends' stuff. That is not what friendship is all about."

And there he was talking about being friends again. Allen had only spoken to Lavi a handful of times, and he didn't really know that much about him. He couldn't say that he really counted him as a friend yet, especially since he spent most of his time being annoying.

"All right, Mr. Rogers," Allen finally said, slinging his bag over his shoulder and beginning to walk out the door. "I have to get to my bio lecture now. Where should I meet you?"

Lavi grinned again, jogging after him. "I'll meet you at the Student Union. All the best places to eat are in there."

"But aren't I supposed to go eat at the Ark?"

"Dude, no," Lavi said, sticking out his tongue. "They make all the freshmen eat there, which is total crap because that food is nasty."

"But my meal plan doesn't allow me to eat at the Union until after 6:30 at night," Allen said.

"But you'll be with me!" Lavi said, catching up and wrapping an arm around Allen's shoulders.

This guy has no respect for my personal space, Allen thought, irritated. He noticed that the majority of the girls in his class were still standing next to their desks, staring suspiciously at Allen and Lavi as they walked past. Allen felt his face heat up.

"So I should meet you at the Union around 12:15?" Allen asked quietly. "It'll give us both time to walk over there."

"Sounds good to me! I'll see you then!" Then Lavi ran off, smiling at Allen over his shoulder as he went.

"But the growth was a lot larger than they originally thought. So something that was supposed to be a one day out-patient procedure ended up taking two days and I had to be in the hospital the whole time."

Allen groaned and slammed his head down on the surface of the table he was sitting at. He really, really, really didn't want to hear any more of this story.

"I would drive three hours for a toothpick. They need to have the right consistency. This place I go to, they have this variety pack where they have all different kinds of toothpicks in one case. One hundred toothpicks in there, and they're all made from different kinds of wood."

Well, this story wasn't any better.

Where the hell are you, Lavi? Allen thought impatiently.

The old man at the table behind him laughed wheezily and continued his story about toothpicks. Allen attempted to tune him out, but to no avail.

What is this old man doing in the student union? Is he one of those non-traditional students, who comes back to college when they're seventy? He really needs to get out of here before I go insane and murder him.

"He's not a very good driving companion, though," the old man was saying. "He never talks! I need someone who is a good conversationalist."

Allen turned slightly in his seat to glance over his shoulder at the old man. He was wearing the largest, thickest glasses Allen had ever seen. There were three other people at the table with him—a middle aged man and woman, and then a girl who looked to be his own age. The woman was hanging on the old man's every word, laughing in all the right places and making sympathetic sounds. The man was staring at the corkboard on the wall behind him that advertised all of the student organizations on campus. The girl looked about as annoyed as Allen felt. HIs heart went out to her.

"Hey there neighbor!"

Looking up, Allen actually breathed a sigh of relief when he found Lavi grinning down at him.

"You're finally here!" Allen said enthusiastically.

"Yep! Aww, did you miss me? It's only been two hours since we last saw each other." Lavi leaned down and ruffled Allen's hair.

The white-haired boy batted his hand away. "Can we just go where we're going? I'm hungry."

"Sure, sure. Come on, let's go downstairs. The place is called The Refectory and the food there is the best."

Allen stood up and began to follow after Lavi. He glanced back over his shoulder at the old man's table one last time and found the girl glowering at him. Whether it was for escaping the ridiculousness of what was probably her grandfather or for being so chummy with Lavi he wasn't sure.

Probably a little of both, Allen thought, wincing as he turned to catch up with the older boy.

"So, that old guy sure was annoying, wasn't he?"

"I thought I was going to have to kill him," Allen admitted.

Lavi laughed loudly. "Man, you're almost as violent as Yu. Who knew?"

"I don't think anyone's as violent as Kanda," Allen disagreed.

"That's why I said almost."

They took the stairwell down to the basement, then took a narrow winding corridor that went past the bookstore. They ended up at a good-sized restaurant style dining hall. Booths lined the walls and clean wooden tables filled the center of the space. The right corner of the room was occupied by a small, low stage. A large screen rose behind it, which was currently displaying a random football game. A table full of jersey-wearing boys was shouting excitedly at the action.

"Welcome to The Refectory," Lavi said proudly, bowing slightly to Allen like a butler would. "This is where all the cool kids, namely me, go to get food on campus. Come on, let's go order."

Allen nodded and followed Lavi to a long counter. The entire menu was written on boards that hung along the wall behind it. The place had burgers, wraps, sandwiches, calzones, nachos, tacos… Allen was overwhelmed by choices.

"Do you know what you want?" Lavi asked.

"Uh, give me a minute," Allen said distractedly.

Lavi chuckled and walked up to the counter. "Hey Jerry."

"Lavi!" a dark skinned man shouted happily. His long hair was pulled back into low pigtails and wrapped with what looked to Allen like pink string. He was holding a whisk for some reason, and he waved it excitedly at the redhead. "Long time no see! How was your first day of classes?"

"It was all right," Lavi said dismissively. "Left me pretty hungry, though."

"What can I get you? Anything you want!"

Lavi placed his order, Jerry scribbling frantically, then swiped his ID card. He turned to Allen, who was looking at him curiously. "You need to swipe your card into this reader so you can use a meal from your plan. If you don't you have to pay for it with cash, and that sucks."

"Okay," Allen said, digging in his pocket for his ID badge.

"Who is this, Lavi?" Jerry asked, leaning against the counter and smiling at Allen.

"Oh Jerry, this is Allen Walker. He's my new neighbor. He's just a freshman, but I didn't want to subject him to the gross food at the Ark. I figured you could hook him up with some of your excellent cooking."

"Pleased to meet you, sir," Allen greeted, smiling politely.

Jerry's eyes widened and he slapped his hands against his cheeks. "Oh, you are such a cutie! Well, any friend of Lavi's is a friend of mine. Anything you want, honey. I won't tell anyone."

Allen thanked him and placed his order, which was quite large. Lavi stared at him in surprise. "You think you can eat all of that, beansprout?"

Allen glared at him. "Don't call me beansprout. You're as bad as Kanda. And yes, I can eat all of that. I have a really fast metabolism."

"Leave him alone, Lavi," Jerry admonished, eyes sparkling. "I like a boy with a healthy appetite. I'll have your orders up soon. Here are your numbers." He handed them each a slip of paper with a number printed on it in red ink, then disappeared into the kitchen.

"When the food is done, your number will show up on that board up there," Lavi explained as they walked toward the drink machine, pointing up at an electronic board that was flashing the numbers 33 and 34. "I'm 36, so that means you're 37. When your number comes up, take your ticket to that other counter over there and get your food."

"Okay," Allen said. He grabbed a Pepsi, some napkins, and some ketchup from the condiment bar. "Where do you want to sit?"

"I have a usual booth in this place," Lavi said nonchalantly. "Most people know better than to sit there, so it should be open."

"Jeez, how much power do you wield around here?"

Lavi laughed. "Quite a bit, it would seem."

Lavi's booth was tucked back into a cozy corner, cut off from the noise of the exuberant football fans. The older boy slid onto the bench on the left side of the table, looking content. Allen sat across from him.

"How was your biology lecture?" Lavi asked, sipping his Mountain Dew.

"Boring," Allen sighed. "We just went over course expectations and talked about mitosis and other dumb stuff I already learned about in high school. Requirements suck. What about you? What did you do after History?"

"More history," Lavi said, stretching. "I am a history major, after all. I'm taking an entire class on ancient Turkey. It's really fascinating, mostly because there aren't many surviving records from that time, so a lot of what we know about the society is based largely on conjecture."

"Huh," Allen replied, a bit overwhelmed. "You really seem to like history."

"I do!" Lavi responded, leaning his chin in his hand. "Figuring out how people lived a long time ago, discovering new things about the way they did things, investigating unsubstantiated claims and determining if they're real or fake—I just find it all so fascinating."

"It's nice that you're so passionate about what you're studying," Allen stated, smiling. It was the first time he had seen the taller boy be serious about something. He found it oddly refreshing.

"What about you, Allen?" Lavi wondered. "What are you passionate about?"

"Nothing really," Allen replied immediately. "I'm just thrilled to finally be able to live on my own. I figured I'd find something interesting during my gen eds."

"You should study history with me! It would be fun. We could even go on trips to the places we're studying. I'm thinking about heading to Turkey for a few weeks this coming summer. Wanna come with me?"

"I don't speak Turkish," Allen said. "Also, your number is up."

"Oh! I'll be right back!"

After he was gone, Allen sighed in frustration. Why was Lavi being so nice to him? Why did he want to be friends with him so badly? Aside from his white hair and freaky scar (Allen impulsively raked his bangs over his left eye as he thought this) there was really nothing special about him. Was Lavi taking pity on him? Did he think that Allen seemed like such a loser that he needed his compassion?

Maybe Lavi was just a nice guy…?

No, that can't be right. Just look at the way he treats women like Chomesuke, Allen thought. Originally, he'd thought that Lavi was just a minor annoyance that could be ignored and avoided, but the mystery surrounding the one-eyed boy was growing. This deserves further investigation, Allen decided.

"I'm back!" Lavi declared, sliding his burger and fries onto the table. "Your order was up, too, so Jerry just gave it to me to take to you. I had to borrow a tray from him in order to carry it all. Are you sure you can eat all of this?"

"I'm sure," Allen said, taking his food. "Thank you."

"Sure thing," Lavi responded.

Allen glanced around the room as he shook salt onto his fries. A few booths away, four girls were openly staring at him. When they realized he was looking, they quickly turned away. They continued to sneak glances at him, however, deep in some sort of heated discussion.

"Hey Lavi," Allen began.

"What's up?"

"This might be a weird question, and I know I don't know you that well, but I just have to ask—"

"Oh god," Lavi said, dropping a fry and leaning back in his seat. "This is how it always starts. I thought we were cool, Allen. I thought you were just joking about the date thing in history. But you weren't, were you? Oh no. Oh shit." Then he sat forward again and stared at Allen closely. "Then again…" The redheaded boy grimaced, seemingly conflicted about something.

"What the hell are you talking about?" Allen demanded. "I was just going to ask you why every girl in this school seems to be completely obsessed with you."

"You…what?"

"I mean, I hate to hurt your feelings, but I just don't get what they see in you."

"Oh, that's what you wanted to ask?" The red-haired boy looked relieved. And maybe a bit disappointed.

"Well, yeah. What did you think I was talking about?"

"Nothing! Never mind!" He waved his hands in a placating genture.

Allen narrowed his eyes. "You're being very suspicious."

"Wait, what do you mean you don't see what they see in me? They see what everyone else sees—undeniable sexiness," Lavi insisted.

"Yikes," was all Allen could say.

"You sure are mean," Lavi pouted.

"Every time I hang out with you, I get glared at by every girl I see. It's making me really uncomfortable, so you'll have to forgive me for being blunt."

"Girls are glaring at you?" Lavi asked, as if he hadn't noticed.

He probably hasn't, Allen realized. He's used to girls staring at him, so he doesn't even realize they're doing it.

"Yeah. Lenalee told me you were popular, but I didn't realize to what extent."

"You were gossiping about me with Lenalee?" Lavi said, leaning forward and raising an eyebrow.

"She was telling me about the neighborhood," Allen explained. "And you didn't answer my question."

Lavi sighed dramatically and spread his hands. "What can I say, Allen? I am very handsome and completely charming. How can the ladies resist me?"

"I haven't the foggiest," Allen said drily. "As you're obviously also incredibly modest."

"Um, excuse me. Lavi?"

Both boys looked up. One of the girls Allen had noticed earlier was standing next to their table, looking nervous but determined.

"Yes?" Lavi all but purred, smiling appealingly. "Can I help you?"

"Um," the girl stammered. "I was just wondering…well…we were just wondering if…" she trailed off, glancing furtively at Allen.

Lavi reached out and took her hand. "What's your name?"

"M-Mei Ling," the girl said. She looked like she was about to faint.

"You shouldn't worry," Lavi assured her. "Allen here and I are just friends."

The girl smiled, seemingly relieved. "Oh, okay. We just wanted to know if—"

"What are you doing tonight?" Lavi cut in.

"N-n-nothing," Mei Ling said, wide-eyed.

"How would you like to have dinner with me?" Lavi flashed a heart-melting smile.

"I would like that very much," Mei Ling whispered.

"Great! Here's my cell number. Text me later, okay?" He handed her a slip of notebook paper with a ten digit number scribbled on it.

"Okay, I will!" Mei Ling breathed, rushing back to her friends. A moment later, a chorus of squeals erupted from the booth they occupied.

"You are ridiculous," Allen said reproachfully.

"Hey, I have a reputation to maintain. Maybe I shouldn't be seen with you so much." He regarded the white-haired boy thoughtfully.

"What's that supposed to mean?"

"But that's not fair. I like hanging out with you. You're fun."

"What are you talking about?"

"You don't get it?" Lavi chuckled. "Man, that is too funny."

"What?"

"Those girls. They thought that you and I were on a date."

"EH!"

"My sentiments exactly."

"Why the hell would they think that? We're both guys!"

Lavi gave him a pointed look. "Well, you are pretty cute. I could do worse, that's for sure. In fact, I have done worse." He shuddered. "I blame gin for that. Gin and I are not friends. Remind me never to drink it again."

Allen just stared at him, openmouthed and horrified.

"Hey, don't look so freaked out. I'm getting kind of offended over here."

Still, Allen said nothing.

"Here, how about this. I'm having a party this Friday. You're coming to it, obviously, because I will fricking find you if you try to ditch. At this party, there will be a lot of girls. I'll find you one. Sort of a peace offering, yeah? Will that make you feel better?"

"You're going to give me a girl?" Allen said, incredulous.

"Well, when you say it like that it sounds so…"

"Sleazy?" Allen supplied.

"Yeah. So, interested?" Lavi smiled widely at him.

"Nope."

"How could you not be interested in that? I can get you any girl you want! So you really aregay," Lavi mused.

"No! I just think it is disrespectful and misogynistic to treat women like that, that's all," Allen explained, annoyed.

"Oh, so you're one of those," Lavi cackled. "That's how I was too when I first came to school here. But chivalry is dead, buddy. You'll see what I mean at the party."

Allen pushed his empty tray away and stretched. "I think I'm starting to dread this party."

"Dude! Don't even say that! My parties are the greatest. You will have the best time ever. I'll personally make sure of it." Lavi clenched his fist in determination.

The shorter boy laughed. "All right, I'll hold you to it." In truth, Allen was dying of curiosity. He was anxious to observe Lavi in his natural environment. He was certain to learn a lot about his enigmatic new "friend."

"Also, how the hell did you have time to eat all of that? We were talking pretty much the whole time?" Lavi wondered, disbelieving.

"I told you I could eat all of it."

"You're a strange person, Allen Walker. Interesting, but so strange." Lavi sat back and placed his hands behind his head, regarding Allen closely.

"You're one to talk," was all Allen said.

The taller boy grinned, standing up. "Well, this was fun. I'll probably see you later today. I need to go chat with Lenalee. I'm thinking Friday's party should have a theme. Whaddaya think?"

"Do I have to wear a costume?"

"Yep! I'll think of something fun. Last year I did a 90s party and a Jersey Shore party and all kinds of stuff. It's always a good time."

"Okay," Allen said, uncertain.

"Well, seeya later, neighbor! We should hang out more often!" Lavi grinned warmly before walking off, tossing the last of his food into the garbage can as he passed. He waved to Mei Ling, who waved back excitedly, giggling. Then he was out the door, off to who know where.

Allen sighed, ducking his head to avoid the searching gazes of the girls at Mei Ling's table.

He could have at least walked back with me, Allen thought. But then that probably would have given those crazy girls a lot to speculate about and blow out of proportion. Why would they think I'm dating Lavi, of all people? The girls at this school are crazy.

Allen sighed again, hauling himself up and grabbing his backpack. This whole situation is exhausting. I need a nap.

Yay! Chapter 5 should be out by Sunday, I should think. Review if you'd like; I'd really appreciate it!