I should stop abusing the word Interlude. Cause this chapter isn't. It's not a break, it's the continuation of the previous chapter.

Crack 2.5: Dear Bucky, stop running!

Kanda couldn't remember how long he had chased the mysterious guy.

Even though it had been a very long time since they started running, both of their speed hadn't decreased one bit. Kanda was an artificial exorcist so of course he would have high stamina. But the one in front of him clearly wasn't. He couldn't be an Akuma, since no akuma, even the highest level one, bother to play tag this long. The same could be said for Noah. Therefore, he was human.

And that irritated him. Just what was this guy made out of?

The Japanese exorcist clicked his tongue in distaste. That guy was a walking enigma, and he despised mystery. After a while, they had gone back to the market, and the crowding didn't make it easier for him to follow the guy. He was having a hard time not to lost him already.

Enough with this nonsense. He didn't have time to play tag with a guy that was neither Akuma nor Noah. As soon as he made sure there was no one stand in his way and the stranger's, he unsheathed Mugen.

"First Illusion: Netherworld Insects!" He swung his sword, caused it to release a small swarm of strange creature towards his target. Even if the skill couldn't completely stop him, it could slow down the man's movement.

And it worked. A smirk crept up his face as the stranger gave a small yelp of surprised. He quickly punched the creatures away, but it was more than enough for Kanda to catch up with him. He wasted no time as he sped up and knocked the man off balanced - the man widened his eyes. In a blink of an eye, his free hand grabbed both of the stranger's arm, effectively locked his movements, leaving no opening for him to escape.

Kanda let the cold blade rest against the man's cheek - surprisingly, he didn't flinch - and growled. "What the fuck are you? Why are you stalking me?" His question was greeted with silence. He waited for a minute. Still nothing.

He knew he was making a scene - he could practically hear several gasps and the whisper among him. And out the corner of his eyes, he could see the terrified expression on their face. He knew the look. He knew it too well, in fact. 'Murderer', 'Monster', or something like that.

But he couldn't bring himself to care. It wasn't that far from the truth. He was anything but human. A weapon, he believed. And besides, it was the Finder's job to cover things like this. It was one of the few things they were good at anyway.

"Well?" He spoke up again. The stranger turned his head to look at him, his expression was unreadable. Che. Annoying. "Speak, or I'll kill you." He pressed Mugen deeper into his skin to strengthen the threat. Blood trickled out of the scratch. Still, the man wasn't fazed by it. And this worried Kanda. No normal human should react that way. He was either suicidal or too familiar with the sight of blood. Probably the latter.

He noticed the man were opening his mouth to say something, only to shut it three second later. And after a few times - his patience was wearing thin right now - the man finally spoke.

"You still owe me the plums."

Kanda mentally facepalmed. His life was in danger right now, and he still thought of those god damned plums? This guy was probably just crazy. And had great stamina. He made a what-the-fuck-are-you-talking-about face.

"Right- sorry, let me rephrase it- I mean no harm" the man continued to spoke - it seemed that he just realized the stupidity in his previous answer, "I'm neither an Akuma nor a Noah, nor anything related to them. I... followed you because... you look like someone I know."

"Bullshit." Like he believed that.

"No, really, I don't intend to attack you." He paused, "Except for the plums. I need a distraction at that time, you know? Sorry."

"If I believed you - If, because your story is fucking unbelievable - and I looked like someone you know," The sword hadn't moved an inch away from the man's face, "Why the hell don't you come and talk to me, directly?"

"It's..." There's a hint of uncertainty in his voice. Faint, but it was there. "I don't know what to do if you're really him." Kanda stared at him, looking for any lie. There's none. He was probably telling the truth.

Probably.

Finally, after five minutes, he sighed and slowly put the sword away from his face. However, he did not sheathe his sword. Just in case.

He cautiously stood up and released him. The man didn't do anything suspicious as he got up and patted his clothes - he had never seen any clothing that looked like that - to get the loose dust off.

Ah, that's right. "What's your name?" He couldn't always call the stranger 'the man' now, could he? After all, he would like to know the name of the one that he would later kick his ass.

Silence. The man was hesitated. Kanda spoke up again. "If you don't answer me I'll just call you Plums man."

The guy twitched. He smirked. Victory for Kanda.

At last, the stranger whispered something. He raised his eyebrows. "Come again?"

"Call me Bucky."

He snorted. "Who the hell named their son Bucky?" Seriously.

"It's not my real name- but everyone called me that. It kinda stuck." Judging from the fondness in the stranger's - now Bucky - eyes, it must had been the truth.

He shrugged. "Whatever." Your identity wasn't always have to be the name your parents gave it to you anyway. Some people even didn't know their own name. People could name themselves whatever they wanted. Like moyashi, or that rabbit, even himself. Clearly, Bucky identified himself as Bucky rather than his true name.

And he had no problem with that.

"How about this," Bucky spoke up, snapping him out of his thoughts, "We go to that bar over there," He pointed to the nearby building, "And you," he paused, "Will treat me for a drink, and then I will answer whatever you want, sound good?"

He was going to answer no, but decided against it. He would play along for now. It wasn't like he have to pay it. It's the Order's job.

So they entered the pub, his eyes never leaving the metal arm man's body - what's with that anyway? - to ensure that the guy didn't try to run away. Couldn't have it twice now, right?

He ignored the look everyone was giving at his sword and sat down. After they had ordered their drinks, he spoke up first, breaking the silence between them. "Why do you have a metal arm?"

"There was an incident. Because of that, I lost my left arm, so they replaced it with this." He waved his left arm.

"And who were they?"

The man paused. He waited for him to continue. And he needn't wait for long.

"They were-"

Explosions erupted behind him and followed by an oh-so-familiar machine noise. Shit. The timing couldn't be worse, could it? He turned around to observe the akumas. Only two level one and a level two, nothing too hard.

He turned back to Bucky, "Hey-"

Only to found an empty seat.

Fuck.

He cursed loudly. He'd underestimated the guy's escaping skill. He turned his attention back to the akumas.

"You just have to make an appearance right now, don't you?" He jumped towards the akumas with Mugen glowing in his hand.

When he found that guy again, he would pay. It couldn't be the last time he came across that guy.

Unfortunately for Kanda, it was.

A/N: Oh Bucky and his ever so good escaping skill. Say, does my writing suck?

By the way, I'm thinking of writing a Puella Magi Madoka Magica/Katekyo Hitman Reborn crossover. With Kyoko being the kickass heroine, and slash. It should be up soon, since I'm in the writing mood right now.

If you haven't watched Puella Magi, it's not your ordinary Magical Girl. There's no magical sticks, just guns, bomb, spear, sword, bow and a cute mascot-turns-asshole. And for Katekyo Hitman Reborn, the combination of supernatural mafia and boys.

Next up is Lenalee!