Okay. I'm realllly reeeaally sorry that i didn't update for like, what? TWO YEARS? (even I can't believe it.)

I shall now be eligible for the "Best Procrastinator" award. Urgh.

Anyway, after two years of waiting, waiting and more waiting, here's the next chapter of French Odyssey. :)

-inserts disclaimer here-

Lenalee was searching for that cheeky scarlet-haired Bookman.

Lavi, on the other hand, was sitting on the steps of a building in the alley behind the restaurant.

What was wrong with him? Why did he suddenly yearn for Lenalee, and felt so jealous when Allen was about to confess to her?

Was he jealous of Allen's close friendship with Lenalee?

Did their friendship over the years in the Black Order really make him –dare he say- fall for her? Maybe it was the emotions during the events that occurred that gave him the final push. The push that awakened his soul to the reality that to love another was possible.

Although as a Bookman, he had never really believed in love before.

Was it really like that? He couldn't help but feel jittery and his heart was thumping hard.

I've never felt so flustered.

He thought of all the long hours they spent on missions, all the time they spent together as a team, and the times that they had fun together, while moodily scuffing the ground with the tip of his sneakers.
Did they all add up to the feelings he had for her now? Maybe it was time to accept it. Those times where he cared for Lenalee like a brother were not entirely out of kindness. Maybe, just maybe, he now realised he loved her, not only as a friend or comrade, but as a man. He sighed in frustration.

Love was never meant for exorcists. It only caused more pain; pain that nothing could heal.

"Hey! Lavi!" Lenalee panted as she saw his silhouette outside the steps of a building.

"What do ya want?" Lavi replied sulkily, looking down at his feet.

"I'm just wondering why you're so grumpy. And why you walked out on everyone in the restaurant."

Lavi avoided her gaze.

"Well, it's just that..." He stopped mid-sentence.

After a long pause, the aspiring Bookman took a deep breath and stared straight into Lenalee's eyes, causing her to feel a little unsettled.

"Lenalee, I have to admit that I was I little jealous of Allen, and a little sad that I couldn't be with you. I- I… really like you, Lenalee, and I don't wanna lose you. I know I shouldn't be like this to Allen, but I guess love makes one really selfish, yeah?" He smiled weakly, before continuing on.

"Guess I'm not such a great Bookman apprentice after all. I let feelings get the better of me."

Lenalee looked at him sympathetically.

"Lavi, don't say that. You're a really good Bookman, and a great friend. I care about you a lot, Lavi. I was confused between you and Allen. But I've made up my mind already."

At this, Lavi looked up, appearing calmer than before. He stood up and hugged Lenalee.

"Well, I respect your decision. That's what I should do. Yeah."

"So now that things are settled, let's go back to the restaurant for the food, okay? Cheer up. We've got a holiday to enjoy."

Lavi cheered up considerably during the rest of the evening. But now, Allen said little.

Back at the hotel

Allen and Lavi were watching television in their room, and Lenalee was already asleep.

Over the sound of the television, Allen turned to Lavi.

"You know what? As a friend, I'll tell you this. If you and Lenalee get together, treat her well. As a favour to me."

Lavi's eyes widened.

"But why would she get together with me in the first place? I thought you were better for her."

Allen gave a short laugh.

"Lenalee rejected me during dinner. So she probably does not think of me in that way."

"What? Why would she do that? I thought she liked you."

Lavi's thoughts wandered back to the conversation in the alley.

"I was confused between you and Allen. But I've made up my mind already."

She made up her mind not to be with Allen?

Well, Lenalee said that I wasn't the one for her. So I was thinking, maybe you were the one. Because it's kinda obvious that she likes you, and I'm sure you like her too. Both of you have a lot of chemistry between you. I'm imploring you to take care of her, being the dependable friend that you are," Allen said, before standing up and switching the television off.

"I'm going to bed. But please, for Lenalee's sake, think about what I said."

Lavi nodded rigidly, still bewildered at the news that Allen broke to him. He stumbled to his room in a state of shock and thought things over.

Why did one simple activity like going for a holiday end up this way?