AN: Allen's 14 now. This chapter is mostly dialogue, all between him and his best friend (oc).

It isn't what I originally intended. Narain was supposed to be Allen's first boyfriend, but it refused to work out that way.


Oh, and I can't remember if I've thrown a disclaimer in before so here goes…

I do not own –Man or any of its characters. If I did, Kanda would never, ever wear a shirt and he and his Moyashi would have been in love at first fight.


Chapter 6 ~ Is Allen Unloveable?

It was Valentine's Day 2008. Allen was forced to attend a party and he drug his best friend Lucy along as his "date." The stuffy, formal atmosphere bored both of the teens. Their only entertainment came from watching a tipsy Cross flirt with anyone attractive: male, female, Cross really did not care.

"Hah! That blonde ice queen just walked away from him without uttering a single word."

"Yeah, my uncle isn't very lucky this evening."

"Hey, Al, check out that guy at the bar. Cross will aim for him next because he's gorgeous and near the alcohol. I bet you he'll get ignored again, or if not, he'll still be turned away."

"I'll take that bet. I'm certain I saw him watching Cross earlier, and I noticed they're drinking the same wine. He really is gorgeous. If only I were older…I'd go chat with him myself."

"You and Cross competing for dates…I'd love to see that!"

"That will never happen. You know he doesn't do dates. He's in it simply for a night of pleasure. I honestly can't understand it. Why would anyone want sex with no emotion behind it? Oh, Lucy, I'm so sorry. I wasn't directing that at you. I mean, you did quit your first day and hadn't actually slept with anyone yet and I mean you tried but it doesn't count if-"

"Calm down Allen. You're babbling again. You don't have to be so sensitive around me. I'm just thankful you were my first 'client.' Talking to you that night kept me from doing something I didn't really want to do. You didn't offend me."

"If you say so, and I'm thrilled I helped you out. Makes me glad Cross ignored me when I said females simply weren't attractive."

The two fell into silence when they saw Cross approach the man seated at the bar. Both men seemed interested and soon disappeared down a hallway.

"Pay up!"

"Later. I don't have any money on me."

"But you made the bet in the first place."

"Yes, and I expected to win. Besides, do you seriously think there's anything as functional as a pocket in this ridiculous dress?"

"Good point. Men get more convenient dress clothes."

"Absolutely. It's really unfair. Speaking of dress clothes, have you been here long enough yet? I know The Arc expected you to be here, but every person of note spoke to you already and you weren't told you had to stay the whole time. I'd like to go back to your house where we can wear comfy clothes, eat normal food, and watch movies."

"I agree. Let's go. Now that we know Cross is occupied for the night we can leave without waiting on him."


Allen called for his car and they went back to his estate. The pair quickly changed clothes and met in the kitchen to grab their snacks and sodas. They went to Allen's bedroom and he started a movie, a romantic comedy they both liked. He then joined Lucy on the mound of pillows and blankets that covered most of the floor.

Lucy reached for a bag of chips and placed it between her and Allen. They snacked in companionable silence. About midway through the movie, Allen sighed wistfully.

"What's the matter?"

"Am I unlovable? I mean, I'm wealthy and from a well-known family. I'm a sort of famous pianist and composer. Why am I single?"

"You forgot singer, and it's more than sort of…you never give yourself enough credit. And do you really want someone to date you because of money, family, or fame?"

"Now that you mention it, that wouldn't be much of a relationship, but I still wish I had a boyfriend."

"Have you ever asked anyone out?"

"No, but there isn't anyone I really like that way now. There was this one guy I went on a date with. We both really enjoyed it and shared a lovely kiss at the end, but he had to move back to India before anything more came of it."

"Isn't it better to be single than with someone you don't really care for?"

"You're right. I'm just really lonely. I see happy couples and they always make me jealous. Doesn't being single bother you?"

"Well, yeah, especially since that cute waiter started working with me. You met Matt didn't you? He flirts and we want to date, but damn it feels like we're never going to get a day off together to go out."

"Not helping…."

"Sorry. Maybe you'll fall in love with someone at the recording studio. That'd be nice."

"Doubtful. Everybody there is either older than I'd go for, straight, or taken."

"Okay, so that's out. Why don't you try going out more often? You could go to the events you always skip. You never do anything social unless you have to because you're a Walker. If you were more approachable, more available, maybe you'd meet a nice guy."

"I am approachable! I'm always smiling and polite to the people I speak to."

"Uh-huh…and it's not faked or forced at all."

Allen crossed his arms and pouted at that. He ignored her throughout the rest of the movie. When it ended, he got back up and put in a horror movie.

"Allen, quit sulking already. And why that movie? I'm not in the mood for blood and gore tonight."

"I am not sulking; it's called quiet contemplation."

"Nope, you're definitely sulking. And I thought we agreed on romantic movies tonight."

"Contrary to popular opinion, I am a guy. I like violent movies sometimes. Besides, this takes place on Valentine's Day and there are couples in it, so technically it qualifies."

This time Lucy pouted but she did not go change the movie. Instead, she snuggled up against Allen and hid her face when she got frightened. Allen did not mind; it was not sexual at all for either of them, and he enjoyed feeling like a protective big brother. At the end of this movie, he posed a new question.

"Do you believe in love at first sight?"

"I don't know. It's a beautiful concept, but I'm not sure if it really happens or not. I know it hasn't happened to me before. The closest I've come has been 'hey, he's cute!' at first sight."

"It'd be nice if it really existed, but it probably doesn't. It's entirely too romantic to be real."

"If you've already convinced yourself it doesn't exist, why'd you ask me?"

"Wishful thinking. I'd hoped you might believe it did."

"Like I said, it hasn't happened to me, but that doesn't necessarily mean it never happens."

"So you really think it could or are you just humoring me?"

"I really don't know. Sorry. If I knew, I'd tell you."

Allen sighed again and headed for the bedroom door.

"Where you going?"

"More food, of course."

"Bottomless pit!"

"Always."