DISCLAIMER: I do not own DGM or any of the characters. - It's all Hoshino Katsura's property.

This is just a fanfic, made from a fan for fans.

AUTHOR'S Note: Rated M for language, explicit intimate scenes and yaoi.


How did it end up like this..?

Allen was thinking while crouching down a dusty corridor. That same morning Komui had informed him about his new mission and apparently his "partner" for that, would be the devil… Cross Marian himself! And of course, just like the times they were travelling together, Allen would be the one enslaving himself for the sake of the older man. Just as that thought crossed his mind a spider web got caught on his face, making him scowl in disgust.

Yikes…

Who would have thought that beneath a lively, colorful city, existed an underground extended maze system, where demons had found refuge. It was more likely that innocence was hidden somewhere down there too, since their search in the city was fruitless. After reaching another dead end, Allen was about to turn around when he heard a hollow sound coming from the floor. He knocked the same part with the heel of his boot again to make sure, then stepped aside, activated his innocence and shot a hole through the floor. The smoke and dust that rose made him choke though, so he regretted acting so thoughtlessly.

So much for being... discreet!

Still coughing and gasping for air, Allen got close to the edge and the view left him breathless. Right below there was a small clearing, with grass, trees and a small lake. How could something so beautiful exist underground? It was probably the effect of the nearby innocence fragment. With nothing to hold on, he jumped down in the middle of the clearing and took a good look around. Everything looked so ethereal, alluring and inviting. The light green grass, the clear lake water, the huge, thick trees…

I'd swear I can feel a light breeze... I still need to be careful th-

His thoughts were interrupted by a loud buzzing noise coming right behind him. He barely dodged a demon bomb, heading for his head and once more he activated his arm. A small army of seven Level Ones was heading towards him.

Too good to be true I guess... but at least I can handle that much.

His arm transformed into a canon and took down the first demons quickly with three shots. The rest of them locked their weapons on him and started firing in a rapid speed, which only caused Allen, a rush of excitement. With some swift movements and accurate shots, there was nothing left, indicating that there were demons in the area previously, apart from smoke and ashes. The young exorcist sighed and smiled a bit to himself, feeling the tension leaving his body.

"Looks like I needed some action."

He approached the lakeshore to wash his hands and then he noticed a small glow coming from its' bottom. That was apparently the reason he was sent there. Innocence. Taking his coat and boots off, he dived in the cold water, heading towards the glowing fragment. Even though while being on the surface the clearing looked like it was bathed in moonlight, the water was pitch dark. Allen could barely make out the soft glow, but he couldn't tell if it was close or far away and he was already out of oxygen. Right when he was about to swim upwards, his hand touched the glowing item. His eyes went huge when he realized what he was holding. It was an hour-glass. After breaking the water surface, he swam to the shore, where he'd left his things, still amazed by the weird coincidence.

"Huff.. hahh.. can't.. hhu… be-..lie-ve .. huf.. it…"

He would never have thought that such a small object, in such a faraway place, would make him remember the only person he'd prefer to keep out of his thoughts. Kanda. He fell on his back and laid there for a bit to catch his breath, still clutching tightly the hour-glass in his hand. Allen closed his eyes and their kiss replayed in his mind. Kanda's roughness and frustration, were so apparent back then.

"If only he hadn't pushed me away…"

The boy's face heated up.

"Shit! Look at me, sighing and blushing like a schoolgirl."

Allen rose and put his clothes on slowly. Casting a glance at the innocence he'd left on the ground, he was reminded once more of silky, dark hair and a pair of fiery, glaring eyes.

I just can't stop thinking about you.

"I'm so pathetic."

He shoved the hour-glass in the pocket of his coat and dragged his feet towards the exit.


"What's taking him so long? I'm bored to death!", Cross grumbled.

"Want me to entertain you tonight, sexy?", a woman asked him suggestively, while demonstrating her good assets. Green, cat eyes and a luscious cleavage. Taking the sight in, Cross gave a smirk of his own and wrapped his vine-like arms around her waist.

"Who am I to turn down such a beauty?"

The woman giggled foolishly and showed him the way to her workplace.

"…I'm going back to the hotel…"

Cross stopped mid-step and turned his head around quickly. There stood Allen, sad and drenched like a kitten, his pink nipples showing through the thin fabric of his wet shirt.

Dear God have mercy on me..!

Then he did something that surprised Allen. He pushed the tempting woman aside, took his coat off and wrapped him with it.

"Excuse us my beautiful flower, but we'll be taking our leave now. Our session will have to be postponed, ...indefinitely!", and walked the way back still holding the boy tightly, so that he wouldn't feel the cold that much. Allen felt a chill crawling up his spine. He took a look around but didn't notice anything suspicious. Just the woman that his master had ditched and who was now cursing out loudly, spitting venom at them.

"What's the matter?"

You, crushing me in your arms like a woman… Allen rolled his eyes disgusted with his thoughts.

"Don't' know why, but… ever since we got here, I have this weird feeling, that someone's been watching me."

"Hm… did you notice anything out of the ordinary?"

"…not really."

"You were probably out of the field too long and you're being overly cautious."

"Could be."

Cross lifted the hood of his coat and covered Allen head as well. His hair was still dripping water, making him shudder every now and then.

"Um… master?"

"Mmm?"

"I'm fine you know. I can walk on my own, so please don't lean on me so much. It's rather embarrassing and misleading."

After giving it some thought, the older man released him with some reluctance. Allen couldn't make out what he said after that, just a couple of words.

"… stupid apprentice."

That made him smile a bit. He'd really missed the times when he'd been travelling with Cross. Even though he was an awful guardian and trainer, he had taught him many things and cared for him in his very own way.

"Don't you think your company will miss you?"

"As if."

"Then… maybe you'll be missing her in a bit?"

The general glared at him and added again.

"As if."

Somehow these words and the disinterest his master showed towards that woman lifted his spirits a bit. It felt like no one was irreplaceable to him, but he cared only for his idiot apprentice. A small chuckle escaped his lips and caught the marshal's attention.

"What is it?"

"Thank you, master!", the boy said happily.

Cross averted his eyes again mumbling,

"…idiot."

At the same time a shadow crept silently from the corner, watching everything and tagging close after them.


Letting the warm water ease the tension from his body, the general closed his eyes and thought way back, to the days when he had first found Allen. A tiny frame and huge eyes, that was his first impression of him. Soon he found out that there were more to the boy though, than he could ever imagine. That's why he wanted to keep him close no matter what. He could have killed his foster father – Mana – himself, but instead chose to make Allen do that, so that he would be more vulnerable and dependent on him. Forcing him to do all the chores, pay off his debts and disappearing on him, were all part of his tough act. And instead of making Allen running after him, it lead to the exact opposite result.

"What have I done wrong? It always works with women…"

What am I thinking? Of seducing a kid and moreover a boy? Komui will have my head for this!

Kanda flashed in his mind then.

"You already laid your hands on him. If you dare to hurt him, you're a dead man."

His mood had taken the downfall once more and he felt his muscles tensing up again. He decided to get out of the tub. He dried himself, put on a pair of trousers and picked up a towel to dry his hair. As soon as he got out of the bathroom though, the view he saw made him regret it. Allen hadn't dressed after his shower, and was still wrapped in just a small towel hanging low around his hips. He was lying in his bed face-down, resting his chin on his hands and looking mesmerized at the hour-glass on his nightstand. He hadn't even noticed his presence, lost in deep thoughts.

That kid has no self-awareness at all! So smooth skin, almost porcelain-like.

Frustrated, Cross threw his towel in the boy's face with force. It caught Allen off-guard, who sat up and was now scowling at him.

Much better!

"Why did you do that?"

"It's your fault for not paying attention to your surroundings! I've taught you be alert at all times."

"Yeah… yeah…"

"What was that?"

"What?"

"Are you dismissing me?"

"No."

Cross was now moving predatorily towards Allen, giving him goosebumps.

"No what?"

"Uhh…no I'm not dismissing you, master!"

The young exorcist said, hearing his voice falter a bit. But he didn't manage to think more than that, because the redhead pounced on him like a hungry beast, pinning his wrists down with one hand and tickling him with the other. Allen started laughing hard, writhing and struggling under him.

"HA! HA! HA! Nooo… master! HA! HA! Le-..Lemme go! HAAA!"

"No freaking way!"

Cross was having too much fun to stop now. What pleased him the most was that he knew Allen was not reserved with him, like he was with others or his friends. They had been through so much stuff together, that they felt at ease in each other's presence. No pretenses, no lies, no fake promises and reassuring smiles. The boy was now going through another fit of laugh and was gasping for air, tears sliding down the sides of his face.

"Did you have enough?"

"Ha! Haa…! Yes! God, yes!"

They were both laughing now. After a few minutes they managed to sober up still lying in bed. Allen threw his leg over Cross' like a spoiled child, making him chuckle.

"You know, you should stop teasing me like that!", he said with a fake pout on his face.

"You looked like you needed that."

The man never ceased to amaze him. Always reading his mood and thoughts.

So creepy… like a parent.

Somehow the thought made him feel warm and happy inside, because he really liked Cross and was grateful to him for everything, even though it didn't look like it most of the time.

"Sometimes…"

"Hm..?"

"I'm saying sometimes you need to let go Allen. Thinking too much or suppressing everything won't lead you anywhere."

"So wise…"

"I'm serious right now."

"I know."

"I'm not saying to be foolish or thoughtless, but remember to take care of yourself from time to time. You always neglect that, putting others first."

"Argh... I can't help it!"

"You're an idiot!"

Allen shot him a heated glare.

"You're awful!"

A hearty laugh slipped the marshal's mouth and he ruffled the boy's hair.

"You'd really make a good parent…"

"Maybe, but I don't exactly see myself as a suitable role-model, especially something like a parent."

And moreover "your" parent.

But he couldn't say that out loud.

"Now it's bedtime for both of us! It was a long day and tomorrow we'll be travelling again. And... you need to get dressed, or you might catch a cold."

Cross pushed gently Allen's leg and got up, but knocked the nightstand in the process, causing the hour-glass to fall and roll towards the edge. Allen noticed it and his hand shot out instinctively and caught it mid-air. Exhaling in relief, he looked at it in case it got damaged.

"Phew… safe! You should be more careful you know! You could have broken it!"

The general was taken aback by the harsh edge in Allen's voice.

"…and we wouldn't want that, would we?", he retorted smugly.

"Of course not! I nearly drowned to get it if you must know! And it's so beautiful and delicate… It would be a shame to break it or cause any damage! It's an innocence fragment we came to retrieve."

"But the truth is, that's not the reason you're all flustered now and mad at me."

That made his jaw drop and he averted his eyes ashamed for his behavior. His master was dead-on right, as usual. Talk about rubbing salt in someone's wounds.

"Wanna talk about it?"

"You'll probably laugh at me."

"I'm never making fun of you."

"I guess so…"

His cheeks were flushed and his heartbeat had accelerated, just like every time he was reminded of Kanda. Now he felt bad for taking out his frustration on his master, who'd actually tried to make him feel better.

"Is it about him?"

Allen chanced a look at Cross' face and instantly he knew who the man meant.

It's that obvious huh?

"He hates me."

"I doubt there is anyone on this planet who does."

"He's trying to kill me on a daily basis when we're around each other."

"That's passion!"

"He never calls me by my name! Just … you or bean-sprout, for crying out loud!"

"Endearments!"

"He wants to be alone…"

That last statement was followed by a deep, desperate sigh.

Shit! I don't have anything to say to that, to make him feel better!

"Why are you thinking of him when looking at the hour-glass?"

"I've been in his room and he keeps one there. But it's much more beautiful and instead of sand, it has this gorgeous lotus flower in it, that never withers away!"

"I see…"

It looked like Allen didn't really know what exactly that item was and what it meant and he wouldn't be the one to say it.

"Hm… Allen I need to ask you something important."

The boy looked at him with curious eyes.

So cute! Just like a puppy!

"How far have you… proceeded with that guy?"

"…I beg your pardon?"

"I mean have you…"

"I know what you're asking! Sheesh! But why are you asking?"

"Because I'm worried about you of course! What if that loser is totally inexperienced or rough and ends up hurting you!"

"Oh my gosh… hurt me… y-you mean… hurt my…"

"Well…."

"…my ass?"

"You don't have to react like that you know!"

"The guy hates me and you're worried he might fuck me? What the fuck…?"

"You just said fuck twice."

"Of course I did!"

"You're overreacting as usual."

"You piss me off. But anyway, it won't happen so you can relax now."

"What are you talking about? After all these years you spent by my side, have you learned nothing? My apprentice can have anyone! Just like his master!"

"You're bragging about the wrong things you know!"

"I can teach you a few things if you want…", Cross said suggestively.

" Hell no!", Allen crouched away from him holding his towel tightly in place.

"I'm going to get dressed! NOW!"

And ran into the bathroom with his pajamas in hand. The marshal couldn't help but laugh when he saw that reaction.

"I can hear you!"

"If you don't get dressed fast, I'll come in and devour you!"

A loud thud and breaking noises were what he got in response. He laughed once more.

So easy to mess with!

That was when he thought he caught glimpse of something, or rather someone peeping through their window. He ran to the spot, with his gun in hand and scanned around for unwanted visitors, but to no avail. No one was there to be seen.

I must be imagining things. Allen's comment earlier today, probably affected me...

He shut the lids and locked the door, before going to sit on his bed. He felt troubled but he didn't want to worry Allen. Hopefully, the night would pass with no surprises. The bathroom door opened and the boy walked to his own bed cautiously.

"No more bullshit for tonight okay?"

"Yeah."

"Hey. What's wrong? You're never one to be obedient, more like ...the assertive type."

"Looks like the tiredness and sleepiness are wearing off on me."

"And your age doesn't really help either!", Allen mocked playfully.

"Do you want me to show you how robust I still am?", the redhead shot back wickedly causing a groan to escape the boy's mouth.

"Can you start using your upper head please?"

"Are you sure? Or maybe you changed your mind and you want me to teach you a few things about "love" between men?"

"…"

After a long pause the boy asked.

"How come and you know about such stuff? Aren't you supposed to be a ladies' man?"

It was Cross' turn to feel flustered.

"Enough for tonight. Now it's time to sleep!"

With the speed of light, the man laid in bed and pulled the covers up, enough to cover his head. Allen was staring at his back agap.

"Wow… I never thought you'd swing that way…"

"SHUT UP, idiot apprentice!... and turn the lights off!"

"Okay… okay…", he mumbled smiling a bit. His master's childish behavior fired his surprise and amusement even more. But damn… who would have thought that Cross Marian, the infamous dandy, would go for men as well?

Life sure is full of surprises…

That was his last thought before sleep claimed him.


In the meanwhile outside a long-haired figure sought refuge and cover in the darkness grumbling.

"Bastard… you'd better not lay a hand on him, or else..."


Finally it's done! It was actually the first time I had trouble with giving a title to a chapter.

I ended up with "Exposure" because it was the first time Allen and Cross bared their more

private and sensitive sides to anyone - and especially to each other.

Creepy stalker lurking in the shadows... watching them...

I got the chills! x.x How stupid could i possibly be for scaring myself?

I'll tell Tyki to comfort me a bit..! xD My wonderful muse! LoL You were so damn right!

x

Btw do you guys think that Tyki can match up with Road? Or Road with Allen?

Though definitely not as interesting as Tyki x Allen for me... I've been thinking, what pairings

do you like the most from DGM?

x

Thank you all for reading this story! Read and review! I always love to know what you think!