A/N: I'm so glad you're all enjoying this still =) I had so many other things to do I totally forgot about the fiction. Gomen ne : I'm busily writing chapter 11 as you read this, making up for lost time! :p

And yes, I know Kanda seems to be totally OOC but its very difficult to portray an impassable person falling in love without repeating myself a million times, so I've tried to evolve his character to be more of a stubborn teenager, which works since he is XD

So once again, thank you for your support, and please keep reviewing! It encourages me to keep going :p Ideas are much appreciated too, I'm wondering where to take the story next :p

Chapter 10

Meanwhile Kanda was busily putting his small bag into one of the boats, before jumping in and picking up the bargepole. He looked up at the ceiling of the cavern and sighed. Even if he went away for a day or two wouldn't it still be the same when he got back? He realised to his disgust just how much weakness he was showing by running away like this. His stoic bastard routine would be completely ruined, not to mention he would have zero self respect. With a grimace he put the bargepole down, and jumped back out of the boat with the grace of a cat.

'Kanda! Kanda!' he heard someone calling him. Turning round he saw Miranda running towards him, he face flushed, tears running down her cheeks. Kanda felt a tug on his heart that mirrored itself in his stomach, before turning away from her. 'Kanda.. I caught you before you went, I'm so glad… I-I wanted to tell -' 'Shut up.' Kanda interrupted. 'I don't want to hear about anything you have to say!' his right hand was clenched into a fist, and it trembled slightly as he tightened it.

Miranda stood looking at him, panting slightly. She was afraid of him because right now, he looked really angry. 'Kanda..' she murmured sadly, not making any attempt to say anything else. 'We're even now then Miranda.' Kanda said suddenly. 'I broke your heart before, and now you did the same to me.' Miranda blinked in surprise at this veiled admission, looking at Kanda who was trying hard not to lose his self control. She took a tentative step towards him with one hand outstretched to touch his arm, and he instinctively moved away. Her hand stayed in mid air, and she looked up at him in dismay.

With a 'che' he walked off, leaving Miranda standing in momentary shock. She whirled around and went to run after him, tripping on the hem of her skirt in the process.

WHAM.

She hit the floor, and after grimacing from the pain looked up to find Kanda knelt down to help her up. She took his hand and felt her heart beat faster, then on impulse she flew into his arms. Kanda went rigid with shock as he felt her lips on his, then softened and pulled her closer to him. Feeling dizzy from the closeness, Miranda wrapped her arms around his neck, a soft moan in her throat as he squeezed her waist gently. Reluctantly breaking the kiss suddenly, Miranda started to cry.

'Kanda.. I'm sorry, me and Allen, we aren't..' she said between sobs. 'It was Lenalee's idea to get you jealous, I didn't think that you would react like that, I'm so sorry..' she hung her head, shameful she had hurt his feelings, wishing she hadn't gone along with the scheme now. To her surprise, she felt his arms around her, holding her tightly.

'I'm glad you did it. It made me realise how much I need you with me. I love you, Miranda Lotto.' Kanda breathed in her ear, tightening his grip as if he were afraid she would run away again.

'Say that again Kanda? I think I misheard you' Miranda teased, still slightly in shock. 'I love you Miranda, I'll say it as many times as you need to hear it to believe its true.' Kanda repeated in complete sincerity. Miranda smiled happily and cuddled up into his shoulder, taking in his scent which she had come to love so very dearly.

'Do you want to be public about us Kanda? Because I know you have your image after all, wouldn't it be ruined if you show that you've let someone into your heart?' Miranda asked worriedly. Kanda looked down at her in surprise, this thought had yet to cross his mind. He was still considering what to say to Lenalee, if he should apologise to the Moyashi etcetera. Not answering her, he continued to look down at her, her anxious face upturned to look in his eyes. Leaning down, he kissed her forehead. 'Miranda you should know that I don't give a damn what people think about me, of course if you want people to know, then its fine with me.' he smiled at her, and her face instantly lifted into a bright smile. God she was gorgeous when she smiled.

Together they walked back from the underground canal to the main area of the Order, not holding hands but feeling the pleasure of each other's company greatly. Miranda didn't want to make a big show out of it after all, for as much as she loved Kanda, she still had a great deal of shyness to overcome and of course she had to think about Kanda too. Even if he said he didn't care she felt sure that the whispering behind his back would annoy him greatly. Miranda went to break away from their casual stride, saying she was just going to find Lenalee and Allen, to let them know she had caught Kanda in time. Kanda caught her wrist, and pulled her to him and kissed her deeply. She felt herself melt against his strong lean frame, and he broke the kiss without letting go.

'Do you have any free days off this week?' he asked her, looking down at her with what passed as a smile for him. 'Yes, actually, today and the next two days are my personal days.' Miranda stated, looking up at him with a hint of curiosity in her eyes. 'Why do you want to know, Kanda?'

'No reason.' he said firmly, before adding. 'Come meet me at my room when you're done with Lenalee and the Moyashi.'