Here's the next chapter! I spent more time on this and I feel like it's one of my better chapters. I am trying to pay more attention to tenses.
Anyways, I hope you're still enjoying the story and please leave a review and let me know what you think! :)
"Yo Allen!" Lavi yells.
Robin watches as the rabid Lavi reaches for the other exorcist and pulls his head under the water. Allen struggles and manages to throw Lavi off so he lands face first into the waves.
"Lavi!" Allen yells. The red-head laughs and splashes water at him. "Hey quit it!" Allen yells. Allen kicks up a spray of water back at Lavi who grins wider.
"Water fight!" He yells triumphantly. Allen sighs and gives in. Robin watches as the two go back and forth; Allen's attacks becoming more and more vicious and Lavi's smile becoming wider and wider. Robin glances up at the clear, blue sky.
All morning the sun had beaten down at them without relent. At eleven o'clock she watched the science division's portable thermometer hit the ninety mark. Even now it read a blistering ninety-seven and she was pretty sure a number of the scientists had gone to fry eggs along the side of the road.
Her eyes turn back to the vast spread of water in front of her. In the afternoon sun the top of the water sparkles and dances like glittering blue scales. Every so often a wave rises out of the water and crashes onto the sand, nearly drowning the two idiots still bickering in the water. Robin sighs. She envies them. They can play in the cool, refreshing water as long as they want, while she's resigned to sit on the sand and roast.
Though she knows it's for the best that she avoid swimming. There's no way for her to hide her gender from the others. The heat is nearly unbearable but thankfully Kanda had found a large beach umbrella that they were able to prop up in the sand and huddle under. It isn't much of an improvement, but at least the shade keeps her from developing a serious case of sunburn.
"Idiots." Kanda says next to her. He glances up from one of the books he brought and looks over at Allen and Lavi struggling in the waves. Allen appears to have the upper hand and shoves the rabbit's head under the water. Kanda chuckles.
"I had no idea Allen could be so vicious." She says.
Kanda has on dark blue jeans that accentuate his long legs and hug his hips in all the right places. He's also wearing a sleeveless gray shirt, loose at the neck so that it reveals a glimpse of the rugged muscles carved into his chest. If it wasn't so hot Robin would have been drooling, but it's all she can do to keep the ring of sweat around her forehead from stinging her eyes.
She can't believe Kanda can wear jeans in this heat and not shed a single drop of sweat. The guy has to be cold-blooded or something. She glances at him watching Allen dunk Lavi's head under the waves. His mouth curves into a sinister grin and she can hear him chuckle with amusement every time Lavi struggles against Allen. She shivers. Definitely cold-blooded.
"He's way too annoying though." Kanda says.
"You think everyone is annoying." She says.
"True." He says.
Robin smiles. "He is kinda cute though." She says. Kanda pauses and raises an eyebrow.
"What does that mean?" He asks.
"I just think Allen can be cute sometimes." Robin explains quickly. Kanda frowns.
"No." He says. "You said that you think he's cute."
"I can't comment on another exorcist's cuteness?" She asks.
"No." He answers. Robin sighs.
"It doesn't mean anything." She says. "I mean, I think the same of other exorcists."
"Who?" Kanda asks. Her gaze falls on Lavi and Kanda scowls.
"You think baka usagi is cute?!" He asks.
"Not cute." Robin says purposely avoiding his stare. "Just that if he lost the bandana he would be pretty good-looking." Kanda growls.
"Who else?" He asks.
"Well," She says, knowing better than to argue. "Lenalee is definitely cute and she's really nice. Miranda is really pretty too."
Kanda shakes his head. "Unbelievable." He says.
"What's wrong with noticing other exorcists?" She asks.
"Nothing." Kanda says, looking away. "I don't care."
"What's wrong?" She asks.
"Nothing." He says.
"Liar, liar, hair on fire." She says. Kanda gives her a look that says, "Really?" and she motions for him to explain.
"It's just," He says. He looks away.
"Yes?" She asks. Kanda sighs.
"You never call me cute." He says. Robin blinks.
"Wait," She says. "You're jealous?" Kanda's scoffs.
"Am not." He says. She rolls her eyes. He so is.
"Well," She says. "I don't really think of you as cute."
"Gee thanks." He says. Robin smiles.
"Cute? No." She says. "But freaking gorgeous? Hell yeah." Kanda blushes.
"You think I'm gorgeous?" He asks.
"It's a little embarrassing admitting it, but yeah." She says. "You're beautiful." He smiles and shakes his head.
"You're the one who's beautiful Robin." Her face flushes and she tries to hide from his gaze but Kanda pulls them closer so she's forced to stare directly into his eyes. He smirks.
"You look like a little strawberry." He says, pulling their lips closer. Suddenly Robin's stomach roars to life and releases a loud growl in protest. Kanda pauses and looks over at her even redder face.
"Really?" He asks.
"You're the one who mentioned strawberries." She says.
"You like them?" He asks. Robin's face lights up.
"They're my favorite!" She says. Right on cue her stomach rumbles again and she blushes.
Next to where they sit there's laughter. Robin peeks out from the safety of their umbrella and stare's directly into a pair of eyes accented with two purple tear-drop marks ending at sharp points. He wears a bright orange bathing suit and has bandages wrapping around his head with tufts of brown hair sticking out. He squats down by their umbrella glancing at the two of them with a mischievous grin.
"Well, well," He says. "She's a cutie."
"He." Kanda and Robin say in unison. The newcomer glances between the two of them and he raises an eyebrow toward Kanda.
"This little cutie is a guy?" He asks him.
"Yes Daisya." Kanda says. "Robin is a boy."
"Marie!" Daisya yells over his shoulder. "Kanda's making out with a dude!" Kanda's fists tighten and she sees him reach for Mugen.
"Stop bothering Kanda." A voice calls.
Robin sticks her head out farther and a tall, dark-skinned man stands beside Daisya. He dwarfs over them with board shoulders and a large muscular build. Covering his ears are a pair of headphones and Robin wonders why he's wearing them when she suddenly gets a glimpse of his pale, whitened eyes. Noticing Robin staring at him, Marie offers her a smile.
"I apologize for Daisya's rudeness." He says with a slight bow.
"Oh, that's okay." She says. He smiles.
"My name is Noise Marie." He says. "You may call me Marie."
"I'm Robin." She says smiling back. "Just Robin."
"And I'm Daisya Barry." Daisya says.
"No one cares." Kanda growls.
"Lighten up grumpy-puss." He says and Kanda points the edge of Mugen toward his throat. Daisya freezes and smiles uneasy.
"Are they friends of yours?" Robin asks Kanda, getting him to lower his blade.
"He wishes." Daisya says taking a seat right next to her. "We're more like brothers."
"Brothers?" She asks.
"We trained together under General Tiedoll." Marie explains.
"Tiedoll." Robin repeats.
"Have you met him?" Marie asks. She shakes her head.
"I've never met him in person." She says. "Though Master Cross mentioned the name once or twice."
"Oh, so you're the Robin who trained under General Cross." Daisya says. "That's convenient."
"Convenient?" She asks.
"General Cross requested you be brought to him." Marie answers her look of confusion.
"Wait," She says. "Master Cross is here?!"
"Yup." Daisya says. He motions to the top of a bluff where a beach table covered by a large umbrella sits overlooking the full expanse of the beach. Around the table are figures dressed in exorcist's uniforms trimmed with gold. Sure enough, she notices the long red hair and her face darkens.
"What does he want?" She asks. Daisya shrugs.
"Are you going to see him?" Kanda asks.
"I don't really have much of a choice, do I?" She asks.
"Have fun." Kanda says.
"Not so fast Kanda." Daisya says with a smirk. "I'm sure General Tiedoll would just love to see you." Kanda scowls.
"No way."
"Don't leave me alone with Master!" Robin says.
"He's your teacher right?" Kanda asks. "I'm sure you'll be fine."
"Yeah, Master Cross." Robin says, scowling. "The cold-hearted drunk who spent all his time gambling while I was supposedly being trained. Not to mention a vagrant womanizer. During that month I nearly died twice because of him!"
"If you get into trouble, yell." Kanda says. Robin pouts.
"Pretty please?" She asks. She gives him her best puppy-dog eyes and he sighs.
"Fine." He says and Robin smiles.
"Geez," Daisya says smiling. "She's got you wiped Kanda." Before she can stop him, Kanda has Mugen pressed against Daisya's throat. Daisya slowly swallows and Kanda presses the blade closer to the point where it just nips his skin.
"Kanda!" Robin yells.
"Robin is a boy." Kanda growls. "Understand?" Daisya nods and he pulls the blade away, receiving a questioning look from Marie.
"Come on." Robin says pulling Kanda along with her. They trudge up a path that leads them to the top on the bluff, Robin leading the way. When they reach the top they're greeted by Komui who motions for them to come closer.
Sitting by the table is a slim woman with blonde hair and violet eyes. A large scar stretches across the upper portion of her face in an "X" formation, meeting at the point right between her eyes. Resting on her shoulder is a little monkey that the woman feeds tiny bits of food from the plate in front of her. Sitting across from her is scruffy haired man with a wild mustache and beard. Behind his glasses she sees his eyes twinkle as he scribbles onto a canvas hanging around his neck. The last person is, of course, Master Cross. Cross's vibrant red hair falls right at his shoulders underneath his hat, his goatee and eyes matching the same shade of red. In his hands is a wine glass filled with blood red liquid. Robin glances at the table in front of him and her eyes lock on a hard-covered case.
"Robin." Cross says, acknowledging her presence.
"What do want Master?" She asks. Cross takes a sip of his wine. His fingers brush the edge of the case and Robin flinches.
"How are you?" He asks.
"Fine." She says. The case unlatches and Robin sucks in her breath.
"How are you adjusting to life with the Order?" He asks. Cross pulls open the case and they all see the top of her violin.
"Fine." Robin says, glaring daggers at him. Cross ignores her and reaches to touch the smooth, amber-brown surface. Robin quivers, squeezing her hands tight to keep herself together.
"Really?" Cross asks. With one of his fingers, Cross plucks one of the strings and Robin snaps.
"DON'T TOUCH IT!" She yells.
Komui and Klaud pause, glancing at her surprised. Tiedoll looks up from his sketch and his eyes reach hers and Kanda's.
"Kanda!" Tiedoll says smiling at the irritable samurai, who scowls and turns his attention to Robin, still seething by his side. Cross doesn't seem the least bit surprised by her outburst and casually leans back in his chair.
"You used to never leave it out of your sight." Cross says, looking down at the violin. "I'm surprised you would keep it so obviously out in the open on your bed."
"You stole it?" She asks.
"Borrowed." He says.
"So you stole it."
Cross sighs. "How about 'Moonlight'?" He asks motioning for her to take the instrument.
"Bite me." She answers.
"Robin." Komui says. Robin glares at him and he flinches.
"Cross mentioned you play the violin." Tiedoll says to her. "It would be wonderful to hear you play. If you are willing, of course."
Robin sighs. "Fine." She says.
She reaches for the instrument and Cross shoots her a side glance. She ignores him and curves her fingers around the violin's neck. Slowly the bow runs across the strings and she begins the soft, gentle intro to "Moonlight." Kanda recognizes the melody as the melancholy song she played so long ago. The same sorrow and anguish wash over him and he looks away. Klaud listens intently to the notes, her eyes shut in concentration while Cross gazes up at the sky thoughtful. As the last note fades into silence, Tiedoll claps with applause, tears streaming down his face.
"Bravo!" He says. "Truly beautiful!"
Klaud smiles. "Well done." She says and the monkey chatters happily in agreement. Robin glances at Kanda and he sneaks her a small smile.
"It's a shame Socalo couldn't make it." Tiedoll says.
"It's probably for the best." Klaud says. "I can't imagine him enjoying a peaceful day at the beach."
"True." Komui says. Cross grunts, quietly searching Robin's face. She frowns.
"Can I go now Master?" She asks.
"Of course." He says. "But first I suppose I should offer a friendly piece of information before you go."
"What is it?" She asks, replacing her violin.
"You and pretty boy here," Cross motions to Kanda who growls. "Are apparently staying in room 105 at the mansion, correct?"
Robin nods, remembering when she and Kanda first arrived and set their stuff down in their room. She doesn't remember the exact number, but room 105 sounds right.
"Are you aware of the local folklore?" Cross asks. "That room is supposedly haunted by a ghost by the name of Elizabeth Crowley. She was a widow who committed suicide by throwing herself off of the bluff after her lover perished. Rumor has it she haunts anyone who enter that room."
"You believe in ghosts?" She asks.
"It doesn't matter whether I believe it." He says. "There are records of visitors who have received injuries from staying in that room. Some have even reported attempting to commit suicide after staying the night and have died as a result. One report said that one visitor lost all control of her body and she threw herself over the edge just like Elizabeth."
"She?" Robin asks.
"All the victims are woman." Cross says staring straight at her. "As such, men don't seem to suffer the same effects."
"I'm not a girl." She says.
"No, you're not." He says with a smirk. "I'm warning you in case you meet any lucky ladies and decide to bring them back with you. We wouldn't want an incident." Robin's cheeks flush.
"I'm not like you." She says. "I don't flirt with every girl I see."
"Just go." He says dismissing her. Robin sighs and turns to leave with Kanda.
"Have fun!" Tiedoll calls, returning to his sketching.
Robin follows Kanda back to their umbrella. As she walks her grip on the end of the violin case tightens and she pulls it her chest, wrapping her arms around it in an embrace over her heart.
At the table, Klaud takes a sip from her own drink and raises an eyebrow at Cross.
"It's unlike you to take that kind of attitude." She says to him. "Especially, from one of your apprentices."
"Yeah, well." Cross says. "I like his playing."