A/N: As usual, I apologize for the delay. I swear life is such a bitch…

My aunt was diagnosed with Stage 3 breast cancer, she's now moved into my house for the course of her treatment of chemotherapy and radiotherapy. I've become a caretaker in that sense. Tons of deadlines for projects and reshoots for filming also killed any motivation for me to write. Hip hip hooray. Plus, my 17th birthday just passed last month. Haha. The next day itself, my dad had a mild heart attack and a few days later I had to redo certain assignments. Curse you assignments!! Now, I have officially just finished school so I'm slowly getting back into the habit. I realize that these are excuses but I had no choice.

This chapter is dedicated to 4 wonderful people. Firstly, my beta-reader The Nameless Soul aka Ammy for always being there and loving me, plus her constant supply of hugs for me each time I meet her haha.

Secondly Erendyce whose also my Alien Mom. ((: For those who don't know, she just moved to Northern France to continue her studies. I'm not sure when she's getting internet anytime soon but I want her to know that LITTLE ALIEN MISSES HER ALIEN MOM ):

Third, is Astri. Thank you SO MUCH for the story as my birthday present! Thank you for that and for being there for me. And fourth is the lovely Lellitoe who came on msn to ask me when my next chapter will be out. Thank you for the continuous support ((:

PS: I'm not sure if I've replied last chapter's reviews. If I haven't, please do tell me. I umm….forgot hehe .

HAPPY READING ALL!

A week had passed since Kanda and Lavi had apologized to Allen. A week had passed since Allen took a chance and opened his heart again. It was also a week that a Pandora's box was opened and released chaos on the entire Order that left things topsy-turvy and people whispering heatedly... Somehow, the three were still working out their friendship together. It wasn't easy, mind you. From the first day itself, arguments were inevitable, doors were slammed shut in fits of anger and voices were raised to screams. On the first day itself, an obstacle had presented itself to the three in a test for this friendship all wrapped up nicely with a bow for them to untie.

*****

The first obstacle they'd faced was Komui… Lavi had just returned from to the library and was walking the corridor along Komui's office when he'd heard Reever and Komui talking inside, or to be more specific, arguing inside.

Curious, he pressed his ear to the door to eavesdrop on their conversation. This was Lavi, after all. Reever was currently arguing with the Supervisor and from the raising voices, it seemed that Reever was very unhappy about something. The muffled voices were visibly heard as Lavi pressed his ear eagerly to the door. Komui and Reever rarely fought. They had arguments and small outbursts but it was very rare for Reever to lose his temper and patience for his eccentric Supervisor. Reever was one of the very few who could tolerate the laziness, the childishness and the never-ending protectiveness of Lenalee.

Reever was protesting vehemently, "Supervisor, you cannot be serious! There's something wrong with the boy! Don't tell me that you're seriously considering putting the boy in the field! Komui, that idea is totally insane!"

Lavi was intrigued. Who were they talking about? What was wrong with this person? Why was the person not supposed to be out in the field? Was this person an Exorcist? Why was Reever protecting him? Did he know this person? Why was Reever so opposed against it? Okay… This was ridiculous. His Bookman mind was making him think too much. Plus, he was missing most of the conversation! Lavi shook his head abruptly to clear all the questions that had appeared and pressed his ear to the door again. The door muffled Komui's soft words and it seemed that he was placating his colleague and it just wasn't working. Reever was now screaming intangible words at his Supervisor. Suddenly, Reever stomped towards the door, banging it open. Lavi quickly scuttled behind a pillar and hid behind it, keeping his ears wide open for this mysterious 'boy'. "You'll regret this Supervisor, and I'll make sure to tell you that I told you so when Allen-kun suffers from your mistakes!" Reever said a deathly quiet voice, making chills move up and down Komui and Lavi's spines. The redhead's eye widened in surprise. Allen? What's wrong? Why did Komui want him out in the field? Wasn't it clear that Allen was in no condition to go out in the field? Why was Komui doing this?

Reever stormed out of the room and walked past Lavi's pillar all the while swearing softly at Komui, who was currently standing at the door of his office with his mouth agape as he watched the person that had stood by him for so long, leave… Komui sighed softly. "I'm sorry, Reever. But even I can't do anything until Allen-kun himself tells me what's wrong with him. The higher-ups are already questioning why isn't he out already… I can't do anything," Komui whispered softly as he looked at the retreating figure disappearing at the end of the corridor. At the last sentence, Komui's shoulders slumped in defeat. What was he supposed to do now? With another sigh that spoke volumes, he turned towards his office and closed the door. The corridor became quiet once again…

Lavi sat down with a bump. What? Who? Where? When? Huh? His mind spun in an effort to understand the information that seemed to have dropped in his lap from the sky. As soon as the information had stopped whirring in front of his eyes like pieces of a bloody jigsaw puzzle, the redhead sat up straight. Oh no, Allen! Lavi scrambled up and began running for his life towards Allen's room where he knew that the young General and the samurai were residing within. They had to tell Komui before it was too late!

-

(In Allen's room)

"MOYASHI-CHAN!!!!!"

Lavi came in screaming and brandishing his hammer around the room, not noticing the winces that accompanied his high-pitched scream or the painful expressions on the two occupants' faces. As in true Lavi method, the Bookman Apprentice started babbling and jumping up and down in the direction of the door with whimpers and grunts accompanying the nonsense that he was spouting. Kanda and Allen looked at each other, bewildered. All they had caught was, "Komui… *jump* Uhh… *hop* Reever… *bounce* Ehh… *jump* Fighting… *hop* Ahh… *bounce* Moyashi!"

Both watched the emerald-eyed jump around like a spastic bunny for about 5 minutes before a slightly amused yet annoyed Kanda took Mugen's scabbard and hit the redhead squarely on his forehead, making the redhead fall on the floor with a thump. Lavi blinked confusedly at them before stating the obvious.

"Ow…"

Allen looked at Lavi with widening silver eyes as the redhead sat on the floor still, rubbing his head with a bewildered expression on his face and burst out laughing. The young General couldn't help it! Lavi perked up at the peals of laughter from Allen's mouth and started to smile. The white-haired rarely smiled or laughed and it was so rare to see him as now, with tears streaming down his face. He looked at Kanda happily to find the samurai on a nearby chair near the bed where the younger sat, looking pensively at Allen with a small frown at his forehead. Kanda turned around to face Lavi, who was in turn, staring at him. "What?" Kanda ground out as he frowned.

"Nothing," said Lavi.

Kanda sighed. Lavi was never going to reveal anything until he wanted. He might as well ask the idiot bunny what he was blabbing about a few minutes ago. He turned to Lavi again. "What the hell were you blabbing about just now?" Kanda scowled. "You looked and sounded like a spastic rabbit, Baka Usagi. What were you on? Special Usagi drugs?" Allen stopped laughing, only to hear the last sentence and start laughing all over again. Lavi pouted and looked at his little 'brother' but his gaze was transfixed, the complaint dying at his lips.

His laughter was like the chimes of bells in a breeze, crystal tears streaming down from two light mercury eyes. Eyes were lit with deep amusement, making the silver shine with lightness from the tears. His cheeks were rosy from his laughing and Allen was grabbing his sides from stitches. How was it that such a pure innocence such as this was marred when some so tainted still roamed the earth without any retribution? But then… Allen was still 16, just a kid. Lavi blinked his eyes and whispered to Kanda, "I can see why you're in love with him!" Kanda's cheeks tinged with a light pink blush and he scowled angrily at Lavi, hurriedly turning making sure that Allen didn't hear what Lavi had just said. Luckily, the white-haired was still unaware to the matters of Kanda's heart. The samurai swore at Lavi, picking up Mugen and threatened to chop off his tongue and making it into mincemeat. Suddenly, Lavi remembered the matter at hand. The Bookman Apprentice felt a sense of sadness to end the light-hearted moment but it had to be done. "Yuu-chan! No, don't kill me! I've got very important news about Moyashi-chan!"

That got both Allen's and Kanda's attention.

"Tch. Why didn't you say so earlier, you Baka! What is it?" Kanda snarled and put away Mugen. Allen blinked and looked at the two older Exorcists. "What is it, Lavi?" Allen asked, cocking his head to the side. Lavi then realized that both occupants hadn't heard a single word of what he had said when he entered the room and sighed before beginning to explain what he had heard all over again. Kanda listened in rapt attention, his face smooth of any expression. Allen's face was paling by each sentence being said and his arms encircled his waist. The younger began trembling when suddenly, a rough hand, from years of sword wielding subconsciously grabbed his arm and held it still from the trembling. Allen stopped trembling at the touch. He sat up straight and looked at Kanda with bewildered eyes as the swordsman continued to listen to his best friend when Kanda felt a pair of eyes boring holes to the side of his face. He snapped his head around and to his horror, found his hand had been holding Allen without him noticing. Kanda had noticed the boy trembling but when did he grab the boy's hand? The pink tinge from before returned to his cheeks from embarrassment as he hurriedly tried to remove his hand only to find that Allen had grabbed his hand with and squeezed it gently to his chest. The young General had now both his hands wrapped around Kanda's wrist holding it at his chest.

Dark blue met silver only to find them meeting him shyly beneath his white fringe and long eyelashes. Kanda stared at Allen uncomprehending, before he slowly turned his attention back to Lavi who was still telling the story while observing the two from the corner of his eye. Allen turned his gaze to sheets around him. The younger couldn't help but to feel slightly disappointed but from what, he did not know. He couldn't help but to wish that Kanda had given him a response in return, any kind as long as it was something. He was about to sigh when he felt the hand in his squeeze him hesitantly albeit roughly. His hands were gripped just a little bit tighter before releasing the firm grip but still remaining in his hands. A small smile drew itself on the younger's face as he glanced at Kanda who still had a blush on his cheeks. Lavi cheered and did a somersault inwardly before finishing up his story.

"So… What do we do now?" Lavi asked, hopping from one foot to the other.

Kanda rolled his eyes in exasperation before jerking Lavi to a standstill with his free hand. "Stop moving, Baka Usagi. You're making my head hurt!". Lavi stopped moving and looked at Kanda expectantly. The samurai turned to the younger, "What do you want to do now, Moyashi? Tell that fucking Supervisor or don't tell?"

Allen looked towards his sheets, pondering. What should he do now? He really didn't want to tell Komui… It was bad enough that he had to tell Kanda and Lavi but he didn't think he could bear it if the news that Tyki raped him was spread around the Order. It was shameful… He looked up at the two who had started bickering. He took a deep breath. "Umm… Hello?" Both turned their heads at him, stopping their argument in favor of his answer.

"I… Don't want to tell,"

Kanda just nodded in affirmative to his answer but Lavi looked at him with a look akin to horror. "Allen-kun, you can't! You have to tell Komui!" Allen frowned. Why was Lavi ordering him around? He already said that he didn't want to tell… Why was Lavi forcing him? "I already said Lavi, I don't want to… Why are you forcing me?"

"Moyashi-chan, I'm not forcing you! But I think that you should tell Komui! Didn't you hear what I said? He's going to put you back in the field! You're still weak!"

"I am NOT WEAK!"

"Look, listen to me. I'm 2 years older than you. I know better than you. Just go and tell!"

"What is wrong with you, Lavi? I know that I'm younger than you, but it's MY life and MY problems. I said no, it means no!"

"Allen-kun, as much as I love you right now, you are really acting like a spoilt kid right now. What's so hard about it? Just go to Komui and TELL!"

"That's just the thing, Lavi! It was hard enough to tell you and Kanda and now you want me to tell Komui?!? I don't want to broadcast the fact that I was raped, okay? What if the whole Order finds out? What about my pride? You know that he's going to have to report to the higher-ups! So what if you're 2 years older! Does that immediately qualify you as knowing more?"

"Moyashi-chan… Look, it's not going to be all that bad alright? We'll just have to tell Komui to keep it from the higher-ups. What's so bad about that? And I didn't mean it like that, and you know it! I just want the best for you!"

"LAVI! I meant what I said! It's not that I don't want to tell Komui, but there's going to be a lot of questions about this and you know that secrets can't be kept in the Order. I don't want this to get out of hand…"

Lavi looked at Allen, frustrated. He could not understand why Allen just did not want to tell! Throwing up his hands in exasperation, he shouted "Fine! Do what you want" and stomped out the door, the same way Reever did to Komui. As the door shut with a bang, Allen flinched. Kanda looked up from his chair at the white-haired and sighed in exasperation. Why was he stuck with a bunch of morons? Suddenly Kanda had the urge to bang his head against the nearest wall… He stood up in one fluid movement and moved towards the bed. For the first time ever, it seemed as if he was stuck as the peacemaker. Kanda shuddered inwardly before moving forward. He hesitantly patted Allen's shoulder twice in a show of comfort as the younger continued to stare at his bed sheets blankly. "Tch, don't look so down Baka Moyashi. It's not the end of the world… Stay here, I need to speak with Lavi first," Kanda left the boy, still staring at his sheets and went out in search of a stupid spastic rabbit.

-

(In Lavi's room)

Kanda banged the door open, startling the sulking Bookman Apprentice. The Bookman apprentice almost fell out of the bed he was sitting on, but managed to right himself just in time. The samurai gave Lavi a death glare. "What is wrong with you?" Kanda bellowed.

Lavi looked up at Kanda in shock. Wait… Kanda was defending Allen? Why? Lavi looked at Kanda's face, examining the irritated face of the samurai and asked abruptly, "You're defending him, why? What I did was wrong? Why was I wrong? Why?"

Kanda looked at him for a few seconds before sitting down with a groan. Once again, the urge to bash his head into the nearest wall seemed like a pretty good idea right now. Anyway, wasn't Lavi supposed to be the smart one? With one swift move, he hit Lavi at the back of his head with Mugen's scabbard for the second time that day. Ignoring the outburst from the Bookman Apprentice, he turned to the redhead and said one sentence. "He's not ready…" Lavi looked at him with and said, "What?" Kanda rolled his eyes and began his long-winded explanation.

"Tch. He's not ready, you Baka Usagi! Did you even realize how long it took him to tell us? You shouldn't have put it that way! I know you meant well, you idiot but the way you put it made it seem as if you were forcing him when all his life, he's been forced into everything! Give him time and you better explain properly, you idiot. All we've got is one more chance…"

Lavi looked at Kanda, with his mouth hanging open. His mind whirred as it replayed the conversation he just had with Allen-kun. What had he sounded like to a 16 year old who had his life ripped from under his feet? Being told what to do, when to do and how to do it… True, Allen usually did everything for the good of others but…the kid was no angel. No matter what, Allen was a 16-year-old teenager. He was human; he had emotions, faults, weaknesses and strengths just like others. Lavi sighed… Maybe he had said it the wrong way. The redhead looked up at Kanda grinned cheekily, "Aww… Kanda's a peacemaker now! He's all grown up now…" Lavi gave a fake sniff and clutched the area above his heart dramatically. "Kids grow up so fast nowadays. My Yuu's all grown up now!". Wiping a fake tear with a flick, Lavi gave a mischievous chuckle as Kanda caught the full implication of his words and ran out of his room with an irate and swearing swordsman at his heels, cackling evilly all the way.

*****

After finally getting away from Kanda and locking the door of Allen's room after him, Lavi had glomped Allen and had squeezed the breath out of him, all the while apologizing and berating himself on his stupidity. The white-haired clawed at Lavi's arms that were cutting off the circulation to his breathing and scowled at the Bookman Apprentice when he was released, breathing heavily. Lavi smiled fondly at his little 'brother' and launched in his long explanations on the pros and cons of the visit to Komui. Lavi inwardly cheered as he saw a fire in Allen that had disappeared seemed to have return, though slight. Both argued for hours upon hours, ignoring the swordsman who was still cursing Lavi through the door before he had to leave for his evening training.

For the next two days, Lavi spent all his time with the young General convincing him to go to Komui. Yelling and shouting became common and doors shutting in faces became a habit, but one thing stayed true… Their friendship. No matter how angry or frustrated Lavi got with Allen's outbursts or tantrums, it was only a matter of time before he went back to Allen apologizing. Kanda gave no comment on the matter. He just stood by the side, giving his silent support to both, never questioning nor blaming. But then, one couldn't expect miracles from Kanda. After all, Kanda was still Kanda.

Both Allen and Kanda still fought everyday, over stupid things. Most of the times, it seemed that Kanda would try to reign in his anger but usually, his temper would get the best of him. Though he'd never apologize, he'd always make up for it in other ways. From making sure that fresh flowers were always available in Allen's rooms, to actually having a decent conversation with Lavi when it was clear to both that Allen wanted the both to get on, to eating a piece of sweet when Allen had begged him to try with wide puppy-dog eyes. After 3 days of fighting, finally Allen had agreed to tell Komui the whole truth with the condition that both Lavi and Kanda were with him throughout the entire meeting. Lavi had just bounce up and down with a big smile almost breaking his face into half and said, " Wouldn't have it any other way!" while Kanda had just grunted but his gaze had softened for a minute before he left. The next day laid the inevitable for the three…

Komui had been surprised by their visit, to say the least but was very intimidated by Kanda's glare and Lavi's eye-piercing stare when the three went in together. Without any doubt, it clear that the two older would not leave Allen in the room alone and Komui was happy enough to oblige them. He himself had been getting worried about the young General and had been wanting to confront him… The next 3 hours were spent in retelling the story. Reever who had been in the office at that time was asked to stay as well after Allen had heard how Reever had defended him, though even Reever hadn't expected the extent of the damage caused to their darling Exorcist. For once, Komui was alert and attentive besides being sleepy and drinking tons of coffee. Komui and Reever's jaws had slackened as the tale unfolded, no parts kept secret except for the personal bits such as Allen's reactions to Kanda and his fight months ago. Lavi had placed a reassuring and comforting hand on Allen's shoulder the entire time as the boy stuttered and stammered through his story, reliving the moments of despair once again. Beside Allen, Kanda barely kept from wincing as he heard the white-haired recount the happenings in full detail. Allen's hands were shaking throughout the entire time and he was sweating profusely. Subconsciously, Kanda moved his body closer to the younger as Allen also moved to realign his body without thought to slightly lean against the older as the backs of their hands met in a comforting touch. Though they weren't holding hands, the warmth from Kanda was enough for Allen to finally finish his story without breaking down like he wanted to. The touch was enough…

Komui and Reever stared at the three on the sofa for a couple of minutes, blinking and speechless. All 5 sitting in the room looked at each other in silence when Komui decided to break the silence. "Will you be okay, Allen-kun?" Komui said gently. Allen smiled wryly before replying that he will…in time.

Komui rubbed his face with his right hand wearily. "Oh Allen-kun… I'm not sure what to say to you right now so I'll just tell you what's been happening so far alright? Basically, Lenalee has been covering all your missions so far but the higher-ups were complaining when they didn't see you in the field. Usually, I'd just give them an excuse but I've been giving so many excuses for you and now, they're impatient. Rest assured, I will try to think of a reasonable excuse this time now that I know the full details. If I have no choice, I must warn you that I have to tell them what happened but I'll not give them all the details, but rather, the brief summary. Right now, I need to know what else that needs to be done. Lavi?" Komui looked at Lavi straight, gesturing to Reever with one hand to copy what needed to be done for his Exorcists. Allen had earlier stated that he and Lavi had worked out some requests to be made. Komui could see that though Allen had made progress, but the 16-year-old was still far from being healed. If he could accommodate their requests, the healing process could speed up and maybe Allen would be healed faster. The boy's 17th birthday was approaching in several days and Komui really didn't want the boy to be depressed on that day. Reever numbly reached for the pen and paper that was always in his pockets as he tried to take it all in. Empathy filled the man's heart but what was done, was done. All they could do now was as Allen always said, to move forward.

"Right now, both Yuu-chan and I are following Allen when he goes to the canteen to eat or wherever he needs to go," Lavi ignored the hissing from Kanda at the mincing of his given name and continued. "With your consent, I would like that both Yuu and I rotate missions if possible. Allen-kun is still not comfortable being alone at night and one of us has to be with him so it would really help. Yuu and I can also help Lenalee to even out the missions that are supposed to be given to Allen-kun to balance out. I'll give Jerry a list for what Allen has to eat since solid foods don't stay long in his stomach. Besides that, I can't think of anything else…" Lavi stated seriously, the mischievous twinkle from his eye gone.

With a smile, Komui nodded. The supervisor told them that both he and Reever would keep this meeting confidential. Komui, Lavi and Allen then exchanged news and gossip as Reever and Kanda observed them, though Reever did participate in the conversation once in a while, before the three had to leave for lunch. Komui and Reever sent them to the door as Komui hugged Allen in goodbye. He could feel Allen twitch in his arms and quickly let go without making it obvious but gave a warm smile and an order to come and see him if he needed someone to talk to or if he needed help. Reever had said less but he had clasped Allen's shoulder with one hand and gave the boy a tussle of his white hair before the three finally made their way to the cafeteria. Allen's heart soared a little, maybe it was good that he'd told Komui and Reever…

As the three left the office in lighter spirits, none noticed a figure creeping quietly away towards one of the corridor. Calmly, the three strolled down to the cafeteria when they passed an open window with a tree branch sticking in from the outside. Ignoring it, Lavi and Allen talked quietly as Kanda followed behind when his hair tie got stuck on the branch when he walked too close to it, snapping it in half! At that moment, a light breeze floated in and Kanda's long hair gently danced to the tune of the wind when Kanda scowled in annoyance. Why did his hair tie have to break now? His room was on the other side of the building and it was too far for him to fetch it and still be in time for lunch. The samurai growled. He wasn't going to walk around the entire Order with his hair untied! Grumbling in annoyance, he gathered his hair in one hand when a small shy hand handed him a piece of red ribbon. Kanda looked at the owner of the hand to find Allen, biting his lip nervously, handing the ribbon from the neck of his long-sleeved shirt with his feet shifting on the floor. Shy silver eyes met dark blue surprised eyes as Kanda slowly picked the ribbon from Allen's hand and tied his hair in its usual high ponytail. Allen burst out in a wide grin as he took Kanda's hand and dragged the samurai with him to a waiting Lavi who smirked at a slightly bewildered Kanda. Lavi chuckled… Kanda was falling heavily for the young General and he didn't even know it! Plus, it really was funny to see Kanda's reactions as he discovered new emotions and how he was learning the ways of life. Allen chattered happily to both, surprising himself with the insane amount of happiness he felt when Kanda had accepted his ribbon.

Little did they know, the good moment was just too good to last…

*****

It wasn't even a day before the whispers started. Somehow, someone had managed to find out what had really happen to their General Walker and how they expressed it.

The following morning, when Allen went down with Lavi and Kanda for breakfast at the cafeteria, many pairs of eyes followed him, as did hushed whispers. As Allen met some of these stares, apprehension filled him. Some of the stares were filled with pity, some filled with revulsion, some filled with sympathy while some just lighted up with outright disgust! Lavi and Kanda subconsciously moved closer to the small body between them, feeling a sense of protectiveness overcoming them as they too saw the stares. Feeling uncomfortable, the younger had sped up with the two older following him side by side when one loud whisper held the three back.

"What kind of Exorcist General is he to get raped by a Noah? He's just a useless freak anyway!" a Finder exclaimed in a loud whisper when he thought the three had moved out of earshot.

In that next second, Kanda had moved from Allen's side, had drawn out Mugen and had slashed the Finder's uniform into pieces. Through his specialized training, Kanda had heard everything the moment it had left the fucker's mouth and had moved the moment that idiot had said the last word while Lavi, though had heard everything too, was three seconds later than Kanda but had drawn his hammer in favor of shielding Allen in case someone decided to attack from the crowd that began to encircle them when Kanda had moved.

"You little piece of shit!" Kanda hissed as the man scrambled up and ran for his life.

People began to murmur and move in closer as questions started to pour from the people's mouths. Most were polite and asking how Allen was while others were just demeaning and insulting the white-haired. But what Allen next heard, drove all the progress that Kanda and Lavi had made go away... One scientist had even the cheek to ask crudely, "So are you the Bookman Apprentice's and the samurai's slut now? Are you their whore?"

Both Kanda and Lavi gave a war cry as they began to beat the man into smithereens. What kind of person would ask that to a rape victim? Allen began to edge away, his face paling as Tyki's words came back to haunt him. With a sob, he fled the place as both older Exorcists raced after him when they realized that he was no longer with them. Lavi went in first. Finding Allen curled up into a tight ball on his bed, Lavi tried to soothe and comfort him when a soft knock on the door was heard. Kanda entered. With a sigh, Kanda strode towards the bed and pulled the younger into his lap and once again let the boy cry on him as he comforted the younger until Allen was secure enough to sleep. This time, Allen let Kanda hold him with no protest, as he burrowed his head into the warmth of Kanda's chest. Ignoring Lavi's knowing look, Kanda gently ran his hands through the boy's soft hair and made soothing sounds until the sobbing finally stopped. Gently laying Allen on the bed, Kanda made to move away when Allen's grip on him tightened. Feeling defeated and exhausted, Kanda too made no protests when Lavi shoved him in the bed beside Allen as Lavi settled himself cross-legged at the foot of the bed as he leaned against the wall to take a nap.

-

The next two days got worse and worse… People kept knocking on the door, asking for Allen until both Lavi and Kanda had to camp in his room as Allen got into hysterics each time he was left alone with a roomful of strangers! Kanda brought food to and fro from the cafeteria for the three of them since he was the only one it seemed that the Order was still afraid of, It was only when Komui threatened everyone with a threat of paperwork, overtime and missions to each that people finally stopped bothering Allen. But…the damage was done.

Being a teenager, Allen had outbursts just like any normal kid his age only that he was very mature compared to others. Violent outbursts and temper tantrums became more frequent as he was exposed to more people. Somehow, it did not seem to occur to these people that these victims did not like to be touched and would constantly touch and try to hug the younger and wouldn't let go even when Allen had burst into tears from fright. This began to take a toll on the three, especially on Allen and Kanda. All Allen wanted, was to be left alone to heal but how could he? 1 in every 7 would ask him to relate what happened to him and would ask him about every single detail of what had transpired. When he politely declined, they would pester him and would usually do so even when Lavi or Kanda threw them out! Unfortunately, not even Kanda and Lavi could always be there for Allen. Others would sneak in when Allen was alone… For Kanda, it was a torture not to murder all these miserable creatures! He would resort to ordering Allen into the room when the boy wanted to leave as he tried to protect the boy. Kanda was very confused… The samurai became very protective of Allen as his new emotions pushed him to the limit. From not feeling anything in that cold heart of his, to feeling everything in the fucking book of emotions found in the human body. He felt extremely vulnerable and frustrated but he tried to kept it all in… Trying his best, Kanda did everything and anything for Allen as he tried to sort out himself, trying to learn lessons that others found out years ago. There were times when he wanted to just burst, break and go satisfy his craving for a killing rampage! But only the thought of how he had to be strong for Allen kept him from breaking, or in his case, hiding behind his walls once again…

But as always, life was full of irony…

-

Allen screamed at Kanda from the bed as he sat down and pushed the samurai further away, "Stop telling me what to do! You are nothing! Your parents didn't want you! Your entire village didn't want you and I DON'T NEED YOU! GET AWAY FROM ME!"

Allen had once again, tried to sneak out of his room. Usually, Kanda and Lavi did not mind each time the boy wanted to go out and even tried to encourage it. However, Kanda had forbidden him this time. He'd heard from Komui who had come to check on them that a very large group of people was coming to see the Order. They were potential sponsors for the Vatican and Komui had told Kanda to try not let Allen out of his room until the visitors had gone as Allen was still afraid of being touched. This was inevitable if a huge crowd was coming… Kanda had explained, Lavi had explained it and even Komui had explained it. But the younger felt enclosed… There was nothing the older three could do and he knew it but this time, the fight was inevitable…

Kanda stared at Allen; his dark almond-shaped eyes snapped wide open from the death glare he had been about to give. Eyes that were filled with inexplicable anger and sorrow before he masked the emotions up with a thick impenetrable wall. The mouth that had been open to retort closed with a snap. Midnight blue eyes with an unfathomable deepness caught the silver eyes as Kanda got to his feet before kneeling down by Allen's bed. Never leaving Allen's gaze, Kanda bowed in the traditional Japanese way, a way a servant bowed to his master and left the room. The door closed by itself quietly, but to the two occupants of the room, the silence made it sound like a slam. Silence filled the room like miasma and tension rose.

Lavi rushed out of the room as soon as the door closed, hoping to find the samurai outside, only to find the ribbon that Allen had given to Kanda was left, lying in a small pool of crimson on the floor before a trail of droplets led away from the corridor.

Blood.

Yuu's blood.

Kanda was hurt, inside and out… Not good. Kanda's pride was all he had left after his uncle had trodden on him, and that too was now gone… It was going to be dangerous to interact with the swordsman until Kanda himself, had decided on how he would deal with the situation. Lavi went inside the room and glared at the mulish younger.

Lavi stood firm. "Moyashi-chan, we know you've gone through a lot of things but you shouldn't have said that to Yuu-chan. Haven't you learnt anything of him in this week? You, of all people, should know that going as far as to insult Kanda's past was too much. He's trying his best as it is. You went too far, Allen…"

Allen turned his head to the side childishly and scowled; "He did the same to me! I'm trying too so why are you taking his side? He's the one who started all this! If he hadn't said what he did nine months ago, I wouldn't have left home and none of this would have happened! I'm the one who's suffering! I'm the one who tried to commit suicide! I was the one who got raped! If anything, I should be the one who was stalking off,"

Lavi looked at the younger throwing a tantrum on the bed with a serious expression on his face. He sighed. The redhead began to wonder when in the world did he sign up to be the peacemaker within this group? This was hard… Especially when the friendship now involved a hurt swordsman and an exhausted General. He prayed to God to give him an endless supply of patience as he tried again, "As people always say, your childhood should be the happiest and most carefree time of your life. Something that is greatly treasured within each heart. You were too much, Allen-kun. You should've known better than to insult Kanda's past. What is wrong with you?" The redhead said tiredly before he continued, not giving Allen a chance to refute what was being said. "Kanda has much more intuition that both you and me. Did you know? If he has the slightest inkling that his presence gives pain or misery to others, he will leave just like that. It's the reason for those damn walls. I guess it's Kanda's twisted idea of an endurance test. Those who can stick with him even with his faults and temper, is someone he will be very loyal to. Like for example, General Tiedoll; I can tell you that Kanda will go to the ends of this Earth to protect that man just for the fact that he saved Kanda. Doesn't mean Yuu has to like him… That boy who just walked out had his uncle spit in him when we were in Japan all those years ago! He is more fucked up and broken inside than you are. That very same person is the one whose trying his damndest to help you, at the expense of himself. We know you suffered and we both played a part in it. I know you were a victim, but that is not a trump card to be used…"

"He's trying even harder than you… To you, it might seem stupid but Kanda doesn't feel anything. He's been learning how to feel everything since you went away. Right now, he's trying his utmost to learn how to trust and depend on others. He's trying to be your friend. He's trying for you. Have you ever seen Kanda taking care of people? Have you ever seen Kanda fighting for others? Have you ever seen Kanda apologize to others? He does these things only for you. I'm not saying that I like his behavior but this is what he is now. It's either you take him, as incomplete as he is or you lose him forever..."

Lavi gave a sad smile to Allen and left the room, moving to close the door gently. Now, was the time to be Yuu's best friend, Allen would be fine on his own. The white-haired was mature and no doubt would know what needed to be done. He'd be here if advice was needed. But right now, his best friend needed him more, though said best friend would probably chop him to bite-sized pieces if he said it out loud…

*****

Allen looked at the retreating sight of Lavi as the door swung shut. A look of horror plastered on his face as he whispered, "What have I done…"

Uh… Hello again? Haha. Not going to say much except please review and give me your comments and feedback. I swear I need some happiness right now. So please review if you guys value this story, my sanity and me. Yeah, please…? I'm not really sure how this chapter got to this… IT WROTE ITSELF OUT! And yay! A decent cliffy! (:

Thank you for reading!