Standard disclaimer applied…
"A woman huh?..."
"That was the only thing the soul managed to speak out."
"Too bad…"
Shandez leaned her back on the window sill as she crossed her arms in deep thinking. It had only been last night since Allen finally arrived at their branch after weeks of no contact. What she didn't expect though, was for him to hand over another sample of an akuma corpse together with the news that he found out something very important about the current events. It was then when she told the General her theory that there's someone other than the Earl who's been trying to make an akuma army. Allen's discovery had only confirmed their speculation.
Now, if only they had found out who that woman was…
"Tch."
Her thoughts were stopped at the sound that escaped from Allen's lips. Her eyes slowly went to him.
"I'm sorry Dr." Allen muttered under his breath, fists clenching a bit. "If I had tried harder, then we should have gotten a lot more than our enemy's gender."
The female stared at him for a moment then chuckled.
"Don't be too hard on yourself General Walker. No one expected that encounter anyway. Besides, surely there'll be a lot of chances to gather information. What you'd found out was a very big step towards what we want to achieve."
Allen nodded. "Yeah but, I want to find out as soon as possible. There's a new enemy out there. I have to know the next step I should take."
"The next step you should take is to share what you know to the officers who overheard."
The two halted in their talk with the interruption of a red-haired officer and her partner. Shandez narrowed her eyes upon seeing the two officers enter the room without even asking permission. Lucille brushed some strands of her hair off her shoulder with a graceful swipe of her hand as she stared at the white-haired exorcist beside the doctor.
"Allen Walker, it's nice to finally meet you."
Allen gave a glance to the girl then turned to the older female as if asking some explanation. Lucille frowned a bit but turned to Shandez also.
"Shandez, our introductions."
A vein popped at the doctor's forehead but she did what she was told to. She cleared her throat and forced her voice to come out.
"General Walker, this is Officer Lucille Bashkir and her partner Officer Gerald Vail. They've come from the Central Office to observe and supervise."
At the introductions, Allen smiled and held out his hand to the both of them.
"It's also nice to meet you."
Lucille didn't take the hand and instead, stood up on her toes and planted a small kiss on the male's cheek. Allen froze, causing the girl to smirk.
"That's how I greet the people I like, Allen-kun."
Allen didn't say anything and only managed a raised eyebrow and a slight blush on his cheeks. Did she just call him Allen-kun?
Satisfied with what she had done, Lucille pulled away and walked passed him to seat on the chair beside Shandez's desk. Gerald inwardly sighed at his partner's antics as he approached the general and took his hand to shake it.
"I'm Gerald Vail, General Walker. It's an honor to meet you." He leaned to Allen's ear.
"Please excuse my partner's actions. She's just…really eager to see you. It would benefit all of us if you just ignore what she had done."
Allen didn't know what to say so he only smiled at the other male then turned to Shandez – who was already glaring at the female officer. Lucille was too busy arranging her hair in front of a small mirror on the desk to actually notice that all attention was already towards her.
"Officer Bashkir, please explain what you mean when you said you overheard."
Lucille continued brushing her locks with her fingers but spared a glance at the doctor who mentioned the question.
"It meant what it implied, Shandez."
"So the two of you overheard our conversation?"
"Ugh. What else?"
Shandez resisted another urge of murderous intent while Allen sweatdropped at the supervisor's expression. Lucille didn't pay any attention to the intense aura around Shandez.
"Now," she twirled a finger in a lock of her hair. "Tell me everything about what's really happening."
Allen and Shandez both pursed their lips in a moment. There's no use hiding it now.
After a few minutes…
"So that's what happened…"
Allen stood still as he waited for what the two officers had to say about the situation. Lucille stood up too and called Gerald to her. The two started talking with each other. Shandez sighed as she went beside the white-haired man.
"They're deliberating."
Allen turned to her. "About the situation?"
"Yes. They're still officers from the Central after all. This kind of scenario is what they are here for."
"Then there's a big chance that we will be forced to tell the Central Administration."
Shandez sighed again. "I'm not sure about that."
Allen raised a brow. "What do you mean?"
"It's Lucille Bashkir handling the case. And from the way she's looking at you…I doubt she'll do things the way they should be."
The General didn't have a chance to ask what the doctor meant when Lucille suddenly faced them with a sighing Gerald at the background. Shandez grimaced at the big smirk formed on the female officer's lips. Lucille definitely had something up her sleeves.
"After much deliberation, we have come with one decision."
Lucille cleared her throat as Allen and Shandez anticipated what she was going to say.
"We will not tell the Central Administration…yet."
The two listening people simultaneously sighed in relief, though Shandez still refused to relax. The suspicious smirk was still on the bitch's lips so there's no room for relaxation.
Lucille cleared her throat again. "But, in one condition."
Allen suddenly tensed while the doctor inwardly gritted her teeth. Her suspicions were right. The girl did have something wrapped up in their decision and whatever it was, she's sure it was for her selfish whims. She glanced at Gerald to ask for some hint, but the other officer only gave her and Allen a rather hard apologetic look. Shandez gave up and finally answered Lucille.
"What is the condition officer?"
Lucille giggled.
"Allen-kun has to accompany me while I'm here!"
Silence...
Gerald released a big sigh, Shandez's jaw dropped, while Allen stepped back with disbelief. Lucille continued giggling at their reactions and suddenly laced her hands around Allen's right arm – to which the general responded with a surprised stiff body.
"U-Um…" Allen tried to pry off the girl's hands. "I don't think I can do that."
Lucille frowned and tightened her grip. "Why not? It's just a simple condition! Do it or the Central will know!"
Allen gave up trying to pull away from Lucille. Shandez, seeing the distress in the General's face, decided to return back to reality and help him out. She approached the two.
"Excuse me for interrupting, but I believe what you're asking is too much."
Allen sighed in relief with the doctor's interruption. Lucille only frowned further.
"Ugh! What's with you guys? There's nothing wrong with this! I'm single and he's single so –
"Wait."
Shandez quirked an eyebrow as she adjusted her glasses.
"Y-You mean you don't know…?"
"I don't understand what you're saying."
"T-then…"
The doctor tried to prevent a smirk from forming on her lips, but the situation was all too amusing for her that she failed to let down that smirk. 'That bitch is so gonna get it!' She crossed her arms then with a clear voice,
"General Walker is already engaged to a worthy female exorcist. Besides that, his fiancée will soon give birth in a few months. In short, the General is already unavailable."
Lucille raised an eyebrow as her grip on Allen's arm lightened.
"What are you saying?"
Gerald decided to back up what Shandez said. After all, you don't get a chance to pummel Lucille too often.
"What Dr. Shandez said was true, Lucille. The General and Ms. Lenalee Lee are in a relationship for five years now. And I'm sure there are no plans for a break-up, especially since Ms. Lee's about to have labor within 3 months."
The female officer froze. "L-Lenalee L-Lee…?"
Shandez nodded. "Yes. She's a very lovely lady of 21 years who fought alongside the General during the war. She was famously known for her beauty, her Dark Boots, and her engagement with General Walker."
"…"
The doctor just loved the mixed feelings that flashed through Lucille's face. Never had she seen the arrogant officer so unstable that for a moment she wanted to laugh right at Lucille's face. 'Yes, yes. Now cry. Come on! Cry in front of me. Show us you're just a spoiled brat!'
Shandez didn't know when she had gotten so sadistic as to desire the failure of others, but it was too tempting! Especially after remembering those times when that damned officer had treated her and the entire Order as her playground, she can't help but to wish it. That woman was too selfish for her own good.
Unfortunately, Lucille didn't seem to be giving up and had tightened her grip on the General's arm suddenly. Allen tensed again and tried to take a step away from her.
"Lenalee and I are really engaged officer. So please, think of another condition."
She stuck her tongue at Allen. "Sorry, but I won't think of anything else! You WILL accompany me while I'm here!"
Shandez and Gerald can't believe Lucille's insistence.
"Officer, can't you see that the General didn't want to do it?"
"You're going overboard Lucille! You're asking General Walker to be unfaithful!"
Lucille smirked. "His fiancée isn't here to see, stupid! Besides, it's not being unfaithful."
She looked up at Allen. "Unless Allen-kun would prefer me over her…"
Allen can't believe what the woman just said while she batted her long eyelashes at him. Her last statement was repulsive! Him – to choose her over Lenalee?...Impossible! Add the fact that he felt a bit insulted. Did he look like the kind of man to have an affair behind his soon-to-be-wife's back?
His expression became pensive. "I will NEVER betray Lenalee."
There was a silence after his firm remark. Shandez smiled at Allen's sure statement while Gerald glanced at his partner whose face suddenly lost the arrogant expression that was usually there. He was about to call Lucille when she suddenly retrieved her hands around the General's arm and took a few steps away from him. She took a moment to compose herself before she brushed her hair off her shoulders.
"Whatever." She muttered with her usual uncaring accent. "But that doesn't change the fact that we WILL tell the Central if you don't comply with the condition."
Shandez gritted her teeth. That woman wouldn't really admit defeat! Allen sweated a bit as he thought over what she wanted him to do.
"It's just a simple request Allen-kun!" Lucille pressed on. "It's not like I'm asking you to sleep with me. I only want you to be a companion while I roam around town since I'm sick of Gerald's face."
Gerald's eyebrow twitched at the mention of his name. The nerve of her to even say that after all the suffering he went through in order to appease her whims. And as if he's not sick of her face! He would pay a million bucks if anyone could just make her disappear! Meanwhile, Lucille inwardly smirked as she waited Allen's answer. Of course his presence was not enough for her! She had to be the one he would shower his love to. Never mind his whatever-her-name-was fiancée.
She sighed when Allen remained still undecided. "The reason why you don't want us to report is to avoid panic in the entire world. And since it's still part of your mission, you wanted to solve it by yourself. Me and Gerald will stay quiet, you just have to say yes."
A sweat ran down Allen's temples. "You'll really stay quiet?"
"Of course! I have a reputation to keep after all." The female officer checked her nails. "It's either me or the Central. It's an easy choice, Allen-kun."
She smirked at him. "Besides, what are you worried about? You will never betray your fiancée anyway."
Another minute of silence reigned around the room. Allen and Shandez exchanged gazes as if asking the opinion of the other about the condition. Since it seemed that there was nothing they can say to change Lucille's mind, Shandez finally gave in and sighed with a shook of her head. Allen recognized the doctor's submission and decided to give up too.
"Alright." He finally stated. "I'll do it."
-/-/-
-/-/-
Allen sighed as he looked away with an uneasy face. It's already been an hour and a half since he and Lucille Bashkir had left the S.A. Branch. The officer had said that she wanted to go sight-seeing around Brazil and had dragged him out as soon as he and doctor Shandez finally agreed to her condition.
Now, if only she would stop hugging his arm as if it was a super cuddly teddy bear… He had tried to pull away several times but she would be glaring at him with the blackmail of telling the Central. On top of that, the people around them were starting to stare at them and giggle as if they were a lovely couple. And he can't allow that! What if someone from the Order would see him in town with a woman clinging to his arm? What if that person will misunderstand? What if he'll tell Lenalee?
He mentally shook his head. He's being paranoid. The chances for it to happen were very low. Besides, he's the only exorcist in mission right now so the probability of stumbling into a co-exorcist would be as near as zero percent.
But that's not the problem he should be focusing. He should still be looking out for any akuma that may be lurking in between the dark alleyways or walking as if part of the busy crowd. Whatever the situation was, he should be continuing his mission and solve the mystery as soon as possible.
"Allen-kun."
He glanced down at the mention of his name and saw Lucille pouting at him.
"Is there a problem?"
The pout deepened. "You're frowning so hard."
"Hmm?" Allen smiled nervously. "It's nothing. Just thinking over a few things."
"Oh really?" Lucille narrowed her eyes. "Like your fiancée?"
A blush and a bigger smile. "You could say that."
Lucille muttered a very low "hmph!" before she diverted her gaze to the road after her short conversation with the white-haired General. How can he even think of another woman when there she was right beside him ready to be the one? Yeah, he had a fiancée but so what? She bet she's so much hotter than that…Lina-whatever.
Her eyes widened a bit when she caught sight of a very familiar person a few meters across the street hiding behind a particularly big bush. She smirked. She just had to be more patient. Soon, everything will happen exactly as she planned and Allen will willingly walk right into her arms.
As the two finally left the street and went into a clothing store, Gerald slowly stood from his hiding place and looked down at the camera he'd been holding. He sighed and went on his way back to the S.A. Branch. Lucille had asked him earlier to keep a trail on her and the General then to take a photo of the two of them together. Of course, he obeyed and had done what he was told. But he had a very bad feeling about the photo as his partner obviously had something planned in her mind.
Noon.
Allen massaged his nape as he leaned on the couch located inside the 5th boutique they went while Lucille was inside the fitting room trying out random dresses. It's been hours since they left the S.A. Branch and he had to admit, he was already very tired and hungry. But the officer he was with had no consideration for him and had told him earlier that she was still in shopping mode and they will not be eating until she was satisfied. For a moment there, he wanted to sneak and escape from her so he could eat as much food as he can, but his gentleman side took the better of him so he stayed – much to his disappointment. If only she's not a girl…
As he sat there waiting for his companion to finish fitting, he noticed a woman at the farthest counter talking to a phone. That was when he remembered he had never called the Main Headquarters for almost a month because he had been very busy and too much focused on his mission. Upon remembering the Main H.Q., an image of Lenalee appeared in his mind in a flash of a second. His brows knitted at the sadness of not being able to see her as he glanced at the woman on the phone again– who was no longer there anymore. He blinked.
The telephone was lying atop the counter waiting for the next person to use its services. And since there seemed to be no one who would want to use it after the woman, he decided he could use the chance to contact London and speak to his beloved.
At the thought, he quickly stood from his seat and took a fleeting glance at the fitting rooms. He hoped Lucille wouldn't be finishing any sooner. He approached the counter where the telephone laid.
"May I use the telephone?"
He asked the clerk sitting some distance from him who was reading a newspaper. The old man smiled at him before resuming to his reading material.
"You may, sir. Just don't take too long."
"Thank you and I won't abuse it."
Allen then grinned upon dialing the numbers in a hurried pace. He pressed the handset to his ear and waited for someone to pick up from the next line.
A couple of rings, and a familiar voice finally answered him.
"Good afternoon, this is Komui Lee speaking."
"Komui-san, it's me Allen."
A pause. "Ah! General Walker! We've been waiting for your call! How's your mission doing?"
"I'm doing well…"
Meanwhile at London, Komui placed a file he had been scheming to a pile of files Reever head been arranging inside the ever messy office of the supervisor. Reever only sighed and shook his head as he took the file a bit roughly and went to arrange another pile form the right. Komui arranged his glasses and returned to his current conversation on the phone.
"About the akumas , General –
"Our enemy's a woman Komui-san."
Silence…
Komui leaned on the desk. "Dr. Shandez already told me."
"…"
Allen glanced at either side from the counter as if checking if there was someone who may hear.
"Do you know something about the woman, Komui-san?"
"Unfortunately, I have no idea." Komui sighed. "I have searched every piece of information that may give us a hint of who that woman was, but I found nothing."
"Dr. Shandez can't find anything too…"
"I'm afraid we have to rely on you for the information, General. No pressure or anything but I hope you can gather the info as soon as possible."
"Don't worry Komui-san. I'm planning to do it by myself anyway. Please just wait."
The General suddenly remembered the real reason for his call.
"Is Lenalee there?"
A pause. "I'm sorry Allen, but she's resting right now."
"…"
Komui chuckled when he sensed the doubt from the silence in the opposite line. He smiled upon remembering his sister.
"I'm telling the truth General. She and Miranda had just finished baking a cake and it tired her out so she went to her room to rest."
"A cake huh?" 'I wish I could have a taste of that…'
"Yes! It's a chocolate cake made with love! It's so delicious!"
"Err…when can I speak to her then?"
"…Honestly, I don't know Allen. She's frequently taking naps these days. After all, her labor's near already so she needed all the rest and strength that she could have."
Allen sighed from his line but let a small but sad smile remain on his lips. He forgot that Lenalee will be delivering their child soon and since she's in a very fragile condition now, he shouldn't disturb her in her naps. After all, the life of their child also depended on Lenalee.
"Then I have nothing to say Komui-san. Please just tell her not to tire herself too much and to take care of herself."
Komui knew that Allen was waiting for his farewell after he said that statement, but he was thinking of something else. It was obvious that the white-haired exorcist had wanted to talk to Lenalee and the disappointment from his voice was very certain. So he sighed from his line and leaned on his chair.
"I'll tell her to call you when she awakes."
"…Excuse me?"
"I said I'll let her call you so please leave your number at the S.A. Branch. She'll probably call by night time there."
Allen can't believe what he's hearing but there's no time to test if it's true or not. He grinned widely from his line, not noticing the strange look the old man at the counter had been throwing at him.
"I'll wait for her call. Thank you Komui-san!"
"Hmph. That's gonna happen only once General. It will never repeat so you better say all you want to say to her in that call. And don't you thank me! I'm only doing this because my Lenalee had been missing you terribly. Don't think I already approved of you Allen Walker!"
The General sweatdropped at Komui's remark.
"I know Komui-san. Still, I thank you for your generosity. Until next time, goodbye."
"Goodbye General, and please contact me soon if you found out some new info."
"I sure will."
"That's all then. Good luck Allen."
Allen returned the phone when the other line hanged up and thanked the old man again at the counter. The old man smiled at him.
"You seemed happy sir."
The exorcist smiled back. "My fiancée will call me later, so I'm excited."
"Your fiancée?" The older man blinked. "Excuse me for my intrusion, but if you have a fiancée, then who was the girl you were with?"
"Oh her?" Allen sighed. "She's just an acquaintance. Truthfully, I'm just forced to accompany her."
"Oh."
Speak of the devil, Lucille suddenly appeared at the corner holding the shopping bags Allen left at the couches. She had a big frown on her lips.
"I was looking for you Allen-kun! Why aren't you waiting for me at the fitting rooms?"
"I'm sorry." The male took the shopping bags. "I just have to call the supervisor at the Main H.Q."
He glanced at the female officer. "You're not buying anything?"
"No." Lucille pulled him to the exit. "The dresses here are horrible. Let's just go to the shop next door."
The old man gawked at her blunt statement and managed to whisper something to Allen when they passed him.
"Definitely not your girlfriend. You should stay away from her."
Allen only managed a nervous smile and a low "sorry" to him before he was completely dragged out of the shop. Lucille muttered something but he didn't pay attention. His mind was already filled with the images of Lenalee, and his heart pounding at the excitement of hearing her voice later that night.
-/-/-
-/-/-
Shandez massaged her temples as she glanced at the stacks of files on her desks and the multiple tabs in her desktop. How long was she inside her office again? She looked at the digital clock inside in her computer's desktop and sighed when it indicated she was researching for almost 5 hours already. She mindlessly grabbed her thermos at her right and immediately took a sip – that was, if the vegetable soup was still there.
She shook her head when she remembered she already consumed all of the soup some 3 hours ago and had never eaten anything else since then. She released a frustrated moan and stood up, the thermos in hand. She should probably take a break now, especially when she's researching something very important.
Upon leaving her office however, she was greeted by a hurried Gerald who was holding a small-sized folder in his hand. She quirked an eyebrow and decided to follow him instead. The hurried look on his face was usually present when Lucille had ordered him to do something in secret and whatever that was, she felt the need to know. Add the fact that the bitchy female partner of Gerald's was currently enamored with General Walker – which meant that Lucille was possibly planning something that involved Allen.
She took quiet steps after Gerald's trail and soon arrived at the foreign affairs section of the branch. She hid behind a wall but leaned enough to hear what the male officer was saying.
"Please deliver this to the Main Headquarters."
"What type of service sir?"
"The fastest please. How long will it take by the way?"
"About two hours sir, it depends on the circumstances."
Shandez narrowed her eyes as the conversation continued. After a minute or so, Gerald finally left the section. She ducked from her position and was fortunately missed by the male. She waited for him to fully disappear from her sight before she revealed herself and approached the woman in charge at the delivery booth.
"May I see those?"
The woman looked at her with surprise as she held the mysterious brown folder in her hands.
"S-Supervisor!...umm, but it's against the rules to let others see the deliveries –
"Just let me see it. It's a life or death situation."
"B-But…"
"I'm the supervisor so obey me, miss. Don't worry, you won't get fired from this."
The younger woman hesitated for a moment before she finally gave the folder to the already anxious supervisor. Shandez smiled at her upon receiving the folder and quickly opened it to see its contents.
Half a dozen pictures of Allen Walker and Lucile Bashkir greeted her. All of them contained the two together, with Lucille holding Allen's arm and resting her head on his shoulder. All were in different angles. She raised an eyebrow at that. What did the two officers plan to do with the photos?
Then she flipped the folder. She widened her eyes when she saw the receiver's name written in bold letters…
To Miss Lenalee Lee
She stared at it for a moment before she finally understood the situation. She gritted her teeth at the realization that Lucille Bashkir was surely planning to tear Allen and Lenalee apart. And by the looks of the pictures, there's a high chance Lenalee might accuse Allen of cheating.
The woman at the booth suddenly backed away in fright when anger surfaced on the supervisor's face. Shandez curled her fist. 'I can't believe that bitch has the guts to go as far as to destroy a relationship in order to get what she wants! She really might well be the devil's mistress!'
She calmed herself down before turning to the woman inside the booth. The woman glanced at the folder.
"W-What shall I do with the delivery supervisor?"
Shandez thought for a moment. 'It will be too suspicious if I cancel the delivery…' She looked at the woman.
"Continue with the delivery."
"Yes ma'am."
"But give me a paper and a pen first. I'll just add something in this."
At London, Komui was busy reading through files when the phone beside him rang. He placed down the pen he's holding and grabbed the handset.
"Good day, This is Komu-
"Komui."
The Chinese raised his brows. "You actually called! Did you find something about the woman?"
"No Komui I haven't. I…called on a different purpose."
"And what is that?"
"If something happened there, tell your sister not to panic and call the number written in the note."
Komui narrowed his eyes at the mention of his sister. "What do you mean?"
"It's just a precaution Komui. Just tell her if something's up. But if there's nothing going on, ignore what I said. I don't want to worry her in her condition."
"I don't understand –
"Just remember it Komui. Don't worry too much. That's all, goodbye."
"Wait! What –
Tut. Tut. Tut.
Komui sighed and returned the phone. Usually, he would ignore such a hazy conversation, especially if it was Shandez who he had spoken with. But their conversation involved his sister and it made him worried. Was there something supposed to happen to Lenalee? And what was that about a "number written in a note"?
"Speaking with her again, Komui?"
The Chinese looked at his door and saw Lavi, Miranda, and his sister entering his office. His face lit up at the sight of Lenalee.
"My Lenalee! Did you have a good nap?"
The Chinese girl smiled as she caressed her big belly. "Yes brother. I feel alright now."
"Anyway," Lavi suddenly interrupted as he neared the supervisor and playfully poked a finger on his chest.
"It seemed that you're having fun, supervisor. You know, you could have told us sooner. There's nothing wrong in letting us know…"
Komui raised an eyebrow and swatted Lavi's finger. "I don't know what you're talking about."
"Aww, being shy now are we? Fufu, it's ok Komui! Actually, I'm a bit surprised but it's a relief! I thought before that you were gay!"
"What? I'm not gay!" The Chinese looked at Lenalee and Miranda for an explanation. Miranda nervously spoke out.
"Umm…we already know about Dr. Shandez supervisor…"
A pause. "And?"
Lenalee decided to continue. "We know that she's your girlfriend."
. . .
"Eh?" Komui jumped from his seat. "She's NOT my girlfriend!"
Lavi chuckled cheekily while Miranda blushed and Lenalee quirked an eyebrow.
"Reever told us brother. No need to deny."
"What?" komui turned to the stacks of files at the corner. "REEVER!"
Said person was silently and tiredly arranging the 45th pile that day so he had no idea what was happening at the office. He breathed in relief when he placed the final file on top of the arranged ones.
"Finally, I'm fini –
"REEVER! YOU TRAITOR!"
There was a crash and Reever soon found himself being strangled by none other by Komui. He was about to ask what he did wrong when he caught sight of the arranged files… - which now turned into a hellish mess.
"NO! THE FILES I WORKED SO HARD TO ARRANGE!"
"Never mind that Reever! Now tell me, WHAY ARE YOU SPREADING RUMORS ABOUT ME AND SHANDEZ?"
Reever took a moment to digest what the Chinese said .
"What are you –
"YOU TOLD THEM THAT SHE'S MY GIRLFRIEND! NOW, MY LENALEE IS JEALOUS!"
Lenalee sighed. "I'm not jealous, onni-san. I'm just disappointed that you fail to share something important like your love life."
"BUT SHE'S NOT MY GIRLFRIEND!"
The Australian, who was near to passing out after being strangled and seeing the now messy files, only managed a weak response.
"Didn't you and Shandez liked each other during those two years of training?"
Silence…
Komui released Reever at his statement and arranged his glasses as memories unintentionally played in his mind. He sighed.
"That's right. We both liked each other, but that's all. We didn't have a relationship."
"So you're only friends?" Lavi muttered in disappointment.
"Yes." Komui turned to his sister. "So don't be jealous Lenalee!"
Lenalee sweatdropped. "I said I'm not jealous. Anyway, did Allen-kun call brother?"
At the mention of the name, Komui remembered what he had promised to the General and quickly went to his desk and took a small paper. He gave it to Lenalee.
"He did call, but you were sleeping that time. I told him you can call him this night. Here's his number."
Lenalee slowly took the paper and stared at the numbers indicated there. She smiled then approached her brother to carefully wrap her arms around him in an embrace.
"Thank you onii-san!"
Komui hugged her back. "Yes, yes. But you can only call him this once ok? He's in a mission after all."
"I understand. I'll definitely call him tonight!"
-/-/-
-/-/-
"Let's hurry Allen-kun! I want to have dinner already!"
Lucille dragged Allen by the arm while he only obliged in fatigue. 'Finally!' he thought as he momentarily dreamed of the food waiting for him at the S. A. Branch. He had only managed a small hamburger that noon so he was desperate for food right now. As he was busy dreaming though, he didn't notice a girl who was about to cross the street.
"Ah!"
He bumped the girl squarely on the side. She was already on her butt when he pulled away from Lucille and hurriedly approached the girl.
"I'm sorry! I was not paying attention on my surroundings!"
The girl tucked her blonde hair to her ear as her blue eyes glanced at him. She blew the gum she had been chewing then waited it to pop.
POP!
Allen blinked in surprise as the girl threw the now tasteless gum on the ground.
"It's ok big brother. I'm not actually hurt."
Allen held his hand to help her stand, to which the girl gladly accepted as she stood.
"I'm really sorry." He glanced at her clothes. "Your dress is dirty already."
The girl grinned. "No worries. I don't like wearing this stuff anyway."
"Allen-kun." Lucille interrupted. "It's getting late."
"You should be on your way now big brother. Thank you for your help."
Allen stared at the girl again then sighed. He let go of her hand. "I'm sorry again. Please be careful."
"Right. You too big brother."
Lucille rolled her eyes. "Stupid girl."
She grabbed Allen's arm again and pulled him out of the streets. The girl watched them for a moment until she reached on her pocket and popped another gum in her mouth.
"Bitch."
"Diana-sama, we need to go to the theater now."
Diana glanced at the white cat that was formerly on top of the lamppost the whole time.
"Can I change Aria? My dress is dirty."
"No can do miss. You can't enter the theater if you're not wearing something formal."
"Bummer!"
She pouted then started walking down the next block where most of the casinos and bars were located. She sighed upon reaching her destination. The guards at the entrance bowed to her as she entered the vicinity.
"You finally arrived."
A man in the 20's with spiky red hair, brown eyes and wearing a tuxedo approached her. Diana sighed.
"Hi Xig."
Xig looked at her from head to toe. He raised his brows.
"You're dirty."
"As if I cared about this…dress."
"Don't say that. Boss had spent quite a fortune for that."
"Whatever." The girl looked at her sides. "Anyway, where's the lady you're talking about?"
Xig smirked. "She's not here. We have to watch the play to see her."
"What? But I don't like plays!"
"You have to, kid. Besides, Boss will be coming so –
"Mama's coming? Oh geez!"
"Now come on."
Xig grabbed her hand then pulled her inside the theater, through the staircase and into the upper balcony where the nobles sat. They took their seats before the theater darkened to signal the start of the play.
Diana frowned. "What's this play about anyway?"
"It's an adaption of Shakespeare's Twelfth Night."
"Shake – what?"
"William Shakespeare Miss Diana. He's a well known English poet and writer long ago."
"Shut up Aria."
Xig sighed. "Whatever…wait, that's her."
The two stared at the beautiful woman with long black hair and dark blue eyes who was at the center of the stage. Diana widened her eyes at the woman.
"Wow! So pretty!"
"She's Heloise Rutherford, one of the most popular stage actresses. She's playing out Viola in this play."
"You're saying she's the one?"
"No other."
Diana smirked, her blue eyes flashing.
"Nice meeting you, Lust."
Meanwhile…
Allen let himself fall into the couch in his room as he massaged his neck. It had been a very tiring day for him and he wanted to rest as soon as possible, but he still hadn't eaten so he can't sleep yet. Besides, he was waiting for Lenalee's call.
RIINNGG.
He thought it was the phone ringing, but the gadget was not vibrating as it should so when he waited for the next ring, he recognized it instead as the signal from the cafeteria indicating that the meal's ready. He grinned and quickly stood from the couch. He will finally be able to eat. He just hoped that Lenalee won't be calling during that time.
But when he left his room, the telephone inside suddenly started ringing. And as if fate wanted to play with him, Lucille had passed his room and managed to hear the ring coming from the telephone. She stood for a moment in front of the room before twisting the door knob. It was open.
She approached the still ringing phone and took the handset.
"Hello?"
"Good evening. Is Allen-kun there?"
Lucille hitched her breath. It was the voice of a woman. And she was calling the General as "Allen-kun"!
"And who may you be?"
"Please tell him that it's Lenalee."
The Officer's eyes widened. After a moment, she smirked and began playing with her hair.
"Mou, sorry Le-na-lee! Allen-kun is currently busy here with me so please hang up now."
"…! What? But he –
"He doesn't have time ok? Good night."
And she hanged up.
Lucille giggled in amusement as she glared at the telephone. She turned around and walked out of the room, a smirk still on her lips.
"Too bad Lenalee." 'But Allen-kun's soo mine!"
AN: oh my god! I'm so sorry it took so long! –cries- School's so hectic these past weeks since it's midterms and stuff! Also, I don't have much inspiration beacuse there's no D. Gray-Man manga for two weeks! Can you imagine that? No new Allen action for two weeks!
Anyway, I noticed that some of you disliked Lucille already! Honestly, I hate her too! XD And about the OC's, sorry to tell you but there will be more coming. But don't worry! They won't be taking over. It's just that the plot won't be possible without them so please bear with them for a while more. The ending's very near anyway!
I just noticed that the word count kept increasing in each chapter. Is that ok with you? if you're bothered, please tell me!
Oh, and 77 reviews? I'm flattered guys. I don't deserve you! –blushes-
Love you guys! Please review! ;)