[Note from the author: Hey friends! Thanks for reading! You guys are so awesome. Okay, I know that I promised that Chapter Ten would have lots of drama, but I'm afraid I didn't realize how much preparation it would take for me to write to lead up to the drama. On top of that, I have been adding in more descriptions so that also took up a bunch of space. So, all the big dramatic stuff is going to be in Chapter Eleven, but this chapter will still be entertaining, I promise! I'm sorry for disappointing you all! *bows apologetically*

Like always, I do not own -Man in any way, shape or form, and I am not making any profit off this fanmade story. The same goes for the bands and songs that will be featured.

Happy Readings!

~animeobsessed001]

Chapter Ten

Allen sighed as he rolled over in his bed and glanced at the digital alarm clock that resided on his bed side table. It was three in the morning. "Ugh!" He shoved his face into his pillow, hoping that he could forcibly make himself fall back asleep, but it was useless. He was awake now. The white-haired teen sat up in his bed and stretched. He had only gotten about a half hour's worth of sleep and he was groggy, but it couldn't be helped, his body wanted him awake.

He stood up and was about to walk out of his bedroom door when he noticed something. There was a half empty bottle of Jack Daniels on his desk. He picked up the bottle in his hands and examined it. He couldn't understand why people liked to drink. When people drank, they did stupid things that they would regret later. Experimentally, Allen gingerly raised the tip of the bottle to his lips and took a tiny sip- only to spit it out right away. His tongue burned and he tried scraping off the remains of the nasty stuff with his teeth. Another thing he didn't understand, alcohol didn't even taste good, and yet people still drank it. Why? He would never understand.

Replacing the bottle to its original spot on his desk, Allen turned and walked out of the room and descended down the stairs, ready to tackle the mess from his party. Once he reached the bottom of the stairs, he groaned. There were red plastic cups all over the floor, random wrappers from food sprawled everywhere, balloons –both popped and still full of air- covered just about every possible surface, and there were even articles of clothing that Allen was sure someone would be missing in the morning. With a sigh, the young teen walked into the kitchen and got a trash bag and began to clean.

About an hour later, Allen cleared the floor and furniture, taken the Christmas lights down and wrapped them up neatly, vacuumed the carpet and even shampooed parts that drinks had been spilled, and had just returned the glass coffee table to its place in the center of the living room. He wiped the sweat off his brow and smiled at his accomplishment. There was no sign that there was a party in the room a few hours ago. The shaggy carpet was once again pure white, his black leather couches were arranged in an L shape on the far side of the room with the coffee table in front of them, and without the Christmas lights the walls were gray once again. His piano stood proudly in the front of the room against the wall. The TV from the night before as well as the karaoke machine had been relocated to the garage. Allen's living room was once again simple and tranquil, just the way he liked it. Knowing his work was finished, he made his way upstairs to sleep.

Allen threw himself on top of his bed and glanced at his clock. It was four twenty three. Allen's brain had hardly processed the time before he slipped into unconsciousness.

"I feel it everyday, it's all the same. It brings me down but I'm the one to blame. I've tried everything to get away. So here I go again, chasing you down again. Why do I do this? Over and over, over and over, I fall for you. Over and over, over and over, I try not to." Lavi's ringtone broke the silence, causing Allen to wake up. He rubbed his eyes tiredly as the song by Three Days Grace continued to play. "It feels like everyday stays the same. It's dragging me down but I can't pull away. So here I go again, chasing you down again. Why do I do this? Over and over, over and over, I fall for you. Over and over, over and over, I try not to-" Allen yawned as he flipped open his phone, ignoring how much that song really got to him and mentally reminded himself to change it when he could.

"Hello?" Allen asked groggily.

"Allen? Hey. Sorry, did I, uh, wake you up?" Lavi asked. His voice sounded different then his usually goofy and joking manner, it almost sounded tense.

"No. Well, yeah, but that's okay, I needed to be awake anyway. Why did you call me? You never call me. You usually text me when you want to talk."

"Yeah, I know. I just, uh, really needed to talk to you. I can't use a text message to explain." Lavi's tone of voice made Allen nervous. Something is really wrong with him.

"That's alright. So, what do you need to talk about? You sound upset. Are you alright?" There was silence on the other end of the line, as if Lavi was trying to figure out what to say next. The only thing that kept Allen from thinking that he had been hung up on was Lavi's breathing.

"H..Honestly, I don't know if I'm alright. I'm really confused, actually." Lavi finally said.

"Confused? What about?" Allen was really beginning to worry about his red-headed friend now.

"I, um.. Well, I, uh.." Lavi stuttered.

"Lavi? What's the matter?" Allen was past worried now. He bolted up from his bed and was already across the room getting dressed so he could find Lavi by the time the older teen replied.

"I don't know how to really say this, but here goes: I lost my virginity to Tyki last night." Allen paused in the middle of pulling up his pants. He didn't know what to think. On one hand, he was enraged. Tyki had touched Lavi in that sort of way. He had taken Lavi as his own and had taken from him what he could never get back, ever. On the other hand, he was depressed. It proved that Lavi really did love Tyki and meant that he could never feel the way Allen felt about him towards the younger teen. In the midst of sorting out his mixed emotions, he realized that Lavi was waiting patiently for a reply.

"Oh. Um, congratulations." Allen said. He didn't want Lavi to know that this news had practically torn apart his insides. His heart had felt as if it had been ripped out of his chest and then thrown into a blender. He found that his breaths were shaky and pulled the phone away from his face and put it on speaker, hoping that Lavi hadn't caught it.

"Thanks, I guess. The thing is, I don't remember it. I don't remember all that much from last night. I remember watching you sing karaoke, and then the rest is a blur." Allen froze. The last thing he remembers is me singing? Why? Why did he go and drink after my song? Was it because he just felt like it? No, I don't think so. He had looked peculiar after I finished. Something I did must have caused him to drink.

"Oh. So you don't remember turning into a partial stripper?" Allen asked in a mocking tone, hoping to make his mind stop spinning so much.

"What? What are you talking about?" Lavi asked, Allen could tell that his friend was horrified by the sound of his voice.

"Never mind, I'll explain later. So you're confused about you and Tyki because you don't remember it?" Allen asked. Using Tyki's name made bile rise in his throat.

"Not just that. Tyki knew I was drunk off my ass. He also knew that I wanted to wait awhile longer because.." he trailed off and Allen couldn't help but be curious.

"Because what?"

"Because there were some things I had to sort out within myself before I would be ready to give my body to him. I explained this to him, but he didn't want to hear it. I don't know what to do, Allen. I mean, we have been dating for more than six months, it should have been time. But I can't help but be mad at him! I told him I wasn't ready! He waited until I was drunk and couldn't protest.." Lavi trailed off and Allen couldn't help but feel bad for his friend. He wished that he could be beside him and hug him and try to comfort him.

"I'm really sorry Lavi. I can't change what happened, but I'm sorry. Do you maybe want to hang out together today? We can get your mind off it."

"That would be great. You don't mind do you?"

"Of course not! Why would I not want to spend the day with my best friend?"

"Heh, I guess. Okay, let me take a shower and I'll be at your house in a bit, okay?"

"Alright. See you then.

"See ya." With that, the teen hung up. Allen sighed. He couldn't help but feel responsible for what had happened. After all, he could have told Tyki that he needed Lavi to stay. He knew that if he had been honest and told Lavi that he didn't want him to leave, his red-headed friend would have stayed. Had he only let Lavi keep his word to Cross, this wouldn't have happened.

Allen sighed again and that's when he noticed that he was still holding his jeans halfway up his thighs. He yanked them up and fastened them. They were his black skinny jeans and he thought they fit him very nicely. He looked through his drawers for a shirt and decided on his white Avenged Sevenfold one. Fifteen minutes later, Lavi had let himself into Allen's house and walked up to his room, smiling as he entered the room. "Hey Lavi." Allen said.

"Hey Allen." Lavi jumped on Allen's bed and gave his friend a huge grin. "Merry Christmas Eve!" Lavi said, pulling a small package out of his hoodie pocket. Allen froze. Every year Lavi got him a present, and every year he couldn't help but feel hesitant when he took it, because he hated accepting gifts. He hated the thought that Lavi had spent his own money on him. It wasn't like he was ungrateful or anything, he just couldn't shake the feeling of guilt whenever he accepted Lavi's gifts. In fact, he felt that way towards anyone who got him a gift, but he felt extra guilty when it was Lavi.

"L..Lavi, you know I hate gifts.." Allen mumbled, studying the cracks and swirls of his hardwood floor.

The older teen sighed. "Ya'know something, Allen? You are the strangest fifteen year old EVER! I mean, seriously, you are the only fifteen year old I know who hates presents. Dude, who hates presents? Haters, that's who." Lavi grinned. "You don't want to be known as a hater, do you?"

"No.." Allen trailed off.

"Then quit being one and take the present already! I spent a long time searching for the perfect gift for you. Plus it cost me about two month's worth of paychecks."

"Ugh! Lavi! You're making me feel even worse! Stop!" Lavi rolled his eyes.

"Allen, seriously, I don't mind. I enjoy getting you stuff! I like to see your reaction when you open it. I mean, the reaction that says you like it, not the one that says, 'God Lavi, this is too much, return it!', that just makes me wanna beat you senseless." Allen refused to look at his friend and twiddled his thumbs.

"B..but Lavi.. You know how gifts make me feel.." Allen noticed that he had switched back to his native accent, but he didn't care.

"Aww, there's that adorable accent again! Hey! Quit trying to distract me with your cuteness! Take the friggin' present before I chuck it at your head, dammit." Lavi glared at Allen. The white-haired teen sighed and took the small package from Lavi's hands. It was wrapped in a floral wrapping paper. When he looked closer, Allen saw that the flowers were poinsettias. The red flowers looked pretty, the golden sparkles on the petals added to the beauty. The present was topped with a golden bow and a tag that read: To my favorite little brother! Luv, Lavi. Allen's heart swelled. He thinks of me as his little brother. Part of him felt honored, and even loved. Another part of him felt sad. If Lavi thinks of me as his little brother, then that means that my feelings for him really are wrong. I guess I should think of him as a big brother. The war in Allen's mind was brought to a halt when he saw Lavi staring at him expectantly. "Well, are ya gonna open it up or what?" Lavi asked.

"Um, no. I can't. It's not Christmas." Lavi chuckled.

"I know. That's you're Christmas Eve present. I have your Christmas and your birthday presents at home." Allen gaped at his friend.

"You got me THREE gifts? What is wrong with you? You know that I hate them, and yet you get me THREE? I should kick your ass Bookman!" Allen glared at Lavi and the red-head just laughed at his angry British outburst.

"Shut up and open it already, Walker." Allen sighed in defeat and carefully slid his finger under a flap of tape. Easing the sticky strip off the paper, he carefully unfolded the wrapping, hoping to preserve it. "Oi, why don't you just tear it?" Lavi asked.

"Because then I feel bad, alright?" Allen grumbled, still being very careful to open the present. When he was finally able to get the paper off without tearing it, he stared at the white box that had been concealed seconds before. He sighed as he slowly opened the top.

Inside the box was a golden sphere. He gently took it out of the box and looked at it closely. The sphere had the same cross on its front that the pocket watch that Mana had given him. Two wings and a tail were attached to the golden surface. There were even little horns on it's tiny head. To Allen's surprise, the wings began to move and the tail twitched. "Ahh!" Allen accidently dropped the ball, suddenly regretting it, knowing that Lavi would be very upset if he broke it already. He was poised to catch it, but that's when it's wings continued to flutter and it circled Allen, as if to examine him. "What is this?" Allen asked, his eyes not leaving the peculiar thing.

"It's a golem! They're pretty new. It's a robotic pet! He can record stuff and show it back, it's really cool. Isn't he adorable? I saw him in the store and was like, 'Allen would totally love that thing!', and so I got it for you. Hope you like him." Allen nodded as he continued to curiously watch his new golem. The little thing had obviously finished it's inspection of Allen and seemed to approve of him, because it flew over Allen and landed on top of his head. Allen could swear that he could hear purring coming from the tiny creature. The teen daintily lifted his right index finger and stroked the tiny golem. This caused more purring and Allen couldn't help but giggle.

"Lavi, I don't know what to say. He's perfect." Allen said in awe as he continued to love his new pet. Lavi beamed at Allen's words.

"I'm glad you think so! It looks like he's taken a liking to you. The store owner said that this little guy in particular was very picky about who got to touch him. The little bastard about bit my finger off when I bought him. Don't even get me started on our epic battle when it came time for him to be wrapped." Allen laughed. Suddenly, his mood plummeted.

"Lavi, you really shouldn't have gotten this for me. He is adorable and all, but he must have cost you a lot of money. On top of that, my present to you is nowhere near as good.." Allen let his hand down to his side and stared at the floor once again. His new golem seemed to notice Allen's depression and flew by his face and rubbed himself against Allen's cheek in a comforting matter.

"Pssh, don't worry about it! Seriously, I don't care if you got me a pair of socks for Christmas! So long as it's from you, I'll accept it happily." Lavi grinned and Allen blushed slightly.

"I wouldn't get you socks." Allen mumbled, causing Lavi to laugh out loud before standing up and wrapping his arms around the younger teen.

"That's why I love you Allen, you're so kind. I gotta say, you really are the nicest person I've ever met. You care so much about others, it's admirable really." Allen froze. He didn't know what to say. He just told me he loves me. I know he means it like a brother, but how do I respond? I don't want to tell him I love him too and try and mean it in a brotherly way. That would mean lying to the both of us. Ugh, why must you be so amazing Lavi? Instead of saying anything, Allen wrapped his arms around Lavi and snuggled his face into his chest, inhaling the older teen's musky scent. Lavi chuckled and ran his hand through Allen's hair affectionately.

Just then, a familiar ringtone blared throughout the room, ruining the moment. "This is my ringtone. It's on my iPhone. No you don't have one. You're on Verizon.-" Lavi reached down to his back pocket, pulled out his phone, and flipped it open while putting it up to his face, not letting go of Allen in the process.

"Hey, Lena. What's up?" Lavi said in a cheery voice. Allen was close enough that he could hear the conversation.

"Lavi! Where are you? We were supposed to meet up at your house to start preparing for the party!"

"Shit, I completely forgot! Sorry!"

"How the hell do you forget your own party, Lavi?"

"Amazingly. Okay, I'll be there in a couple minutes. I'm at Allen's at the moment, is there anything I should bring with me since I'm here?"

"Yeah, bring Allen. Also, bring the karaoke machine from last night. I got so many texts begging me to have karaoke again. You really put on a show last night and now everyone wants to see it!"

"Oi, would this be related to me being a partial stripper, as Allen puts it?" Lavi asked.

"Hehe, yeah. I'll explain in detail later. By the way, you were wasted last night, aren't you hungover?" Lenalee asked out of curiosity, and Allen couldn't help but wonder the same thing.

"Nope! I don't get hungover. It's a blessing passed down from generation to generation in the Bookman family." Allen rolled his eyes and he was sure Lenalee was doing the same.

"Whatever. Just hurry your ass up! We have lots of decorating to do! I even got Kanda to bring a ten foot tree to go in the living room!"

"Sweet! Alright, me and Beansprout are getting ready to bounce. See ya in a bit, Lena." Lavi hung up his phone and put it back in his back pocket. That's when the red-head realized that a certain white-haired teen was still clutching to him. "Comfy?" he asked with a smirk.

"Oh, sorry!" Allen quickly detached himself from Lavi and scrambled a couple feet away, trying to hide his red face. "An..anyway, we should go get that karaoke machine and head to your house." Lavi nodded and the two friends walked out of the room, departing for their newest adventure.

*Later*

Allen sighed as he plopped himself onto Lavi's couch. He had been helping decorate and move things since ten that morning, and now it was seven thirty. The guests would be arriving any minute and Allen couldn't help but groan. He was so exhausted that he didn't think he'd be able to make it through the party. It didn't help that he had only gotten about three hours of sleep the night before, but it didn't matter. It was Lavi's Christmas Bash and his friend would be upset if he didn't take part in his annual party. He closed his eyes, hoping to get a few seconds of rest, but a familiar cold surface was pressed against his face. "Not now, Tim. I'm trying to rest." Allen said, gently swatting away his golem. He had named the little guy Timcanpy. It was the name of the company that made Mana's pocket watch. Since the two shared the same cross, he decided that the name fit his little golem well. Unfortunately for Allen, Timcanpy had become very attached to him in the short time he had owned him. Instead of leaving Allen alone as requested, Timcanpy instead flew into the neck of Allen's shirt, causing the young teen to jump off the couch in surprise. "Tim!" Allen struggled to get the golem out of his shirt. As his struggle continued, he heard a giggle behind him.

"You seem energetic, Allen." Lenalee commented.

"I'm trying to, ugh, get Tim outta my, ugh, shirt!" Allen said, flailing around.

"Hehe, you're funny Allen. Hurry up, we still have to lay out the food and I could really use your help."

"Okay. I'll be just a minute." Lenalee nodded and walked out of the living room into the kitchen. Finally, Allen managed to get Timcanpy out of his shirt, but by the time he did, he wasn't angry at the golem anymore. He placed Timcanpy on his head and pet the little creature as he made his way into the kitchen.

Allen's mouth began to water at the sight of all the food laid out before him. Lenalee being the amazing baker she was made just about every possible cookie Allen could imagine. There were chocolate chip, sugar, peanut butter, white chocolate chip macadamia, and so many others were piled upon one another in giant bowls. There were also cupcakes of all flavors arranged nicely on floral plates, and two towering cakes. One was a three tiered vanilla cake with green and red icing and a miniature Santa Clause figurine on the top. 'Merry Christmas' had been written with white icing across the bottom tier with Lenalee's beautiful calligraphy. The four tiered chocolate cake had fudge icing and was decorated with little reindeer. 'Reindeer Games!' was written in white letters. On top of all that, there were brownies and cheesecakes. Allen's stomach growled and it took all of his willpower to not tackle into the delicious desserts. "Don't you think this is a bit much, Lenalee?" Allen asked, swiping away a trail of drool from his mouth.

"Not at all! Last year we ran out of treats within the first hour, so this year I made extra. Then you, me, Lavi, and Kanda will get to split the leftovers."

"Awesome!" Allen exclaimed. Lenalee giggled at her friend's cheeriness and handed him a bowl of cookies.

"Go put these by the deli cuts and chips. And don't eat any!" Allen agreed before making his way back out into the massive living room. The young teen still couldn't get over how well the place was decorated. Christmas lights were all along the walls and the ceiling, all blinking red and green. There was tinsel draped across the ceiling beams and there were hanging snowflakes that shimmered in the dimly lit room. The big plasma television hung above the fireplace and the karaoke machine was set up to it. Of course, there was a makeshift stage in front, tall enough that anyone could see who was performing from anywhere in the room, and even in the kitchen. This time, there were two microphone stands with mics, this way there could be duets. Lenalee had come up with the idea earlier. The mint green couches and the coffee table that were usually placed in the center of the enormous room were now pushed against the wall on the far right of the room next to the coat closet. The final thing that brought the entire room together was the giant ten foot Christmas tree that stood proudly in the center of the room. It was also covered in Christmas lights and ornaments as well. The whole room was festive and Allen couldn't help but grin at the fuzzy feeling it gave him. Placing the cookies on the long refreshment table to his immediate left, he heard someone thumping down the stairs.

"This is going to be the best Christmas Bash ever!" Lavi yelled, running into the room. He had changed his clothes. He was wearing green skinny jeans and a red t-shirt that had 'NAUGHTY AND PROUD' written on it. He wore his favorite knee high boots and topped off his outfit with a Santa hat. He twirled around and gave his signature cocky grin. "Whatcha think, Beansprout?" he asked.

"Looks good. And my name is Allen!" Lavi waved off Allen's remark and ran into the kitchen to ask Lenalee how he looked. Allen smiled at his friend. It's almost as if last night never happened to him. He's happy like always. Just then, the doorbell rang. "I'll get it!" Allen called and ran to the front door. He opened it up to reveal Tyki and Road standing before him. Road was wearing a mini Santa dress with a black bow on the chest that ended just above her knees. The low cut top of it was lined with white fluff, as was the bottom of her dress. She was wearing black leather gloves that went past her elbows. In her hair was a tiny Santa hat clip that made her outfit come together perfectly. Her black leather boots that went up to her thigh made her legs look amazing. Tyki on the other hand was wearing his usual black slacks and white button up shirt. "Uh, welcome." Allen mumbled.

"Allen~! Merry Christmas!" Road screeched, tackling Allen in the process. He stumbled back and almost fell onto the floor, but was caught by someone. Allen turned his head to see Lavi staring at Tyki, his single eye fogged with an emotion that Allen couldn't place.

"Hello Bunny." Tyki said, smiling devilishly. Lavi just nodded his head back at him before he stood Allen up and walked out of the room. Road looked at Tyki questioningly.

"Did you two get into a fight, brother?" she asked in confusion.

"Just a lover's quarrel I assure you. We will be happy with one another again by the end of the night." Tyki said with a smile.

"Sure, as soon as you apologize" Allen grumbled, glaring at Tyki. Tyki glared back. At any other time, Allen would have looked away; not wanting to cause a fight, but this time was different. This time, Tyki had hurt Lavi, and Allen wasn't going to let it go so easily.

"Stay out of this, Beansprout. This is not your problem." Tyki said with a fierce voice.

Allen gently pulled Road out of his way and took a step towards Tyki, giving him the best killer look he could make. "It became my problem when you hurt my friend." Allen said between clenched teeth. Deep inside his mind, Allen was surprised with how evil he sounded.

Tyki's face twisted into the most malicious expression that Allen had ever seen. He grabbed Allen by the front of the shirt and yanked him so they were face to face. Allen didn't so much as flinch.

"Stay. Out. Of. This." Tyki whispered menacingly. Allen smirked.

"I don't think so." Tyki raised his arm to punch Allen, but Road screamed.

"No! Don't fight!" Both males had forgotten that she was there. Tyki instantly dropped Allen and Lavi came running into the room.

"What's going on?" Lavi demanded, looking at Allen. Allen refused to look Lavi in the eye, hoping that he would accept the silence. Unfortunately, he had once again forgotten that Road was in the room.

"Allen and Tyki were about to fight!" she exclaimed, wrapping her arms around Allen. Lavi turned and glared at Tyki.

"You were going to fight him?" he asked, the tone of his voice sounding dangerous. Tyki shrugged.

"The Beansprout asked for it. If anything, it's his fault."

"I DON'T CARE!" Lavi shouted, making everyone jump. "DON'T YOU EVER TOUCH HIM? YOU HEAR ME TYKI?" Tyki's face was stunned and Allen's face was about the same. Tyki quickly regained his composure and smiled.

"Yes, I hear you crystal clear Bunny." Lavi scoffed and walked back into the kitchen with Tyki following after. Allen stood silent, still holding Road. He just yelled at Tyki over me. Am I crazy? Did that just happen? That's when the doorbell rang again, signaling the arrival of more guests. This is going to be one hell of a party, Allen thought as he opened the door.

[Note from the author: Hey. Thanks for finishing Chapter Ten. It must have been hard to get through the boringness, huh? Again, sorry for the uneventful chapter, but it was necessary.

Okay, here's where I would like some help. Next chapter there will be some more karaoke. I already have two songs planned, one for Allen and one for Lavi, but does anyone have any ideas of some songs? I was thinking about having Allen and Road sing a duet and Lenalee sing a song to Kanda. I am constantly reminded that my music taste sucks, so if you have any song requests, write me a review. I will be updating some time this week (hopefully before Christmas), so write your reviews quickly! Okay here's what I'm looking for:

Lenalee: a song to sing to Kanda expressing her feelings to him.

Allen and Road: a nice, happy upbeat duet with a guy and girl part. It doesn't necessarily have to be a love song, but if you have one in mind, that'd be cool.

Random Character (you pick): Upbeat song.

If you guys can help me with this, I will love you forever! Please, please, please review! It'd mean so much to me!

Next chapter the drama really will begin. Promise! Stay tuned!

Until Next Time!

~animeobsessed001]