Title: Forever Trapped

Disclaimer: I do not own -Man. It rightfully belongs to Katsura Hoshino.

Dance: Poker Master

I stood beside Allen while he checked his evolved eye out, I was thinking back to the horrid image of the raw soul rotting away in the castle. I felt sick again. Trying hard to ignore that thought, I busied myself with chipping the rest of the substance off my eye. It wasn't coming off as easily as I had hoped. It must have hardened through the night.

The train whistle blew and Allen left to get Lavi whom was still busy talking to Komui back at headquarters via golem. As I watch Allen go to get him, I thought about the hell he sees himself with just his left eye. He was definitely a tough guy, able to live through that hell and still smile. I wouldn't be able to do that, not in a thousand years.

Allen, Lavi and I watched Krory hunched up on the couch, feeling gloomy again. He was saddened by how the villagers acted towards him. Their cruelty towards the vampire for all that's happened and towards us, the people they begged to go save them from the monster. They should have been more grateful if you asked me. This time it was Lavi who was able to comfort him. Allen seems shocked and annoyed that Lavi said something good before he did.

"This is your first time on a train right? Go look around. Have some fun." I said patting Krory's back.

"You're right, I'll go look around." Krory said quietly and skipped off.

"Have a good trip." I said smiling and waving with the others. I was sure we were all thinking the same thing: "He really is different when in battle."

Three hours later, we were walking around the small train looking for the vampire. He left three hours ago and hasn't come back. He couldn't have gotten lost could he? I thought as I called for him along with Lavi and Allen.

We went towards another cart and there he was, basically naked besides his boxers, crying while playing poker. He was facing three other men, one wore a pair of thick swirly glasses, he had a cigar in his mouth. Beside him, was a guy who looked as though he played the guitar he was leaning against the wall another was sitting, he was bald and wore a toque. All of them had a hand of cards. Behind them was a small kid with a mask on, seems like he's sick.

"Sorry. No young kids are allowed to enter." The man with the swirly glasses said. "Now sir, let's have another match. What are you going to wager?" He asked, attention back on Krory.

"What are you doing?" Allen asked the shivering Krory.

"Th-these people invited me to play something called poker and before I know it, it ended out like this." Krory said shivering.

He got suckered! I thought disappointed.

Allen and I stripped off our exorcists clothing. "How about we play, we're betting both these jackets, they're trimmed with silver and worth quite a lot. Would you have a match with us? These for Krory's clothing?" We asked in union

"What are you doing?" Lavi asked us.

"Alright," The man smoking agreed.

I placed down my cards. "Cal,l royal straight flush. I win." I stated. I don't know why we're still playing, I mean, we got all of Krory's clothing back but Allen said he wanted to play still. So far the match is like so: Allen and I won all of the guys clothing and possessions, so far that they're down to their boxes. As for what Allen lost for the times I won are his tie and jacket. As for what I lost, I lost my silver ring, my tie, my hair tie and one heel.

Allen and I watched while the other three men whispered about this confusion about how good the two of us were. They underestimated us for being kids but in truth we were both experts at cheating for the debts we have to pay off for General Cross.

"This is easy." I whispered to Allen.

He nodded in agreement, smile still on his face, while shuffling the cards.

"Damn it, one more time!" The guys called.

"Alright," I said and smiled.

"Wow, they're wonderful!" Krory exclaimed.

"Hey, what's going on? How are you unbelievably good at this?" Lavi whispered to us.

"That's because, we're cheating." We whispered back.

"Are you serious?" Lavi whispered.

"They challenged Krory first." Allen face was serious.

"When it comes to cards, I can't lose." I whispered remembering the harsh nature that accompanied being the apprentice of a Cross Marian.

"I don't feel like losing in cards. When I was in training, I perfected my skills with my life in order to pay back the master's debt and earn money for food." Allen said evilly.

"You sure are dark." I said to Allen.

"Back at you." He whispered.

"Call," Allen called after a while.

"What?" The others yelled and I took off my other heel.

The train stopped at its next station. The three men stood out freezing in the winter air while Allen gave back their stuff. Even though they said that they don't need to be pitied by a young man like him, they still took back their stuff. The boy with the cough mask offered Allen his fortune; a chunk of silver, but the swirly glasses men gave Allen a deck of cards as thanks.

"Now Allen," I started taking the pile of cards and shuffling them. "Let's continue our game." I smirked.

"What will be the wager?" He asked.

"First one naked will pay for General Cross's debt on the other personal. So if you win, I'll pay off your debt, if I win you pay of mine. Deal?" I suggested.

"Deal," He said smirking.

The room went dark as our dark side appeared.

"Guys?" Lavi called voice written with fear.

We both played furiously. After a few hours the turn up were so, I'd lost my hair tie, tie, ring, both heels and stockings; my weapons, exorcist jacket, and holsters. Allen on the other hand had lost everything but his pants and boxers.

"Here's my portion of the debt." I said sliding out a roll of receipts from Cross while checking out his body. "Don't worry. I'd paid off most already." I said generously. Though, it still demanded for large sum. Smirking, I placed my hand down. "Call, Straight Flush." I smirked throwing down my cards. "Those pants are mine."

Allen blushed as he stripped off his pants.

Lavi and Krory stared scared at the scene. Well Krory was impressed and Lavi was scared.

"This is the farthest you've ever been stripped now isn't it?" I asked right on the dot.

Allen shuffled the cards annoyed.

"Call. Four of a kind." Allen said.

I shuffled the deck again with a small pink tint on my face after shrugging off my shirt. I was wearing a tank top inside. I checked my hand, there was no way am I going to be stripped any further. This is the farthest I've been stripped and I'm not going to be there in my bra and underwear before Allen, Lavi and Krory. Especially not before Lavi with his photographic memory. I have to win this.

I checked my cards again, didn't like them. They weren't any good. Secretly, I switched them. I check Allen's poker face and looked away, he was still smiling. His smiling poker face. I wonder what kind of poker face I have. Probably like Yuu-chan's – emotionless.

"Call, Royal Straight Flush." I said deciding to end the game after a long while. "I win, here's Cross's debt. Good luck paying for it." I smiled.

The cart door open, Leenalee and Bookman stood outside the door. Leenalee stared at the scene. A naked Allen surrounded by defeat and then a semi-naked me surrounded in a dark aura; a scared yet aroused Lavi, a cheerful and entranced Krory, and clothes all over on the floor. "What are you two doing?" Leenalee yelled and started to punch us and the punishment started.

"Gomen, gomen, Lena-chan. We're just seeing who's a better poker play." I said rubbing my head, fully dressed now. I glared over at Lavi who I knew must have gone out to get them.

"Stay still!" Bookman cried helping peel the substance off my right eye.

As soon as it was gone the bandage on my eye vanished into thin air. Guess it was on too long. I opened it and looked out it. Everything seemed about right. I looked at the window to see how they look. They look fine. There was just a slight difference. The cross was outlined in a faint line of red. After finish examining my eye I turned to check on Allen.

Allen was staring – as if he was dead – at the giant debt, his past coming back to him.

Leenalee went up to him and swiped the large amount of receipts from him, scanning them over, her expression dropped each time looking at the large amount of sum. After finishing, she looked exhausted then she threw the bundle of receipts back at me. "Pay for these yourself!" She said sternly.

"But, but…" I started but stopped at Leenalee's glare. I sighed and look down and walked over to Allen. "Allen?" I asked rubbing his back. "What kind of debt do you have being his apprentice?" I questioned.

Allen reached into his pocket and took out another bundle of receipts, quickly I scanned them over. I stared at them wide eye, shocked at the number. Leenalee came by and froze at the sight of the large sum. Lavi watched from a distance scared of Leenalee's expression, what kind of number could be written down on that sheet of thin paper scared him. Taking the bundle, I used it to slap Allen.

"How many zero's is that?" Leenalee gasped the numbers still rolling around in her head. Never had she seen such a big number.

"What is this? You have to pay for so less!" I yelled while slapping him with it. "Yours is barely 1/5 of mine! What are you complaining about?" I asked angrily while jealous at the little sum he needed to pay.

At this, everyone fell shocked from the large amount of money I have to pay for. Allen and I huddled together crying at the amount that General Cross gave us to pay for. That bastard, next time I swear I'll make him pay his own debt.

Would you be my Valentine?

Deep within the walls of the capital of Europe's island, a small giggle creeps happily though the halls. One by one, members of the religious black organization known as the Dark Order slowly woke. Each member had a large smile upon their face, today was the day where cupid strikes and love is spread. Today was Valentine's day.

"Esme-chan" Lavi cooed as he ran over to the cafeteria.

"Lavi-kun," I smiled.

"What would you like, my Honey?" Jerry, the Dark Order's head chef called happily. Jerry was tall and slender as well as feminine. He loves and is loved by everyone in the order, and no one dares question about his sexuality for it didn't matter in the Order.

"One usual please, small though." I smiled broadly. "Oh, and this is for you." I reached into my pocket pulling out a small purple satin bag with the word giri-choco on it. Inside stood three marble chocolate balls.

"Why, you didn't have to." Jerry gasped, flushing.

"No, no, at the very least take it as a thanks for letting me use your kitchen on such short notice."

"Eh," Lavi cried, poking his head in the window. "Ara, where's mine?"

"Right here," I pulled another purple sac out from his bandanna. The same words, giri-choco were threaded into the bag. I dropped the bag in his open palm. I snatched up my tray and turned away. "Thanks Jerry,"

"Happy Valentine's Day." I smiled at the chocolate cake that Jerry placed beside my meal.

"Wait," I froze, somehow Lavi's arm had snaked around my waist, pressing my back to his chest. I could feel Lavi's warm breath beating off my neck. His emerald eye stared at my orange ones. "Does this mean you love me?"

I blinked. Once. Twice. "Huh?" I was dumbfounded.

"This chocolate, are you asking me to be your Valentine?" Lavi purred, leaning closer.

"I gave Jerry the same giri-choco,"

"Giri-choco?"

"Yes, giri-choco."

"Usagi," Lavi eyed the blade next to his neck with his one eye. "What are you doing with imouto?"

"You're little sister has asked me to be her Valentine's," Lavi smirked, holding up the sac of chocolates.

"Che. It's only giri-choco."

"Yuu-nii, here's your giri-choco." I smiled, plopping it in his hands.

Kanda eyed the purple bag and dropped it back in my hands. "I don't like sweets."

"It's not sweet at all." I pointed to the little kanji spelling Yuu's name. It was the only way I could tell that that bag was his. A hundred-percent dark chocolate flowers. "Trust me,"

"Che."

"Esme-chan, morning!" Reever called, waving.

"Reever-san!" I waved back, wiggling out of Lavi's confused grip. "For you," I plopped another purple bag in his hand. "Here's one for you too, Johnny-san, Tup-san." Two more bags left my little heart-shaped purse.

"What's this?" Johnny questioned, eyeing the sack. The strange characters written on the sac made no sense to the man.

"Giri-choco," I beamed.

"What's giri?"

"Giri-choco is obligation chocolates." At their confused faces, I continued. "Chocolate given by women to male co-workers and male friends on Valentine's day."

"You're going to get chocolate to every male in the Black Organization?"

"No, not just to male, Lena-chan, Miranda-san, Nine-senpai, head nurse and the females gets tomo-choco."

"What's tomo-choco?"

"Tomo-choco is chocolate given by women to female friends."

Reveer, the head of the science division, placed his hand on my head, ruffling up my hair. "What about the chocolate for your special someone?"

I glanced up at the scientist confused.

"For the one you like,"

After a few moments the words finally recognized into my mind. A tint pink spread across my cheeks. "H-honmei-choco."

"I hope you and your love have a great time together" Reever smiled.

"Lenalee," I called while I waved good-bye to the head nurse.

"Happy Valentine's Day!" Lena-chan and I greeted. Three seconds later we burst into giggles.

"Here," I sighed handing her a blue bag.

"And here's yours," She handed me a thin green box tied with a white bow.

"Wow," I inhaled the sweet aroma of the chocolate. "Thank yous," I smiled hugging her.

"You're welcome, and thank you for yours." She laughed, and plopped one white marble in her mouth. "They're good,"

I beamed. "Who are you going to give your honmei-choco to?"

"Honmei-choco?" she paused, "Oh, yeah, you celebrate Japan's Valentine's Day. I'm didn't make any special chocolates for anyone. I love everyone and everyone is all equally special to me."

So typical of her, I smiled.

"How about you?"

I froze, "Huh?"

"What about you? Who are you going to give your special chocolates to?"

"I'm not sure yet." I smiled.

I waved towards a Finder who smiled happily back. The one he liked for six months now was holding hands with him. A bouquet of roses rested in the woman's arm. Two large smiles adorned their faces. They looked so lovely together.

Glancing down over the railings, I peeked at the training grounds. No one was there. Sighing, I hoisted myself up and sat on the rails. I stared at the red satin covered box in my hand tied with a white bow. There was a red rose twist at the corner of the box. "What to do?" I puffed. There was only one boy left in the whole building missing of my little chocolate goodies. And yet I couldn't find the petite kid with the white hair and scar. How hard was it to find a strange boy? But then again, I wasn't too shaken up about not finding him. It was sort of scary, what if I wasn't so lucky as Chris the Finder?

"What to do, what to do?" I chanted. Give it or keep it.

"Go, Timcanpy!" The red box vanished from my grasp as the Golden Bullet by.

"Tim!" I shouted as the Golem rounded the corner. My head snapped back to the source of the sound. My eyes narrowed at the redhead. "Lavi!" I shouted before double taking and running off after where Tim went off.

"Timcanpy?" Allen questioned as the little blob blurred into the room. Allen yawned while he petted his favourite companion. Allen had trained late into the night before and hadn't woken up till now. Yet, he was still tired.

"What's this?" Allen crouched down, picking up the little package. Allen glanced down the halls before opening the present. Inside was several assortment of different chocolate shaped to look like small mitarashi dangos. Instantly, Allen's eyes lit up, quickly he devoured the little candies.

"Allen-kun~" A familiar bunny called, bouncing over. His eye gleamed at the chocolate skewer hanging from his mouth. "Already eating the love chocolate, huh?"

"What?" Allen questioned and finished the roll. He picked up another one.

"Today is February 14th a.k.a Valentine's Day." Lavi smirked, liking the expression unfolding on the little Albino. "Those are the chocolate someone made hard for you."

Allen slowed, glancing at the chocolates deeper now. The dangos were slightly heart were really fine and well made; the texture was smooth and the chocolate melted fast in his mouth like a heavenly waterfall. They were delicious.

"Allen, you're such a terrible boyfriend, ya know." Lavi voiced popped Allen's analysis of the chocolates. "These chocolates are really good," Lavi licked his finger, the chocolate residue visible on his face. "It's Valentine's Day and you're making the girl do all the work and just taking in all her hard work without a second thanks. Man, I feel bad for her unrequited love." Lavi told nervously, quickly wiping the evidence from his face. Allen's glare was getting to him.

Allen sighed, letting his negativity go. "You're right," Allen turned into his room and petted his golem. "Thanks for the chocolates. They are really delicious."

"It's not from Tim!" Lavi shouted, faceplaming. "Tim's not even a girl!"

"It's not? But Tim was here when it showed up.

"It's not from Tim, but a girl!"

"But who?"

"That's not the important part. You can't just simply say "Thanks". You got to do more."

"Huh?"

"See this, this says honmei-choco. Honmei-choco is chocolate made specifically for the person they like. In other words, whoever made you this likes likes you,"

"Stop playing with me!"

"I'm not playing!"

"Who is it then?"

"It's..."

"Esmimi-chan!~" Matchmaker Lavi called,

"Onna-tarashi!" I hissed and ran after him. "Get back here you!"

"You'll never catch me!" Lavi hissed, rounding another corner.

"Stop!" I shouted, rounding the same corner.

I skid to a stop. Before me stood the cursed boy with with a bouquet of roses, a box of chocolates, a couple of heart balloons and a romantic table set up behind him. I stared at it dumbfounded. And where did the usagi go?

"W-what's all this?" I asked. There was so much red everywhere.

"I would like to say "thank you" for the delicious and beautiful chocolates," Allen smiled, handing me the bouquet of roses decorated by a smaller white flowers. "For you, milady." Allen took my hand and gave it a gentle kiss.

"Um.." I stuttered, a faint blush creep across my face. "Allen," I wrapped my hand around his. "um.. thank you for the roses, but um. What are you doing?"

Now it was Allen's turn to be dumbfounded.

"I didn't give you any chocolates, at least not yet."

"No, you did."

"Nu uh" I reached into my pocket, pulling out a purple bag. "You're chocolate's right here." I pointed towards the small tag with Allen's name on it.

"But, I got this." Allen handed me the box with the rose at the end.

I flushed. "T-that... that's... that's for Timcanpy!"

†††

Today was Valentine's Day, a day Kanda did not particularly enjoy. Every year Kanda would get a huge pile of gifts by fangirls and those who were too scared of him or couldn't find him left their gifts at his door. Yuu Kanda walked to his room, stopping at the mountain of pink, red and white boxes all piled up before his door. With a sigh, Kanda walked around the mountain of sweets and entered his room. Gifts ignored. Kanda didn't like sweets.

†††

Lenalee walked back into her room. Upon entering her room, a million roses flooded from her room. Instantly, she was suffocated by the flowers. Lenalee picked up the card hanging off the flowers. She giggled slightly then sighed. Her brother was always so caring.

Off somewhere else, Komui, Lenalee's elder brother, drove over on his creation, Komrin, chasing after males, especially, Bak Chan. Their flowers and chocolates were crushed to their chest or on the ground, trampled by the monster. Their cries echoed through the halls.

[A/N] Japanese Terminology:

imouto = younger sister

Onna-tarashi = Playboy

Giri-choco = Obligation Chocolatemeant to be given to male co-workers and friends.

Tomo-choco = Obligation Chocolate meant to given to female friends (Note: Tomo-choco is a recent variation of Giri-choco)

Honmei-choco = Winner Chocolate meant to be given to the male who the giver crushes on. Winner Chocolate is finer and more refined the Obligation Chocolates.

Mitarashi Dango = Allen's favourite sweet. Dangos skewered on a stick covered in soy sauce glaze.