AN:This chapter was extremely hard to write. It's 4 am but I hope you enjoy this 10k worded chapter :)


A slow week has passed since my first mission with Allen, Kanda and Lavi, allowing me to adjust to living here easier. When we returned on the boat, Komui immediately dragged me to the medical unit to check my vitals and blood pressure. The head nurse poked a thin needle into my arm and took a small blood sample. She also hooked me up to multiple machines to monitor my vitals As expected, everything was abnormally below average, so I was given even more medicine to take. For precaution, he set up a schedule for me while I'm here. In the mornings before breakfast, I would get my vitals taken and a new shot of vitamins. Right before I hit the baths, I would repeat this. This was purely for documentation of my innocence and how it reacts with my body.

The head nurse also told me to increase my food intake and to eat almost twice the amount of food I usually get in the cafeteria and to get. So I've been getting my usual plates of fish, rice, vegetables and decided to eat with Allen when the stupid redhead wasn't around, hoping that being around someone that eats a lot would encourage me to eat more as well.

No results.

In fact, I was eating LESS, around Allen's mountain of food since it's so intimidating it makes me nauseous. He would chatter about his travels around the world and trivial things, like the weather, complain about Kanda, his daily routine or strange things he found out throughout the day. But one day, something strange slipped off his tongue.

The two of us and Lenalee were sitting together in the middle of the day. Allen has his usual 'snack' while I ate a large bowl of mixed fruit. We listened to him chatter with lenalee and she responding to must of his comments. I had nothing interesting to contribute since I was still new, and my past is nothing but a blank slate when I was ten and then misery until I found Master Deo. I'm nothing special, unlike him. But the atmosphere turned grim. It's as if the world was coming to an end when he said:

"Even though I was considered in the 'clear' for now, I'm still scared that Link and Lvellie will come back and accuse me of being the 14th again."

The 14th, Lvellie and Link were names I couldn't understand the gravity that caused the mood to drop. Lenalee stared solemnly to the ground as if she was about to cry. Allen then frantically apologizes to her for ruining the mood, but Lavi happened to jump in and save the moment. Although annoying, he can be useful at times with his positivity.

During training hours, Komui also decided to pair me up with Kanda to teach me basic martial arts, which was the most insane thing I've heard him say since he forced me to share a room with him. I've witnessed the cold hearted Yu Kanda in the training rooms, surrounded by the corpses of those who challenged him covered with blood and nor did I plan on becoming one of them.

Our lessons would start off with stances and then elevate to a full on brawl. I had to follow a certain soldier style fighting system which is more structured compared to my risk and receive fighting style. Each passing session with the samurai has been more viscous, as if he's on battlefield. Kick after kick, punch after punch, I was told not to dodge and block every move that he threw out to me. Most of them I succeeded, with bruised arms and legs. But on occasion, he would kick me hard enough for me to be coughing up blood. And when I fell down, it was almost impossible for me to stand back up. How the hell was I able to land a hit on him before?

But when I did manage to hit on him somehow, my attack would mean nothing due to his ability to recover and fight back. In the end, I would just get frustrated and attempt to beat the shit out him. He of course would fight back, leaving me with even more bruises at the end of the day. My injuries would heal quickly overnight, but the aches lasted to the next day. Of all the people I had to train with, Why him? And he still calls me 'Woman'! How long is he going to keep at that shit?

But at night, I would be resting my aching body on the soft cloud like mattress. He would come in later with a towel wrapped loosely around his neck, get under the covers and wrap his strong arms around my waist. I hate that bastard side his, but my heart melts when someone holds me like this.

The outside world conflicting with my feelings...it hurts. And he's the one to blame.


Which leads me to today. After putting on a black button up blouse and white pants, I walk down the hall right after getting my daily vitals and medication from the nurse and checking in with komui. As expected, everything seemed lower than what it should be, but my body is a lot healthier compared to when I first became an exorcist. Members wearing lab coats and tan uniforms zip past like bees carrying cardboard boxes and papers faster compared to the average day at the Order. Most of them had dark circles around their eyes and hair like a bird's nest. They must have been pulling all nighters huh? I can't imagine what that lunatic of a director that man's forcing them to do. When each member passes me, their eyes, filled with exhaustion, meet mine, I keep my line of sight at the end of the hallway as they start to walk faster. Is my face really that intimidating? I mean, unlike Kanda's furious gestures, I always kept straight face for the time that I was here.

I pause for a moment and touch my eyelids with my fingertips. Maybe it's my eyes. I have been told that my yellow eyes were always scary. "The witch's bright yellow cat like eyes. So bright, you can see them coming to kill you in the middle of the night." That's what the kids would say back at home during camp fires. I cover my hand over my mouth and let out a small yawn. Ugh. It's too early to be dwelling on the past.

I haven't made an effort of meeting the other exorcists since I've been too preoccupied with my gruesome training with Kanda, my personal training and enjoying solitude, nor do I feel the need to run up and introduce every single person that I don't know. I don't have a reason to know who they are until they become my teammate for a mission. But in numbers, Allen was right. There are any exorcists here. The only new person I've seen within the past week wearing an exorcist uniform was an older bulky man with tan skin and a headphone set. His eyes were small and lacked color, for me to presume that he had vision challenges. We passed each other once or twice, but nothing else came from our interactions, which was ok with me. Another person that's easy to get along with.

As I turn the corner, Lenalee was cheerfully chatting with Allen. The two of them seem to be on some kind of adrenaline like the others who I passed with their feet instantly moving. Both of them were carrying similar large cardboard boxes, Allen's share was three times bigger. The albino exorcist then ran off as if he was in a hurry down the halls of the cathedral. The Chinese girl waved goodbye, saw me in the corner of her eye, turned around and smiled brightly.

"Good morning Kuro. Where are you heading?" She asked. Although our first encounter was swell, lenalee was always too ecstatic for my taste. Running around with a happy-go-lucky smile while helping her brother, chatting with every person that she comes across, it's unneeded. That or it's her way of coping with the war we're stuck in. But I have no plans on making enemies here, so I'll just keep in touch with her.

"Going to the cafeteria for breakfast." I keep walking as if she wasn't there.

Lenalee scoots in front of me, blocking my path. She darts her pupils away from mine and gives me a apologetic smile. "Actually, from what I heard, my brother destroyed the cafeteria again."

I raised an eyebrow at her vocabulary. "Again? He does that more than once?"

"Yea." She sighs. "It happens more often than you think."

I relax my shoulders. "Well, I'll go and see if they have something to snack on and-"

"Y-you can't!" Lenalee cut off. "The whole mess hall is destroyed and will take days to fix! I can get you something quick to eat if you want." The way she said it brings up sounds deceiving and somewhat nervous. Being my skeptical usual self, I decline the offer.

"No thanks." Usually after breakfast, I train with Kanda, but I'm not in the mood for basic hand coordination and becoming a human punching bag. What I need is a good teacher. One that would teach me something instead of trying to kill me. In fact, if I recall, Allen was holding his ground when training with an older man with black and white hair. Maybe I can ask him for some tips. Anything would be better compared to that dumbass samurai.

"Well where are you going now? Off to train with Kanda again?" Ugh. Why is she so nosy?.

"No I'm training by myself today, thanks for asking OK bye!" I do a 180 and bend my knees, preparing for a quick escape, but the Chinese girl dropped her box to grab my arm. The brown box spilled out its materials ; white sheets of paper, pencils, papers, balloons...streamers...party poppers? Why is she carrying a box full of party supplies? Does the Order celebrate birthdays? Oh well, it's none of my business.

"Kuro," she whispered with her head down and eyes covered by her bangs. "You know it's ok to trust us. Why do you seem so distant? As if you're about to float away." Her words trembled as if she was about to cry. My mind races with options of how to get out of this situation. If she starts crying in the middle of the hallway, I'll be blamed as the corporate once someone sees us! Not to mention, Mr. Sister-complex will kill me in a second when the word is out. Damn it...Why is she getting upset over something so trivial?!

Reluctantly, I decided to tell her the truth. I at least need to get along with her. I pulled my hand back and used it to clench on my free arm, cradling myself as I turned my head towards the window and blushed. Lavi's right. I do have a terrible habit of blushing. "It's...it's because...I'm…I'm not good at making friends." The last few words trailed off in a quiet tone. I'm such an idiot.

Her face lit up a little bit and smiled. "Well, we can work on that together."

"...ok I guess."


I settle out by the edge of the forest to begin my daily innocence training, right where the old bird's nest was. Sitting in a pretzel position, I placed three small candles in a straight line horizontally five centimeters apart. I placed my index finger on the left most candle, ignited it, closed my hands together, left my pointer finger out and eyed down the stick of fire. My goal: try and move the fire to the next candle without touching it or having the whole area turn into a blaze. If I can lure the flame to the next candle with my finger, then maybe I can learn how to move the fire at will.

Komui keeps mentioning how I'm creatively challenged with that goofy smile of his. A smirk would spread from ear to ear. "Ehh? You can't think of what to do with your innocence? I can perhaps help with some of this black mixture I have!" Oh what's with that disgruntled look? I promise that it won't explode on you!"

How annoying.

No results were forming, so I decided to scoot back a few inches and raised both of my hands out and aimed them towards the lit fire. Minutes has passed. no results. I clench my muscles and struggle to do what seemed to be impossible.

There's no wind, the atmosphere is dry, my innocence is activated, what else am I supposed to do?! Is this not possible? Am I wasting my time?

Suddenly, the flame started to waver to the right candly with its light gray smoke. A smile crept up on my face. Yes… YES!. It's almost there! I just need to concentrate a bit harder!

"What the hell are you doing?"

The flame is early went back to its original form from the sound of a familiar grouchy teammate. I r turned my head around to meet his typical signature frown. I'm starting to think that's his normal resting face.

"Training. What does it look like I'm doing?" Kanda scanned me and the three candles, one of which was a third melted down. He then clicked his tongue, not caring about what I was occupied with.

"Che. You're late. You're supposed to be training with me right now. Come on."

I swift my head back to the candles. And attempt to do what I've been trying to do. "No."

"What did you just say?"

"You heard me. I'm going to get Allen to train with me. I at least won't come back from each session bruised and broken."

Kanda swiftly turned his head and clicked his tongue once more . "The Moyashi can't even throw a punch hard enough to push someone down, and you expect to learn something from him? The akuma won't be going easy on you while you're on missions. I'm preparing you for what's to come on the battlefield."

"You're just teaching me how to become a human punching bag!" I stood up and faced him eye to eye. He towered by almost five inches (12.7 cm), making me feel insignificant and less intimidating. "I can fight my own battles thank you very much. Like how I put you back in your place in Greece!"

His scowl turned into a sly smirk. "Is that a challenge?" What am I getting myself into?

Stubbornly, I decide to act like a fool and hold onto my pride. "Maybe. Wanna go right now?" I teased, putting my hand on my hips. "No innocence. Just hand to hand combat. First one to get pinned down for five seconds w-" before I could finish my sentence, the Japanese man dropped Mugen, charged at me with full force, aiming for my face with his fists. I quickly dodged, only for my arm to get snatch and pulled behind my back. He forcefully twisted my arm, making me clench my teeth at the pain.

"What's a matter?" He scoffed. "You talk all high and nightly but in reality you're weaker than Moyashi."

I crossed my leg with his, twisting his ankle and struggled to throw his heavy body over mine. With ease, he landed on his feet and charged back again, leaving me no time to make a witty remark. Each punch he threw with his incredible super human like speed and agility, I barely dodged.

"Are you always going to be on the defense?" He retorted. I kept backing up after each attack, as my back was about to go into the forest. I finally found an opening between his left shoulder and neck and striker there.

I threw my fist as hard as I could, finally landing a hit and sending him a few feet away from me. His black boots touched the ground and he got into a pouncing position with his knees bent and went straight for another blow again, this time landing a hit right on my nose and sent me flying back a lot farther than I did to him.

I struggle to lift my face up from the dirt, nose dripping with blood and an needle like pain around it. I was out of my league here. I'm such an idiot for challenging him.

Kanda slowly walked towards me with his hand on his hip, giving me another chance to either fight back or ask for forgiveness. "Get up."

I used my arm as leverage to pry myself up from the ground. Wiping the blood off on my arm, I yelled back. "I don't need you to tell me what to do." My body flung towards his with a solid kick.

Punches, kicks, doges, tossing, tripping, counterattack, bruises and blood. Our dance continued for what it felt like forever. Beads of sweat dropped down our foreheads as the two of us pant like dogs under the rays of the blazing sun. Both of us were covered with bruises, but my injuries were more plentiful compared to his scratches. Each of his punches became more readable, for as a trained soldier, there's a learned pattern to his style. I on the other hand, learned to sway my body with more freedom.

He then plunged forward with all the energy he had left with another punch. For once I caught his throw with my hand. His strength is impeccable as his biceps bulge. He threw his other hand at me, I caught it as well. Then, unexpectedly, I could feel my feet begin to slide back as he bent his elbows and started to push forward. My muscles were no match to his, for digging my boots into the ground was unfruitful. Each step he took pushed my bent arms back, struggling to hold his force. My back hit one of the tall oak trees that was near the edge of a hill, the bark scratching my shirt and piercing into my skin, but I keep my eyes on his stern dark orbs. I wasn't pinned, but if I didn't do something about this situation quickly, the fight would end in an instant. A brilliant idea sprung into my head.

BANG!

I used my forehead as a weapon, smashing mine into his, forcing him to let go of my arms as we both wobbled from impact. The world around me spun around rapidly as it tried to catch my footing. Until…

I felt my ankle twist slightly on a rock, and my body started plumbing down the hill. Immediately, Kanda's eyes widened, and with his snake like reflexes, he reaches out his arm and wraps his hand around my head while his other arm around my waist as we tumble down to the bottom of the hill as one. My eyes closed while embracing for each hard and powerful impact from the ground.

The next thing I knew was that my legs were spread around my handsome roomates tight waist, straddled with my hands on his chest. Both of us heaved for air with eyes locked in on each other.

I snapped back into reality for a moment and started timer started in my head. One, two, three, four, five. "I won!" I pushed off, jumped up and smirked at him with the most eastastic and confident smile I could give.

Kanda used his knee as leverage to stand up. "Hmph. You only won because of that fluke. I could beat you to a pulp..." I start to block him out when I saw our surroundings.

Around us was a large circle of moist, rich soil covered with light green grass surrounded by the ambiance of the forest. The area was almost 20 feet in diameter. Looking up, the blazing sun was in view which was dead center in the middle of the area. Near the edge, a small pond with seven to eight lilly pads covered the surface with a few water sausages on the perimeter. Although it was in the middle of the day, I could hear crickets singing in the shallow parts of the deep forest. Fireflies hung out in groups when the sun couldn't reach them

Mysterious, endless, tranquil, beautiful.

"This place...it's almost as if it's magical." I whispered. My eyes absorbed the scenery around me. I could hear Kanda standing up and walk towards me.

Interrupting the moment, my stomach decided to intervene with a small growl. I held my waist with my hand in embarrassment as Kanda gave me a disgusting glare.

"Sorry," I timidly apologizes. "I didn't eat breakfast."

"Why?" He asked, as if he almost sounded concerned for my well being.

I found a dry spot of grass and slumped down with my back against a tree and sighed. "Lenalee said that the cafeteria was being repaired and I couldn't go in."

"I went there this morning, and nothing was messed up." He said. I tilted my head at him in confusion. Lenalee didn't seem like the type of person to lie, let alone to lie without a hint of remorse. With the few times I would see her in the halls, in the science department and in the bath, the Chinese girl gave off a honest, and wholesome vibe. Her attempts of acting cute and perky could easily be spotted miles away from wanting the attention of her peers, but I refuse to believe that she would be the type of person to hurt someone by doing simple things.

My stomach called once more. Kanda rolled his eyes and looked back at the hill where we fell from. "Don't move from this spot." He said as he walked up out into the distance with the wind combing his jet black ponytail.

I crossed my arm around my chest and adjusted myself even more, making me more comfortable. I can only find it strange that after one week, he's only like this towards me.. Does he...have a crush on me? I shake my head, rejecting the thought of that stupid idea.

Soon, Kanda walked back with two oak brown wooden boxes stacked in his arms. He placed one of the boxes in my lap. I opened the seal and inside were gray buckwheat noodles on a bamboo platter, a dark brown broth in a separate small bowl and wasabi and green onions in a small tray. In the corner were a mixture of pumpkin, sweet potato and eggplant thinly sliced, lotus roots, long shrimp and whole asparagus fried to a light crisp with a crunchy tempura batter and a cup of tempura sauce. I always see him eating this dish when he's in the cafeteria. If I can remember correctly, Allen said that it's called soba, and it's the only thing that he eats.

I look back at him with surprise. "Kanda? You got this...for me?"

The samurai scoffed and sat down with his legs crossed. He tossed me a pair of wooden chopsticks. "What does it look like? Just shut up and eat." He then lift his share of soba and started to slurp.

I sheepishly scratch my scalp. "Thank you but…I don't know how to eat soba."

Kanda eyes rolled as he clicked his tongue and glared at me. He held his chopstick in my line of sight. "Watch. I'm not going to do it again." First, he held the chopstick in his hand , showing me how to use them. I examined his fingers and their positioned. He then maneuvered the sticks between his fingers, forming an open "V" motion to grab the noodles, dip them into the wasabi and soup to eat them. After a few failed attempts, I managed to cling on to the method and slurp up the noodles. The texture is soft, so it slipped right into my mouth with the flavor of the soup and the wasabi's kick.

It's ok. Simplistic, not to crazy. Makes sense that he likes something like this.

I glance at Kanda, with noodles still hanging from his mouth. Lips perked and scowl erased from his face. I wish he looked like this all the time. That way, he could be more approachable. His company is fine, especially when there's no need for a conversation. But ever since we started living together, the same question keeps popping up inside of my head.

I stop slurping up my noodles for a moment and look back to Kanda. "Kanda?"

He glances to me, finishing up the last bit of his soba.

"I don't mind being around you, I really don't. In fact, I enjoy your company. It's a nice change in pace. And I've gotten used to sharing a room with you. But-"

"Stop rambling and get to the point, Woman." He ordered. Mental note: tell him to stop calling me Woman.

"Why do you insist that we share the same bed?"

He gave me a poker face and then went back to eating. "You don't like sharing a bed?"

My cheeks rapidly heat up. "No no no! It's not that. I…" I fiddle with my fingers anxiously. "I enjoy...cuddling. It makes me feel like someone is willing to comfort me. But we've only known each other for a short amount of time. And the way you hold me…"

Kanda narrowed eyes are on me with confusion. "Ah! Forget it." I frantically look around to find something to talk about until i noticed that all of Kanda's pumpkin tempura is gone. All that's left we're the other deep fried vegetables and shrimp.

"You like pumpkins?" I asked.

"Hmm." He responded. I can only assume that's a "yes" in his language.

Finally a topic! "Oh I like them too. I remember back home, I wandered into a large field and found a secret patch of giant pumpkins. It was a sight to see! I stole a few and gave them to my master. He cut them into chunks and made really good stew! Then he washed, seasoned and roasted the seeds for the perfect autumn snac-

"You're rambling again." He commented.

I puffed my cheeks out. "Do you not like it when I talk, Mr. anti-social?"

"Look who's talking. You're the one that glances down the hallway every time someone walks by just to make sure you're alone."

My face turns red once again. I make a noise, about to speak up, but he wasn't lying. I'm a professional escape artist. Whether if it's running away from my enemies, friends, work, responsibilities, or internal problems, I can go at Mach speed. It's nothing to brag about, but at some point it was the only redeeming quality I had.

"The scenery here is beautiful…" I commented.

"Terrain like this are great for Fox gloves and hydrangeas."

I gave him a questioning look. "For what?"

"Che. They're a type of flower that grows around here."

"Wow. You know a lot about flowers."

"Hmph. Not really."

"Aha! I have an idea!" I jumped up and stretched my back and turned to Kanda. "Let's start a garden here!"

"Why?"

"Why not? It's obvious that you like plants and flora, and other than training, I don't have any hobbies to spend during the day. And it would be a waste to let this area dry out."

"That sounds like a stupid idea." Kanda said, placing his box on the ground and standing up.

I try to think of a quick reason. "Well maybe we can grow some pumpkins here! And Foxgloves and hydrangeas as well. If we could grow lotuses here, maybe we can have the lake covered with them! I saw the lotus flower in your room, you like those too, don't you Kanda?"

Kanda, for some reason, widened his eyes and was taken aback. It was as if he seen a ghost. His lips began to quiver, struggling to speak. "You...saw the flower in the hour glass?"

"Yea. Why?" My raven haired roommate took a few steps back and fell down with his legs back and quivering. The look in his eyes, reminiscent of a terrified child could barely be described in anymore words. The idea that Kanda, the most stoic, stubborn ass in the whole Black Order could reduce to the state he was in now scares me. And I'm the one that caused it. I walk towards him and bend my knees down to meet him. "Kanda? Are you ok? You're shaking."

My voice brings him back to reality as his muscles relaxed with one deep breath. "It's nothing." What the hell just happened? I reach my hand out to help him get back onto his feet and surprisingly he took it.

Flapping noises come towards us as Kanda's golem arrived from the top of the hill. "Kanda! Did you get Kuro? Where is she?" Presumably komui said.

"She's with me right now." He replied before I could do it for him.

"Ugh! We told you to bring her back an hour ago! Never mind! The two of you come to the building now." The call then hanged up.

I turned my back towards him and looked at the steep hill we tumbled down together. This will take awhile.

"Go without me." He said. I turned my head around to see him resting his back up against the root of a tree, looking weak and tired.

"Are you sure? You don't look so good. Maybe if you talk to me about it-"

"JUST GO!" He yelled with eyes of a vulture. I can't argue with him. I don't want to argue with him. I nod my head and climb my way back home, still wondering what happened to change his mood so quickly.


I stroll down the halls of the cathedral and sighed. Turning the corner, I see lenalee trot up to me with a smile.

"Kuro, you're late!" She calls, as she grabs one of my hands with both of hers. Her palms are soft and warm, compared to mine. It's obvious that she takes care of her appearance more than I do.

"Late?" I ask. The Chinese girl glanced around my back a couple of times, looking for someone.

"Where's Kanda?" She frowns. "He should've been with you and taken you to the cafeteria by now."

I lowered my head and jab my thumb behind me. "He's outside." Why did I leave him alone? He looked so fragile and lost. Damn it I'm such an idiot.

She puffed her cheeks out and placed a hand on her skirt. "Why couldn't he even follow a simple favor. Anyways, follow me."

"Why?"

"It's a surprise!" She grabbed my hand and started pulling me toward the end of the hallway. I on the other hand, was tired of being forced into these situation like these. I planted my feet into the ground. The Chinese girl looks at me with a confused look. "I told you to follow me."

"No."

"Why?"

"First of all, where are we going?"

"To the cafeteria. There's something waiting for you there."

"Didn't you tell me that the cafeteria was destroyed and it would take days for it to be rebuilt?"

"I did but-"

"Then why are you taking me to a place that is destroyed? There's is no reason for me to go!"

Her smile flips. "Kuro, don't you trust us? We're your family."

"No. Sorry. I don't trust you guys. Ever since I came here, everyone. Every. Single. Damn. Person. Have been giving me fragments of information, with little to no meaning to them. 'You can trust me'! 'Don't trust the people from over there'. 'You can trust all of us'. Nothing makes sense! Why would I follow you to a place that you lied to me about this morning? You can't ask me to trust you after that! How do I know that you're one of the people that Komui told me to stay away from? How do I know that you're not going to kill me when I enter the cafeteria? It's like walking around a town with people that you know want you dead, accepting a man's offer to stay over his house before night comes, going in and drinking a cup of water, collapsing onto the ground and waking up in the middle of a cellar with no clothes, surrounded by wanted posters of yourself thinking 'hmm I wonder why that guy would do something like this?' It's stupid!"

"Kuro…"

"And time after time, you get used to it. You get used to the world around you. Everyone is out to get you, every second of the day. You refuse to look people in the eye, because once they know who you really are, they're out to get you. It's hard to eat food offered by a stranger, because you feel the need to pick through it to look for any shards of glass, needles or stray pill fragments. You always get up in the middle of the night to make sure that the door is locked multiple times and sleep with a pocket knife, because chances are, whoever's on the other side of the door has a blade ten times the size of yours!"

"Kuro…"

I hang my head in shame. I don't want to look her in the face. She's probably crying from my episode. That girl...I hate it. I hate how blessed she is. I hate how she can rely on the people around her. I hate how happy she is. And most importantly, i hate how she's always smiling. Whether it's a defense mechanism, or if the smile genuine, I hate it.

I need to leave the scene now. If Komui finds out that I yelled at her, I don't need to worry about being stabbed from behind. I let out a massive sigh.. "Sorry lenalee. My anger wasn't towards you. I don't just 'warm up' to people. I'm calling it a night."

I swiftly turn around for my body to collide with someone else's. They were strong and sturdy enough to not be affected by the collision while I fell on my ass. Looking up, it's the same man with the headphones that I've seen pass through the halls once in awhile.

"You…"

And with ease, I was scooped up with one hand and place over his side shoulder like a sack of potatoes. I started to kick and pound on his chest in protest.

"Hey! Put me down damn it!"

"Let's go, Lenalee." His voice matched his body shape, thick, masculine and heavy.

And without the two of them exchanging words, the three of us walked towards the cafeteria. I kept kicking and twisting my body, hoping that he would loosen his grip. But as expected, my attempts were a waste of time. I decided to accept my fate to wherever they were taking me.

When we reached the canteen door. The two of them pushed the door opened.

"WELCOME HOME!"

A large group of people cheered. The whole science department, a large amount of finders and a hurdle of people wearing exorcist uniforms. Komui stood in front with his arms wide open. Surround them we're tables of Behind them was a white banner that said "Welcome home" in pink letters. Fifteen large white frosted cakes were by the nearest table. Next to the cakes were bottles of wine and glasses.

I looked around in confused with everyone smiling brightly at be. "Huh?!

"Welcome home!" Lenalee cheered once more. "We usually throw a party whenever someone new joins the Order a day or two after. But most of us were on missions. Sorry for keeping it a secret."

The tall man bent his knees so I could get down."I'm Marie." He reached his hands towards me, offering a handshake which I return just to be polite. His grip is strong while the texture of his hands are rough. "Kuro."

"I heard a lot about you from Kanda." My eyes widen. Really? Kanda talks to people other than me?

"Oh is that so? What did he say about me?"

"He said that you were fun to train with, and he finally found someone that's worth his time while training."

I raised an eyebrow, skeptical about his words. "Did he really say that?"

"Well, not exactly," just as expected. "But I've known him for a long time. "Although he's harsh, when you learn how to look past his attitude he's a nice guy."

..."Nice guy...huh?" I commented sarcastically.

"Is He here by the way?" He asks. I glance behind myself. No one has entered or exited the room.

"No, he's still outside."

"Sounds like Kanda." He gave a calm and reassuring laugh. He seems like the type that would be easy to get along with, which is convenient.

Many other science division workers and exorcist I haven't even seen yet greeted me with warm smiles. Miranda, Krory, Chaoji, And Reever we're just a few of them. I try my best to socialize nicely with everyone. They spent the whole day just to make me happy, I should at least try to communicate with everyone better.

Hours into the party, Komui was holding a wine glass chatting cheerfully as he drank from his wine glass with Johnny. Lenalee was chatting with Jerry, the chef about soaps and shampoos. I was left alone, awkwardly standing in the middle of the floor. It's not a surprise to be honest. Maybe I should sneak away...wait. Wasn't there cake in the room? I scan the entire floor and spotted the cakes that were left.

I walk up to the cake cover table-well it was covered with cake. Allen was sitting down by himself at the end with stacks of cleared plates. I decide to get my food now before the boy with a monster of a stomach eats the entire table. I go up to the table. The four cakes that have been spared from Allen's appetite were round and towered like a wedding cake with white icing. Juicy strawberries bordered the perimeter of each disc that went up each of the three layers. I don't have a strong sweet tooth, but once in awhile something like this is delicious. I grab the knife and cut a large slice from the top, revealing a double strawberry layered cake. The two layers were separated with sliced vanilla icing and sliced strawberries. Looks like heaven. I grab a slice of heaven and plop down next to allen, who has dollops of white frosting all over his face.

"Enjoying the party, Kuro?" He manages to say with his mouth full.

"I guess so." I said, scooping a piece of pink cake into my mouth. Once the strawberries touched my tongue, the sweetness is absorbed by the spongy cake, leaving for a refreshing dessert. "I'm just not used to events like this."

Allen expression dropped as he stopped to look at me. His frown turned into a obvious forced smile. "You'll get used to it. Remember, you're our family."

Family huh?

Although I can't tell if he's saying that to make me feel better or if he really means it, I appreciate the effort. "Thank you."

"Allen!" Lavi popped out from behind Allen and leaned his arm around the albino's shoulder. A slight blush hinted his cheeks with the smell of alcohol. The glass filled with deep red wine occupied his other hand.

He's drunk. Well, drunk more than usual.

"What...what are you doing Moyashi?" The words slurred off his tongue. "Don't eat all of the cake!"

Allen glared at him and pushed him off his shoulder. "I'm not going to eat it all. And get off me!"

The redhead wobbled back and forth for a bit to get his feet planted onto the ground. A grin spread across his face when we make eye contact. Oh boy

"Ku,"

"My name's not Ku."

"Want me to get you a drink? Headquarters always supplies the expensive good brands!"

I take another bite out of my cake. "No thanks. I'm not interested."

"Eh? Why not?"

"Never had it before and I'm not interested."

"Lavi," Allen joins, done his 17th slice of cake. "You don't need to make her drink."

"Nonsense Allen! She's just shy! I'm trying get her to open up! Shyness is like an illness, alcohol is the medicine, and I'm the doctor!" The redhead then rushes over to another table and grabs two glasses of the deep red beverage. He places one in front of me. Looking into it, my reflection blurs with each ripple the fluid makes. The scent of cherries lingered around me, but something was, 'off'. Another smell lingered around. Pungent, As If it was slightly burning my nose.

I remember this. One of Master Deo's friends would buy a barrel of beer and have a bunch of his friend to come over and drink with him. Most of the people were customers that often came to get their weapons fixed often. They grew fond of me overtime, and told me about their adventures and battles with whatever weapon they had. His friends held a lot of wisdom, and I admired them for that. These guys, and master Deo were my teachers, that is, when they weren't intoxicated.

The shop would reek of this stuff after a Saturday night or when business was slow. But the aroma leaving the glass on the table was smooth, like fruit juice.

But never mind that! I can't give into his idiotic plans! My eyes glared at his bright emerald irises, pushing the glass away from me with my hand. "I said that I don't want any!"

His cunning and playful smile deepened. "What is he trying to pull now?"

"You must be a lightweight. But I bet if Yu was here, I bet you would be willing to drink it from his mouth."

Dammit...my face is getting red...this is what he wanted! I need to stop this! The bookman's little comment drew Allen's attention away from his fake and to Lavi. His face unlike mine, got mad with anger. And before he could hit and scold him I swiftly lift the glass to my lips and took a big swing back. The taste was similar to cherries, but i was more concentrated on the massive burning sensation in the back of my throat.

I arch my back forward and starting coughing spastically. Allen's rough hand rubs my back, hoping that his efforts will suffice for now. I scowl at Lavi, who was now taken aback and confused.

"There! Are you happy?!" I yelled. Somehow my cheeks feel even hotter than before.

"Lavi! Stop pressuring her to do something she doesn't want to do!"

Lavi scratched his nest of hair. "You know that's not how you're supposed to drink wine like that. Even a small amount of alcohol will burn your throat like hell."

"I don't care! Now...leave me alone." My head started to feel heavy as everything around me slowed down slightly. But I shook my head and tried to forget that peculiar sensation. "Now go away."

"How are you already drunk?" Lavi raised an eyebrow at me, but I just ignore his question.

Allen brushes my bangs back and covers my forehead with his hand. "Is she always this warm?"

My sight begins to distort as Lavi puts his hand on my neck and narrowed his eyes down. "Now that I think about it, she IS hotter than usual. I didn't think that was possible with her looks." Normally, I would push the two of them away and say something threatening to Lavi, but my mind is too twisted right now to be in character. I give in and let all of my anger floats away along with the bitterness about the situation as I sway side to side in my chair with a loopy smile on my face and quietly giggling. My eyelids struggle to stay open.

"Lavi, are you sure that was just wine? Normal people don't get drunk like this after one glass."

"Yes! I'm sure of it! It's the same wine that I was just drinking!"

I hear the quick sequence of heels clopping towards me. That must be Lenalee. I peel my eyes back open

"Kuro?" Lenalee gave me a concerned look and knees down next to me. "Um...are you ok."

"Of course I am...hehe." I slur. Although it's rare that I would feel hot, I could feel the inside of my body heating up from the booze. My cheeks were flushed and My brain isn't willing to think straight. It feels quite strange, and satisfying at the same time.

"She's really drunk." Lavi snickered as my body rocked side to side in the chair.

"Oh shad up orange boy."

"Orange boy?" Lavi pointed at his head. "You mean my hair?"

"O- *hic* oh course it's your hair! It's all messy! It's too bright and annoyin!"

"But your hair is brighter than mine!"

"I...I said shad up." My shoulder leaned on Allen as he gave me a nervous smile. "Why...why can't your hair be...be like Allen's." He starts to straighten his back up and blush hard as I run my hands through his white locks. "It's so white and pretty, and it's fluffy…*hic* just like a marshmallow, hehe."

"Ha! Not only are you a Moyashi, but you're a marshmallow!" Lavi heckled.

"At least I'm not a fruit boy!" Allen fought back. I feel a rough hand putting pressure onto my shoulder and waist, positioning me in the correct sitting position. The world around me begins to rock back and forth, as if I'm a baby in a cradle.

"Hehe…I'm sleepy."

"Lavi, can you take her to her room?" Lenalee asked. " I think she's done for the night."

"Sure thing." Someone's arms brushes around my legs and moves me up to adjust to a piggy back position on Lavi's back. My whole body slightly moves up and down with each step he takes.

As moments pass, I hear the sound of a certain scientist rambling on about his cute little sister get closer and closer. But I don't bother lifting my head up to look at my surroundings.

Lavi stopped for a moment and his neck slightly turned. "Komui, somethings wrong with Kuro."

"Huh?...I see… wait, why are her cheeks pink! What did you guys do to her?!"

"Nothing! She just drank a glass of wine and now she's extremely drunk!"

A hand cups around my left cheek and with annoyance, I used my arm and pushed whoever's hand off of me. "Don't tauch me."

"Well, it looks like she still has her attitude! Haha!"

"Komui! This is serious!"

"Right, right. Hmmm. Here's my hypothesis: her body works a bit different than yours, for it solely runs off the energy and heat from her innocence, which means she has a fast metabolism. Chances are that the alcohol processed and heated her body up more than usual and gave her a drunk-like fever with none of symptoms of having a flu. I need to write this down at some point. "

"So what should I do with her"

"Take her to the medical unit. Other than that, she should be fine."

"Kay." Lavi then continue walking until I hear a door creak open. His back is warm and comforting. I'm somehow ok with this.


Lavi carried the intoxicated teen on his back through the hallway. She kept mumbling about incoherent trivial things that could not be comprehended by anyone. Once in awhile, she would giggle in a high pitch as he would feel the vibrations on his back.

Oh yes, she was cute with her shiny topaz eyes, slim waist and vibrant red hair. Right in his "strike" zone as well. But her appearance, or personality didn't matter. For everyone in this world, no matter how many times he has to painfully remind himself, is just ink on papyrus.

Instead of going towards the hospital wing, he turned right with his own intentions. But even so, at this moment, the older teen kept fighting with himself. Was this right? Is it ok to take advantage of an intoxicated girl that isn't aware of her surroundings? Well, she probably won't remember it when she wakes up, and it's not like he planned on doing unspeakable risqué things to her. From Bookman's orders, he needed to break her shell and find out one thing.

The redhead turned his head around to look at Kuro, with her eyes closed and resting her head on his shoulders. "Where's your room?"

"It's the..one on the third floor…seven doors down on the right." She mumbled on his shoulder. Lavi gave her a confused look. Wait...if we go up one more floor and go down seven rooms, that doesn't seem right.

"Are you sure? That's Yu's room."

"Mmm."

No, she has to be confused by the alcohol. That's Yu's room. YU! The same guy that tried to kill him whenever he called him by his first name! The same guy that kills if someone just looks at him funny! But then again, when she's around him, it's as if a lotus flower opens up to the world for the first time.

Slight change in plans. Lavi looked back at the girl on his back. "Wanna hang out in my room for a bit?"

Kuro, barley paying attention turns her head and snugs her face into Lavi's scarf. "Mmmm."

The older boy grinned. "I guess that means yes."

"Don't you dare, Baka Usagi!" Lavi flinched from the sudden noise and slowly turned to face the agitated samurai, who has just gotten out of the baths with his hair down, shirt half closed and a small white towel hanging around his neck. As expected, Mugen was with him, and Kanda was feeling a little bit on edge more than usual for an unknown reason. "Get your filthy hands off her or I'll slice you up and turn you into Usagi stew!"

Lavi shivered with the thought of 'Lavi stew' and dropped a sweat. "I'm just taking her to her room." He lied easily with his convincing acting skills.

"Bullshit." Instead of Kanda drawing his sword, he stomped up close the The redhead and glared him straight into his one eye. "I don't know what you or your old man wants from her but forget it. She knows nothing!"

A smirked spread on the future bookman's face. "Ehh? Why are you so clingy to her? Don't tell me...that you LIKE Ku?"

The next thing Lavi knew was that there was a sword next to his neck, right above the dazed Kuro. He shook in fear. Kanda Yu was not joking around. He didn't even notice that Lavi called him by his first name. If looks could kill, Lavi would be dead where he stood.

"Tell me…" Kanda spoke deeply and sternly. "What do you want with her?"

Lavi's playful personality left and what was left was a husk or his former self. "You understand the position we're in right now, right?"

Kanda's grip on his sword loosened. "What are you talking about?"

"In this war, we are considered the only ones that can save the world from the hands of the Millennium Earl. But compared to his offense, we're screwed with just pawns. Think of this as a hierarchy or a pyramid. The Earl is the one on the top, then the Noah follow his orders. From there it's akuma, the Earl broker's and then everyday people, who are the source of akuma."

"Where are you going with this?"

"Don't you think it's weird? That there's a hierarchy for our enemies, but for our side, we just have exorcists, and then the heart, which we still don't know what it takes the form as."

Kanda's sharp edge gets closer to Lavi's ear. "Do you think I care about the Order's shit? Get to the point!"

"Alright calm down Yu! I can get to the point as long as you answer this one que-"

"DON'T CALL ME THAT!"

"Heard of the name 'Karma' by any chance?"

Kanda froze in shock and almost lost the handle to his sword. He wanted to forget that name, but ink doesn't just rub off paper. Once written down, the only way to get rid of it is to mask the marks with a bandage of white out and hope for the best.

Kuro adjusted her head on lavi's back. "Too loud...stop...yell...please."

"We'll have you Yu?" Lavi narrowed his one emerald eye.

The Asian exorcist's dark pupils strayed from Lavi's emerald orbs. "No."

Lavi caught onto Kanda's attempted lie and grinned. "Well here's some background knowledge. If you look into the Order's catalogs and Gramp's history books, the Karma family were the only known humans to have innocence inside of their blood. Meaning generation after generation, all of their children were exorcists. They could synchronize with the atmosphere around them, creating the abilities of what parasitic accommodators have. Their affiliations with the Noah family are unknown, but Gramps believe that the Karma family were the exorcists that once guarded the heart.

"What does this have to do with Kuro?" The black haired exorcist's curiosity grew.

"Well, her innocence description fists, the only problem is…"

"Is what?"

"She's alive. The Karma family have been dead and missing for the past hundreds of years. Why else do you think we're barely hanging on in this war? Gramps and I just need her for information for our logs, that it, but she's harder to crack than you, Yu."

"Che. Then if she's not apart of the Family then why the hell are you still stalking her? Plan on running to Central about it?"

"Just precautions. I'm not on the Order's side or the Earls side. All I do is just record stuff. I'll leave it up to the order whether or not they'll find out."

Lavi sighed and then bent his knees down to lower the dazed girl onto the floor. Kanda scoped her up 'bridal style' with ease and stared at her flustered face. "Let her sleep. I'll see you around, Yu." The future Bookman turn around and walked with his hands in his pockets as if nothing happened, leaving Kanda and Kuro alone.


Kanda gently placed the intoxicated girl on her side of the bed as she started to wake up and rub her eyes with the edge of her palm. He sat on the edge of the bed with his elbows on his legs and head bent with the information swarming around him. Land scanned her from head to toe. "She doesn't seem injured," he thought. "But she is acting dumber than usual, with that dumb smile and rolling around. And why is her face all red?"

Putting his hand on her shoulder, Kanda pushed Kuro on her back. "Oi Woman."

"What?" The words came out lazily and sloppy, just like a child.

"What's wrong with you?"

"The party...had wine...it tasted weird and burned my throat. Now...I feel all weird… hehe."

'God damn it.' He said to himself. Of all the things he had to deal with, it had to be this. He turned his back to Kuro and sat on the edge of the bed with his legs crossed, trying to think up of a simple solution. An idea struck his head. The black haired exorcist walked to his bathroom, pulled the small towel off his neck and wet it with the cold running water from his sink and wringer it out.

But when he returned, what his eyes laid upon was Kuro, still flushed as ever, sitting up right on the bed and her pants on the floor. Her panties, black and silky, outlined her small figure. Slender fingers fiddled with her shirt buttons all the way to the second to last from completely opening the button up black shirt she wore today. Bandages were already ripped and torn, and clinging onto the back of the ebony shirt, exposing her collarbone, the tattoo, and her small but plump breasts. Compared to other women her age, she had the physical maturity of a teen in the middle of puberty. Everything was slightly smaller than average, but that doesn't mean that she wasn't an adult.

Kanda's cheeks lightly grew in hue and his eyebrows furrowed with anger as he stomped over to and snatched her wrist . "WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU DOING?!"

Kuro looked at him with her eyes full of innocence and confusion. "I got hot...So I-"

"ARE YOU STUPID WOMAN? CAN YOU EVEN THINK RIGHT? YOU'RE STRIPPING RIGHT IN FRONT OF A MAN! HAVE YOU NO SHAME? WHAT IF YOU WERE IN LAVI'S ROOM IF I DIDN'T COME GET YOU? THINK ABOUT WHAT HE WOULD HAVE DONE TO YOU! SO S-"

Kanda stopped and widened his eyes, for he saw Kuro with tears in hers whimpering and wiping them away with her sleeve. The last time she cried was when her brother die, and whenever the two of them would verbally abuse each other, the only thing that was left were headaches and tense muscles. But this…

"K-Kanda…" She spoke quietly. Her shaky words and eyes were piercing through Kanda's stone heart . He moved his legs onto the bed and sat on his side. "Why...why do you have to be...so mean to me? I…I was just hot...why did you yell at me? It hurts...it hurts so much when you do that."

He was speechless. Why DID he yell at her? What else was he supposed to do? He never learned to communicate without an insult or a draw of Mugen.

"E-every night, you would hold me...really tightly..I liked that...it made me feel less lonely… and...we were g-going to start a garden soon. But...you keep yelling at me...and hurting me when we fight. And my body would ache the next day. Were you lying to me all this time? D-d you really hate me?"

"Oi…" he reached his hand towards but Kuro pushed it away.

"You...you won't even call me by real name!" Her voice gets slightly louder. "And every time you would hold me...my chest would ache. I feel like it's about to explode. Stop...stop hurting me. You're horrible."

Kanda clenched his hand. His fingernails digged into his palm. If this was lenalee crying, he would have either compliment her platonically or just pull on her pigtails and tell her to stop crying like when they were kids. He knew that none of these coping strategies in the grave he dug himself. He enjoyed being around her, training with her and holding her in bed...did he?

He never wanted to hurt her. It just...rolled off his tongue like a reflex. And now he's the bad guy. Kanda once again steadily reach his hand out to touch her but sighed and dropped his hand back on his lap.

He decided a gentler, yet more aggressive approach. He lunged his body onto hers and wrapped his arms around her waist and and back, clenching her ruby hair with his strands. Kuro watering eyes opened up as she looked at her roommate with confusion and fear. "Kuro," those four letters seemed to have calmed her down and she stopped shaking. "...Sorry..for everything."

Her breathing started to slow down as the tears began to fade away. She accepted the chance and bent her knees slightly, wrapped her arms around his back and clenched his shirt since she knew that his hair was a sensitive spot for him.

"Kanda?" She said in a soft and gentle tone.

"What is it?"

"Do you like me?"

"...yea."

It was only a matter of time that Kuro would fall asleep in their embrace, and forget about what happened that night.