Thanks for all the reviews guys. I appreciate the feedback on the last chapter.
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"Hey Kanda" Allen spoke up as he continued staring at the ground, watching where he put his crutches. There was a slight uphill on the path they were following. Fallen trees and branches, sharp twigs and debris littered the ground attempting to slow them down. Their pace was slow, Allen's crutches sinking into the ground bit by bit.
"Hn?"
"So what does this make us?" Allen peeked a glance at him, wondering how Kanda would react to the question. Allen was curious, what were they even now? Might as well establish it before it gets too out of hand and the world suffers from the events of a typical romance novel.
"What do you mean?" Kanda met his eyes for a second as Allen felt him continue to watch him and the path for anything that might make this trip even more difficult or longer.
"I don't know, we both have a mutual liking for one another, are we going out now?" Allen shrugged his shoulders for a second as he went around a rather large rock. Kanda following him like an overprotective duck. It was pretty nice, as well as cute, and somewhat creepy having Kanda follow him.
"Do you want to have a label on our" Kanda waved his hands as he reminded himself to slow his pace and stay next to Allen. "'Relationship'"
"You make it sound like a bad thing" Allen scoffed, his eyebrows raising as he looked at him funny. It wasn't bad was it? To ask for a label on a relationship just to see where they were. At this point in time, Kanda and Allen were most certainly not acquaintances, or strangers to one another. Allen adjusted his grip on the handles of his crutches, flexing his fingers in an attempt to avoid cramps and more discomfort as was evidenced in his stitches.
"Labels are just annoying. But fine. Moyashi, go out with me." It wasn't really a question or an explanation, more of just a command, not providing another option.
'Huh!?" Allen looked at him. He didn't seriously just say that did he?
"You said you wanted a label." He had a slight smirk gracing his lips as he looked at Allen. A shrug graced his shoulders as they continued onward.
"No I didn't!" Allen never clearly expressed he wanted a label did he? Allen just wanted to know where they were
"Make up your mind!"
"Fine, I'll go out with you. But Lenalee and Lavi can't know! "
"I didn't intend to tell the annoying rabbit anyway."
"He'd probably harass us about it." Allen smiled jokingly up at Kanda, but his expression wasn't too happy, he didn't seem to thrilled by the comment just now.
"I'll fucking kill him then." Kanda's expression visibly soured, the way his brow furrowed and his fists clenched under his arms. Same old Kanda, he never really did change despite the whole relationship deal, he was still rude, still volatile.
"Alright." Allen mumbled, pulling his crutches forward, setting them on the wet ground as he leapt forward. The bottom pegs sliding through the mud as Allen landed on his foot and awkwardly balanced for a moment. Without hesitation, Kanda's arm came around his waist from behind, holding Allen up from falling completely, Allen steadied himself on his foot, Kanda's chest pressed against his back at the close proximity. Allen could feel his breathe on his neck as Allen righted himself and replaced his crutches.
"Watch it" Kanda said as Allen felt his grip tighten on him, his fingers holding tight to his jacket.
"I'm fine. They just slipped that's all, this wet ground isn't very helpful." Kanda's arm slowly released him as Allen continued onward, more careful now. "Kanda?"
"What now?" Perhaps all these questions were getting to him, but he was tolerating Allen and that's what was a bit amusing to the boy. The fact that a week ago, Kanda would have already told him to just be quiet and stop talking, or threaten him with death.
"Can I call you Yuu since we're going out now?" A grin reached his scar as Allen looked at Kanda. If Allen got to call him Yuu that would be… fantastic. Of course, Allen only meant it jokingly but Kanda didn't seem too. His expression soured and his eyebrows furrowed and a glare reached his eyes, directed at Allen.
"Don't get ahead of yourself. Moyashi."
After that, there wasn't much to talk about, so they continued on in silence, Kanda being overprotective of every motion Allen did was somewhat suffocating. Allen could finally see the bridge and Tyki and Hevlaska standing on their side to meet them and guide them back to the main camp.
"Moyashi."
"What's up?"
"You're mine now so don't go leaving me. You've got no idea how hard it was to be quiet about it."
"I-I don't- whatever." Allen felt heat rising up on his cheeks as his heart suddenly skipped a bit, the comment was a so out of character for Kanda. He didn't know how to respond, how does one respond to being told that their new boyfriend claims you and has held back for a long time. Allen shook it off, the thoughts and questions, for now at least, and calmed his blush and heart rate as they approached the two supervisors. Hevlaska immediately coming up to Allen and picking up one of his arms, looking over his hand and the bandages.
"How are you boys, you alright? Allen how are you injuries?" She pestered as she knealt down and examined the ankle hoisted in the air.
"I'm fine, don't worry, it's just swollen but it's fine."
"Kanda?"
"He's fine. Changed his bandages this morning and his stitches were clean."
"Good good, now lets get you two back to camp." Tyki nodded and began to lead the way, they crossed over the bridge that lead to the opposite side of the stream, though now, that stream looked more like a river, the way it was overflowing and the water surge past.
"What did you boys do last night? How did you hold up?" Tyki asked, smiling a bit of what looked like relief on his face.
"Hm?" Allen was too busy in his own thoughts to think.
"We played stupid card games, Allen did his thing and I read. Then went to bed, it went fine."
"Well sorry you two never really got dinner last night, We had the finders save you food from breakfast though lunch is going to be in a few hours if you want."
Allen had completely forgotten about food. What. He suddenly felt his stomach growl. He had been so caught up with Kanda that he never really thought about it.
"It's alright, though I have to ask, what happens now?"
"Well, now we have you two head back to the main lodge. I asked Lavi and Froi to come back a bit later after the waters had more time to calm down and they'll collect your guys stuff. You'll be rooming in the lodge tonight and until the trip ends. We don't want another incident like this happening again and you'll probably die having to walk practically a mile with your injury Allen." Tyki seemed a bit too happy mentioning Lavi for some odd reason. He explained the situation as they continued walking.
"Oh.. alright."
"Why didn't we just bring our stuff now." Kanda seemed a bit peeved by the situation. Lavi was going to touch his stuff. Or worse, the old man Froi was.
"You guys have already had a rough night. And it'll suck for Allen to carry his own bag or for you to carry his."
Allen wanted to protest and say he could carry his own bag but that wasn't likely. Allen couldn't with crutches and he knew it so he shut up. Allen could barely make it the mile here and now heading back was becoming a pain. Allen could feel the discomfort as his hands began to cramp up and the discomfort growing from his stitches.
"You alright?" Kanda asked, noticing the way Allen had slowed down and he kept flexing his fingers.
"Just getting tired, I'm still not used to crutches yet so my hands are cramping up."
"One of us can carry you if you want, crutches aren't ideal for long distances." Hevlaska commented.
"No no it's alright really" Allen smiled continuing on at a quicker pace.
"If you're feeling cramps, Allen. You should really have them carry you. I'll carry your crutches if you want." She continued
"no-No really. I don't need to be carri-" Allen felt his weight suddenly shift as hands behind his knees and back lifted him up so he was craddled in Kanda's arms. His crutches just awkwardly present.
"Shut up." Kanda grunted as he began to continue walking. Hevlaska taking his crutches and carrying them with them, a faint smile on her face as Tyki let out a laugh.
"Kanda. I think I'm beginning to see a trend here." Seriously, this was like the 4th time Allen had been carried somewhere by Kanda while on this trip. How humiliating. There goes his pride as a man. Well, at least this way he didnt have to keep using his crutches.
"Really? What tipped you off? If you hadn't gotten hurt this wouldn't be an issue."
"Not my fault that ledge had loose rocks.
"You would have been fine if you have been watching where you were going rather then talking to Lenalee."
Silence. Kanda won without a doubt, there wasn't even a contest. So Allen just shut up and let Kanda carry him. A heavy breath passing through Allen's mouth as their group progressed much faster without having to slowdown for The crippled white haired boy. Hevlaska and Tyki up ahead were talking about something but Allen couldn't hear them.
"Don't worry Allen, it's not your fault, you aren't the first accident to happen on that trail." Tyki called back as the supervisor continued his stroll.
Thanks Tyki. That makes Allen feel so much better.
"That's nice to know." Allen grumbled. Frustrated and feeling useless.
The silence eventually got to Kanda, and it was obvious; his silence had made it awkward for the both of them. He obviously didn't like the way that argument took a sudden turn the same way Allen didn't. Allen felt Kanda's hand tighten against his back. He was focused on not falling and on the path Hevlaska was leading them in. The ground eventually leveled as they reached the familiar path that lead to the main lodge.
"Hey Kanda…" Allen looked towards him from where he was and saw him glance downwards, an unamused and irritated expression on his features.
"What?"
"Thanks." Allen smiled towards him, viewing Kanda's cheeks steadily becoming red.
"Whatever." Kanda looked away and just continued faster. The main lodge coming into view.
"Kanda, you can put me down, I can walk the rest of the way, it's not that far." Kanda got down on one knee and let me off, he stood up, me gripping his arm for balance while Hevlaska handed me my crutches. Allen gave her a smile, as he began to head towards the lodge, Kanda not very far behind him.
"What's everyone else doing?" Allen questioned, as they all climbed up the sidewalk
"Tiedoll and a few others are taking them out to draw and do art things and admire the beauty of nature and such." Tyki waved his hand dismissedly in the air as he held the door open for Allen and entered the wonderfully warm lodge and headed down the hallway into the cafeteria, Allen was starving, that's for sure.
"Sounds like they'll have fun."
Allen hadn't eaten since yesterday morning. Had everything really happen in a day? It felt more like a week for the injured boy. Entering the cafeteria once more, Kanda holding the door open for him, Allen entered, unfortunately the table for breakfast had been cleared off, lunch was going to be in a few hours though anyway. But Hevlaska did say the finders saved them some food.
"We'll leave you guys here, don't get into any trouble." Tyki spoke up from the doorway as Allen sat down on a bench, leaning his crutches against the table.
"Okay. Not like I can do much being a crippled." Allen smiled at Tyki as he departed from door. Kanda sat next to him, leaning back, stretching his legs out and crossing his arms over his chest as he let out a grunt.
"Tired?" Allen asked, leaning back onto his shoulder, propping his legs up onto the bench.
"No."
"Even after carrying me?"
"You talk too damn much."
"I know, but you still love me?"
A grunt and he turned his head, avoiding eye contact. Allen smiled at him, Kanda was so obvious at times, the other half he was confusing and Allen couldn't get what was going on in his head. Maybe love was a strong word for this situation perhaps Perhaps he's just uncomfortable, the faint red spreading over his cheeks being an obvious sign.
"Hevlaska said the finders had saved us some breakfast. Do you want to go ask?" Allen hoped Kanda would get the message. That he was hungry.
"Yeah, I'll go ask." Kanda stood up, leaving Allen as he went int the kitchen where the finders typically hung out.
Allen sighed lying down on the bench as he propped his bad ankle up and relaxed it. He was tired already and it wasn't even noon. He heard the sound of clanking trays and silverwear. The sound of small talk in the quiet cafeteria. He closed his eyes for a few moments hearing his stomach growl and protest, starving. Allen sat up slowly when he heard the kitchen door open and Kanda came out with a cart containing a large quantity of various dishes. Allen barely waited for the cart to stop before he had picked a plate with french toast and had started to eat it. He was hungry and his body needed the calories to keep him going. He continued, consuming one plate after the other while Kanda just picked up his own meager plate of food, sat down and ate quietly while Allen stuffed his face, there wasn't room in his esophagus for air let alone talking. The plates slowly emptied ad all that remained was syrup and crumbs of toast, the few little bits of egg that no one wants to eat and an empty glass of milk and orange juice. Allen picked up his napkin, wiped his face and looked at Kanda who was still eating slowly.
Allen lifted his hand reaching up and sliding his fingers against Kanda's cheek and turned his head with a bit of force to look at him. Clear as day, Kanda was a bit shocked by the gesture and blinked at Allen.
Sitting up slightly, one quick glance around the empty cafeteria before Allen pressed his lips against Kanda's in a kiss. It was amusing to watch as Kanda's cheeks still remained red, as he pulled back. His lips tasted like too sweet syrup from breakfast.
"I-I'm going to the bathroom!" Kanda stuttered before standing up abruptly and storming out of the cafeteria to the bathroom down the hall leaving his plate behind. A laugh bubbled in his throat as Kanda was agitated and the face he was making was priceless. He was too much fun to tease, even before this whole relationship thing happened Allen enjoyed messing with his head, and getting into fights, of course most weren't intentional but it was fun.
Allen laid down on the bench, stretching out across it's surface. The space where Kanda had sat was empty now but still warm.
"Silly Kanda…" Allen smiled a grin and ran a hand through his bangs, fluffing them out and feeling the white strands on his fingertips. He laid there for a while, listening and waiting for Kanda to come back for several minutes. He heard the sound of water, a door opening hten shutting then loud footsteps. He turned towards the doorway as Kanda walked in. "Kanda."
"What?" Kandas bangs were slightly damp and small spots on his shirt were too, making them dark in contrast to the rest of the shirt.
"I'm tired. Let's go to the nurses office." Allen closed his eyes continuing to lay there.
"Go then. You don't need me to hold your hand."
"I don't need you too. I want you too though." Kandas face scowled more as he attempted to hide how flustered he was.
"Whatever. Just go ahead. I'm going to finish eating."
"Whatever you say." Allen sat up, picked up his crutches and headed out of the cafeteria down the hallway and into the nurses office, unlocked and the beds neatly made Allen set his crutches down and collapsed onto the surface. He was in bed only an hour and a half ago but honestly it felt much longer then that. But he was tired, his arms hurt, and he was full and satisfied from food. He also had Kanda now who would stay by him. He pulled the blanket up over him after removing his shoe and laying back on the bed, the pillow felt nice against his head, his white hair blending into the snow white cotton of the sheets. He closed his eyes relaxing, steadying his breathing and feeling all the different pains and sores in his body. He hurt, he hurt a lot and even with the pain medication there was still a constant ache. The way his ankle throbbed and there was just a constant pressure on it from the swelling. The stitches were just a constant feeling, feeling the thread go through the skin and poke up on the other side.
Allen opened his eyes when the door opened. Kanda walking in and sitting down on the edge of the bed away from Allen.
"Kanda. I'm tired."
"Take a nap then."
"But I don't want to sleep."
"Well make up your mind then."
"It's cold."
"You have a blanket."
"I'd much rather have you lay with me." Allen smiled looking at Kanda, meaning it as a joke, after all they were dating now. Or so Allen thought they never really established it as 'you're my boyfriend and I'm your boyfriend.' kind of deal. So the best way now was to wing it. Kanda apparently took the joke seriously because he was slipping his shoes off, crawling over Allen to lay behind him. Allen stared at him. "I meant it as a joke yu know."
"Shut up you fucking moron." Kanda pressed is chest against Allen's an arm over his side and laid next to him. "Now sleep."
"I dont think i'll be able to now..." Allen felt his face heating up a bit redder, his pants feeling very tight and his boxers a bit strained. "you're too warm to sleep next to."
"Shut up."
There you have it. Enjoy.