Lenalee listened and Fou talked enough for the two of them combined. The exorcist didn't mind though, because she was learning things she hadn't heard before. It wasn't gossip, or it would probably be different. Lenalee wanted to hear about her friend's stay at the Asian Branch before everyone had been reunited after the battle at Edo. Lenalee greeted the people who waved and greeted her in passing with a wave of her hand or nod of her head. Everyone bustled quickly wherever they were headed. Fou spoke animatedly, using her hands to convey her words. She was definitely aware of her surroundings and knew when to step out of the way of someone before running into them. The girl had practice for sure.
Lenalee took the opportunity to ask her question while there was a break in conversation. "So You've served the Chang family for a long time than," Lenalee stated, curious. She knew very little of the guardian deity, with the exception of what little she had been told by Komui before leaving. Allen had mentioned his eccentric sparring partner once, but Lavi had too quickly changed the focus by poking Kanda just the wrong way. Lenalee hadn't been able to ask further about the mystery person.
"I was created just over a hundred years ago by Bak's great-grandfather actually. My sole job is to protect the Asian Branch or aid Bak whenever he summons me outside of headquarters. And that's a rare event in itself honestly." Fou said, sounding happy to confirm the statement, offering her explanation. Lenalee had planned on arriving home, to visit her brother and let him know he had been right about her and Fou getting along. Both were not that different from the other; both girls being friendly, yet bluntly honest and one to take action when it seemed the right thing to do. Fou hadn't been as chatty at first, but once the exorcist broke the ice, silence was a thing of the past. Fou's demeanor appeared less excited now, and Lenalee noticing the change, gently asked, "What is it?"
"I wanted to ask you something," Fou wondered, promptly adding, "You don't have to answer either. It's probably not my business asking." Lenalee was pretty confidant in her assessment that her new friend wasn't usually reserved as she was now. "Go ahead, ask me anything," Lenalee encouraged. Fou took the invite, speaking up, "Are you and Kanda together?" Lenalee briefly caught off guard, answered honestly. It wasn't a secret after all.
"Yeah, me and Kanda are together. Kanda is actually surprisingly a softy when he wants to be," Lenalee told Fou, grinning at the idea of her brother's reaction to the news. "And if you ask my brother, he's in denial. But he's coming around," she joked. Fou perked up, looking less worried about having wanted to ask her question.
"Ok, one more. I promise this is it," the deity's grin was back, it's confidence returned. Fou continued, "I was curious about the red head and Allen. Would you say they're good friends?" The exorcist was curious as well, about how Fou had come to know what she most likely knew already. Lenalee trusted Fou, despite their short time getting to know each other, having heard about her time with Allen while he was last here. Fou didn't seem to show affection often, but she most definitely had a tough-love for the white haired exorcist.
"You can say that," Lenalee told Fou, meeting their eyes."If I had to describe them though, i'd almost have to say they're closer than friends even." Fou caught the girl's discreet wink, replying, "Almost?" Lenalee could read the intrigue on the other's face, and it was genuinely innocent; innocent in the way a person wants to hear about someone's day who they care about. The exorcist grinned, taking her turn to get information.
"Why do you ask? You have me interested now." Fou was happy to oblige, replying ethusatically, while making sure they wouldn't be overheard. With the coast clear, she leaned in for safe measure, sharing her news, "I was changing Allen's IV when he started talking to himself. I first thought he was awake, and talking to me. He was fast asleep. That boy sleeps like a rock after you give him enough food to feed an army." She laughed, adding, "And what he says in his sleep is interesting for sure. He muttered 'Merry Christmas Lavi.' What I can only assume was where the red head was probably, he stops talking. But here's the kicker, he answers back with, 'Thanks for the birthday present. I mean it.' And then he blushes a nice red."
Lenalee made sure Fou was finished before she gave her two cents. "I'll ask him before you're training tonight. Discreetly of course," Lenalee tells Fou. The deity grinned, "I'm holding you to that. I'll see you later Lenalee. I'm gonna go rest up before Allen's butt kicking tonight!" Fou waved good-bye before leaving the girl to walk back to her friend's room. Supposedly training would take place in the same training hall as before, with the difference of all closed doors and the late hours when everyone should be sleeping, as to avoid anyone catching Allen's presence in the Asian Branch. The last thing they needed was to have to be on the run again.
Lenalee entered the room, and Allen lay sound asleep on the cot. The girl found the scene to be serene: a rare occurrence in their rolls as exorcists. Allen's golden companion sat motionless, resting its round body against the back of the boy's head, as Allen had fallen asleep on his side. Small sound could be made out, and it was unclear who was snoring. The scene pleased her, as there hadn't been much to be overjoyed about in some time. The golem's wing lay draped over the restful face of the exorcist. With each exhale, Timcanpy's wing would flutter with Allen's breath, and then land again covering the boy's face.
Lenalee, before leaving her friend and golem to sleep, brought the blanket that had slipped off the sleeping boy's shoulders, covering him up as to stay warm. She took her leave, and then made her way to Bak's office. Honestly, Lenalee hadn't expected Allen to be awake. Fou had told her that he had just eaten. A full stomach and already tired most of the time, Allen was bound to be sleeping. Recovery wasn't a quick road for most, unless it was Kanda's case of course. Lenalee blew out the candle by the bed and departed for Bak's office.
"Bak," she grabbed the man's attention, speaking softly. He turned around, an instant grin on his face. "Lenalee," Bak greeted, "What can I do for you?" The girl made her request, "I was hoping to borrow your golem to contact my brother." Bak happily agreed and left Lenalee to talk alone, wanting to give her privacy. The lines were connected, and Komui's voice was clear as day.
"Lenalee! How is your visit so far? Did you get to see everyone?" the man asked excitedly. She couldn't help but grin at the pure joy her older brother had when he talked to her. It was a nice reminder that he was very much happy to spend time with his little sister, whether in person or in voice alone. Though she hardly needed such a reminder, Lenalee loved Komui for it.
"I'm doing just fine. I've really hit it off with Fou too. She's exactly as you described her," the girl answered, adding, "I'm glad he's ok." Lenalee spoke quietly, "I really thought Allen was dead." With clenched hands and resisting the urge to cry in relief, Lenalee smiled for herself. She wasn't ashamed to cry: her friend wasn't dead. Her family was still alive, even if everyone wasn't together in person.
"I wanted to tell you. I didn't want to keep you in the dark, so I did what I felt was best," Komui explained, praying he had made the right decision. "I didn't want to risk Lvellie finding out you knew anything before now, and put you in danger." The girl made a point to not hate anyone. But Lvellie was an exception. Komui would go to great lengths to protect his little sister, and Lvellie was one of the many dangers she had faced from a young age. Lenalee wasn't angry with the course of action her sibling had taken, however grateful at the prospect of a dodged bullet with Lvellie's name on it.
"I'm glad you let me see for myself. If you had told me I would have wanted to visit anyways, so this was a nice break from everything," Lenalee said, allowing the feelings to show, a smile accompanied her wet face. Crying wasn't displaying weakness; in fact, letting herself cry was something that always made her feel better afterwards. The tears were silent and didn't break her content demeanor, the two siblings asking each other about the Asian and European Branch. Everyone was in good health and the conversation ensued until Lenalee yawned. It had become late in the blink of an eye, and Komui wished his sister a good night: "Good night Lenalee. Sweet dreams."
"I love you too, good night," she yawned again. Making her way back to her temporary bed that was near Allen's, she didn't bother lighting the candle, and simply dressed quickly for bed in the dark. The pillow and comforter were beckoning the girl to them, and Lenalee could hardly deny the request. Wishing Allen and Tim a half asleep 'good night,' she was out like a light all snug and comfortable.
Timcanpy was awoken from their slumber as their support that held them up shifted. Allen had turned over in his sleep, and Tim had caught himself before falling over, and rolling down the pillow. Nudging Allen's now restless face using their long tail, the sleeping exorcist was now awake.
"Thanks for the wake up call, it's about time to meet Fou anyways," Allen thanked the golem. If Timcanpy had eyes, he was pretty sure they would hold concern. Allen knew Timcanpy was observant, and very much aware that he had been having another unfortunate dream. Allen, spotting Lenalee's sleeping form, quietly got dressed for his training with Fou. It was late enough they wouldn't be spotted. The golem watched steadily, moving in its person's direction. Allen left, closing the door quietly, making sure not to make a noise.
He wasn't entirely awake, but wasn't worried about that being a problem soon. Fou's sparring was enough to wake anybody up. It was that or find a foot to one's face quickly. Shaking off the remnants of the dream, Allen entered the ever so familiar and spacious room.
"Are you ready Fou?" he called. The other emerged, phasing through her wall as usual. Stifling a yawn, Fou looked determined. "Ready as always!" she exclaimed, very much ready to start.