A/N; Going to be some filler chapters to slow down the progression and keep it happy before I dive into the feels. This one and a few others are going to be Flashbacks to Allen's time with Mana. they're going to be a bit spread out though. and this one won't be long. Saving that for when I really get back into it.

Neah speaks in-Bold

thoughts are-Italic

Songs are sung in-Underlined bold Italics

"Mana! You're walking too fast!" a small girl whines, her messy red-brown hair sticking to her sweaty forehead

"Mana! You're walking too fast!" a small girl whines, her messy red-brown hair sticking to her sweaty forehead. Mana had been concerned about the girl, opting to rush to the nearest Inn.

But instead, Seeing how she was struggling to keep up, he smiles and kneels, arms outstretched, dropping their belongings into the snow, "Then I'll carry you."

The girl runs into him, earning a soft "oof" from the man. He carefully and lovingly wrapped his arm around her before getting back up on his feet. The small girl's breaths are labored. He grabs their belongings and once again rushes towards the Inn.

"Mana... I don't feel good..." The child mumbles.

"Hush, now, Allen. It'll be alright." Mana assures. Searching for Neah will have to wait.

Allen begins to cough, causing Mana to stop, drop their bags and gently rub her back. That brings a soft smile to the child's lips after her coughing fit. Mana picks up their belongings and rushes to the nearest in. He pays for a room, collects the key, and rushes to the room.

Once inside he lays Allen down in the only bed, tucking her in and laying his coat over her for extra warmth. Allen watches him run out of the room to see about help. Allen sits up, looking at the door. Not wanting to be alone, she pushes the covers away and gets up.

Stumbling down the stairs, she called for Mana. Mana was quick to respond, setting the bucket down and running to the child.

"And what are you doing out of bed?" Mana asks playfully, trying his best to keep the mood light.

"I was scared you were leaving me alone..." Allen Mutters.

Mana picks her up and smiles, "I'm Not going to leave. What kind of person would that make me?" He smiles at the small giggle.

"You're so odd, Mana..." Allen says.

The child relaxes in Mana's arms as he returns her back to their room, once again tucking her in. He leaves again to grab the water he had.

When the man returns, he's glad to see Allen sleeping. He soaks a rag in water, wrings it out, and lays it on her forehead.

When Allen wakes up, she immediately searches for Mana. The man in question steps back into the room with a bowl of soup.

"Will you look at that! You're finally awake!" Mana cheerfully announces.

Allen smiles at Mana before holding out her arms. Mana sets the bowl down, bundles Allen up, and picks her up. Freeing an arm, he grabs the bowl and sits on the chair. Allen puts her hands on the bowl.

"You must be hungry," Mana says. Allen slowly picks up the spoon.

"Did you already eat?" Allen asks.

"Of course! I had plenty to eat." Mana assures. Allen, not trusting his words, made him take the spoon. "Allen, I'm fine, really! This is for you to eat!"

Allen pouts, earning a sigh from him. They have a silent debate before Mana lifts the bowl as if to drink it, much to the girl's dismay. Mana laughs softly.

"Are you going to eat?" He asks. Allen nods, looking a mix between hurt and mad.

She begins to eat after he rested the bowl back in its place. She is quick to finish it off, yawning. Mana stretches out on the bed, letting Allen curl up next to him. He softly sings a lullaby. He was getting antsy. He should get back to the search. But he needed to ensure the child in his care would be well enough to get moving.

So for now, He would relax, letting the still raspy breaths of the brunette child ease his nerves.

Three weeks later-

Allen wakes Mana up, Feeling as energetic as always.

"Mana! Wake up!" Allen shouts, a big smile on her face. Mana cracks an eye open. "Come on!"

"I'm up, I'm up, you silly girl." He groans softly, giving her a light pat on the head. She shoves his hand away and jumps off of the bed. "How are those bruises healing?"

Truthfully, he was more than miffed to find the child covered in bruises and cuts several weeks ago. He was even less happy when they accused her of killing his dog. He knew from the way the girl reacted that she couldn't have hurt him. He's pleased that she seems to be better, from both the trauma and sickness.

"They don't hurt anymore. They're also starting to go away." Allen replies with a smile.

Mana gets up and scoops her up, earning a laugh. Something reserved for Mana. Allen pushes away from him playfully.

"Ready to go now?" Mana asks.

"Yeah!" Allen replies cheerfully.

The man gathers their belongings and leaves the room, Allen following behind. Mana returns the key and leaves the Inn with Allen, letting her run ahead and play in the snow. This time, he made sure she was bundled up and warm.

He just sighs, content in simply keeping an eye on her until a snowball hits him. Allen giggles before throwing another. He scoops up a handful of snow and throws it back at her, nowhere near hard enough to hurt.

They spent the rest of the day playing in the snow as they walk, enjoying their time together. After all, they had a bright future together. A lost child, and a lonely clown.