"We have a new message. This one is a good read," he smirked. The girl looked up from her seat on the couch, hearing the familiar tone. The door of Komui's office clicked closed.
"It's been awhile since we've heard much," Lenalee put aside her book, neatly placing her temporary bookmark (a short, folded piece of parchment) in the books crease and closed it. Her hands free, Lenalee accepted graciously the rolled message Kanda offered.
"Timcanpy right?" Kanda nodded a simple 'yes.'
She smiled.
'Still a man of few words when he wants to be,' the thought crossed the girls mind. She unrolled the paper and read its content eagerly.
General Cross has contacted myself and Allen. Tim was able to locate him, though it took some time. He's offered to lend a hand in our predicament. Allen explained it to me as best as I let myself understand. And think about. Anyways, Cross has acquaintances, let's keep this simple, who work in local businesses around London. Pubs mostly. Long story short, we give Cross's name and a shorter and simpler version of our situation, and we got a job!
I say long story short, though I know as Kanda reads this he is probably rolling his eyes, because it's rather long winded. But that's why you love me, both of you. We've already started and are receiving room and dinner as pay. Of course in our spare time Allen still brings in spare funds. Madam Denton, the patron of the pub, has really taken us under her wing and helped us. We'll keep in touch.
We are safe, warm, and food in our stomachs. We miss you guys. Even Link. One last thing, that thing Lenalee tried explaining to me before: Affection. I get it now, and Allen has mine. And it's mutual. Thanks Lenalee. Thank you both for everything.
"That's sweet. I'm happy for Lavi. For both of them," she sighed, contentedly. Kanda had taken the adjourning cushion by Lenalee after passing her the message.
"I never saw it coming. Crazy, different; but if it makes them happy it's perfect." The girl was surprised, and did not conceal this well or on purpose.
"I'm surprised. I thought you'd have something sarcastic or negative to say," she wondered. His smirk had gone and a more small but lively grin held. Lenalee had seen the change in her friend, and for the better. Her statement had been rhetorical somewhat, still Kanda let himself laugh at her expression.
"You know me better than that Lenalee. Besides, if they have each other I don't have to worry so much."
"I'm glad things turned out okay, considering other outcomes and all." Kanda nodded in response again, and pushed himself to his feet.
"What do you say we go train some? I always did want to spar with you. See how you fight outside a mission." Lenalee stood too.
"I accept the invitation Kanda." With a grin and a small bow, they proceeded together to the training floor.
"This is the place you were telling me about? It seems kind of, normal. Common place." The young lady commented, unimpressed.
"You haven't seen the inside yet. Give it a chance. Besides, it has something the other places can't offer. A silver lining if you will," the other woman insisted. Leading her pessimistic friend inside, opening the door, light escaped into the moonlight invaded street monetarily before the door closed behind the two women.
"I assume the usual?" A young man approached the women. He carried a tray with both hands, a big smile covered his face.
"Of course. You know where." Still gripping tightly to the tray with one, he motioned with his gloved left hand in the direction of their seating.
"Right this way miss Elizabeth." She followed, her friend behind her, now intrigued. Seated, and the man having politely excused himself after guaranteeing his swift return, Vivian spoke her mind.
"You seem to know each other. Come here often?" She made to hint at the obvious, and it was received.
"It's not like that. Allen's polite and respectful to everyone here. He simply takes the time to remember our names, the regulars who come often enough. And here he comes now." Arriving with one mug, Allen addressed Vivian.
"I didn't ask you your name or what you wanted to drink. I apologize. What can I get you?" Vivian answered:
"I'll have what my friend is drinking. And my names Vivian." He seemed a little more relaxed, to Vivian's eyes.
"I'll have your drink in a moment. It's a pleasure to serve you Vivian. My names Allen and I'll be serving tonight." They were alone again.
"He's genuine. Most men I know wouldn't be bothered by not having introduced themselves or asking a women's name," Vivian observed. The women striped their coats, laying them over the back of their chairs.
"There's someone else you have to meet. I swear their inseparable he and Allen. They run this place themselves practically. After Madam Denton of course." Elizabeth sipped her alcohol.
"The alcohol here is nothing to sniff at either." Allen returned with another drink in hand, setting it down gently in front of Vivian.
"Your drink miss Vivian. I apologize for over hearing, but would you like Lavi to come over? It wouldn't be any trouble," Allen offered. Elizabeth's face lit up.
"If you don't mind, I would appreciate it."
"Just one moment." Allen left and in return another young man wearing the same uniform; a white button up, folded collar, rolled sleeves, a light grey (smaller) vest, and black pants came.
"I hear my presence has been requested?" The red head asked casually, a grin wide on his face.
"Lavi, this is my friend Vivian. She's new here and I insisted she meet the best two waiters I've had the privilege of meeting. As well as the finest gentleman. Vivian, this is Lavi," Elizabeth introduced.
"It's a pleasure to meet you Vivian. I hope you come more often with Elizabeth here. I see now she keeps company as beautiful as herself."
"Well thank you. I might do just that," Vivian distracted herself from the raising heat she felt in her cheeks with a drink.
"If you'll excuse me, it's been lovely meeting you Vivian. Just call if you need anything." Vivian watched the red head make his way back to the counter where the other waiter, Allen was his name she remembered, occupied himself refilling cups of various orders. Lavi had his arm around the others waist, being taller was a slight disadvantage for this but made it look comfortable none-the-less. Allen leaned into the gesture. They exchanged conversation she could not hear.
"It's interesting. Lavi is rather forward and more casual, where Allen addressed the both of us as 'miss.' His hair too. White of all colors for someone so young. What's the story about the scar?" Vivian inquired. Elizabeth took another drink.
"No one really knows. It's part of the mystery. They make a perfect match though, the best of friends as you can be." Elizabeth had of recent begun to wander if 'friends' was the right wording. In the end, the bottom line was simple: it didn't change that Allen and Lavi in Elizabeth's mind were both charming still.
"So what do you think? Perhaps you judged to early?"
Allen had split the refilled cups onto two trays. One in his hands and Lavi carrying the other, the other guests received their beverages and food if requested.
"I could come again," Vivian admitted.