Timcanpy perched atop their head, its tail swaying in front of Allen's face. The golem's tail did little to interrupt the boy's focus. Allen dipped the tip of his pen into fresh ink that sat off to his left. The letter was almost finished, and he was satisfied with what he had written. It had been too long since writing to everyone at the European Branch. It was due time that his friends hear from him now that he was in a secure place. Cross's letter was interesting. Navigating a conversation with the older man had always been both skill and yet still enjoyable. The man had helped Lavi and himself back in London. Mary had been a great escape from being on the run. A stable home, even if it was temporary, was more than they both thought was obtainable. Signing the bottom of the paper, Allen finished his master's letter. Next was the more complicated one of the bunch. It was not a lack of words that were the problem, it was the magnitude of words the boy wanted to write. They were infinite.
Allen started a new sheet of paper. The clean, unmarked paper stared back at him as if asking to be written on. Re-inking the tip of the pen, Allen put the metal tip to the paper. Slowly and with care, he wrote, Lavi. This was his chance to say everything he had been wanting to tell. And that he was okay of course. Lavi needed to know that everything was working smoothly and according to plan. The thoughts came as easy as breathing. Allen didn't question what he wrote, but let his words fall to the paper. Timcanpy shifted its position, deciding to move to the bed, filling the pillow with its small form. The golem had wrapped its long gold tail around itself, and let itself start to doze off.
"Allen?" He looked up from his writing. Lenalee had come in, and he welcomed the company. Deciding to finish Lavi's letter later that evening, he set the pen down, careful as to not get any ink on his letters that were still drying. "Lenalee, hey," he said, smiling. The girl sat on the bed beside her friend. Lenalee glanced over the table contents that Allen had been working on. Now curious, she asked, "What is all this?"
"I'm writing a few letters for you to take back with you," he answered. Lenalee returned the smile, glad to hear that she would have good news to bring back with her when she left. "I leave tomorrow morning. I'd be more than happy to take them for you." Allen wanted to ask his friend certain questions before she left, and yet, at the same time he wasn't sure he wanted to hear the answers.
"Lenalee, I wanted to ask you," he started, knowing it was today or never. "How is Lavi?" Allen didn't want to see his opportunity pass. Lenalee had been wondering when they would ask about Lavi. She knew it was a topic not to be taken lightly. Having been an exorcist of the order herself, Lenalee understood too well the feeling of not knowing if your comrade was going to come home.
Lenalee answered the other's question with care. "Lavi's doing okay. Lvellie has been pressing him for information, but he's holding strong. He's got the will of a bookman, that's for sure." She gauged Allen's face before continuing. "I won't lie to you. He's been better. But I promise you that Lavi is stronger than anything Lvellie can throw at him." Allen didn't feel much better knowing that the director was mistreating Lavi, but it was still reassuring to know that he was holding strong and not as bad off as his mind had let him think he was.
"Thank you. I'm sure he'll be fine," Allen said, quietly. He appreciated the girl's honesty, as he wanted nothing more. Lenalee brought her friend into a hug, holding him tight. "Kanda and I will both do everything we can to keep Lavi safe. My brother is too. He's in good hands," she assured the doubtful expression that Allen wore. He hadn't said the words out loud, or let himself think them often, but Allen wanted to hear himself speak it for the first time.
"I miss him. I miss Lavi." The girl didn't say anything, wanting to let the boy vent without interruption. His voice was barely a whisper. "I miss the order. Nothings have been right in a long time. And sometimes I think it might not be possible to fix everything."
"I still believe we have a chance," Lenalee encouraged, releasing her hug, looking Allen straight on. "I know it looks pretty impossible right now, but I'm not done trying. So keep working with Fou here, and I'll do what I can from home." He listened, and let himself try to believe that what his friend had said could become possible. Lenalee covered a yawn.
"Is someone tired?" Allen joked.
"Maybe," Lenalee answered, returning the jest. "I'm going to get some sleep before tomorrow. I'll see you before I leave." Allen nodded. "I'm counting on it." Lenalee moved to her bed, having changed for bed beforehand. She climbed under the covers, wishing Allen and Timcanpy a good night. Seeing his golem fall fast asleep made Allen realize that he himself was ready for sleep. Deciding to finish the letter before Lenalee left the next morning, the boy moved the table holding the papers away from the bed and lay down, getting comfortable.
The next morning came and Lenalee was packed and almost ready to return to the European Branch.
"You'll give these to everyone for me?"Allen asked, handing his friend the bunch of letters tied together. Slipping the letters into her bag that hung at her side, Lenalee smiled, "Of course. They'll arrive safe and sound." Lenalee hugged Allen, the boy returning the gesture. Playing the Ark's melody in his head, Allen felt the Ark opening. Surprised, Lenalee asked,
"What are you doing?" Replying, Allen answered,
"I'm cutting a few hours out of your travel time. I figured the Ark would be quicker." Lenalee had been dreading the long train rides home, and was beyond grateful to not have to endure the uncomfortable seats if possible.
"I'm going to miss you, Allen. When we fix this, everything won't be so crazy. Well, it will be the normal crazy." Lenalee was ready to leave through the Ark. She waved and bid goodbye again, before the Ark closed, sending the exorcist back to headquarters.