She scoffed. Lenalee pulled the trigger again for good measure, the barrel of the gun sounding an empty click. "It looks like you were right. That's unfortunate," the exorcist said, doing nothing to hide her disappointment. Lvellie, cowering away from Lenalee, took a breath he hadn't known he was holding.
"I'm alive," the man breathed. A deep voice cut in, interrupting Lvellie's moment of relief:
"You'll be wishing there was one more bullet after Komui decides what to do with you." Lenalee, recognizing the voice, kept her focus on the Director.
"Cross," she let herself relax a little, lowering the empty gun, its purpose futile now. "Can you handle Lvellie while I go check on the others?" The general smirked, pulling out a cigarette, pocketing the pack. His tone was packed to the brim with exhilaration, answering the favor: "Happily. You go find your friends while I take care of this. Oh," Cross lit his cigarette, his hand already poised on his gun, "And take your time Lenalee. Director- sorry, my bad. Lvellie and I are going to be a while." Lenalee understood, not planning nor wanting to take away from the man's fun.
"I wouldn't dream of it General Cross." Lenalee turned to Kanda and her brother, "Can you take care of Komui, Kanda?" Kanda helped Komui to his feet, taking his weight off his injured leg.
"We'll catch up. Don't worry about me, Lenalee, " Komui grimaced, managing his brotherly grin that always reassured her since she was little. Lenalee, happy to see both of them doing better than she first thought, returned a worn, tired smile, "I'm counting on you not to die on me okay?" She joked, hurrying out, not sparing a second look at Lvellie. Cross had the situation more than under control. The unfortunate Lvellie would be lucky to leave with a bone unbroken.
The exorcist felt Dark Boots deactivate. The sense of danger was gone, and her small heels sounded in the empty hall. Making haste and still being weary of the debris scattered everywhere, Lenalee turned one last corner before coming upon others hustling to tend to the wounded. The Head Nurse had already taken control of the scene, and no one fought her on that. This was her respective field of expertise.
"Lenalee! Help me carry the injured to the main hall," Head Nurse called. Lenalee found the woman quickly. "There should be plenty of room there if we move the tables against the walls." Lenalee didn't hesitate in her task, picking up the first person closest to her.
"We're going to take you to the main hall, okay? Head Nurse will take care of you before you know it." The finder leaned into the girl's smaller frame, gladly accepting the help.
Lavi meanwhile had finally managed to stand on his own. Iron Hammer had managed to take most of the shock, but not all of it. He surveyed the scene, allowing himself a breather.
"Lavi!" The boy turned to find Kanda running his way.
"You're a sight for sore eyes Yu," Lavi laughed lightly, his body telling him to sit. "You up to lending me a hand? Head Nurse is setting up the main hall as our sick bay it sounds like." Kanda sighed, replying curtly,
"I wouldn't leave you here idiot. I'm not that heartless." Lavi let Kanda grab him, wrapping his arm around his neck to keep him up right.
"How is everyone else? Lenalee and Allen? Link?" Lavi inquired. Worry was evident in his voice. Starting the small trek to the main hall, Kanda answered his friend, wanting to put the red head's worries to rest;
"Lenalee is mostly unharmed and able to assist the Head Nurse. Link is currently tending to Allen." Kanda had run into Link, who assured him Allen was in capable hands. "We'll catch up with everyone in the main hall. In the meantime. You look like shit. We need to get you some help of your own." Lavi was glad to hear Kanda was still his old self. Insults and banter met he was okay and probably unharmed.
"I bet that super healing is really helping right now. Care to share?" Lavi joked, cringing as he took a step, nearly tripping over some scattered cement. Kanda readjusted his hold on Lavi, letting himself smirk at his friend's antics.
"I enjoy you're pain too much to share with you, stupid rabbit."
Link found the exorcists banter amusing while he unwrapped the scarf that was soaked through, once tied securely around Allen's stomach.
"You don't need to help me. Take care of yourself first." Link ignored the boys words, responding,
"If that's the case, stand up. If you can walk to the main hall by yourself, I will go get checked out by the Head Nurse right now." Allen knew he couldn't stand, let alone sit up without assistance. Feeling the pressure reapplied to his stomach, he grimaced, collecting his thoughts before speaking,
"Fine, Fine. I surrender, okay? If I'm being honest, I can't move my feet at this point." Link took his win and squatted, beginning to position the exorcist on his back so as to get a good hold. "Those needles really suck, just so you know," Allen quipped.
"Allen!" Link and Allen turned towards the one calling. Link found himself struggling to remember the younger boy's name.
"Timothy. You're okay," Allen sighed in relief. "How's the science department holding up?" The boy smiled bigger than his face could contain.
He answered, happy to see the exorcist and CROW safe, among others, "We're all okay. Reever and Johnny are busy helping all the Finders and anyone who needs help to the main hall." Link offered a small smile to the young exorcist.
"Why don't you follow us? I'm sure we'll catch up with Amelia," The CROW knew the boy had been worried by the expression he wore before relief set in. Helping him see everyone and everything was okay would be immense help for sure.
"Can I?" Timothy's eyes lit up. Allen chuckled seeing the boy's excitement hearing the invitation. Allen responded with an up beat, "Of course." They headed to the main hall, Link making most of the idle chatter for the three of them, Timothy keeping up easily. Allen yawned, not bothering to try and feign his wakefulness. He rested his head into the crook of Link's neck. The man smirked, enjoying his opportunity to poke fun at the half awake exorcist.
"You that beat? You hardly did anything," he taunted.
Though his response quiet, Allen let his eyes close,
"You just do your part and get me to the Head Nurse so I can kick Kanda's ass later in the training hall."
"I'll take care of everything. You just sit back and relax Allen." The exorcist felt himself smile small, and still so big. Allen commented, his voice dropping off in the process, "Not Walker? I think we're making progress. Does that mean I can call you Howard?" Surprised hearing his first name, Link answered in his mock tone he once gave orders in,
""We're not there yet. It doesn't sound right. Now Link, that's fine." Nothing came in reply, but a soft snore and even breathing that could be felt on his neck. Link let his friend, once upon Lvellie's order, his charge, rest peacefully. The rest of the short walk Timothy carried the conversation and the man humored what the boy wanted to talk about.
(Line Break)
Lavi had been walking aimlessly, figuring he would find the others in due time. His daze was interrupted when he heard his name.
"Lavi! We've got news!" Johnny exclaimed. Stopping and turning to meet the man running his way, he caught the frantic look on the other's face.
"Where's the fire Johnny?" Lavi asked. The science department had been swamped since the European Branch's decision to move headquarters. A less destroyed building was preferred. They had done what they could to repair the building, but found the headquarters itself was outdated in more ways than one. Moving seemed the better option given they found another location to build. Johnny, catching his breath, informed Lavi his department was packed and ready to move.
"We also heard back from Komui. He's currently in the process of negotiating a new agreement regarding the Black Order's manner of operations. As well as who is to take Lvellie's position as Director."
Lavi listened, getting excited himself. He asked, "So the Oceanic Branch finally agreed to meet with the other branches I take it? That's fantastic!"
Another voice joined the crowd: "What's the big news?"
Lavi answered Lenalee, thrilled, "Your brother's making progress on the negotiations. Oceanic Branch and the others are finally all in agreement to at least meet. Now they just need to actually listen," he added.
Johnny finished the rest of his report, "Komui also sent word that he and Bak have agreed to aim by next month to have the new Director appointed." Lenalee liked the sound of wrapping most of this crazy mess up in the next month. Komui could come home then.
Lenalee appreciated the update. "That's great news Johnny. I'm glad I caught you now then. Some good news is always a plus before talking to Lvellie. If we go find Allen and Kanda we can get this over with and then head off to the more fun part of the evening."
Lavi was ready to be done with Lvellie already, "I'll catch up with you later, you and Reever both. And I'll be sure to bring Allen with me so you can transport everything. The Ark's making this whole moving thing ten times easier."
"You can say that again. Talk to you tomorrow then. I don't expect you guys back tonight. Have fun and stay out late. That's an order," Johnny jested. They parted ways, Lavi following Lenalee's lead.
"Do you know where they are?" the redhead asked.
Lenalee listed the places she'd already checked off. "I have an idea, since I already checked the medical wing, their rooms, and the main hall. Jerry still has food left if that's any hint, and I haven't passed any scarred Finders, so all that really leaves is the training hall. It is Kanda and Allen after all. Those two can't stand still for a second."
Lavi chuckled at how accurate the girl's assessment was. Considering their next destination, she remained surprisingly upbeat. Nearing the training hall entrance two familiar heads of hair were readying to turn the corner.
"Oh no, you don't." Lenalee sternly barked. "You two turn yourselves right around and march your butts back here. We aren't permitted to train until the Head Nurse says we can." Allen gave Kanda his best 'I told you so' glare.
Kanda returned his own glare, "I said we had to be quick or she would catch up. You took your sweet time finishing your food."
"It's time guys." Lenalee said softer, gently. "We'll make this quick." They understood. The four exorcists hardly needed to ask where or how to get to Lvellie's holding cell. The European Branch was well acquainted with the lower level of the Branch.
Their feet led them, very little talk taking place the whole way down the never ending stairs lit by candles. Reaching even ground again, a few doors down and Lenalee retrieved the key from her coat pocket. She pushed it into the cell door, releasing the breath she'd been holding, and turned the key. The sound of the lock turning was satisfying this time. Neither of her friends were on the other side for once. Lenalee pushed the door open.
"Look who it is. Just who I wanted to see."
The four filed in, Kanda the most comfortable, taking the lead.
Kanda, returning the same sneerful tone, curtly replied,
"We couldn't agree more. We also wanted to see you. Though I have a feeling we have very different reasons."
Lvellie had been locked away for about a week, and he was starting to look the part of playing prisoner. Sitting a little straighter, Lvellie propped himself up against the stone wall more so. "What's the verdict? How will the exorcists decide to punish their Director for falsely accused crimes?"
Lavi took his turn speaking, cutting the man off short, "You seem to be mistaken about a few things Lvellie. One, you are no longer Director of the Black Order. Komui Lee and all branches are currently discussing the matter of a predecessor."
Her voice more confident than she thought, Lenalee continued, "Second, you, Lvellie Malcolm, are not being given the more pleasant option of being put to death by any means. That would prove too fast, and you wouldn't learn a very crucial lesson."
Lvellie's voice had lost its bite. "Please, go right ahead. Enlighten me. What lesson do you think I have yet to learn?" He refused to show his unease. "And how, do tell."
"The proper way," this time Allen stepped forward, making sure to be in clear sight of the person who started day one of the Order's personal war. "We're giving you the same treatment in which both Lavi and I received. Master Cross took care of how you treated Lavi. He has a mean left hook if you aren't expecting it. Your face is proof of that." He cocked a grin, enjoying the feelings of their roles being flipped.
Lavi, standing beside Allen, found his hand with ease, adding his own touch, "You can figure out on your own what it's like to be isolated and treated as anything but human. You dealt Allen the same sentence. Funny how things come back to you that way."
Lvellie cackled. "You think letting me live and sit in this cell is punishment? I hardly call that a life sentence, let alone a death sentence."
"You will receive dinner every day, the bare necessities. We're not cruel. That's your specialty," Lenalee curtly added. Lvellie eyed the four figures, trying to find any kind of bluff. They stood their ground, unwavering.
"You can't honestly believe such a sentence will actually hurt me. You're deluding yourselves if you think-"
"Even the strongest spirit can be broken with something as simple as isolation and lack of light. Give it time," Allen explained. "It doesn't get easier. I would know. I've been where you're sitting."
"Now that you've been briefed Lvellie, we've told you everything you're entitled to." Kanda stated, matter-of-factly.
"One last thing." Lenalee, wearing the biggest smile she had in a long time, boldly claimed, as she followed the others out the door, "You lost, Lvellie. And we won. Think about that." The door closed and locked again, the four friends now faced each other.
"You ready for the best part?" The girl asked, her voice picking up in excitement.
"That wasn't the best part?" Lavi cracked, his grin blossoming.
Kanda replied, "You gotta have the last laugh, don't you Lavi?"
The hallway instantly illuminated in white, beautifully familiar white panels glowed, and Allen stepped in. "Follow me if you don't want to be left behind. The funs on the other side." They followed without second thought.
(Line Break)
The cold bit through their coats with ease.
"I can't wait to get inside. It's freezing out here," Lavi said, pulling his coat tighter around himself.
Lenalee laughed at the red head's comment. "This is London, Lavi," Lenalee said, a hint of humor when she added: "December is the start of winter for London if you forgot." The girl hugged Kanda's arm, strolling at his pace.
Allen led the way, as he and Lavi were most familiar with the area. "We'll warm up here soon. You won't freeze to death Lavi," Allen joked. "And we're not actually going to Mary's place tonight."
Kanda's attention had turned to Allen, "Where exactly are we going then? I swear if you get us lost-"
Cutting the man short, Lenalee giggled. "It's okay Kanda. Remember? Allen told us a week ago now I think. Mary's hosting it outside, just down the street from the bar."
"At least someone listens, unlike Kanda," Allen quipped. Kanda curtly replied,
Kanda defended, "The stupid rabbit also thought we were going to Mary's place, so Lavi also failed to remember where we were in fact going."
"That may be true, but Lavi's a lot cuter than you. And that my friend is worth a free pass," Allen grinned. Lavi, happy to accept the win, grasped Allen's hand in his and brought it to his lips, kissing the back of his hand.
"You're a catch yourself," Lavi returned the notion. "Now, first and foremost, is there going to be a fire if we're outside? Because I'd be lying if I said I wasn't cold."
Lenalee answered the question: "Mary made sure to have the essentials; food, drink, and a source of warmth of course. There's a big fire waiting for you."
"Speaking of which," Allen gestured ahead, "there it is now. Let's go get warmed up, and then we can all admire each other's lack of grace when it comes to dancing."
Lenalee shot Allen a playful glare, "I don't know about you three, but I'm pretty confident in my own skills."
"Better watch out Yu. You have to keep up with Lenalee here." Nodding to himself and Allen, Lavi added, "I myself don't have that problem."
"I beg your pardon?" Allen feigned offense, "I dance wonderfully, I'll have you know."
"They're here!" A woman's voice carried. They neared the crowd of people huddled around the large fire. The fire light lit the area sufficiently.
"Elizabeth! It's been a while. Is Vivian with you?" Allen asked, excited to see the girls.
Vivian, coming to greet them, smiled, "Of course I came. I wouldn't miss this for anything. And you guys haven't missed much yet. The musicians are just taking a small break."
Elizabeth spoke up, seeing Kanda and Lenalee, "I don't believe we've met. I'm Elizabeth. My friend here is Vivian. I take it you're friends of Allen's and Lavi's?"
"Something like that," Kanda said, earning a playful look from Lavi.
Lenalee chuckled, "Kanda here is being funny. We're friends all right. I'm Lenalee Lee. And it's Elizabeth and Vivian right?"
"That's us. It's great to meet you two!" Vivian happily confirmed. "We'll have to let Mary know you're all here. She's been waiting so impatiently."
Elizabeth agreed, "She hasn't stopped talking about seeing you again. She insists the bar hasn't been the same since you left. We didn't get to say good-bye last time, but now we can make up for that with having a blast tonight." She weaved through the people, avoiding bumping into anyone. "I hope it's alright if I borrow Lavi here for a dance later, Allen."
Allen laughed, "I don't mind, besides, he's the better dancer anyways."
Vivian added her own request, "I think you're better than you think. I'd like to test that theory myself, if you don't mind joining me in a dance."
Lenalee, amused and happy to listen to them talk, jumped in. "You're stuck with me Kanda, I hope you know that. Unless of course you want to go a few rounds with Lavi or Allen, I don't mind."
"I think they have plenty of dance partners. Besides, I haven't properly gotten to take you out, so tonight's going to be everything you hoped for, I promise that," Kanda kissed her forehead.
"There you are! It's about time you all showed up." Mary's familiar face smiled ear to ear, rushing to meet them. Mary pulled Lavi and Allen into a tight hug, pulling back to look them over. "You two look great. Bright eyes, and meat on your bones. I was worried I was going to have to fatten you up while you were here. And you two," she gestured to Kanda and Lenalee. "I haven't forgotten about you. It's always good to see you looking happy and healthy. Now!"
The woman made eye contact with the musicians, giving them a nod of her head. They signaled their reply, ready to start. "It's time to start the music again, so I expect a dance later Kanda. You can't avoid me." Mary shot them a wink before heading off.
The fiddler strummed a few cords, satisfied. The flute blowing it's own notes, and the drum followed lead. People got up from where they sat, pulling their partners to their feet. The music was picking up beat quickly, the fiddle adding it's flare and the drum providing the beat. Lenalee grabbed Kanda's hand, dragging him along.
"Come on guys! We came to dance. So let's dance!" She cheered, a giddy smile bigger than they'd ever seen spreading on her face. Kanda happily followed, joining the crowd and letting Lenalee lead.
"You wanna join the fun too?" Lavi led Allen, taking his hand again.
"I'm ready, but you're leading. I couldn't even waltz before you showed me how. I have two left feet," Allen laughed. Taking hold of each other, Lavi started.
"Get ready and hold on then, I'm about to show you what a real party is!" Lavi pulled a happy to follow Allen into the crowd.
Mary watched from her seat, having tended to everyone's needs. Their faces said everything. Their grins and very patchy footwork made for great fun to watch. Mary had assumed the kids had never gotten the proper chance to go out and be young, to enjoy the foot tapping, live fiddle, and the crowds. Kanda dipped Lenalee, nearly losing his hold on her, and Mary laughed as the couple wasn't phased by the near drop. Allen and Lavi were off in the back of the crowd, stealing a kiss. The woman had known the two had something, and it was evident they didn't get to share much of their time. It was a quick and sweet moment that seemed rare.
Mary hoped this could become something of routine for the young people. Life was short, and she saw no reason that should stop any of them from living. The stress of unknown responsibilities seemed to have melted from their eyes. Now they were bright, and their smiles more genuine than ever.
As the night progressed, Mary had her dances, and Elizabeth and Vivian made sure to collect their promises too. The night carried on until the crowd tired and dispersed heading on their way.
"Are you sure we can't help you clean up? Lavi asked as they were the last few people present. Mary glared playfully.
"I won't have my guests helping with this. You came for fun, you had some drinks, now you all head home and you best get there safe, you hear me?"
Lenalee nudged Lavi, "You're not going to win this one, you better just admit defeat."
"We'll be back to visit before you know it," Allen said, turning to Kanda, " Won't we?" Kanda's smirk was enough to say, "Why wouldn't we?"
They bid goodnight to one another, and once out of sight, they entered the opened Ark, happy to be going back to a place that finally could be called a home. On the other side, they made sure to be quiet. The hour was late, and everyone was probably asleep. The hallways were dark, but a month's time of wandering the same hallways made lightless travel easy enough. At Kanda's door, he and Lenalee said goodnight.
"Tonight was amazing. We'll definitely be going again," Lenalee yawned halfway through. Kanda pulled her close, kissing her forehead.
"You two have a good night," Kanda said, "Don't do anything I wouldn't do." The door closed softly behind them. Lenalee started changing for bed, pulling her night clothes from Kanda's drawer.
"You know," he started, going to sit on the bed, "clothes are optional, it's really up to you." She stopped rummaging for her night shirt.
"Oh? Is that so? If that's the case, then I guess I won't need this." Night clothes forgotten, she finished undressing, her dress at her feet. "Is this what you had in mind, Kanda? Speak up or I might rethink the nightgown." Kanda gestured to the bed. Reading his eyes, she crossed the room, stopping in front of him.
"What you have on is more than enough." She didn't reply, not wanting to break the silence. She got comfortable, first one leg and then the other, straddling his lap. Her hands found his face, as her lips met his. Welcoming it, Kanda returned the favor. Slowly, they found themselves in a more comfortable position. Kanda on his back, and Lenalee's legs caressing his sides.
Without breaking their kiss, she found the first button of his shirt and worked her way to the bottom. Opening his shirt, his bare chest now open. His hands held her hips, moving up her lower back. Making quick work of her clasps, the bra loosely slipped down her arms. Sitting up, she slipped her arms out and set the clothing aside.
"You're beautiful," Kanda breathed.
"You're not so bad to look at yourself," Lenalee breathed back, moving her hands up his chest, coming to a stop and holding herself right above his face. "Kiss me."
Happily complying, Kanda resumed their kiss, feeling her hair falling on his cheeks. Feeling Kanda shift his weight, Lenalee moved her legs, letting them lay side by side. He pulled her closer, their bare chests touching. Splitting apart again, she grinned. Their foreheads touching, they looked into each other's eyes.
Lenalee's breaths were shorter and quicker, her words quieter, "I Love you Kanda." Kanda loved her tendency to state the obvious, even if it had been said many times before. The words would never grow old.
"I love you more."
(Line Break)
The door closed behind them, Lavi happily took a seat on the bed, sighing in content.
"Today was fun, but I've definitely danced enough to last me a week," he laughed. Allen, dressing for bed, made a point to hang everything in the closet and respective drawers. He replied with a yawn in between,
"I can say the same. However, I'd do it again if it meant getting to be your dance partner."
Lavi laid on his side of the bed, leaving room for Allen. He had been ready for bed not long after getting to his room, taking no time to change. "Come to bed, I need my personal bed warmer," he teased. Allen happily did so. Pulling the covers over the two of them, Allen turned on his side to face his partner. Leaning in closely into Lavi's face, Allen smiled, "I've been waiting too long for this."
Lavi inquired, "Waiting for what?"
"For this." Closing the little space between them, Allen pressed his lips to Lavi's. Lavi brought his hand around Allen's back, pulling him closer. "We don't have to worry about Lvellie anymore, and we're all together again."
Lavi grinned, "Our family's back together. And most importantly, I can look at you anytime I want again. And before I forget," he remembered, "I have your ribbon. Lenalee and Kanda kept it while I was playing prisoner," lavi joked.
"How can I ever thank you?" Allen asked, whimsy in his voice.
"I think another kiss will suffice," Lavi quipped.
"That's all you want? How about this?" Resuming their kiss, Allen held Lavi's face tenderly. Timcanpy had long fallen asleep on his small bed on the dresser, the bed Lavi had insisted on providing. Their snores were just loud enough to hear.
Lavi laughed, breaking their kiss, "Someone's asleep. You think the others are?"
"What, Kanda and Lenalee? Probably not," Allen answered. "I have a feeling we had the same idea."
Lavi yawned, "You'll always be my wildcard, Allen Walker."
"And you mine. Love you to the moon and back. Always."
I hope you enjoyed the ride! It took a bit, but the ending is here. With every door closed, another opens they say, so who knows, maybe more D. Gray-Man fanfiction is coming your way! Thank you for reading to the end. As a fellow nerd, I appreciate it greatly. As always, I am happy to hear constructive critiques and what you thought. Nerd on, and keep D. Gray-Man going with your own stories or support to other writers!
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