Note: It looks like the site doesn't allow for any complex formatting so I can't format transitions between scenes the way I usually would (with breaks and/or special characters).
Allen chuckled. "Refreshing, that guy? No way."
"I can see why you think so. But Kanda balances out all the pleasant characters around here, like Lenalee and yourself," Star chuckled. Noticing Allen watching her quietly she said, "What?"
"You seem cheerful but your smile's a little sad," Allen said.
"The world is pretty sad, Allen," Star said. Rocking on the balls of her feet, she changed the subject quickly, saying, "There's something you wanted to show me. My room, right."
Allen smiled, but hesitantly. In stride and letting the moment slide, he lead the rest of the way down the hall, saying, "Yeah, right around here. Come on. You can't miss it, we hung a huge sign on the door for you."
"But isn't this the way to dining hall? I was in here a little while ago—"
They walked around the corner and-
"Welcome Star!" the Black Order's European Branch staff chorused.
Star froze in her step and then felt a warm rush. With a soft gaze for everyone in the room, she thought, It feels exactly the way I thought it would. Being welcomed by others. A huge banner hung across the dining hall, reading in bold letters Welcome Star Johannes! Jeryy, the Head Chef, was grinning ear-to-ear, standing near an expansive, mouthwatering buffet fit for a king.
"You're lucky," Lavi said. "Lenalee made sure that the Chief didn't break out any of his Komlin pals just for you."
"I'm grateful." She turned to Allen, pointing casually at the welcome banner printed boldly with her name. "That's a nice door sign there, Walker," Star said, cocking her eyebrow at him and holding back a watery, joyful smile. "But this is definitely not my room."
At the same time…
The Black Order just an organization like any other, she told herself, full of people trying to be friendly. Nothing to get sappy about or attached to.
"I know," Allen laughed sheepishly. "But welcome. We're glad to have you."
"We wanted to surprise you. Jeryy kept telling us to hurry up and get you out of the dining hall earlier so he could start setting up while you were busy with the Chief but none of us knew how to approach you. Here, Star." Lenalee appeared holding a white mug. The bottom was printed with Star's initials, S.J. "Your own personal coffee mug."
Cradling the mug to her, Star said, "Thank you, Lenalee. Thank you everyone. This is great."
Even Kanda was there. Studiously not looking at her, brow pinched in irritation of course.
Star met a lot of the staff that evening, filled her stomach again, and later found herself standing with Miranda Lotto, Lenalee, and Krory.
"I'm still fairly new here too so I hope I can be of help and not a hindrance," Kro said with a nervous smile.
"Not at all. I really admire you, Krory. You, too, Lenalee. Miranda. Krory, you suffered a great loss, but rather than stay shut away from the world, you gathered the courage to dedicate your life to something that's meant to protect the world. And Lenalee, you put those boots back on because you wanted to protect your family even though no one would've blamed you for walking away." Star turned to the Miranda, a somewhat anxious but pretty and kind Exorcist with brunette, curling hair. There was always a look about her eyes, as if she was waiting for something to go wrong because she was around. "I've always wanted to meet you, Miranda! You became an Exorcist even though you were terrified of being thrust into battle. Even though your Innocence causes you to carry such a heavy burden and responsibility, you put yourself out there anyway, for the sake of others."
Each of them stammered embarrassedly at Star's open praise but she meant every word.
"Well, t-thank you, Star," Miranda said. "I do hope to get to know you better and that we'll work together soon."
Raising toasts with their cups, Krory and Lenalee agreed. Soon after, Komui called for them and they went first. Before Miranda could join them,
Star stopped her.
"Miranda."
"Hm? Yes, Star," Miranda smiled.
Star ran her finger around the rim of her empty coffee mug, staring inside. Then she looked Miranda in the eyes.
"I don't want you to be sad so I'm telling you this now: When the time comes, don't use the Time Record. It won't work…because your Innocence can't save me."
"Mahoja and Jump, you both have an assignment already, straight from Central starting tomorrow. So rest up," Komui said from the doorway of Star's room. "If you need anything, don't hesitate to ask."
"Yes, sir," they said with bows. "Thank you."
"Thanks, Chief," Star said.
"Then I'll leave you to it. Jump, Mahoja, don't forget where your rooms are."
The Chief left. Star and her team looked around the room. The furniture consisted of a bed, a table, and a small wardrobe.
"Your room is the same as ours," Jump said. "Without the wardrobe."
"Spartan quarters," Mahoja looked around the impersonal space. "I expected something a little more elaborate or rather fancy and homey in a place that looks like the Palace of Westminster on the outside."
"Like butlers and a mint on the pillow?" Jump said.
Star flounced lightly onto the bed and settled into a groove against the pillows.
"I don't mind. Compared to where I live, the Black Order headquarters is a five-star resort. If there weren't any Akuma around, I'd chill here allll day."
Jump suddenly got serious.
"We have to find it, Star. You know that."
"I know, Jump. Don't you start too, Maho," Star glared at them. "There's nothing wrong with relaxing a little."
"You're already too relaxed!"
"Whatever. Go be dutiful and spoil your own fun in your own rooms," Star grumbled.