I do not own D'Gray Man or any of the references in this fanfic.

Summary: OC insert. Bonnie didn't know how she fell in the world of an anime she hasn't watched in years. Honestly, she wasn't even a big fan of the series.

Beta Reader- StormyMonday

Chapter 12

Krory's mood sobered as we reached the depressing landscape of Headquarters.

"I know it's gloomy," I said to him conversationally.

He didn't answer and was deep in thought.

"He's still contemplating what happened on the train. He'll be better once we get inside," remarked Lavi.

I stood behind Lavi as we faced that irritating guard-thing again.

"Inspecting new arrival!"

"Wh-what's it doing?" gasped Krory as a spotlight shined on him.

"He's inspecting you," explained Lavi.

I felt like Lavi was secretly enjoying Krory's distress for some reason. "He has to make sure you're not an akuma."

"He's out!" the ugly gate-thing yelled."He bears the sign of the pentagram! He's a friend of the Millennium Earl!"

This again? I just want to relax, damn it!

"That thing is broken! It thought you were an akuma too," I said, activating my weapon and wondering if Kanda was going to attack us again.

"The blood you drank back then is still in your system, he's reacting to that," explained Allen.

"Eliade!" cried Krory, and I looked away feeling sad again. This guy doesn't get a break.

"Destroy the akuma!" called a very familiar voice, and the large shadow of that lunatic Komui's robot towered over us.

Oh no, not this crap again! "Komurin!"

"Four!" exclaimed Komui from under the robot. "Powered and ready to assist in destroying the akuma! Kill them all without regard to who is an akuma or human!"

Komui was starting to become a huge pain. I was so not in the mood for this.

Breathe...

In... Out...

Aim….

BANG!

"AHHHHHH! BONNNIE! That was murder! Murder!" cried Komui and we walked past him. "Call the police! Someone arrest her!"

"As I said, don't give a fuck. I can't deal with this right now."

I passed Lenalee as I walked through the gate.

"Welcome back, Bonnie!" she smiled.

I smiled back and gave her a hug. She gasped suddenly, not expecting it. I took a deep breath. I really just needed a friend hug. "I'm refreshed!" I smiled at her, giving her a signature Might Guy thumbs up. "We got a new exorcist!"

"I saw him from the camera, Arystar Krory-san," she nodded her head.

"I think your brother scared him a bit. Krory is a good guy. We had a rocky adventure back. Make sure to whack your brother good for the delay just now," I told her.

I wiped the sweat from my forehead, and a look of concern crossed her face. "You okay?" she asked.

"It was just a very long mission," I replied. "I'm going to head to the bathroom to splash some water on my face."

Once I was in the bathroom, I looked at my reflection. My hair was coming out of my ponytail, and sweat still clung to my chin and forehead. Sighing, I splashed water on my face.

I didn't like how I looked, like at all. I looked like a girl on her period. I slapped my cheeks a few times.

Think happy thoughts! I scolded myself.

:::

Later, I had to explain about Red String Technique. I couldn't really tell anyone about Shimazu and Carol's voices, though. I wondered how this technique with my Innocence would affect my standing in the Order. I could tether a human soul to myself by expelling the Dark Matter.

This was crazy.

I was directed by Johnny on the whereabouts of the others. I heard Krory screaming in Komui's medical room as Allen, Lenalee and Lavi stood outside. "Poor child," I sighed as I looked forlornly at the Door of Terror.

"Bonnie, you seem more relaxed than before," pointed out Lavi, and I glared at him. I had just forgotten about my anxiety issues, idiot.

"Are you okay Bonnie? You've been in a weird mood since Krory's castle," said Allen, concern in silver eyes.

"I don't know... " I said, feeling self-conscious. I used to talk out my issues with Carol and it helped. I was getting better, though.

"My Innocence..." I began, as Lenalee turned her attention on me, and Lavi looked surprised, probably not expecting me to be so forthcoming. He probably knew about the investigation into me since he had access to my file. "I was able to bind a human soul to myself using my Innocence... Red String," I said.

"You were..." trailed Lenalee.

"So that's how Miss Eliade didn't disappear and she was able to touch Krory," blinked Allen.

She touched Krory? I guess I wasn't all there. I didn't really have any perception of time while I held the Red String.

"How do you know you attached to her soul?" asked Lavi curiously.

"I just felt her...her thoughts. Everything. I also felt something deep inside me was being pulled, like a rubber band stretching," I explained. "I don't know... It scared me – it's weird. I just wanted to be back at the Order and hoped I was still me."

I looked at Allen and Lavi apologetically. "I'm sorry I was a pain on the trip back."

"Don't worry about it, Bon Bon. Besides almost making that kid cry on the train, it wasn't that bad. You did take care of Komuilin 4 for us after all," laughed Lavi.

"Lavi," groaned Allen.

"Thanks for telling us," quipped Lenalee, making all three of us turn to her. "Even though you talk to me sometimes I feel there is some distance there too. So thanks, even if it's not always me. You can tell us your concerns."

Bashful, I turned away. What's with everyone's attention on me? "Well, the same goes for you guys! You can rely on me too!" I insisted.

"Aww! Bonnie, are you embarrassed!" teased Lavi.

Why must you annoy me now?

"OWW!" cried Lavi as I pinched his cheek in retaliation.

:::

"Red String? How did you come up with the name?" asked Bookman as I sat uncomfortably on the couch in front of Komui.

Komui's expression was unreadable as his hands were clasped in front of him, elbows resting on a very untidy desk.

"It sounded cool?" I replied, uncertainly.

Actually, a voice that sounded like my friend named the technique.

"Able to tether a soul and vanquish Dark Matter... This is the first I've heard of it," said Bookman. "Well, she was working on that."

I glanced Bookman. Who is she?

"I wonder if it would work on the Noah," said Komui thoughtfully.

"Lavi has informed me that Allen's eye has become stronger. He was able to see the akuma Eliade's soul, along with the kid," informed Bookman.

"I will have to study his eye later, it seems we've gained a lot from this mission, as well as our new exorcist," commented Komui, and I felt like some background furniture while the two discussed, only asking questions from me every so often.

I wasn't really an active part of the conversation, despite being a primary topic. Bookman explained a few more details about the plants we came across, and Cross's connection to the whole thing. Allen was the other main topic, which obviously came with him having protagonist status and all.

I was relieved that Komui didn't ask about Shimazu.

Leaving the science department after answering their questions, I activated my new level of Innocence for the scientists to study. I was there for hours, a ball of anxiety nesting in my stomach as I waited for everything to unravel.

But it didn't.

I was safe.

Well, for now.

As I left, I met Lenalee. "Hey," I murmured, my energy waning.

"We have a welcome party to organize," she said conversationally, and felt myself perking up.

"Krory's welcome party?" I asked, excitedly lighting up with happiness."What is there to do? Decorating? Cake? Food? Seating arrangements?"

"Uh... We actually just finished setting up," she sheepishly said, and I felt my heart sink. "... I was actually wondering if you could do the entertainment? Like the story of the Little Mermaid – it made me so happy and I can't help but smile when I think of it."

"Well you see-" I began to refuse, because it was awkward to sing to a crowd and...well, it was weird having to give credit to a non-existent uncle. Not to mention, when I was singing for Lenalee I was being dramatic and silly to make her happy. The thought of being silly with the whole Science Division there...and maybe even Kanda..?.

Urgh! Hell no!

I looked to see Lenalee looking hopeful, her eyes wide and glistening, a sincere smile on her face.

Fuck!

"Sure-" My mouth- the damn traitor!"-just maybe a different story," I said, thinking of a story with a shorter song.

She gave me a full-blown beaming smile that bloomed flowers...this must be a freaking genjutsu at work.

:::

Lenalee had setup a tall bar stool for me to sit on. I could feel the buzzing energy of the people around me and it energized me. I sat on the bar stool stealing a funky hat from one of the scientists whose name was Brad...or something.

I rolled my eyes at Komui as he ate the food, even before the guest of honor arrived. Honestly, the man could be so rude.

"I feel this suits her, it's very diva," I heard Tac mumble to Johnny.

Before I could make an indignant comment about just sticking to the aesthetics of the situation, as I needed to get in character to tell my epic story, Krory walked in looking like he was in shock.

Warmth erupted in my chest. I was glad that I was doing this for him.

"Why are you just standing around, Kro-chan?" chirped Lavi as Krory looked at the room in amazement. "It's your party.

We all pitched in to get it ready."

Except me. All the more reason to be the entertainment.

"All for me," blushed Krory, looking down.

'My cute baby!' I wanted to squeal. I had already decided to take Krory as my child even if he was physically older than me. I didn't care anymore! Love always wins!

Lenalee presented Krory with a mug of his own "Here you go. This is your cup.".

"Oh, thank you!"

"It's an herb tea, so you can relax while you're here," explained Allen. "Welcome to your new home, Krory!"

"Allen..."

"Welcome home Krory!" echoed Lenalee.

"Welcome home!" we all chorussed with similar enthusiasm.

"Th-Thank you all!" the man cried with tears, snot, and the works.

"Hey, hey, you crying again, Kro?"Lavi patted his shoulder.

"Tears of joy!" he assured, blowing his nose on a not-too- pleased Lavi's scarf.

Lenalee and Allen laughed while I cringed. That poor scarf.

"To our friend and new comrade, Arystar Krory!" Komui announced, holding up a glass.

Everyone followed his lead.

"Cheers!"

"Cheers!"

Krory smiled, then saw me on my seat in the back. He started to walk over but bumped into a mini-Komulin, spilling his tea on the robot, causing sparks of static to emit from it.

This shit again?

"I'm sorry!" apologized Krory while it ominously cackled.

"Komurin 4 Mini clean up!" ordered Komui as its single robot eye turned red.

"Clean... up!" Komulin Mini cackled.

"AHHHHHH!" Komui screamed in shock. His face was suddenly plastered with white foundation, like a Chinese Geisha, and awful purple nail polish and bright pink lipstick were shellacked on his lips and fingernails.

"Cleaning... complete!"

Damn, either Komulin was a

bad makeup artist, or Krory would make terrible drag queen.

"Make-up!"

"You're all so dirty!" comments the robot.

The robot only got as far as putting lipstick on me when I activated my Innocence.

BANG!

I looked to see only Lenalee had come out unscathed, and I had to wonder if Komui put in some special programming to keep her safe.

I took a long look at the all the Finders and Scientists who had thick makeup plastered on their faces like cheap prostitutes.

"Beautiful..." said Komui, admiring himself in a hand-held mirror.

"Oh brother..." sighed Lenalee.

My exact sentiments, Lenalee.

I saw Lavi, Allen, Bookman and Krory all in makeup and burst into laughter.

It started off loud and rambunctious, then became silent to the point I was gasping and crying.

I wished I had my iPhone so I could document this moment."Oh my god! You know what would be even better is if Kanda was here! I wonder though if Komulin 4 would've attacked him with cosmetics. He is already as pretty as a girl!" I laughed hysterically.

"Gosh Bonnie," groaned Lavi. "Quit laughing already and help take it off!"

I reached out for some napkins, passing them to Krory first then Bookman and everyone else, still snickering every so often.

"The nail polish isn't coming off," whined Allen.

"You'll need nail polish remover for that – acetone," I said.

"Alcohol works fine too," pointed out Johnny, adjusting his glasses.

Lenalee and I watched in amusement as they fumbled with taking off the makeup and making a mess of the refreshment stand.

"You can tell us your story as we clean up," announced Lenalee.

"Shh-" I was about to silence her.

"A story?" blinked a puppy-eyed Krory as he continued to wipe off the makeup, smudging it. "Like the Spike Spiegel one?"

"Spike Spiegel? Who's that?" interrupted Lavi rather loudly.

"He's an ex-assassin turned bounty hunter who...who...ah JULIA!" cried Krory.

I grunted in annoyance. I was hoping to get out of storytelling after the whole Komulin 4 escapade. I also really regretted telling Krory such a depressing story on our trip back.

This needed to be rectified.

"Actually, I have a happier story to tell," I announced. I made a show of grabbing Krory and pulling him to the centre table. He was the guest of honor, after all.

"Such a diva."

I glared at whichever scientist said that, and then began the story.

"Once upon a time, a drop of sun falls to earth and grows a magical flower, this flower is capable of great healing qualities. One day, an old woman finds the flower and sings a song to it-"

I noticed I already had everyone's attention.

"Flower, gleam and glow

Let your power shine

Make the clock reverse

bring back what once was mine

what once was mine"

I sang the song like a lullaby as I dropped my gaze, focusing solely on Krory.

I was a little intimidated by everyone's gawking.

"It emits the power that restores her youth. Vain and possessive over the flower, the old woman who goes by the name Gothal, hides it."

I focused on the words of the story as I remembered it. I had watched these movies countless times with Carol. I remembered illegally downloading it and playing it on repeat while in the shower.

As I weaved the story as best as I could, I imagined Krory as my sole audience, instead of the rest of the room, whose eyes were all on me.

I did hear chuckles about Rapunzel's choice of weapon being a frying pan and the overzealous horse who behaved more like a dog.

Roars of laughter shook the room about getting Flynn Rider's nose wrong, and I could ear a few heckles from the Finder table when it was revealed Flynn's actual name was Eugene.

Sorry, Finder Eugene.

As I got to my favorite scene that took place on the gondola, I decided to sing bits of the song I remembered. When I sang the words out loud, I realized the song really reflected Krory.

Like Rapunzel, who was stuck in a tower, so was Krory once trapped in a castle, and now he was experiencing the world for the first time.

"All those days watching from the window

All those years outside looking in

All that time never even knowing

Just how blind I've been..."

I ended the song just before Flynn's part, and described the romantic setting and two people falling in love.

Krory's eyes were glassy and red, and his face was like a school girl wondering if the two would share a kiss.

I was so lost in the story that unless someone laughed or ohhed or ahhed, I forgot I was telling a story to a crowd.

"-The family finally reunites and they lived happily ever after." I would have loved to end with Flynn's snarky exclamation on marriage, but I couldn't possibly do that scene justice, just like like many other scenes I had to abandon.

I stood up and bowed dramatically, and Krory began clapping frantically as the rest of the crowd followed his lead.

"Beautiful! Just amazing Miss Bonnie!" I heard Jerry squeal.

"Is this why Eugene is your favorite Finder?"

"I love the song! Sing it again!"

"Ah I see, Kro-chan is like Rapunzel in a tower. It's a pretty good story. Where did you hear this version?" asked Lavi.

'Here we go again,' I sighed as I launched into another contrived story about my Uncle Disney.

:::

Trudging through the dark corridors with a drunken Krory was was a mission in itself. He was a total lightweight and I almost wanted to hit Johnny and Reever for encouraging him.

I hoped he would not forget the whole evening because of this. After my story, I took refuge with Kanda as he silently ate his soba.

A little while later, I was pulled away to show the Science Division some dance moves. I showed them the Lazer Blast Dance Fortnite move and then tapped out. I was already tired from the storytelling and lying about my nonexistent Uncle Disney.

Krory sneezed, surprising me and making me lose my balance. My face was about to meet the floor when a pair of strong arms saved me from face planting.

I blinked up to see the protagonist himself. "Wow, you really a hero," I said, almost dazed.

Allen shifted all of Krory's weight onto himself, holding Krory up, but I shook my head, stopping him. "Look I appreciate all this gentleman stuff, but I don't mind helping," I said taking Krory's right arm and draping it over my shoulder. "You take the other side."

"Does it bother you when people try to help?" asked Allen surprising me.

"No," I replied, looking at him quizzically. I didn't tell him he couldn't help me, did I?

"It's just-" he began, looking awkward as he avoided my gaze. "You always do things on your own...and when you're injured or tired you still push yourself."

"When-" I paused, remembering my fainting episode after meeting Hevlaska, and then not allowing them to assist me at Krory's castle.

"You've done it a lot," Allen pointed out.

"Well...I guess I just didn't realize it."

Our conversation ended with an uneasy silence, the only sounds our footsteps.

...

...

..

"S-Sorry!" apologized Allen after a little while.

"For what?" I asked, confused.

"But...you haven't say anything… Did I upset you?"

"No, you didn't… It's just that I have nothing to say. I'm a little tired from storytelling too," I tried to ease him.

"Oh," blinked Allen. "You were really amazing. I have never heard a story like that."

"I wasn't that amazing," I flushed, taken aback by the sudden change in subject. It was a lackluster story, which would have been better on the big screen. I didn't do anything special.

"You can't take compliments either," he noted.

"Are you psychoanalyzing me?"

"I just want to get to know you."

I started to feel anxious, as if I were being investigated.

Has Komui warned the other exorcists about me?

Does Allen know?

Do they not trust me?

"Ah, this is his room," said Allen as he shifted a bit to open the door. He was about to dump Krory in bed when I stopped him.

"Wait, I'll hold him up, pull the blanket back," I instructed.

I put Krory in sitting position and started removing his coat.

"Bonnie-" hissed Allen, sounding scandalized.

I rolled my eyes. "You don't just dump your drunk, unconscious friend in bed like some rag doll."

Once I was done removing the uncomfortable coat, I pushed Krory onto the bed and reach down, pulling off his shoes. I tucked him in as he cuddled into his pillow, mumbling incoherently.

"He's cute when he's asleep," I whispered, like a haggard, first-time parent. I watched the dribble at the corner of his mouth and grimaced.

"He's had an eventful day since leaving the castle," said Allen.

We crept out of the room and then stopped awkwardly, looking at each other, wondering about what to do next.

"I appreciate the help Allen."

"You don't have to thank me-" he started.

"Who's not taking compliments now?" I teased.

He blinked at me then chuckled and rolled his eyes. "-you didn't let me finish. You don't have to thank me because we're friends," he stressed.

I felt the anxiety leave me… Allen isn't suspicious of me.

"We are?" I am friends with Allen Walker... main protagonist of D'Gray-man. I was also friends with Lenalee and Lavi and maybe Kanda... It was a weird feeling that these people I used to watch in the anime opening all considered me a friend. I kinda always considered them work colleagues. I didn't think they'd think of me as anything. I thought I was as impactful as Kakashi's talking dogs were to Naruto.

A part of me felt maybe I was in a coma somewhere, or on some hard drugs were slipped into a hot dog I ate.

Maybe these three years were a dream.

"I mean, unless you didn't think so then... well ah-" Allen paused. "Can we be friends Bonnie?" he asked, timid and red as a beet all of a sudden.

I started to laugh, surprised and amused by Allen's awkwardness.

"What are you talking about? We already are!"

:::

What do you think?

Note: I do not own Tangled and Disney is not my uncle.

HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!