'I really hate it here.' The bloodyredhead stared up at the ominous tower in disgust; Timcanpy was happily camped on Allen's bags, chewing affectionately on a strand of platinum hair. Allen himself stood just behind Cross, both in awe and elation at finally being here.

Once inside, as they walked to corridors, Allen spotted lots of people, and began anticipating meeting them all. His master had other plans, however, and told him to keep up. He hadn't been in a very good mood since he'd admitted they were going to the Order...

With introductions squared away, about ten minutes of which were Komui sobbing uncontrollably about how wonderful it was that Cross came back, and Allen being poked and prodded, Cross-approved poked and prodded, he was pointed in the direction of his new room and promptly retired.

Before Cross could run off as well, Komui couldn't help but ask...

'Why'd you come back?'

Cross shot him a glance, then settled himself in the sofa across from Komui's desk.

'...I was worried about someone. That's the entire reason why you're even here, so that can't be hard to understand...'

The brunet's eyes widened in surprise. 'You have no particular attachments to anyone here, though...'

'Do I really have to spell it out, Komui..? ... They weren't here until we got here today... Does that answer your question..?'

There was a pause of silence, but Komui's soft chuckling broke it.

Cross folded his arms defensively across his chest and turned away like an embarrassed child desperately trying to hide the embarrassment.

'W-what? It's not like I'm supposed to hate my apprentice...'

'No, no, that's not it...' Komui smiled with amusement. 'You've never admitted you cared about him, have you?'

Cross dropped his defense, looking down in thought. 'I guess not. To be honest, I've tried not caring, but there was just a point where I couldn't anymore. I'm one of the few constants in his life, and I guess the same with him goes for me...'

Cross gave Komui a sidelong glance and a cocky grin.

'And I've been stalling on that mission I was assigned, so what the fuck, why not come back?'

Komui snorted at that one. 'Eeeeeveryone knows you hate it here, Cross. You might as well just tell them the truth, as tarnishing as that is for your ego...'

He stood and walked to a cabinet in a corner of his office. 'Actually, I was hoping you'd be back by today when Tim came with the news...'

He pulled a small, nondescript box from the cabinet and sat it on the desk.

Cross seemed puzzled. 'And what might today be, Komui..?'

Upon opening the box, there was a small cake.

'The 31st of July. I'd hate to skip someone's birthday while they're sitting right here in Headquarters.'

Cross smirked. 'For fuck's sake, Komui, you act just like my mother...'

~~~
Short and sweet. And rushed; I wanted to post this on 31 July... Well, it still is where I am... Totally not finishing this at 11 pm... XD

But, 'tis my sweet Cross-pie's birthday :3

Why do Cross-Komui interactions in my writing always turn into shipper's fluff..? Oh well :3

Till next time, loves~!

(Post Author's Note AN: Well, It WOULD HAVE been up on the 31st, but fanfic's servers did not want to comply with me X'D )