Things went on like this between Allen and I for weeks – he would be sad about something and I would bring him flowers. I tended to stay with Lilacs and Lilies for him, though I did occasionally give him other types of flowers, like Queen Anne's Lace, Lavender, and Bellflowers. Most of the time I gave them to him in person, but when I lacked the courage to see him, like when I could hear him crying from behind his room's door, I would leave the flower's next to the door. I may have been getting better with my feelings and my understanding of them, but understanding other people's, especially the Short-Stack's, was still a skill that I could not comprehend having. I wanted to comfort him, of course. But I just didn't know how to do that. Plus… I'm afraid of what I might do to him in his moment of weakness. My feelings for him, lust included, have only grown over these past couple flower-giving months. And I didn't want to take advantage of him.

Then came the day when he opened the door when I was leaving the flowers. Like many other occasions, I didn't want to knock, because I had heard his cries.

"…Kanda," he spoke, sounding surprised as he wiped away his tears. "What are you…" He looked me up and down, finally resting his eyes on the flowers in my hands, then casting his gaze up onto my surprised expression.

"I knew it was you," he smiled, giggling slightly. "The flower's, I mean. I wanted to thank you… They've really been cheering me up. Especially with how many people have been dying recently…" Tears welled up in his eyes, and I began to internally panic.

"...Don't cry," I managed to muster, my voice sounding angry as per usual, "It's embarrassing and unbecoming of an Exorcist like you, who works for the Black Order and destroys Akuma, to cry."

"You're right…" The snow-haired boy sighed and scratched the back of his head, seeming to try to say something more, but I decided to beat him to it.

"Why don't we go for a walk? Through the forest or the town below the Order. You look like you need some time away from reality, Bean-Sprout." He blinked, his face turning from despair to a look of astonishment. I felt heat rise in my cheeks as he stared, knowing in my heart that he probably didn't understand that I had inadvertently asked him out on what I think people call a 'date.'

After what seemed like forever, a smile spread across his lips; I had to look away to keep myself from going soft for him. "Sure, Kanda," he murmured. "I think I'd like that." He chuckled at my amazed appearance, walking up in front of me, reminding me of just how small he was.

"You really are very kind, Kanda. You've been doing a lot to cheer me up, and I truly appreciate it. You've given me more flowers than I can count, and now you're offering to take me away for a while to help me relax; I can't even begin to express my gratitude. I really have come to think of you as one of my closest friends, believe it or not." At this, I pause, paralyzed and stunned by his kind and hope-provoking, yet heart-piercing words. I was in his circle of friends now; I'll be honest, I never even thought that I'd make it this far with him. I never thought that I'd be able to get him to welcome me as a friend. But even with how happy I was, I couldn't help but feel a little disheartened, because I was just a friend to him.

"…Forest or town, Shrimp?"

"Forest. And my name's Allen."

"Che. Forget it. You'll be tiny your whole life."

"Will not!"

"If you haven't grown any taller by now, then you never will."

We argued somewhat playfully as we went to the elevator that was to take us down to the bottom of the Order's cliff, and exited as we continued to say 'yes' or 'no' as we went on in our cute little fight. When we finally made it out, I could see some relief immediately make its way onto Allen's face. I smiled slightly, though I looked away.

"The forest isn't too far from here, as you can see. Stay close to me or your stupidity might get you lost," I spoke to him, grinding my teeth after I said the last part. I didn't mean to say it! It just slipped out! I really wasn't trying to be mean or insulting towards him! He puffed out his cheeks, appearing to be a little mad due to my last comment, and honestly, I didn't blame him for his frustrations. I was an idiot when it came to words and I knew it.

Even so, he stayed near to me. I couldn't help but go red in the face as I lead him around, showing him the different trees and ferns that were all around us. And when we saw a deer, dancing and prancing around and away when it saw us, I couldn't help but think of how much it reminded me of the Shorty. Just like a deer, Allen was beautiful and graceful. Just like a deer, Allen was kind and gentle. Just like a deer, Allen seemed small and fragile. Just like a deer, Allen resembled the wonders of nature and the beauty and simplicity of flowers.

Just like the flowers and the deer, Allen brought a smile to my face and happiness to my heart. And though our walk was short-lived, it was satisfying, because I was able to find out that Allen thought of me as a friend and because I was able to spend time with him and help him to relax after crying over the dead and lost.

Maybe next time, I'll tell him how I feel. And maybe, just maybe, he will feel the same.

Hey guys, sorry this took so long. DX I've been pretty busy with schoolwork and with cleaning my home; it seems that I'll be moving soon. Not to mention that it was hard to figure out how I wanted to write this chapter. Anyways, please review and let me know what you think!