Chapter 17 - Christmas

The rest of the night went quickly. They had many other songs and brave people willing to have a go on the karaoke. Then, gifts were given to each other for the next day to take home with them because, of course, they couldn't stay overnight because of what the next day happened to be:

Christmas.

As that day drew nearer, everyone was ready to leave for their homes to celebrate this occasion. Allen could of sworn that just before Lenalee left the door, she winked at him and Lavi as they walked her, along with others, out, leaving Allen confused at what she meant by that action. As everyone left, only Allen and Lavi stayed to clean up. It wasn't difficult as fortunately they didn't leave stuff all over the place so it was pretty much spotless in under thirty minutes.

"Well Allen?"

"Eh?"

"You know what day it is in about tow hours, right?" He glanced towards the clock.

"Y-yeah..."

"And you know what that means?"

"Urm..."

"We get to celebrate it together." Allen nearly died of happiness with he saw Lavi's smile. His eye shut, not tightly, just so that his eyeball was not visible, it looked...relaxed, kind, to be honest Allen just didn't know how to put it, he just knew that something within him leapt for joy as soon as he saw that. But what caught his attention the most was his lips, the way they curved upwards into a elongated semi-circle, how widely they parted to reveal his gleaming white teeth, much brighter than Allen's hair. Said albino almost squealed as he ran up to him, arms outstretched. As they found their way around Lavi's waist, said rabbit lifted his little Moyashi (shot by Allen) and spun him round once (he was lighter than the last time he picked him up which set Lavi wondering what had happened between then and now) then set him back down. "Well, someone's excited. You're like a little kid who can't go to sleep." He teased.

"Am not!" Allen looked at him straight in the eye with a childish pout on his face. That didn't cease Lavi's teasing, not in the slightest; in fact he burst out laughing. To Lavi's pleasure Allen's grey orbs grew larger as they looked through a window that was located behind Lavi. My gosh, why can't he cease to be adorable? He gasped. "Lavi look!" He did as asked as he was confused at what Allen was talking about. When he turned his neck around, he finally understood what had caught Allen's attention. Just like his boyfriend's hair, it was pure white outside with meant one thing:

It was snowing.

For some reason, if Lavi had something to remind himself of Allen it would be snow. The reason? Because of how it was white which symbolized to him not just Allen's hair colour, but his purity, then, with the dark shadows underneath it as it blocked all light from above represented his other side, his 'dark' side. They stared in wonder at the bitter cold flakes that fell from the sky through the window in each other's warmth. This... just sets the mood. They both thought in unison. Somehow sensing their identical thinking, they gazed back at each other for a brief second before checking the time.

The clock had struck midnight.

They returned to their eyes meeting the others

"Merry Christmas, Allen." To said person's ears, the words had almost seemed foreign as he hadn't heard them being directed at him since he was little.

"M-merry Christmas, L-lavi." Allen stuttered in glee and nerves. It had been too long since the last time he had said 'Merry Christmas' to a dear person to him. That one then had been Mana, and now, it was Lavi, two very important people. Before anything else was spoken, Allen's innocent face met Lavi's warm chest as he was been pulled into his embrace with one hand behind his head, and the other around his lower back. Tightening his own around Lavi, they silently sent their wishes to each other by their touch. As Allen couldn't breathe but not wishing to let go, he turned his head so his ear replaced where his eyes had been, through the ear on the other's chest, he could hear Lavi's heart pounding underneath his skin, it was somewhat comforting. Knowing Allen could hear this, Lavi, even if just slightly, blushed. Standing on his toes because of Lavi's towering height, Allen just managed to peck his lips to Lavi's, he managed to catch him off guard if ever so slightly and managed to slip his tongue into the kiss. He adventured every part of Lavi's mouth, it tasted of the cake they had recently eaten (he found out that Krowry had brought it). He could of sworn he felt Lavi tremble slightly from the surprise invasion abut managed to be able to battle back playing, in a loving competition. As they parted, Allen asked:

"Do you have your phone with you?"

Confused, he answered. "Yeah. Why?" Allen didn't reply, but reach for something in his back pocket. He retrieved what it seemed he was looking for.

"I know it's not much, but I thought it would suit you." He had got Lavi, as a Christmas present, a small decoration for his phone with a black hammer dangling from it's thin string.

"Thanks Allen." For some reason, now that I have this, it's like Allen's always with me because I will be reminded of him every time I look at it. Lavi took it and attached it to his phone carefully, as if it were a precious gem, so that it wouldn't fall. As if on cue because they were talking about presents, Timcampy flew onto Allen's head.

"Tim! Why do you keep disappearing?" Allen said angrily, but with concern in his worried tone. The Golden (Snitch XD. Just joking) Golem drooped its long tail slightly, as if it was apologizing. As Allen forgave him with one of his smiles, Tim snuggled up to his cheek then returned to his favourite spot on Allen's hair.

"Heh, I'm still taller even with the two of you put together."

"Don't speak too soon Lavi, Tim can change his size, he grows even bigger than me."

"Whoa, seriously?"

"Yeah. I found out when my neighbour was wondering why there was a giant yellow monster was in her garden..." He laughed, embarrassed, like an owner's pet had ran off and then he hears from whoever found him that his pet had done something that shouldn't be repeated.

"That must of been troublesome."

"He didn't mean it. Right Tim?" As he asked, Tim bowed his head, then nodded.

"Anyway, while we're here doing nothing, what now?"

"Usually, it would be Mario Kart or something, but we're at your house, and," He shivered. "knowing Master, he'll bring a lady home and only want me to get him wine..."

"Speaking of Cross, we haven't seen him since the 21st"

"We must've just missed him." Allen looked glad as he said that, which if he was referring to a normal person would seem disappointing, but that was opposed considering this was Cross.

"Well, instead of Mario Kart, we could go on some of my games." (This is what I do on Christmas and I'm a gamer, so sorry for repetitiveness of gaming)

"Sure, I'm game." Allen wasn't shocked, well ok, maybe just slightly, at the mountain of games Lavi had, in fact, he had saw this coming. He had a whole range of games, from Mario (Which Allen immediately noticed considering his obsession) to Lego games (Indiana Jones, Harry Potter, almost every one Allen could think of). "Wow, you're probably never bored."

"Not often"

"No surprise." Each were waiting for the other to pick, but Allen was the one who spoke first. "You pick, you've played them so you know the best ones."

"Alright then" As Lavi rummaged through his huge pile of games, Allen took this chance to take a quick look around Lavi's living room, as the last time he came, papers were everywhere, but because of the party, they had been cleared. Hmm, I wonder if there would be this much of a change if Komui actually cleans his office...Allen thought, reminded at how their Supervisor for the Black Order, Komui Li, older brother of Lenalee, had an extremely untidy office, where there was only a couch and small path divided through his overflowing papers scattered along his floor leading towards his desk which were the source of the papers lay. Allen wondered as he wandered, taking in everything he could see, as he knew it would be buried beneath papers again very soon, and he would have to wait a long while before he saw this again. As he gazed there was one thing that he stopped to stare at: Lavi's Christmas tree. He had seen it many times before behind all of Bookman's papers and the night before, but could never get a good chance to look at it because it was either dark or they were heading to Lavi's room. However, as Allen's eyes stayed glued to that single object, hiss mind had cast back into his past.

Once me and Mana passed many Christmas Trees...

"-len?"

They were all beautifully decorated...

"Allen?"

Mana...

"Hey, Allen!" Suddenly, large hands fell heavily onto Allen's shoulders.

"Wah!" The contact had dragged Allen back into present day. Shaking himself awake he asked: "Sorry, did I miss something?"

"No it's just that..." Lavi bit his pale bottom lip in a way that Allen liked but didn't pay too much notice of his own opinions on Lavi's actions. "...you had this...really sad look in your eyes." Allen looked up at Lavi. Was it really that obvious? I guess I showed it without noticing myself...I don't want anyone to carry my burdens...so I never tell anyone...but sometimes...there are times where something is just begging me to try and rid myself of at least some of it...Lavi...can I tell you my sufferings...while you equally share yours with me? "Allen?"

"Y-yes?"

"If there is something bothering you...you know you can tell me right?"

"Y-yeah..."

"What were you thinking about just then?"

"It was..." Cat had caught Allen's tongue. His stubbornness didn't want to tell Lavi, but he felt like he was drowning...before he could stop himself, he just said without thinking: "...about Mana..." His head hung down, his bangs hiding his eyes that were filled with pain, one leg stepped forwards, he rested his forehead on Lavi's centre of his upper torso and his arms found there way on his boyfriend's upper back. Knowing Allen, any thought that related to his adoptive father, caused his great sadness, as he felt responsible for not allowing Mana's soul to rest in peace. It pained him to see his lover like this, all his happiness was drained, he felt colder than usual, he was always trembling, nothing like his beloved Allen. When in this freezing state, all Lavi could do was give Allen his heat, in hopes that he will leave there and become his normal self again, he wanted to do more for him, but he hadn't yet thought of what it could be.

"Allen..." Said white-head felt himself being pressed closer to Lavi. "...I'm sure that Mana forgives you..." Although Allen's eyes weren't in Lavi's line of sight, he knew that he was in tears as he felt his shirt dampening slightly, shivering as it touched his skin.

Seconds passed...they stayed there...

Minutes passed...they were still immobile...

Hours passed...small movement occurred on the smaller figure..."L-lavi...thank you...again..."

"I'm here for you, Allen." As his crying started to cease, his breathing became stable once more.

"Sorry, about that..." He apologized.

"It's alright." Lavi assured.

"Let's enjoy the rest of Christmas shall we?" Once again, Allen's wondrous smile etched into his face where it belonged, his eyes lifted, as if they had found their light once more.

"Sure." A scarred cheek felt loving lips peck his skin, he managed to take in every detail even though it was only brief. How they brushed against his delicate crisom scar, so smooth and soft. In his daze of thoughts, his eyes searched for something to look at, they landed on Lavi's clack once more.

11:59AM - they had done an all-nighter, but surprisingly, neither of them looked tired. But that aside, another need was signalised from a loud growl emitting from Allen's stomach.

"Want dinner?" Allen asked. You see, this is the thing with Allen, he always had to stick to his manners, no matter how hungry he was, but Lavi could see straight through him, he could tell he was starving.

"I'm sure you do." He started towards the kitchen. "Come on. Just hearing you makes me feel hungry." Allen followed behind him. As he stepped in, he was astonished. His eyes seemed to sparkle as they reflected the spotless pot and pans, he could even see his own reflection. The marble floor was smooth, Allen slid across it in his socks with the skill of an ice skater. The windows easily let eyes see through its glass, one could admire the recently risen sun peaking out behind buildings. Now, Allen being Allen, he does what we were all expecting.

"I''ll cook dinner." He says.

"Not without me you won't" The other replies, and on that small note, they start their Christmas dinner. While waiting for the oven to heat up, Allen went to get an apron, as he always did when he cooking, while Lavi laid out the table. As he finished setting the cloth, seats and napkins, he turns round to see his lover. But what he saw combined laughter and the urge to go completely hysterical about Allen's cuteness, and if he hadn't known Allen's gender, he may of mistaken him for a girl, reason being:

Allen wore a frilly, pink apron saying 'Kiss the Chef'.

"Lavi?"

"Yes?" Lavi replied, fighting back his laughter.

"Why do you have this?" Unfortunately, the answer to this question almost made Lavi go hysterics.

"I got it for the Old Panda for a joke." Wait, he wouldn't let it end just there. "Hey Allen."

"Yes?"

"What does it say on the apron?" Please let him fall for it.

"Kiss the Chief." Lavi moved closer, grinning like the Cheshire Cat. I honestly can't believe how easily that worked.

"Gladly." Allen only just realised what had just happened, and what he said, he mentally face palmed himself for falling for it and giving Lavi all the pleasure of what he does best and being able to get away with it because he asked and Allen said he could. As thin ropes clasped around him, he felt a red Basilisk slithering through his pearl white doors, exploring Allen's wet Chamber of Secrets (Anyone get that reference?). A cursed eye mirrored that of one covered by a black eye patch, which had yet to reveal what was hidden underneath which got Allen thinking: I've never seen beneath that eye patch...in fact not just that...there are other things I've yet to find out about Lavi...there are so many mysteries...well...i guess that makes both of us...

Beeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeep. Allen pulled away, shocked by the sudden sound.

"Oven's heated up." At that, he put about 3 trays of roast potatoes and the turkey in before Lavi said a word. But what made him lost for words only happened seconds after.

Baby you're a bitch, but I love you anyway.

Allen was confused for a second, but as he looked at his phone and discovered who was calling him, his expression widened in surprise, but not in a good way. Allen ran out and answered, trying to make sure Lavi didn't hear.

Who is that? Who's just called Allen? And even more, why did Allen have that person's ringtone as that?

In the other room, Allen picked up.

"H-hello?" Even though Allen knew full well who it was, he still acted like it was a surprise, but his caller saw (or heard might be a better way to put it since they're on the phone) straight through it.

"Oy Moyashi!" That all too familiar icy voice sent chills down Allen's spine. "You dump me then go out with that baka usagi!" He was referring to his lover, Lavi. "Yeah, I heard at that party, how lovey dovey you were together, and I was really p*ssed off when his paws were literally all over you, and, what's worse is that you let him!" His voice only increased in volume. He screamed down the line. "Can't believe you, going out with one guy then move onto the next when you're finished with them." Allen could of sworn that he heard sobs from the other end. "I still-" His voice cracked slightly, so very un-Kanda-ish. "still had feelings for you, not that you ever cared..."

"Kanda..."

"What? Gonna make fun of me now 'cause of how pitiful I am?"

"...I'm sorry..."

"For what?"

"It just didn't work out...I'm sorry..." Allen purely felt grief from the bottom of his heart when he dumped Kanda. When they were in a relationship, it would always be quarrelling and fighting and he had honestly felt that if there was any chance of death, Kanda would be the reason, but this had only made it worse, bringing the time of his death only nearer.

"Whatever, I'll settle this tomorrow, I'll make sure that Baka Usagi's dead." He spat.

"Kanda!" The other had hung up.

No...he doesn't mean it, does he? Knowing him, he probably would. But...I can't let Lavi die.

"So that's who it was." Allen had no idea that said person on Kanda's 'to die' list had been standing there, listening to his conversation with his ex.

"L-lavi..."

'That's understandable; I didn't think I was the first one you went out with."

"But-"

"Now, what could you two have possibly been talking about?"

"He...said he was going to kill you..."

"Kanda makes those threats all the time"

"But...I think this time he means it...don't forget, he has Mugen."

"That's true. But I'll make sure he doesn't kill me." He searched for something to drive them away from the current topic. "Hey, let's check the dinner."

"Alright then."

And so they did. To their fortune it had already been cooked, so they had a distraction from recent news and upcoming events. Of course, Allen had the most out of the two. I swear, if I invite him round too often, he's gonna eat me out of house and home. Timcampy flew in circles above them as they ate before deciding to rest himself upon a certain beansprout (Shot). The table that they sat at was quite small, well, it was for two people because there was only Lavi and Bookman living here, but that only meant that they were closer to each other, with arms reach.

*Absolutely amazing POV switch*

Cleaning my sword -Mugen- I planned my attack on the unsuspecting rabbit, itching to just go over there now and have his blood all over.

I couldn't wait.

I didn't just have a grudge against Lavi, I hated even worse that that Moyashi had just left me. Said albino's words still rung in my mind.

"It just didn't work out...I'm sorry..."

He can't just say that and expect it to be all right again. It's not like I'll just say "That's okay.", and then just drop it, he of all people should know that. All my time with him flashed back to me as I was enraged:

Leaves danced everywhere in time with the wind on that breezy autumn day. As I waited for his arrival, I took in all the different colours painted on each leaf, a mixture of red, orange and yellow met my dark eyes, which had never lifted in delight of another person...

...until he came into my life.

Crunch His black boots clomped upon the old leaves as he approached me. His silver eyes widening as he admired his surroundings.

"Oy! Moyashi!"

"Kanda!"

His cold embrace equalled that of my own body temperature.

"Why were you so late?"

"I got kept behind because I was framed for something in class."

Why wouldn't they believe him? His silver eyes were so pure and innocent, he would never do anything of sort (well, with the exception of his gambling skills where his aura darkened almost instantly, even I was shocked at his dramatic change in attitude when I first discovered it.) "It doesn't matter now, just make sure no one does that to you again or else," I brought my lips in contact his soft, pale ones. "they'll have to deal with me." He smiled because he knew there was someone who looked out for him, to relieve some of his suffering, as this recent event was neither the first nor worse. He had been bullied constantly because of his appearance, especially his left arm. Realizing this, I demanded the teachers for me to be in all his lessons as I swore I would protect him from those foul ones.

Who would of known that had all gone to waste, and now had left me alone on Christmas day?

Author's note: I threw in Kanda's POV because I wanted to try something else, we will go back to Allen and Lavi again in the next chapter, as I don't want to drag this out and the rest of my fan fiction ending up being in this one chapter. Like it? Hate it? Got any ideas? Any reviews I get I will take on board.