Komui sighed and shook his head, smiling just the slightest bit. "You don't need to look so guilty. After all, I can't keep Lenalee under my wing forever. I simply couldn't imagine her as an old lady with no children! Besides, Allen, if she chooses anyone, I would rather it be you. You're so old fashioned it'll be years before you have any children!"
"Uh . . ."
"What are you doing here, brother? Not merely eavesdropping, I hope." Lenalee grinned pleasantly, reaching to take Allen's hand as she did. Allen hesitated momentarily before gripping back; apparently, Komui didn't mind. For the moment, anyway. Who knew, he could be sleepwalking . . .
"Ah, right! Our visitors have arrived. And one of them specifically requests Allen."
"I bet I know who that one is," Allen muttered, squeezing Lenalee's hand tightly. "Um . . . Lenalee, will you come too?"
"As much as I hate our guests . . . Yes," she whispered softly. Then she beamed, "Besides, I must protect my boyfriend from any challengers who approach! Sometimes you're too cute, Allen."
"Wa--wait a sec, boyfriend? Aren't you moving a little too--"
"Allen, we've known each other for a long time now. Don't be so chicken!" And with that, she pulled him out of the room, past a very shocked looking Komui.
The only thing Allen could think was, This isn't exactly what I had in mind when I wanted her to like me . . .
***
"Allen!" Road shrieked, throwing herself at the Exorcist enthusiastically. However, before she could plant a kiss on him, Lenalee very forcefully threw herself at the Noah, blocking the intruding mouth. "Hmph," Road muttered. "You're not usually this violent, doll."
"I'm not a doll. Besides, Allen's my man now. You can't kiss a man who's taken!"
"Just because Allen's sixteen now doesn't make him a man. He's still a child, like me. Which means I can have him!" Road grinned ghoulishly.
"Road," Tyki sighed. "We're here on peaceful terms. Please don't start any fights. Allen?"
Allen glanced up in surprise. Ever since he'd tried to cut the Noah out of the man, Tyki had been a full enemy towards him. "Yes?"
"I was hoping that perhaps you and I could enjoy a game of cards . . . After we deal with the problem here? I hold no grudge against you now. Not since I know I was in the wrong."
Allen smiled hesitantly. "Sure. I'd love to see you in your underwear again."
"Allen!" Lenalee cried.
"Ah . . . Perhaps not in front of the lady," Tyki chuckled. "Although you have most certainly bagged a good one."
"Tyki!"
Komui shook his head and stepped in. "We should proceed with our meeting. There are still members of the Black Order here who would not appreciate having the former Noah dine together."
"This was your idea, though," Tyki mused. "Allowing us to share a meal without fighting one another. That will allow us to merely be friends."
"You didn't have to come," Allen pointed out quietly.
"We came because we believed it was right. Under normal circumstances, we would have made a fine couple, boy. We share some similar interests. I would like the chance to chat without a war residing over our heads. Shall we go?"
Allen hung his head as they walked towards the cafeteria, staring at his boots as they scuffed against the floor. He was glad he didn't have to fight them anymore, just as Tyki was. Glad they were human again. Though it didn't make sense for the Exorcists to keep their weapons while the Noah had to lose their powers. Then again, maybe it was for the best . . . For them to be human. The Exorcists lived with their powers and embraced them. The Noah had just . . . Used them as tools.
"Allen?" Lenalee asked softly. "What's wrong?"
"Nothing," He wouldn't tell her . . . Not to ruin this friendship that had suddenly come upon mortal enemies. He grinned and said, "Just hungry."
"Ah, Allen," she giggled. "I swear one of these days you're going to be fat."
He smirked, glad Lenalee could be so jovial at such a crucial time. But he, on the other hand, who was almost always optimistic . . . Why could he not be right now? After the war?
"Allen," Lenalee sighed.
"Hmm?"
"After dinner, will you take a walk with me?"
"But it's still raining."
"Not if we tell it to stop." She smiled and kissed him on the cheek, then danced ahead of him slightly to pull him along. "You think maybe it'll listen?"
