Disclaimers: I don't own D. Gray-man. I'm just using the characters for my entertainment! Enjoy!

Notes: This fic is AU. Lavi has both eyes and Allen has no scar and a normal arm. I also made up birthdays for them even though they official ones, as it was appropriate to the story. :D

Chapter 8

Lavi had since iced the cake with the blue icing and had begun to pipe the yellow icing around the edges, some of the delicious sugar mixture escaping the bag and onto Lavi's fingers thanks to him occasionally squeezing the decorating bag too tightly when the rather erotic moans of his neighbor floated to him through the apartment. He only hoped that the other neighbors couldn't hear this…He could only imagine what Mana would do to him if he heard his son moaning Lavi's name.

'I can't do this,' the redhead thought as the icing bag now was suspended over the middle of the cake. 'It'll be a disaster if I do this part now.' Setting the icing bag aside, he placed both hands on the counter and hung his head in defeat. 'I'll have to wait until he's done.'

Deciding that putting the icing in the fridge and covering the cake was the best move at the moment, he did so and then dragged himself down the hall to see how things were going, or rather how much longer this was going to drive him insane with lust.

Big mistake.

"Nngh…Oh!" was just the beginning of the muffled moans and words that came from behind the closed bathroom door as he sat on his bed, staring wide eyed at the door, his own excitement nearly too much to handle.

He couldn't escape it; couldn't escape that voice, those moans!

With one last strangled sob, all became quiet. Lavi then released a breath in which he hadn't known he'd been holding, soon after hearing the toilet flush and the sink taps turn on. Allen emerged shortly after with a beautifully flushed face and wide eyes as he stared at his audience.

"Everything come out alright?" Lavi teased as Allen walked to his side of the bed, smashing the redhead in the face with his pillow.

"It's your fault!" he cried in embarrassment as he hit him again with the pillow for good measure.

"And I offered to fix the problem, but no…" he continued to tease as Allen relentlessly bashed him with his pillow before he finally grabbed the offending object, quickly hauling it, along with the still attached teen, down to the bed where Lavi pounced on him. Allen face down with Lavi straddling his back. "Not so big and bad now, are we?"

The silver haired teen then started squirming until he managed to turn himself over under Lavi's weight, glaring playfully up at him as their hands laced together.

"So, what did you do while I was in there, other than enjoy the finale?"

"Other than worrying about your dad coming over here and maiming me for 'raping' you," he smirked as Allen turned red.

"Was I really that loud?" Allen squeaked.

Lavi simply nodded before continuing, "I was trying to ice your birthday cake."

"You made me a cake?" Allen gasped in awe, those gray eyes sparkling like a child's.

Laughing at the expression, Lavi rolled off of Allen to lie next to him, their fingers still twined on one hand, even as Allen rolled onto his side to look at the redhead while his free arm folded beneath his head.

"What kind?"

"Marble. I didn't know which flavor you liked better. Or what other flavor, for that matter."

"Strawberry is my favorite flavor anything, for the record, but I'll eat or at least try any type of sweet!" he beamed. "Could I maybe try some of your icing?"

"You and your fruit obsession and insatiable sweet tooth," Lavi sighed, though he was still smiling, before he rolled off the bed. "And for the record, you still have a mess to clean up," he said as he gestured in the direction of the closet before the pair started toward the kitchen.

"For your record, I cleaned it up before I took a shower."

Green eyes glowered playfully at the comment before he focused on extracting the icing from the fridge.

"It's my great-grandmother's recipe," Lavi explained as he sat the bowl in front of Allen at the table. "You should be completely satisfied by this amount of sugary goodness."

Not even two seconds after Lavi handed him a spoon, Allen was shoveling the icing in his mouth like there was no tomorrow coming. "This is so amazing delicious," he managed between spoonfuls.

Lavi just laughed at him, reaching across the table and wiping some of the icing from the teen's cheek before licking it off his own finger. "Good thing there wasn't much left," he said as he then took the now empty bowl and set it in the sink, running hot water to soak it. "Otherwise you'd either be on a sugar high for days or complain of sugar induced migraine within minutes."

Allen giggled as he licked the remainder of the sugary substance from his lips with his blue tinted tongue. "I don't know if either would happen; I might throw up a partial rainbow now."

Lavi began to laugh. "Yeah, sugar probably wasn't the best thing to give you after a day and a half of being sick and not eating…"

They stared at each other over the table for a few moments before Allen hesitantly spoke up. "So…when are you going to teach me?" Just what was that suggestive tone suddenly all about?

"Teach you what? We have more than one subject to school you on now," the redhead grinned cheekily as he pulled the cake and yellow icing bag from the fridge, deciding that he was now steady and capable enough to finish the cake. Sadly, since his back was turned to Allen, he didn't get to see the lovely blush explode across his cheeks.

"How to cook!" he replied, caught off guard that Lavi's mind was partially in the gutter.

Lavi didn't answer him immediately; he was now bent over the cake, tongue poking from the corner of his mouth in concentration as he wrote "Happy Birthday Allen" across it. When he was finished, he stood upright, eyeing his creation with the icing bag poised for attack, finally setting it aside and deeming the cake finished. "We'll start this weekend."

Allen couldn't have timed it better if he had tried; as Lavi turned to face him, the words were already flowing from his mouth. "And when are we starting my other lesson?" he inquired as though he were talking about the weather. In all actuality, he was very interested in when he was going to be taught some more; seeing as he was a teenager with no previous lovers, he was well past due!

"Anytime you're ready," Lavi replied, taken aback that Allen was so willing to try having this deep of a relationship already. "Other than today, of course; you're not legal until tomorrow."

They smiled at each other, not really knowing what else to say. The olive eyed male turned and began to cover the cake again, setting it off to the side and beginning to clean his icing bag while Allen vanished to the living room to get something from his bag.

When the teen returned to the kitchen, Lavi was again leaning over the cake, examining it carefully and nearly fell face first into it from the shock of a sudden burst of light off to his side.

"I hate having my picture taken!" Lavi whined as he rebalanced himself, pouting at the grinning Allen.

"You'd better get used to it!" Allen stated rather matter-of-factly. "And the cake looks wonderful."

"Glad you approve," he said as Allen set his camera down next to the cake, wrapping his arms around Lavi soon after. Lavi returned the gesture, gently rocking them back and forth as Allen practically melted into him. "What do you want to do now since you're finally feeling better?"

"First," he said as he released the redhead and headed to a certain cabinet, opening it and pulling out a small can. "Miya needs to be fed," he murmured as he concentrated on pulling the tab back; as if on cue, the little fur-ball came prancing into the room, mewling up at the teen as he threw the can lid away. After he set the can down in her feeding spot, he walked back over to his new lover, twining their fingers together. "And now, we can go do something."

"Like what?"

"We could go for a walk," Allen suggested. He didn't really want to leave the apartment, still just a tad on the queasy side, but knew that Lavi probably wanted to get out for a bit.

"Sounds like a start," Lavi agreed, "but I need to change first. Then how about dinner?"

Again, it wasn't completely appealing to Allen, but he agreed, following Lavi down the hall, unable to tear his eyes away from Lavi's body as he pulled the shirt over his head.

"What are you gawking at? It's not the first time you've seen me in my underwear," Lavi pointed out, raising his eyebrows seductively. "Unless you're hoping I'll show you the rest…"

Allen merely blushed and turned away. "Where did you have in mind to eat? I haven't been out too much to know any good places."

"We'll find a place," Lavi replied as he tugged a clean shirt over his head, already clad in a pair of dark blue jeans. He then sat down and began to pull on some socks. "I'll be ready in a few minutes."

Allen nodded and went to wait on the couch for Lavi to finish getting ready, smiling as the older male joined him in the room, reaching his hand down to Allen and hauling him up from the couch before they were headed out the door.

"Allen," Lavi started a moment later as they walked towards the staircase, looking to their laced fingers, "do you want us to look like a couple or just two guys out having a good time? I don't care either way…"

"Well, you should care," was the rather indignant response as Allen pouted slightly. "You're the one that said we shouldn't be afraid of the stereotypes! You should be proud to show everyone, without fear, that you have someone special!"

"Cheeky bastard, aren't ya?" Lavi grinned, tightening his grip on Allen's hand. "And you're right. Sorry I even asked."

Since Allen really hadn't really been out in the city other than with his father and with Lavi for short shopping trips and meals, he didn't know where anything was save for the grocery store and a few fast food places. He couldn't ever imagine the city had such a beautiful park.

The redhead smiled fondly as Allen darted among the thousands of wildflowers, scattering butterflies and other various bugs as he stood over the blooms snapping pictures. The silver haired teen, after having enough pictures of the flowers, ventured around taking pictures of seemingly random things for some time, eventually returning to Lavi, who was never more than a few yards away, when the sun began to set.

"I take it you're hungry?" Lavi inquired as Allen put his camera carefully away, his stomach growling loudly.

"Maybe a little," he admitted as they grasped each other's hand. "Where should we go now?"

As they headed for the park exit, Lavi ran a list of restaurants through his head, finally settling on a little bistro down the street.

After a wonderful meal at a candlelit table, they headed back to the apartment where they promptly curled up on the couch together and watched TV until Allen started nodding off. Lavi ushered him down the hall to fall asleep in each other's embrace.

Lavi couldn't bring himself to wake the peacefully sleeping teen on his bed the following morning, despite the fact that he wanted to be the first to wish the boy a happy birthday. He knew he wouldn't see him for hours since he had to now get ready for his classes.

Allen, of course, woke up several hours later to an empty apartment, save for Miya and himself. As he sat up in bed, stroking the kitten as he yawned, he noticed that he didn't feel any different, any older. He still felt like his normal self and was craving his lover's attention and affection.

Letting his empty tummy lead him, he ended up in the kitchen where he began to randomly open and close cabinets and the fridge. He finally settled on bowl of cereal after feeding Miya.

As per usual on days Lavi had class, he ended up on the couch beneath the blanket with the kitten, channel surfing. 'What a birthday,' he mused dully as he pet the cat on his lap. 'At least I get to actually spend a birthday with a friend.'

It dawned on him that he was finally a 'man' so to speak; he now how more privileges, not that he needed them. He could now buy cigarettes, not that he smoked or ever cared to, and porn, not that he ever watched or needed it. He was now also totally legal to do adult things with his new lover, which he was eagerly ready to learn.

The birthday boy glanced at the VCR/DVD clock, which he had finally adjusted to the correct time, musing, 'Two more hours until he gets home. I guess I should get something out for dinner…'

He felt bad for waking the comfortably sleeping kitten, but he gently lifted her from his lap and sat her on the cushion next to him before heading to the kitchen. He didn't want Lavi to work too hard on dinner tonight, or anything else for that matter. He wanted as much Lavi time as he could get. 'I'm already such a pervert and we haven't done anything other than make out…'

Two hours had come and gone, and yet still no sign or word of Lavi's return, and Allen was bored.

And craving cake.

He had tucked Miya in the bedroom and now stood outside of the apartment with the door propped open, letting some fresh air in, while he leaned against the railing that prevented people from falling off the floor, looking down at the city below.

Another hour had passed and Allen had since returned inside, clutching his phone in his hand, hoping that Lavi would call and let him know what was going on.

As he checked his phone yet again for any text messages or missed calls, he realized with a horrified gasp, 'It's Friday the 13th! Something bad must have happened!'

Terrified, he quickly dialed Lavi's phone.

"Yes, dear?" came the cheeky response a few rings later.

The silver haired teen sighed in relief, slumping against the couch. "I thought something bad had happened to you! You normally would have been home over an hour ago!"

The redhead laughed. "Sorry, mom, I just ran into an old friend and we were talking. I'm almost home now."

"Hurry up! I want cake!"

Again Lavi laughed. "Yeah, yeah, you'll get your damn cake."

"Hey, at least I pulled some stuff out for dinner!"

"Nice! I'll start on it as soon as I get home. Get a hold of your dad and see if he's coming over for dinner too."

"I will; and please be careful on the way home!"

"Don't worry! Friday the 13ths have always been good luck days for me," he lied, considering the fact that it wasn't just any old friend that he ran into, but his ex. The one he used to be in love with and still had some lingering feelings for despite how he had been treated. And his ex had been unusually nice in their brief, unexpected meeting. Other than that, these days were usually lucky for him. "I'll see you in about five minutes."

"Alright, see ya then," Allen said as he hit the end call button, quickly called Mana, and then set his phone on the arm of the couch as he adjusted to get more comfy.

And sure enough, within five minutes, Lavi was home.

"I told you I'd be fine," Lavi murmured as he laid a gentle kiss to the head of the teen so desperately clinging to him no sooner than he had entered the apartment.

Allen released him shortly after and the pair headed into the kitchen, Lavi tossing his book bag onto the table before suddenly whirling around to face the teen and scooping him up into his arms and slightly off the floor before kissing him. Allen instantly wrapped his arms around Lavi's shoulders, now standing on his tiptoes, as he gladly returned the kiss.

Within seconds, Lavi had Allen sitting on a nearby counter top, running his hands up and down Allen's back beneath his shirt while Allen tried to press himself closer to Lavi, something not so soft pressing against his stomach after Allen's legs began to wrap around Lavi's hips.

"Not until later," the redhead breathed before quickly diving in for another kiss, smiling as he looked into pleading gray eyes, his hands coming to rest on Allen's hips. "What did your dad say about dinner?"

"He said he won't be home in time for dinner unless we eat late, but he would definitely love some cake," he relayed as he ran a hand through Lavi's soft red hair, his free arm draped over Lavi's shoulder. "You ready to start teaching me to cook?"

Lavi replied simply by sliding Allen from the counter and kissed him again before he turned to see what had been pulled out for their meal. From there, they set to work.

Thankfully Allen didn't pick anything too difficult for his first home cooked meal, so things were only minimally charred, but edible.

The pair had sat down to eat, setting some food aside for Mana, and then Lavi started on the dishes when they were done eating. As Lavi washed, Allen sat on the counter next to the sink swinging his legs back and forth as they talked.

"Alright," Lavi grinned as he wiped his hands off on a hand towel when the last of the dishes were in the dish drainer. "You stay put for a minute."

Curious as Lavi left the room, Allen did as he was told.

"Happy birthday, Allen," Lavi smiled as he stood between the boy's legs a minute or two later, offering Allen the bag with his birthday gift.

The birthday boy knew very well already what store this present had come from, seeing as the name of the shop was on the bag, and quickly checked its contents before setting it quickly, but very carefully beside him, and pressed his lips to Lavi's.

"Why did you get me something so expensive?" he couldn't help but ask as he eyed his new camera lens again.

"Because I had no clue what else to get you and I know you'll use it."

"I would've been totally happy with just you."

Lavi couldn't stop the heat that rose to his face as they stood there staring into each other's eyes until an unexpected knock came at the door, startling them from the trance.

"Must be dad. Miya's still locked in your room, right?" he questioned as he hopped down from the counter, sliding as much as he could against Lavi.

"Are you always this horny?" Lavi grinned, glad that his lover had clothing that was loose and long enough to cover his arousal.

"Only since I've been with you," Allen winked as Lavi headed to the door. "Hurry up and get in here, dad! I want cake!"

The two older men started laughed as Allen stood in the kitchen archway pouting pathetically. By the time the two were in the kitchen to join Allen, said teen was already poised over the cake with a knife.

"I'm glad that you've been helping me take care of my son. I know it's rough on him with no friends and always having to move," Mana said as he sat across from Lavi and Allen, Lavi and Mana eating their cake like civilized people while Allen ate his like a caveman.

"It's no biggie; it's actually been nice having him around so much. I haven't been partying once since he's been staying here."

They all chatted for a bit longer until they were either too full or tired of eating the cake, Lavi gathering the plates and forks and setting them in the sink, completely caught off guard as Allen had wrapped his arms around Lavi from behind.

Mana simply took it as a show of affection for everything that Lavi's done for him. At least until Lavi turned in Allen's embrace and whispered in his ear, "Do you want him to know already?" and Allen, now being well trained in the art of kissing, had put one of his hands on the base of Lavi's skull and pulled him down into a kiss so indescribable that everything around them simply melted away.

Their lips had almost met again shortly after they separated for a quick breath, both jerking away from each other slightly as Mana cleared his throat.

'He's going to kill me!' Lavi's mind screamed as he took in the unsure face of Mana Walker, the surely soon to be killer's son standing beside him.

"Dad," Allen began, drawing the main focus to his son. "Moving here is the best birthday present you've ever given me."

Mana didn't speak for a few moments, Lavi subconsciously wrapping an arm around Allen's back, his hand coming to rest on his hip.

"And how long have you two…" he finally spoke, unsure and hesitant.

"For almost two days now," Lavi replied, terror upon his face. He couldn't help but whimper, "Please don't kill me!"

The older man chuckled. "Well, I suppose it will take some getting used to, but as long as he's happy I don't mind. And I know I can trust him with you; because if you break him…" he trailed off threateningly.

"I don't intend on it," Lavi replied as he laced his fingers with Allen's.

It was still completely obvious though that Mana wasn't too thrilled with his son's sexuality, but he should've known this would have happened seeing as his son was practically living next door with a guy that had also became his only friend.

The atmosphere was still awkward and slightly tense, but Mana spoke up. "Everything was delicious," he began as he stood, pushing his chair in. "But I have an early project due tomorrow, so I'll be off to bed."

"Thanks for coming over and celebrating with us," Lavi smiled.

Mana returned the smile, turning to leave. "Goodnight, you two."

"Night, dad!"

"Why did you do that?"Lavi whimpered as he turned to face Allen no sooner than the door was shut behind Mana.

"Because it's better that he finds out now than walking in on us some day and kill you," he shrugged, smiling sheepishly. "But everything's fine and will work out. So, now can you please school me?"