Disclaimer:I do not own dgrayman.

A/N:I know it is a short chapter but real life is in my way yet again so I thought that a short one is better than none. If you disagree please let me know and I will try to post more lengthy chapters, though the updates will be fewer and will take more time. I hope you will enjoy this and that you will review. It will fill me with the energy and will to write faster, without them I loose focus.

Many thanks to MitarashiiDango, XxveryrandomxX, greenteamoose, Kayday, Aion Laven Walker, addenza for reviewing and to the people who read and enjoy this story(please leave a comment if you do, even if it is just one word ^^).

Beta read by Shadow Vampiress and ThisUsernameIsVeryCreative.

.

oOo

.

"So, Yuu-kun! Here we are alone," Lavi smiled while he spoke in his usual teasing manner but he hesitated a little when he set eyes on the serious expression the other exorcist wore.

Despite the playful disposition that the red-haired man mostly displayed he knew how to assess a situation. Normally he didn't yield so easily to the glares Kanda gave him. After all, the Japanese exorcist was so much fun to tease.

However, he saw that his fellow exorcist was not going to take it this time, no matter what comments the red haired exorcist threw his way. Lavi was aware of Kanda's instinct, his ability to "read" people and if he wanted to be honest with himself, he was more than glad that the swordsman was most of the time disinclined to get entangled into matters that did not involve him directly.

Unfortunately, it seemed that this situation was not something he was inclined to ignore. It was understandable of course. A general had been killed in the safety, or presumed safety, of the new H.Q. It was definitely a serious matter that would warrant the attention of everyone.

And he has not been informed of the role Cross had played in the business with the Fourteenth or what he said yesterday.

The parting words of the General had puzzled Lavi and despite, or perhaps because of, Bookman's urging to put them out of his mind, he couldn't. The more he tried the less success he had. He felt that that last phrase was extremely important.

"There is a hidden side to this war."

If that was true, and Lavi strongly suspected that it might be, then an even more disturbing possibility arose. The Black Order may have had a hand in Cross's demise.

"What is going on?" Kanda demanded.

"You heard Komui, apparently one of the Generals died. That particular General also happened to be the master of our comrade, Allen." Lavi made an additional attempt to show that he didn't understand what the other exorcist meant.

"Cut the act. Something is going on and it's not just about Cross," Kanda said, eyeing the other exorcist.

"You know what I am talking about. Moyashi's and Lenalee's desperate attempt to locate Cross only to find him inside that thing that they call the Ark. Leverrier's presence. Cross's visit to Central. Not to mention the strange rumors that have been circulating about Allen being a traitor." The Japanese exorcist was dead serious as he spoke.

"Well…we were supposed to locate the Generals after the recent attacks against them and I suppose that could warrant a visit from Leverrier and it-…Since when do you pay attention to rumors?" Bookman junior tried to evade once more.

It had become his second nature to hide the things he knew as Bookman, but that wasn't why he didn't want to say anything to the other exorcist. He simply didn't want to say something that might hurt Allen. The younger exorcist had been through so much recently. Lavi knew that Kanda and the white haired exorcist were often at odds, so it surprised him that Kanda took such an interest in Allen now. However, if the swordsman was to find out the truth there was no way to know how he would react and Allen already had so many things to handle. Lavi simply wanted to give him some time to recover.

"Don't toy with me. Those aren't the only suspicious occurrences. There are also the early arrival at the new H.Q, and the strange ambiance when you met Allen earlier. Then there is also that chaperon that Leverrier has forced on Allen. Certainly you've noticed all this, Bookman," Kanda's voice was cold as he spoke the last few words.

Lavi was stunned for a moment. The way Kanda had addressed him had shocked him. It had felt as if that word had cut his flesh. It was the first time he had spoken to him this way.

Yu, you are very serious about this.

The red-head sighed.

"Ok, fine," he said, his attitude completely serious, "I will admit that there is something going on. Individually, a lot of things could make sense. Together they compose a picture which isn't so comforting, and the gossip really doesn't help but it can't be avoided I suppose. Especially since Leverrier has 'two-pimple' following Allen ar-"

"That is not very nice" said a male bodiless voice.

Instantly both exorcists turned their attention to their surroundings. For a second they were both startled, and made a move to reach their weapons. They noticed a figure approaching them. Whoever it was, he had managed to get close to them without giving out his presence, which was quite an accomplishment if Kanda's sharp senses were taken into account. However, they didn't have their weapons, since they had been destroyed during the battle in the Ark.

"I sincerely hope that you are not referring to me in that manner," said the same voice.

The figure had come into sight and they identified the person approaching them as Howard Link, the very person Lavi had been talking about.

"Link!" the red-head exclaimed, reverting to his happy-go-lucky demeanor.

"I do not remember giving you permission to call me in such a familiar manner Junior," the blond man said sternly.

"Oh, come on, don't be such a stick in the mud. You can hardly expect me to call you Inspector Howard," Lavi teased.

"A w-wha-" There was surprise and indignation in the inspector's voice.

Kanda was scowling in the background.

"Say, are you here to check up on Allen?" Bookman Junior inquired, smiling happily.

"Indeed, I have come to inquire as to Allen Walker's condition and to relay a message from inspec-"

"Kanda! Lavi!" Lenalee's voice was heard, causing them to turn around. She was standing at the opening of the door, "Oh, Inspector Link is here also! Allen has woken up, why don't you come in to see him?"

"Yes, yes! Let us all go in and greet him," Lavi said, practically pushing the other two men through the door as Lenalee stepped aside to let them in.

Sorry Kanda. The answers to your questions will have to wait a bit longer. But I have a feeling you won't have to wait too long. The real question is if you will be satisfied when you learn those answers. Somehow I think that you won't like them too much.

"Hey there Allen!" Lavi greeted. "How are you? You look much better now. You actually gave us quite a scare earlier."

"Sorry," Allen said apologetically. He smiled as he looked at the red head, "I feel much better now."

"That's good. I have been instructed by Inspector Leverrier to bring you to him as soon as you are able," Link stated, but there was a hint of sympathy in his eyes, despite his dry delivery.

Lenalee and Lavi reacted simultaneously as soon as they heard that.

"What? No! Allen-kun must stay here and rest!" protested the girl.

"What does he want from Allen again?" asked Bookman Junior with a hint of indignation in his voice. He didn't really like Leverrier.

"Orders are orders. But don't worry, you will come with me. Inspector Leverrier wants to talk to all the exorcists. He has probably sent someone to get the others."

.

.

oOoTBCoOo

PS:There is a new poll in my profile! Also, can anyone tell me is it Kanda Yu or Yuu???