13.

Allen wasn't at the Order, which must have been pleasant news for him when he had been out shipped for his mission – but for me it wasn't. That meant that he'd have time away, and I wouldn't even be able to speak with him…not that I actually wanted to do much speaking as it was. I was still irked from our previous conversation, if you could call it that. It was almost as if Allen wasn't actually Allen. He was acting so different, it was shocking.

I'd spent most of the day slumping around the Order, not doing much of anything, and desperately trying to avoid any confrontation. I didn't have enough energy to interact, so I stayed away from densely populated areas, and secluded myself to the more scarcely ones. I had been afraid that Lenalee had been sent out on the mission with Allen, but when I found her I happened upon her in the library, I knew that it wasn't so.

She had herself cooped up in a window sill, reading some book. I couldn't help but narrow my eyes towards her, even when she seemed so harmless, I resented her. Especially after our last fiasco in the dining hall. I didn't see why Allen put up with her; actually, I didn't see how anyone could at all. Lenalee was so needy, and rude. She felt entitled, and didn't seem to care how she treated others as long as she got what she felt she deserved. Even the way she treated Allen wasn't praise worthy. It was almost embarrassing.

More than anything, I wanted to shove the bookcase over, and let it land on her. It could have been a total freak accident, where we lost such a 'valued' exorcist, but then I knew that I would be the one forced to take action and clean up the mess afterwards. There was no way the old panda would clean something so horrendous up. All this backtracking, and honestly thinking deeply in to possibilities began to make my head pound worse than it had been all day.

I prodded my temples with the tips of my fingers, trying to eliminate the pain that focused there as I exited the room. I didn't think that running in to someone would help my worsening mood or condition of my headache, but I hadn't much time to react after all. Reever gripped my shoulder with one hand, the other still holding his clip board. I groaned, before steadying myself against the solid wall behind me. I shut my eyes and took a deep breath, before flashing a smile at the troubled looking blonde.

"Something up?"

He scratched the back of his head, glaring at the floor in complete distain.

"Yeah, Koumi sent me to find you. Apparently you are going to be sent out for backup."

For once; my mood was slightly uplifted. Anywhere would be better than being stuck here, with two of my least favorite people. After parting ways with Reever, I hurried to my room to pack up what I'd need, before searching out Koumi. I found him at his usual throne – behind a cluttered desk with all attendants for the science division poking him for more signatures, and things to read through. It was odd, but I swore that he almost seemed pleased to see me. He pressed his hands flat on to his desk, and stood from his chair slightly. I stepped back a bit, before collapsing lazily to the plush couch in front of him. He was silent for a moment, probably relishing the absence of shouting, and requests. Slowly, he adjusted his glasses, before focusing his gaze on to me. I shifted uncomfortably before smiling back to him.

"So what exactly am I being out shipped for Koumi?"

"Well, Lavi. You see I'd sent out Allen late last night, and we haven't been able to contact him since he'd set out."

My chest shook with the flurry of different emotions that I felt so quickly, I wasn't able to say much. At the first mention of his name, I felt angered, and slightly annoyed that they had chosen me to go find him. It was almost an evil fate. Though, the moment the last bit about Allen being unreachable landed heavily with me. It didn't lay well, and it immediately had me worrying. Sure, he had been absolutely heartless and not caring in the least when it came to my feelings, and somewhat confession, but that didn't mean that I didn't care for him. He was still that same boy that I fell in love with.

I'd imagined it to be dead silent when I set out on the boat, headed for the train I'd have to make in exactly a half hour. It was a tight time frame, but I was willing to do whatever it took to keep Allen out of harm's way. It was a lonely ride, and the clouds in the sky did little to distract me from the worries that consumed my mind. I was preoccupied, and let my fingertips skim the frigid water as the boat carried on closer towards the shore. It wouldn't be long till we reached the trains, but my stomach still churned with worry.

What if I didn't find Allen…?

Or even worse – what if I did find him, but not in the best of condition? An image of him splayed on the cold ground, his body unmoving and lifeless. I slapped my hand across the water, cursing my vivid imagination. I wouldn't let that happen to Allen – never. Even if he would still insist on treating me the same as he had been when I finally saw him again.

I knew that it had only been less than a day since I last interacted with him, but I couldn't help missing him. Allen always left me wanting more of him, even if the way he treated me was sickening. I knew the true Allen, and I knew that he wasn't gone. He'd be back, there had to be an issue – or a problem that had caused him to act out the way he had been. I'd find out what it was when I met with him again.

Okay, so I know that this is a really short chapter- much like they always are…but eventually..maybe.

Ah, anyways.

I just wanted to give everyone a heads up – my next story will not be a Laven fic! Sad, I know, but I wanted to try my hand at an Allen and Cross fic. ^^

I'd really appreciate it if you guys took time out of your days to read it once it's up. C:

I promise it'll be worth your while~