Thank you to everyone that has been keeping up with my story and reviewing.

I can't thank you all enough! You really are so amazing! I hope you enjoy this chapter.

But beware, another short one I'm afraid~

-TT

15.

Allen switched a small bedside lamp on, and slowly, the room started to illuminate. I was shocked that such a small light could have such a powerful affect. He abandoned the bed, and pulled the two chairs from the corner of the room over to where I stood. I took the offered seat, and Allen took the other, and sent a weak smile my way. I slowly reached up to untie my bandanna from my head, and let it fall to my lap before shaking out my locks.

There was something telling me that this conversation wasn't going to be a very happy one – but there wasn't much I could do about that other than try to control my emotions and possibly earn a more favorable outcome. I took a single deep breath and pressed my palms tightly in to my knees.

"Lavi, I should really apologize."

"Apologize for what?"

I quickly countered back to his weak voice. He seemed startled, because his shoulders stiffened and grey eyes seemed to lose focus of me. I wanted to reach out and take his hand with mine to reassure him – or just touch him to let him know that it was okay to continue, to not be afraid… but I silently retrained myself, knowing that babying Allen wouldn't do any good.

"I just…"

I was on the edge of my seat, ready for his response, but he didn't continue. Instead, he stood and headed over to the window. I chose not to follow, but rather dug my nails deeply in to my pant legs. What was so difficult to say? That he hurt me, and didn't have a real reason for it?

"I'm sorry."

It was quiet, and really very redundant. Was that all that Allen had to say? That he was sorry. I wasn't sure if I could forgive him, if he didn't even know what he had done; or rather that he didn't have a reason for his actions.

"Cut your crap Allen!"

I hadn't realized that I had shouted at first, and I hadn't noticed that I was standing at the door either until I felt my hand grip tightly to the door knob. There was always going to be fights, and unattended ends of our 'friendship,' if that was what we would still call it. Thinking back, I never actually gave in to anything, and always held out for myself and the better of others – but in a case like this, perhaps it would be better to just give in and abandon all wishes of being with Allen.

"Look, Allen. If you don't have anything else to say, I'm just going to go."

Allen's smaller arms wrapped tightly around my upper chest from behind, and I felt his head press in to my back. I stayed still, almost afraid to move. It was almost like a dream, having him pressed so close to me, and holding me like I actually meant something to him.

"I was scared. I was so terrified of what I was feeling Lavi. I didn't want you, or anyone else to know…I didn't want myself to know. I'm crazy for you, and I can't help it. You're always on my mind, and even if I try my best to avoid you, or block you out, I always fail. Lavi, I won't let you go."

I felt my lips begin to tremble, so I quickly bit down on my lower one, trying to stop the tremor. It was embarrassing, but had Allen just confessed to me? I wanted to beat at my own head, and try to distinguish if this was reality or just a dream, but the fear of losing the grip of the possible falseness frightened me.

"Allen…" My voice was quiet, but he heard it. "You're not joking…?"

I felt him shake his head, and then tug at me, trying to signal that he wanted me to turn around and face him. With shaking limbs, I managed to do so. I felt like I was falling, because I was numb, and my hope was far too high for any sort of a letdown. It was a lot like the feeling you get when you're stomach drops awkwardly, except mine was doing this with no real reason. I raised my hand, and let my fingertips ghost across the pale flesh of his face. His lips moved under my fingers, to bring out a smile. It wasn't a fake one and he wasn't smiling for anyone other than me.

My other hand drew him closer, by encircling his waist, and tightly pressing him against me so that I could nearly reach him. I felt his body begin to tremble under my touch, and his cheeks were desperately pink, a lot like his lips. Allen was pushing himself up on to the tips of his toes, trying to reach my lips. My eyes softened, and a smile spread across my cheeks.

"So short~"

I leaned down and nuzzled his cheeks gently with my nose, as he moved his hands from my chest to clasp around my neck. My eyes travelled along the perfect skin to meet his own gaze, which was a timid one – but he refused to look away.

"Allen, I won't let you go either."

Whenever I was with Allen, no matter how bad the time we spent together was – I was happy, deep down, I was just glad that I had seen him; that I was able to interact with him. My heart was on fire, and I was elated. Allen was close enough to kiss by now, and I wasn't going to pass the chance up.

I kept my eyes on Allen's, and tilted my head slightly so that I could lean down an inch or so more and softly lay lips upon his. It was one of those perfect feelings – having Allen's lips against mine. Just a simple kiss had my heart racing, and pounding against my chest. He'd always done wonders to my body, keeping me up at night, leaving me craving more, and having my heart race at simple things…I loved him for it. My fingers traced their way down his cheek, and under his jaw line, only to tilt his head upwards more, in hopes to deepen the kiss. It worked of course, and I didn't have to ask permission, Allen was already waiting for me to take dominance over his own mouth. I moved slickly against his own tongue, pressing my mouth tightly against his, before slightly pulling back only to go back in again.

I pulled away completely chuckling to myself amidst the small pants of air that jetted past my lips. Allen was panting too, but wasn't laughing – he was embarrassed. Obviously, he thought I was laughing because of something he had done. I cupped his cheeks with both of my hands, and nuzzled his nose before planting a soft kiss on his forehead.

"Allen I love you."