- Jaded Iris -

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- Chapter 2 -

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- Aftermath -

Lenalee squeezed her legs as she watched Allen's chest gradually rise, then tardily fall back down. His eyes were closed and a mask covered his mouth and nose. Lenalee thinks that's what was helping Allen breathe. A faint tint of red stained Allen's hair to show blood had been there. Gauze, medical tape, bandages, and band-aids were all over his body from what she could see, and Lenalee could see a lot since Allen had no shirt on. She thought about pulling the blanket up over him, but she had to see how bad it was on the exterior of his body. It was terrible. Bruise after bruise, cut after cut, it all covered his body and Allen has never once looked so broken to Lenalee before. It was heart wrenching, but nonetheless, Lenalee couldn't be happier for Allen.

Allen is alive and that's what counts. He may struggle, but I'll help him. Lavi will too. So will Kanda's family. Lenalee thought as she carefully yanked the blanket over Allen's practically lifeless and motionless body. She stopped when she saw him twitch, but eventually continued and studied his face. There was pain. Not much, but it was there. Even while he was in a coma he felt pain and Lenalee couldn't help but wonder how Allen will deal with this for the rest of his life. His heart may cause him many problems and the doctors told Cross and Komui that he had chances of heart attacks, heart failure, irregular heartbeats, and more. Lenalee was scared-scared she would lose Allen sooner than expected or wanted, and scared for Allen. It just wasn't fair.

And his arm. Oh, his missing arm. How will Allen deal with that? It'll be hard for him to adjust to that. Lenalee felt partially guilty for all this, which was totally unreasonable. It wasn't like she could have prevented this. Even if she told Allen to stay at the gas station she doubted he would wait.

"If it hurts you why do you look?" Kanda suddenly asked.

Lenalee glanced at the raven-haired male as he leaned against a wall, watching both Allen and Lenalee. Lenalee saw how worried and distraught Kanda was over this whole thing despite him trying to hide it. Lenalee didn't pursue that matter and watched Allen again, almost afraid that if she kept her eyes off him for too long he would disappear.

"I had to know. I had to see." Lenalee answered quietly, wiping a stray tear from her red and puffy eyes. "I heard Allen is the only one still alive from the accident. I knew someone should have gone with him. I knew he should not have driven by himself or drive at night. His vision isn't the best and the storm probably only made it worse on his eyes."

Kanda's hard eyes softened a little when he saw that forlorn, solemn, sorrowful look in Lenalee's lavender eyes. Three days have passed. Three days of worrying, three days of crying, three days of telling everyone close to Allen what happened. It was stunning, though, that Cross was still sitting in that same chair in the waiting room. He wouldn't see Allen for some reason despite wasting his time here with the rest of them. Lenalee being as kind as she was even gave him food and drinks from time to time before she came back into Allen's room.

"You were going to tell him when he got back, weren't you?" Kanda questioned.

"I was going to try, but now I..." Lenalee trailed off. She couldn't say the reason or think of it, but she knew one was there that wouldn't allow her to tell Allen just how she feels. Not yet, but she knew she would have to tell him soon. "I don't know how I could confess to him now. He's alive, but not awake. His condition... It's just so hard..."

"That nurse... Liza?" Kanda waited for Lenalee to affirm his guess and when she nodded, he went on. "Liza said that bastard-doctor from yesterday told her that the Moyashi is doing better."

"How?"

Kanda looked at Allen's pale skin that seemed more translucent than before. His lips were even lighter in color, nearly white. Though Kanda would never say this out loud, Allen has never looked weak and vulnerable before. He usually had a strong, encouraging demeanor that changed the people he met, including Kanda. So it irritated Kanda to no end to see Allen as weak as he was. For once, for this one time, he understood he would have no choice but to have patience. He would have to wait for Allen to be as strong as he was before. Kanda (and a few others) knew Allen was sensitive, more sensitive than one would think.

"His heart is beating at an almost normal pace now. That nurse will be coming in here soon to check on him. If he lives a few more days," Kanda said seriously, knowing better to be blunt and truthful with Lenalee now. "Then they should be able to take the ridiculous mask off his face and he could breathe on his own."

"That is good. Wonderful, so wonderful."

Kanda inwardly agreed. The nurse came in to check on Allen like Kanda said she would and she made sure his blood pressure was good, his heart was beating somewhat normally, changed his IV, and a few other things. She offered Lenalee a smile and Kanda when she noticed him, saying, "He's making a miraculous recovery. I won't lie to you, he may die, but he's healing."

A few more long hours passed. It was tormenting. Allen hardly moved. It was only his chest rising and the only sound that came from him was a very faint, barely audible breathing. Lavi was in and out of the hospital room. Kanda didn't like staying still-especially in the silence surrounding them-so he would pace around and get something to eat, but never left the hospital grounds. Lenalee remained seated at Allen's side. Most of the time they were alone because anyone who came was afraid to stay there with Allen in fear of him dying in the room with them. That, or they knew they didn't have a strong enough mind or will to come in and see Allen in his state. Not as long as he wasn't awake.

Lenalee saw something move from the corner of her eye and lifted her head to see Allen's fingers twitching. They were probably trying to move despite the cast on his hand because it was broken. Lenalee wondered if there were any other bones that had been broken or fractured and she figured there was. She remembered a person mentioning something about one of his ribs and collar-bone. Lenalee knew Allen was lucky in one way though-his spine wasn't damaged. He hadn't been paralyzed or close to it. Maybe, using that notion, Allen wasn't as crippled as she first thought.

Allen's fingers tapped the blanket underneath them, then they slid around until they found the metal rail on the side of his bed. Lenalee looked at his fingers as they seemed to inspect the area, trying to find something, and when realized what that could possibly mean, her eyes widened and she looked at Allen's face. His eyes and eyebrows were twitching, and soon, his eyelids fluttered open. He flinched from both the pain and the bright light above him. He stirred uncomfortably and Lenalee's breath got stuck in her throat. His mercury eyes held pain, uncertainty, and confusion. He looked lost and his eyes were glazed over. For a moment Lenalee thought he looked lifeless. Dead.

"Al-Allen?" Lenalee squeaked.

Allen shifted his head a little, bleakly blinking. When he found the girl who spoke his name he couldn't tell who she was right away. His vision was too blurry and his memory was a little fuzzy. His head hurt really bad. In fact, his entire body ached and for a second he forgot someone was there.

"Allen!" Lenalee repeated.

"Who...?" Allen asked, hand searching for the person. Lenalee grasped his arm gently, one hand holding his and his fingers curling over her hand loosely. She blinked back a few tears, but a stray drop fell on his cheek. She was sure he could hear her ragged breathing that was induced by her constant crying.

"Allen, it's me, Lenalee. Your best friend. I'm... I'm... so happy... You're..." Lenalee sniffled, unable to finish as she closed her eyes to help her regain some of her composure, but when she opened them she saw recognition drawn in his beautiful optics, a thin semi-smile on his lips, but that faltered. It trembled. She could tell it was somewhat strained. It was like he wanted to smile, but couldn't.

"Le-Lenalee?" he murmured.

"Yes, Allen. I'm here."

Allen's smile looked a little less strained. "Where am I?" Allen asked.

"You don't remember?"

Allen studied the room and a frown soon adorned his face. He gazed at Lenalee, hoping for help and that desperation laying in his features told her he didn't remember what happened.

"You were in an accident, Allen. You were coming back from your Summer Program and your car crashed." Lenalee said slowly.

"My Summer Program?" Allen repeated, blinking-Lenalee nodded. "And I crashed my car?"

Lenalee nodded again and squeezed Allen's hand, but when he winced she released his hand. It was then when he realized there was a cast on his hand and the IV in his arm. Leisurely he took everything in and Lenalee had to force him to lay down when he tried to get up. Panic was etched into his eyes, but Lenalee soothingly patted his head and caressed his cheek.

"It's okay, Allen. It's okay. Lavi, Kanda, even Cross is here. The nurses and doctors have taken great care of you. There's nothing to be afraid of." Lenalee coaxed softly.

Allen complied with Lenalee's wish for him to lay down and he listened to the noise of a machine beeping and something like an oxygen tank he's heard on TV before. He soon found out why and the panic returned. He knew it was a memory and maybe what he was experiencing right now, but there was a sharp pain in his chest and he just wanted to scream.

"Wha-why-what's-Lenalee, why do I have this mask on? And the-"

"Allen, calm down. Take a few deep, easy, calm breaths. I'll explain everything, but you need to promise me to stay calm." Lenalee said gently, looking deep into his eyes.

"... Okay."

Lenalee thoroughly explained Allen's medical condition and she could have sworn he was going to have a real panic attack right then and there. That worried her. With him so uneased and panicky she feared something bad would happen. She tried not to think about those details. Her heart nearly shattered when Allen almost cried. If she thought she had been scared, she was wrong. What she felt was nothing compared to what Allen must be feeling-Allen was definitely far more petrified.

"Allen? You're awake? Allen!" Lavi exclaimed, running into the room. He almost made the mistake to jump on the bed, but Kanda grabbed the back of his collar and slammed Lavi on the ground, giving his ass a rough landing on the floor. "Owwww. Dammit, Yuu, what the hell was that for!? Allen's awake and I was just going to... Ohhhh... Thanks."

Allen sighed. He wasn't able to remember much before his obvious car accident, but he knew it's been a long time since he's seen his friends. The circumstances weren't the best, but he was able to let his joy overcome his concern and fear. He watched Lavi carefully strut over to Allen's left side with Kanda and Allen didn't like the fact he had to look directly up at them. Unlike Lenalee they were standing and the light was hurting his eyes.

"Hey, buddy, how you doing? You feeling alright?" Lavi asked, voice low and filled with concern.

Allen offered a frail smile, but he eyed his left side. Lenalee explained everything. Even Allen's left arm. Severed, amputated, it didn't make a difference, his left arm was gone and he would never get it back. It was hard to process everything so quickly.

"Well, physically I feel like shit." Allen grumbled, closing his eyes.

Allen tried to sit up, but Lenalee wouldn't let him. He didn't have the energy to fight about it. Lavi laughed-go figure-and he gently patted Allen's head. The white-haired boy wasn't sure if he should be irritated or amused, so he went with both. He smiled, but the wavering glare slightly contradicted the meaning of his smile.

"I don't know what to say guys. I'm glad to see all of you, but this isn't exactly the ideal place or situation." Allen murmured.

HIs three friends stared at him for a long time. His voice was quieter than usual and softer. He spoke as fast as a sloth could run and he appeared to be far in space. With that big bruise on the left side of his head it was no wonder. He obviously hit his head pretty hard as well. It wouldn't be surprising if he had a concussion, but none of the doctors mentioned it.

"Say Allen, I know this isn't the most appreciated-er-ive question, but your arm... Do you think you'll be okay without it?" Lavi asked hesitantly.

Allen shifted his head so he was looking at what was left of his left arm. Allen never did like his left arm, so he was glad it was gone, but he never really want it to be gone-gone. He only wished for the appearance of it would have left-the deformity. Heh, guess people were right. You ought to be more careful with what you wish for, and a whole lot more specific.

"I'll be fine, Lavi." Allen muttered, but they could all hear the disappointment, sorrow, and uncertainty in his own tone. He was good at masking his emotions, but he seemed to be having a hard time since he woke up. That, or he wasn't trying to hide his pain or it could be the concussion Lavi's sure he has. To be perfectly truthful, Lavi thinks Allen doesn't realize just how deep in the water Allen really was.

"There's no need to be depressed over me. I'm alive." Allen commented.

"But not well." Kanda uttered.

Allen sent a small glare in Kanda's direction, but it didn't even anger Kanda or irritate him like it would normally do. It was just that weak. "Whatever. I'm sure you don't want to hear about the program. I don't think I could tell you all of it anyways. Why don't you guys tell me how your summer was? I'd like to hear all about it."

"It was just the same old, same old. Minus you Beansprout." Lavi replied.

"Please don't call me that."

"But Beansprout, I haven't been able to say it for a couple of weeks! And now that you're back I can say it all I want and get all those funny expressions from ya."

Allen rolled his eyes and Lenalee entered his line of visioin. She was holding his hand again and a strange smile was plastered on her face. It was between gratefulness and something else Allen couldn't place. Could she be angry? No, it wasn't that. It was sincere and almost loving.

Allen curled his fingers and he could feel Lenalee's warm skin beneath them. It was comforting. Plus the warmth made him feel so much better because his entire body was freezing. That was one bad thing about hospitals, they're air conditioning was just too good most of the time. That's why he appreciated Lenalee's warmth. If only he could remove the cast on his hand and actually hold her hand, but he didn't have an extra hand to do that.

"Allen, you look tired." Lenalee stated.

"Do I?" Allen chuckled softly, but there was no strength behind it. "I feel exhausted, but my head hurts. Hard to sleep with a headache."

Lenalee shook her head with slight amusement. Allen was trying to make her feel better. Shouldn't it have been the other way around?

"What about your chest? Does that hurt?" Lenalee asked.

"Not much, but the lighting is killing my eyes. Is it possible you could be an angel and turn it off or dim the lights?"

"Sure." Lenalee stood up and walked over to the light switch and eyed the four switches. She played around with them until she made sure the lights over Allen were off and that at least one switch was flipped up so there would be some light. "That better?"

"Much." Allen sighed in relief. "Thank you."

"You're welcome."

Lenalee sat down beside Allen again and he closed his eyes. "How long am I going to be in the hospital?"

"For as long as you need to." Lavi answered.

Allen opened his eyes, both orbs darting in Lavi's direction. The panic was back and Lavi put his hand on Allen's shoulder. He inhaled and exhaled while Allen fought a war against himself, debating whether or not to say what he wanted to.

"Allen, you'll be out of here before ya know it." Lavi told him.

"I want to leave now." Allen whispered.

"You can't! You're on life support! You know what that means, don't you?" Lenalee exclaimed.

"Please don't yell."

Lenalee covered her mouth, apologizing, but narrowing her eyes and leaning over Allen. She held a finger centimeters away from his chest, wanting so badly to jab her finger into his chest, but she wouldn't hurt him-even if it was just a little painful for him-and he merely looked at the wall, probably ignoring her as she said, "It means if you are taken off it you'll die! Allen, your heart has a hole in it. It's a miracle you're even alive right now. The doctor-"

"I hate hospitals. People die here all the time and I don't plan on dying here either." Allen said sharply and Lenalee froze.

Does he understand what he's saying? Lenalee thought.

"Allen, are you trying to tell me you want to leave... so you can die.. somewhere else?" Lenalee choked out.

Allen's eyes shot in her direction and he shook his head. His mouth hung open as he choked on his own words, trying to find something to say. Lenalee gripped the side of Allen's bed and Lavi leaned over, putting his other hand on Lenalee's shoulder.

"I didn't mean it like that. Lenalee, I'm so sorry it came across that way. Of course I don't want to die... I just... I'm... Mana died in a hospital." Allen said, sitting up with a groan and before Lenalee could push him back down, he grabbed her arm and gently pulled her forward. "Mana died in a hospital... He died after a car accident... On life support."

Lenalee inhaled his scent, embracing Allen. She didn't see it, but she could definitely feel Allen shaking. She never knew that, and she knew a lot about Allen, Mana had been in a car accident and it's likely Allen may have been with him.. She looked at Kanda and Lavi. The redhead shrugged and carefully hugged Allen, too, but Kanda scoffed and leaned on the wall, rolling his cobalt eyes in disgust at their foolishness.

"You'll be out soon, Allen, I promise." Lenalee whispered.

Allen opened his eyes when he heard light footsteps. He scanned the room and smiled when he saw a familiar face, but one he hasn't seen in awhile. She nervously entered, expressions repeatedly morphing into something else-worry, joy, happiness, skittish, unnerved. She held a big bag at her side and Allen found a small metal key hanging around her neck. He noticed she looked a lot better from last time he's seen her and she wasn't wearing that black dress anymore and her hair was no longer up. She looked so much prettier now.

"Miranda."

"Hel-hello All-e-en. Ma-may I come in?" Miranda asked, nervously pushing a strand of hair behind her ear.

"Of course, Miranda. I'd appreciate your company." Allen said.

Miranda nearly fell many times as she walked over the shiny white tiles and over to Allen's bedside. She pulled one of the chairs up to his bed and sat down, gulping as she placed the tan bag on the ground. She inspected Allen sadly, yet calmly. His left arm was missing, several bruises and cuts were etched into his skin. Many bandages covered his body. His right hand was in a cast and his fingers would often tap the bed. She could see he had no shirt on under the blanket and knew he had to be freezing. She was wearing a dark blue long-sleeved shirt and she was cold herself. Also-and she found this part cute-she could see several of his toes sticking out from under the blanket. It wasn't that the blanket was short. No, it's just that most of the blanket was covering his upper body. She couldn't help but notice the nasal oxygen tubes Allen was wearing and the IV in his arm. Then there was a small object on his fingertip that connected to a heart rate monitor. Despite how bad Allen's situation appeared, the boy was smiling at her.

"Ar-are you ok-okay, Allen?" Miranda asked.

"Yes, yes. I'll be fine. It's been about a week now... I think. Uh, Miranda, what's the date?"

Miranda fiddled with her key, her eyes traveling upwards as she thought about it. "It's August 10th. Oh, and I have something for you!"

Miranda rummaged through her bag and Allen tried looking in it, but he couldn't move around a lot without making his body hurt tremendously. He hoped that problem will be gone soon. Damn car crash. Why did he have to get caught up in it? He can't even remember that night! He didn't even know if he had caused it or someone else or the storm. Maybe a bit of all three? Probably. At least, that's what his gut was telling him.

When Miranda found what she was searching for she sat up straight and held out an adorable stuffed elephant. It was tanish-brown and there were spots with a dark orange in areas like the inside of its ears, the chest, and the tip of the tail. It had eyes as dark as night with a blue coloring in them. It may be an elephant, but it really was cute. Allen tried to use his left arm to grab it, but when no arm moved he remembered it was gone. He then used his right arm to grab it and since he couldn't grip it, he dropped it. He sent an apologetic look in Miranda's direction and she picked it up.

"I'm sorry, Miranda. I can't exactly take it." Allen mumbled.

Miranda nodded in understandment and hugged the elephant. Allen eyed it, his smile faltering a little. "It's a wonderful choice, Miranda. I love it. You can just put it on the bed if you want."

Miranda nervously leaned forward and set the elephant beside Allen's stub-or what's left of his left arm-and she averted her eyes in another direction so she wouldn't stare at it. She didn't want to upset or offend Allen, but it was weird and nothing would change that. She knew she shouldn't because Allen wouldn't like it, but she felt sorry for Allen, she pitied him.

Allen tapped the bed again. It was the only part of his body he could move (or was allowed to) and it made him feel better. Thoughts aimlessly wandered around as he tried to think of what to talk about. He wanted to keep the subject far away from him and he also wanted to keep Miranda calm. That was the hard part and he knew of only one thing that would allow the smoothness in their conversation.

"How's your grandfather clock, Miranda? Still working perfectly and it is clean?" Allen asked.

"Oh, yes. It's working wonderfully and I clean it everyday. Twice if I have the time. Every hour it chimes harmoniously." Miranda said, eyes gleaming.

"That's nice."

Miranda studied Allen again. Though he smiled there was pain in his features. She squeezed her hands together, biting the inside of her lips. If she asked about it she knew Allen wouldn't like it. Lenalee even told her on the phone not to ask him about feeling alright. Apparently he got a little depressed or frustrated by it. She also heard that Allen has been trying to-subtly-talk his way out of staying at the hospital anymore. Miranda may not be good at... just about anything and everything, but she could tell Allen was not in the best or an okay or alright state. If he spent more than an hour out of the hospital something might happen and he'll be right back here... There was also the chance he could die.

"How long are you going to be here Miranda?" Allen inquired.

"I can stay the rest of the da-wait, am I bothering you? I-I could le-leave if yo-you want! I can! I-I should, shouldn't I? Oh, I'm-"

"Miranda," Allen interjected ever-so quietly. His voice was so frail and weak it reminded her of broken glass or a dying speaker or a sad scene... and the car wreck. She saw the news about it, but she had no idea Allen was in it. Miranda's spirit shattered completely and she requested-in a pathetic plea-that she come see Allen immediately. She could see his pain in his glazed orbs. Miranda wished she could be useful for once and ease away all the pain he felt. "Miranda, will you please stay here with me?"

Miranda was shocked by the question, but she had to remember, this was Allen. He was such a sweet and honest boy. Being the gentleman he was, Allen would naturally try to make Miranda feel better even if that meant he suffered. It's been awhile now and she knows what Allen thinks of her. Her being there doesn't bother the boy. He appreciates her company and enjoys it. He's made that very clear. Staying with Miranda never made him suffer. He was more humored and delighted than irritated. So she rested her hands on the bed and pulled her chair closer, smiling, though a little shyly, as she nodded. Allen's eyes drooped, but his own smile became more sincere and as he drifted off into a blissful slumber away from his pain, he looked so serene.

Miranda's eyes wandered to Allen's left side, where his missing appendage should have been. Gaze softening, she let a stray tear fall now that Allen was asleep. Miranda promised herself that she'd be strong through this-for Allen. He's thought of her as a friend and now it was time for her to act like one. If she were to cry she would cry when Allen couldn't see. That-that was her oath.

Lenalee brushed her hair with her fingers as she thought about Allen and the last few days. He's been awake, but quiet. Almost speechless. Then it's finally dawned her after all these years that Allen was afraid of hospitals. He had a phobia, but he knew when to put something important first than what he wanted. It's always been like that, she thought. It didn't count if it was unimportant or not, it always came before him when it came to Allen. But this time it was an absolutely different story and one she was proud to let slide by. He isn't the only one that wants him out of the hospital. I do, too. I want our lives to go back to the way it was... but that's impossible now.

Lenalee shook her head. It may never go back to normal-not completely-but Allen was still there and she will be with him to help him through it all. That's what friends were for, right?

"When do you think Allen will be released from the hospital?" Lenalee absentmindingly questioned.

Lavi stopped eating his fries and watched Lenalee fiddle with her fingernails now. He wondered if she's even left the hospital since Allen's accident. Komui comes and goes because he has things to do and a bed to sleep in, but Lavi wouldn't doubt Komui letting her stay here for a while so Allen always had company. She may have changed clothes, but Komui could easily drop some off for her and take home her dirty clothes. Out of all of Allen's friends, Lenalee was defintely taking it the hardest and Lavi knew why. Just about everyone knew. Except the oblivious Allen.

"I'm sure he'll be out soon, Lenalee." Lavi answered.

"He might in for another month." Bookman remarked as if to purposely contradict Lavi's encouragement and make her feel bad.

"A month?" Daisya repeated.

"I was able to access Allen's medical charts. By what I've seen and read, Allen would be lucky to leave in a month. Even if he does leave it wouldn't be safe for him to go anywhere but his bed, and it's unpredictable about how that could end with Cross there." Bookman explained.

"So how bad is it then, Gramps?"

Bookman contemplated over the words and Allen's charts. It was hard to say just how bad it was, or specifically, how bad it could be. "Well, the hole in his heart is what is the most irksome and his highest concern. According to what I've heard, Allen died and came back to life about a minute later. His body had shut down entirely and that means his body may not function properly-the second highest concern. For example, his heart can just stop, start beating erratically, or bleed and Allen may never know it. If his body doesn't function properly then that would lead to many problems. It's possible his body could shut down again and if he's not in the hospital he may not 'restart' again."

"I shouldn't have asked." Lavi sighed.

"Allen will be fine. He's strong and he'll pull through. Allen won't give up and we all know that. So long as he isn't deterred from his determination to thrive then Allen will be fine." Lenalee exclaimed, more for her own comfort than to convince Bookman Allen will be fine.

Komui rubbed her shoulder. She hardly acknowledged it and went back to eating her lunch. Allen insisted she get out of the room and go eat. Actually, he had insisted she leave the hospital for a little bit, but Lenalee couldn't bring herself to do it. The furthest she'd go is the hospital cafeteria and that was still too far. She wanted to be by his side until she knew he was safe and in the clearing, until she knew Allen could be alone without issues.

"But there's one thing Allen has lost and he won't like it one bit, I fear." Tiedoll added.

"And that would be?" Daisya persisted.

"His independence." Kanda muttered.

"That's right. Allen is a very independent person, but with the lack of an arm, he'll have a few difficulties." Tiedoll affirmed.

"And we are going to let Allen go back home with Cross when he leaves?" Lavi inquired loudly.

"I'll take care of him." Lenalee whispered.

Everyone looked at Lenalee. Sympathy rested in their eyes and no one bothered to argue. Lenalee was never going to let Allen stay by himself or in the complete care of Cross and only Cross. She was going to take care of Allen and she would do whatever it takes to make sure Allen lives on. It was extremely obvious that Lenalee and Allen have a close bond. It was also obvious what Lenalee feels for Allen. That fact only made it clear how badly she was suffering.

Lenalee pushed her chair back and stood up. Lavi knew what she was going to say before a word escaped her mouth and he stood up, placing a hand on her shoulder and grinning. She watched him with mixed emotions, but slowly smiled.

"I'm going to go back to Allen's room and check on him." Lenalee said.

"I'm going with her. Anyone else coming?" Lavi added.

"I'll tag along." Komui mumbled, following both of them.

Lenalee rubbed her elbows the entire trip to Allen's room and Lavi watched her with concern. Komui remained silent, but a million thoughts raced through his mind. This would be the first time he's seen Allen since his accident and he was kinda nervous. As they approached the room they could hear several machines running. Lenalee's pace quickened. She was the first to arrive and the first to tell Allen was sleeping because of the slow motion his chest made-rising up and gradually falling.

"Miranda, I didn't know you were coming today." Lenalee said quietly, walking over to Allen's bed and gently putting her hand on Allen's.

"O-Oh, so-sorry, Lenalee. I coul-couldn't wait until tom-morrow." Miranda said.

"It's alright. I'm sure Allen was happy to see you."

Lavi studied Miranda. He's never actually met her before, but he's heard a lot about her from Allen and occasionally Lenalee. They were like personal therapists for her. Miranda Lotto-Edo's well-known pessimist and gloom was supposed to be contagious around her. Lavi couldn't agree with her infamous reputation. She didn't look too depressed and she was actually very pretty. Despite the circumstances she had a small hint of peace and happiness, and a small smile. Lavi didn't feel gloomy or depressed either, well, maybe a little, but it didn't come from her. He didn't miss the almost incoherent speech Miranda had during her conversation with Lenalee. She even seemed to brighten Lenalee's mood a little, which was more than what he could say about Lavi and Kanda tries to do so.

Lavi noticed the elephant beside Allen and he assumed it was a gift from Miranda, a way to make Allen a little happier and a way to distract him. Lavi could only imagine all the pain Allen must be feeling and he wasn't telling anyone about it. Allen had too much pride and he was far too stubborn sometimes.

"Hey, Miranda, where'd you get that elephant?" Lavi asked.

"Oh, tha-that?" Miranda muttered, blushing. "I made it myself, uh...?"

"Lavi Bookman at your service." Lavi bowed for effect.

Miranda giggled, offering her hand a little shyly, bu Lavi took it and shook her hand with a big grin.

"It seems you two get along."

Lavi and Miranda looked at Allen as his eyes opened halfway. He yawned, showing he was still tired and his nap wasn't long enough.

Allen tried sitting up, but pain coursed through his body and Lenalee carefully pushed him back down. He squeezed his eyes shut and gripped her hand tightly. "Lenalee, please, I need to sit up." Allen hissed, eyeing her. "Please help me sit up."

Lenalee sighed. It was hard to tell Allen no. He probably wouldn't listen and only cause himself more agony, so she helped him sit up and he groaned. Komui watched silently, noting that Allen felt so much pain, but he wouldn't say anything about it.

"Allen, be careful. You shouldn't strain yourself." Komui said.

"I'll be fine. Lavi, come here for a moment." Allen whispered, gazing at Lavi as he came closer. He leaned down some so he was eye-to-eye with Allen and he widened his grin, but was shocked when Allen wrapped his one arm around his neck and settled his chin on Lavi's shoulder.

"Happy Birthday, Lavi. I'm sorry I wasn't able to get you anything, but I promise I'll make up for it when I get out of here." Allen uttered, snuggling closer to his friend.

Lavi patted Allen's head and very carefully hugged Allen's small body, being sure to avoid his IV and other wires.

"I don't care if I have a present. My little brother is still alive and that makes me feels lucky." Lavi remarked, burying his head in Allen's neck. "Don't scare me like that ever again Moyashi, got it?"

"Promise." Allen said softly. "But I'm still going to make up for it."

Lavi laughed, ruffling Allen's hair again and leaning back to get a good look at the brightest expression he's seen from Allen in awhile. "Just keep it away from anything pink-bunnies related."

"I don't think you said that right, but it's a deal."

Allen laid back down and he sighed in content. For once his hospital bed felt comfy, but the pain was torturing his body. That hug was worth it. That was the least he could do for Lavi. He wished he could do more, but that'll have to wait. However, Lenalee noticed the severe pain he was experiencing and she pulled a small stick with a wire at the bottom out from under the blankets and Allen eyed her as she placed it in his hand.

"Push the button Allen. You're in a lot of pain. That's why they gave you this." Lenalee said.

"No, Lenalee. I'm fine. I don't need anymore drugs." Allen retorted stubbornly.

Lenalee sighed, wrapping her hands around his. "It isn't a bad drug."

"It's full of steroids."

"To help ease the pain." Lavi interjected.

"I'm not going to... press... Lenalee... I said... n-n-nnnno." Allen trailed off as Lenalee forced Allen's finger down, pressing the button and making the strong pain reliever enter his body. His eyes drooped and his speech slur as he most likely lectured Lenalee until he fell asleep because of the strength of his medicine.

"It's for your own good, Allen." Lavi muttered.