Yeah. I'm late. Very late. Forgive me. I forgot I even had this story... TTwTT ahah... I think this story will consist mostly of short chapters. Just saying. My muse is withered but still burning. I can't help it...

Disclaimer: I don't own it. This is just a figment of my imagination. Creative work.

Chapter 3

The stranger kept his head low, but Allen could still see the glimmer of his eyes behind his glasses, peering into Allen's own silvery orbs. He gave an involuntary shiver. There was something off about this man...

"No, no, I'm sorry. That was my fault, boy." He tipped up his hat and gave Allen a warm smile. The stranger reached out, offering a glove clad hand to Allen. "Are you hurt anywhere? Wouldn't want a young man such as yourself getting injured around these parts. Chances of finding a doctor are little to null.

"I-I'm fine. Thank you." Allen replied appreciatively. He took the offered hand and pulled himself up. After dusting himself off, Allen bowed again to the stranger. "Again, I'm sorry for running into you like that. I'll be taking my leave now. Someday, if we meet again, I'd like to repay you. Goodbye, sir." Allen turned around and took off running again. He didn't bother waiting for a reply.

"Don't worry about that, boy~ I'm more than sure we'll be meeting again. Sooner than you'd think."

Allen kept running. He wasn't just hungry anymore, a deep set fear was pumping through his veins and all he wanted to do was find Lavi and get as far as he could from the stranger he had just met. The lights from the streets seemed to spin and he collided with more than just a few people. Eventually, the feeling subsided, but Allen couldn't understand why he felt so unnerved by the other. Allen had only stopped for a minute or so to apologies to the man but he could sense the bad vibes flowing off the stranger's body.

Unable to run any longer and no idea where he was even at, Allen stopped to take a breath. His hands gripped his knees while he gulped down the chilly night air. He looked to his right and saw the moonlight shining against the murky black depths of the ocean. The beating of his heart was deafening. Suddenly, a large hand gripped his arm, pulling him up.

(Lavi's POV)

I pulled my scarf up a bit as the wind nipped at my skin. It was getting colder as the night went on. Occasionally I'd get a weird look from passersby but that was probably because I was literally just standing outside what was most likely the world's most famous restaurant… Yep. Standing. That's all I'm doing. Standing and waiting.

"Damn, I know he has a terrible sense of direction, but where could he be?" I couldn't help but worry, because Allen was taking longer than I thought he would just to find this place. Sure, it was open 24 hours a day, but this is ridiculous. I might just starve to death before Allen will ever reach the restaurant.

I looked up and down the street before taking off to go look for him. People often say to stay in the same spot when you're lost, but it was unlikely he would make it to the restaurant at all. As soon as I decided he wouldn't be walking down the street I took off towards the outside of town.

"He'll most likely wander around out here… eventually. It's easier to maneuver and more open, plus it's better than getting stuck in some alleyway."

Just as I was contemplating whether or not talking to myself made me look crazy to other people as well, I saw a black and white blur whizz by the corner of my eye. I sprinted in that direction, seeing as that blur is my only lead to what could be Allen.

"Damn right! I must be one lucky guy." I said just as I tried to catch up. It was definitely Allen alright. Once he stopped running, I slowed down as well. I didn't want to startle him- yet. He looked like he a nervous wreck. I looked around, wondering if he got scared by a dog or something while he was looking for the restaurant. The only thing that caught my eye were a few dark figures milling about. They looked like they were minding their own business though, so whatever.

Allen did not even notice me walking closer, but that just means I get to have a little fun too. My breath slowed as I tiptoed closer to him. Before he could react to anything, I grabbed his arm and pulled him into a bear hug.

"Allen, why'd you have to go an disappear like that?!"

Let's just say... he didn't take my little prank so well...