I am so sorry about the delay on this. But it's done. I am very visual with my descriptions, and Kamelot manor decided it did not want to be seen by me for the longest time. Also, my beta and I fell out of contact, so I have a new beta, who has NOT looked at this yet, but I just sent it off to her. This past year has been crazy for me, and I hope you all will forgive me for the the very long delay on this chapter. The next few chapters should come much sooner, as I'm hoping to finish the next two chapters by the end of the month. But given that life happens, do not be surprised if only one of them is posted by the end of the month. The next will hopefully be up around early July, if that happens.

Disclaimer: I do not own D. Gray-man or any associated affiliates, they belong to Hoshino Katsura. I also did not originally write this chapter, nor the next few chapters; instead the original idea for this fanfic and some of the original text (which has been used in areas) are by Misster Cackles.

Thank you's: At this time I would like to thank Misster Cackles, for allowing me to adopt this story. Eventually, I will thank my beta, but that will occur when I have this chapter actually beta'd. Also, a large thank you to all the reviewers, again sorry for the delay.

Chapter 3: Noeclexis

Noeclexis – selecting a partner based on intelligence and character without regard to physical appearance

The room finally decided to right itself and stopped spinning around. However, his stomach had not caught up to his eyes as he could still feel it churn from the previous movement that Tyki had subjected him to. Beginning to stand better, he shrugged off the hand that had been holding him upright as his focus allowed him to move away from the Noah. Taking in the details, the first thing that stood out to him was the ceiling which loomed roughly thirty feet above the ground on which he stood upon. It was painted in a vast celestial design that roughly mimicked what was supposed to be on the other side of the ceiling at night. The edges of the ceiling met with white marble, which gradually darkened until it blended with the color of the ash wood paneling that covered the entire room. The room, while being large naturally, should've appeared smaller with the dark color on its walls; instead, it appeared larger as Lavi took in the mirrors that were resting on a panel here and there. Adding to the illusion of the room's size was the floor which was the only consistently bright part of the room. It was a pool of tile that was a silver gray, and contained flecks of foil here and there.

There were two open doorways on both of the walls that were perpendicular to the giant main door behind him which stood 20 feet tall. There were stairs in the center of the far wall, and a small door on the left side of the stairs, which probably was used for the servants of the manor.

Taking in all the ornate details, Lavi almost missed the feel of a hand snaking along his thigh and a slight tug as the aforementioned hand attempted to pull his Innocence from its holster. Automatically, the redhead's hand latched onto the offending wrist of the thief; and he let his eyes trail up the attached arm to glare at the perpetrator. "What do you think you're doing?" Lavi growled at the taller man. In punishment Lavi lifted and twisted the arm into a figure-four lock as he situated his body between the Noah and his Innocence. Tyki gave a secretive smile that vanished right before he phased his arm from the smaller male's grasp as the lock began to grow in discomfort. He held up his hands by his head with the palms towards the younger as if to say he meant no harm. The Bookman internally snorted as he reminded himself of exactly what those hands could do.

That reminder also forced him to step away from the man to keep both hands in his eyesight. After a couple steps back he allowed a slight blush to cross his cheeks as he realized how close the joint lock had put him to the older male. His glare held in place as he waited for an answer to the question that needed to be answered before he would even begin to feel remotely comfortable again.

The Noah slowly lowered his hands ensuring to keep in them insight of the Exorcist at all times. Once they were at a comfortable level, he allowed his eyes to hold the single eye of his partner. "I have no intention of breaking your Innocence, if that is what you are thinking," his answer held the formality of the letter that had been received by the Black Order. "My goal was merely to store and hide it for you during your time with me at the manor." The redhead remained tense as he looked questioningly at his supposed former enemy. "I will not be the only Noah within these walls while my mother is here. Your Innocence will be in danger if you hold onto it, and leave it out in the open." The redhead watched as the right hand he was observing was raised, and its fingers were snapped together, the resulting sound echoing off the marble floor and the ceiling.

In reaction, the Bookman confirmed his suspicions as the door to the left of the stair case opened to reveal a gray skinned servant. As it approached, the blank eyes and black pentacle in the center of its forehead became more apparent. An akuma. Lavi glowered and slightly relaxed his muscles as he pulled his hammer from its holster in preparation to fight, but the Noah held out his arm to stop him. Confused, the Exorcist slightly shifted his gaze back towards Tyki, but didn't dare drop his guard in front of the killing machine. "All the servants here are akuma," the brunette informed. "Besides the fact that they cannot bear the presence of Innocence, if they are found it by any of my other brethren residing here, it would be destroyed on the spot." Lavi's eye narrowed as the gravity of the current predicament began to fully set in. He couldn't hold onto his Innocence himself because he would be most likely spending his time in the presence of the other Noah who lived here; and, as he now realized, he couldn't leave it with one of the servants for safe keeping. Which meant...

"Under what reasoning did you think that I would trust you with my Innocence knowing that you have planned and attempted to destroy it in the past? I might be able to say you could keep it away from the other Noah, but how can I trust you to keep it in one piece through the whole mission?" Lavi stared at Tyki skeptically, and then rolled his eye when the other male nodded in affirmation. "As if! You're a Noah; why would you want to keep my Innocence safe?"

The fingers snapped again, and the akuma disappeared back through the door that it came from. Now Lavi was able to dedicate his full attention towards Tyki once more. His silence made the younger male look at him questioningly. "Well?" But the elder only shook his head as his hand repositioned itself so that its index finger was placed over his lips. The Bookman understood the silent gesture; the answer was another part of this big mystery that could apparently only be solved with the information that the Noah would provide. The silencing hand lowered itself palm up in offering. The hand caused the redhead to pause, but then they both froze as the sound of lilting skips made its way to their ears.

"Hurry, Bookman!" Tyki hissed at him. "If you're caught with it now, you'll lose it for sure."

Lavi quickly made his decision as finally approached his fiancé, and carefully placed the weapon into the palm of the other's gloved hand. He let his hand linger over the innocence as his leveled a balanced look at his partner in crime. "One crack, one tiny defect that happens to my hammer, and I will blow your cover to the other Noah who are going to be close by as well. You have my weapon, I have your life." He gave a forced smile and watched as Tyki returned it with the same amount of strain. He was shocked as he felt he glove slide along his palm and hammer as the clothed hand grabbed his gently.

His solitary emerald eye widened further was the calm topaz pair slipped shut when the elder male raised the held hand to his lips. "Agreed," the Bookman barely heard it before those lips pressed firmly to the back of his hand as if he were sealing a promise. Shocked by the action, he almost forgot about the approaching figure until a voice came from the upper floor.

"Uncle Tyki!" The shout from the eldest Noah caused Lavi to turn sharply to look at the source of the noise. She was recklessly hanging over the railing of the balcony the preceded the dual stair case. The hanging soon ceased as the seemingly young girl launched herself at Tyki, who let go of Lavi's hand to catch her in the embrace that she wanted. Releasing the taller male from her grasp, she looked over at the red headed companion her family member had brought home. Her eyes widened slightly in surprise, "Ooo..." She bent slightly at the waist as she continued to look upon Lavi in childish curiosity. "I didn't think you were serious when you said you had an exorcist as your lover. Still, I was hoping that is would've been my precious little doll... I want to play with her again..." Her voice trailed off as she slipped slightly into a fantasy.

Tyki straightened himself from his embracing position and took a step towards his partner; his arm taking on a possessive personality as it wrapped around the other's waist. The Bookman spared a glance to the Noah's hands realizing that the Innocence was no longer held in them. "I tried to woo her at first but seemed to underestimate her brother. While I enjoy taking time pursuing... persons of interest... I do not enjoy being pursued and attacked myself on an obnoxious level. My dear little librarian here, on the other hand..." the elder male trailed off assuming that his brother's charge would understand his meaning.

"Hmm?" Road inquired with a giggle, her head titling to the side. "You two seem close enough for him not being your first choice."

Tyki opened his mouth to reply, but was cut off by another voice. "So this is the being who steals my brother's eyes away from mine and his duty?" Sheril emerged from the corridor that led to the back rooms, and moved to stand behind his daughter. He looked upon the younger male with inquisitive eyes as is trying to see if Lavi was worthy of his brother's gaze. "He's decent looking, I suppose." Lavi's eye twitched unconsciously. Just decent?

"You're making my skin crawl, brother. You were also aware of my intentions." Tyki spoke as though the weather was a more interesting topic. His arm tightened around his fiancé's waist pulling the red head possessively closer. "I think he'll do fine; intelligent, attractive, personable... I can't imagine Mother would have any objections to my intentions."

"His Innocence—?" Sheril began.

"Is not with him," Tyki cut his brother off. "He was fully aware of the fact that he would be residing in the family home." A small smile played across the Pleasure's lips. "He chose to leave his Innocence behind for the comfort of all the people who will be residing here."

The Bookman observed the suspicious look that crossed the eldest male's face before he chuckled lightly. Lavi wondered if Tyki had seen it as well, but pushed that to the back of his mind as he tried to put a pleasant smile on his face. Every smooth word the Noah had just said was a lie, and the red head did not want to find out what would happen when the other two Noah figured it out.

Pulling away from his taller companion, he made it seem as though he wanted to hold Tyki's hand rather than showing that he was trying to peel the murderous hand away from a space that held many vital organs. "Um, so..." he began to say trying to figure out how to get out of the situation. "I've never been here before, and I'd probably get lost because I was too busy looking at something shiny while wandering on my own. However, if one of you..." he paused to give a pointed look at Tyki. The man had brought him here, and there was no way the Exorcist could guarantee that the other two wouldn't kill him for sport. "... would like to give me a tour of this magnificent home so that I am able to take care of myself, and not look like an idiot when your mother arrives; it would be must appreciated."

The Pleasure gave a small smirk, "All you had to do was ask, meu coelho."

Lavi's eyes narrowed as he turned his head away from the other Noah in the room. "Please don't..."

"Ah, but that's what I call you when we're alone." Tyki spared a glance to his family. "I see, is it because we have company? Then forgive me, my beloved, and I shall try not to do it again." He made a show of offering his hand in apology, as the redhead's cheeks started to turn the color of his hair. However, the offered hand was accepted and the pair went off.

The other two Noah watched the pair as they began the tour of the manor, discussing the names that Tyki used on the Exorcist. The two exchanged a glance, and followed behind both of them at a much slower pace.

*insert small commercial break here*

They started downstairs, and Tyki took them through the receiving room first. It was beautiful, but simple in terms of artwork. There was a small bar against the far wall for people to get a drink at should they request one during a social function. Couches were arranged around a table which had a small flower arrangement. "The flowers come from the Lady's personal garden." Tyki commented as he noticed the single green eye look at the different flowers. Not much else was in the room however, except for wide windows which looked across the ground and another exit which led towards the dining room. The Noah pulled the other into the new room.

It was done in tones of blue except for the wood which was a gorgeous auburn cherry wood. Through the middle of the room was a table that could've comfortably fit about twenty people, but there were only enough chairs for fifteen people. Expanding his observation beyond the table, the Bookman noted two other entrances to the room other than the one he just came through. One seemed to be a servants' entrance, so the kitchen was probably on the other side. The other door way seemed to move to another hallway that probably led to other parts of the manor.

Across the walls were portraits of the family, except for a large painting the hung above a fireplace that was halfway down one of the longer walls. The painting was of a ship in a flood. Lavi approached the painting to inspect which story it actually told. "This painting seems a little dark to be in this room."

Sheril was now standing in the first entrance to the room, and decided to test how much the Exorcist actually knew. "Indeed, but it is the tale of our forefather, and therefore is just as important to the family as all the other paintings on the wall here." Now let's see...

"Yes, I understand that, but the art style is from the Hellenistic period in Greece. So, this painting is not of Noah, but is instead a painting of Deucalion." The Bookman looked over at the master of the house who had a pleased smile on his face. "However, since all religions are just essentially retellings of each other, this is the same story as what your ancestor went through."

There was a small clap that echoed its way around the room, as the Desire of Noah acknowledged the redhead passed of his test. After all, it would not do to have a dunce marry into the family. Walking around the room towards the servants' entrance, Sheril held the door open as he confirmed Lavi's guess of the kitchen beyond it. "You can get food here in case if you get hungry while meals are not being served." The Bookman could see a dozen disguised akuma working away on dinner for that evening, and suspected there were more that were out of view from the doorway he looked through. "But first, we should continue with our little tour."

Using the final doorway, the four of them passed into a hallway that led around the back side of the manor. The walls were still a light royal blue, and the cherry wood from the dining room stemmed into the hallway as base boards and crown moldings. There were six rooms on the left side of the hall and eight on the right side. They didn't stop at all the rooms, just the ones that would be helpful to know the location of in the near future. The second door on the left was the master study, where Sheril apparently conducted his political business. Across the hall, in the third right room, was Road's study, where she had her lessons. Road looked annoyed, while her adoptive father had a slight frown, which led Lavi to believe that there were several problems regarding Road and her studies. The third door on the left led to a small family chapel. The fifth door on the right opened to reveal a music room which resembled the hidden control room in the Order's Ark. The hallway itself was lined with souvenirs and trophies from various wars and other achievements. They did not hold Lavi's interest though as the events in question already had stacks of data in his head.

At the last door on the left, Lavi was introduced to the Lady's indoor green house, whose glass panes overlooked the garden beyond it. "Tricia tends to this collection herself." Sheril said with a small smile.

"They look beautiful." Lavi commented, as he took in the different flowers. "Where is the Lady today?"

"She's not feeling well. But you will probably meet her tomorrow as she wants to be a good hostess for you."

The bookman mentally wrote down all the different blooms that were growing inside. His gaze shifted slightly onto the master of the house. "Your wife is human, correct?"

Sheril nodded firmly ad understood the unasked question of the Bookman. "Tricia is completely human. Even though she is lives with us, she does not know of our Noahs or that the servants here are all akuma." With a small grin he turned and faced Tyki. "She was just telling me the other night that the Earl gives her a bad feeling."

The Pleasure chuckled in amusement. "Really?"

Lavi decided to interject before things got too far from his questions. "So mentioning anything about—"

The harsh glare from Lord Kamelot interrupted the red head's question. "Mentioning anything about our war would guarantee a new missing persons poster." The exorcist swallowed and nodded, noting that Tyki gave no objection despite their supposed roles as lovers.

Tyki then led them towards the last door on the right. He opened the door so that the others could enter, and for Lavi to look around. "The library," he announced, even though the bookman apprentice could already guess that from the dozens of bookcases that were contained within the room. He made a mental note that this room could be an important source of information, and that he would probably spend a lot of time here.

A disguised akuma arrived in the doorway as Lavi looked to see if there was a way to identify the sections of the library. The servant announced that dinner was ready, and asked if the indoor dining room was a good place to serve the meal. Nodding, Sheril turned towards the group. "Looks like our tour will have to pause for the time being. Let us go and enjoy the food that has been prepared."

The dining room was set by the time they reached the room. Lavi sat next to Tyki, who was next to Sheril, and across from Road. Dinner was quiet and awkward for the exorcist who didn't know what to say to the Noah in the room. About midway through the meal, a different akuma appeared and leaned down to whisper into Lord Kamelot's ear. A small frown crossed his features, but the expression softened as he stood.

"I need to take my leave for the evening. The servants' quarters are beside the stairs, but seeing as all the servants are akuma I doubt you will be going in there anytime soon." Lavi nodded and acknowledged the warning he was receiving. "The family's quarters are on the upper east side of the manor, but Tyki's rooms are on the west side and I guess that means, that's where you will be staying as well." Lavi resisted the urge to tense at the last statement. He had planned on staying in a hotel outside of the manor during the course of the mission; he hadn't expected more family to be living in the manor, and now said family was inviting and expecting him to stay in their home.

Sheril turned to face his adoptive daughter, who seemed to be worried after seeing her father's mood. "Your mother's doctor is here, and your brother is supposed to return tomorrow. Would you like to come with me or stay here with the love birds?" He was so soft with her, that Lavi would've had a difficult time believing that these two were evil sadists had he not seen them in action before.

Road nodded before standing and taking her father's hand. She turned towards her uncle and uncle-to-be and curtsied before wishing both of them a good night. Sheril clasped her hand tightly, before making his way towards the exit. Pausing in the entrance to the receiving room, he looked at Tyki. "I trust that you can behave while I am not here, brother?"

Tyki gave a small reassuring smile, which led Lavi to believe that Lady Kamelot's health was a large concern for this part of the Noah clan. "Of course, my dear brother," the brunette said. "Tell her that I say hello and that I hope to introduce her to my dearest soon. Some good news should lighten her heart." His family left the room, and Tyki turned to the only other person present.

"Lady Kamelot..." Lavi began. "What does she have?"

Tyki shook his head before glaring at his glass of wine. "The physician doesn't know; Tricia's symptoms vary and could be a part of many different things, he says. Fever, headache, dizziness, drowsiness, and nausea are only the start of a long list of things that are ailing her."

Lavi frowned. The list of symptoms he was just given could be anything as they were all common of just being sick. "Could I see her later?"

The Noah was surprised at the offer of help. "That will depend on Sheril, but I don't see why not. What are you planning on doing?"

The red head smiled, "Surely, you don't expect a Bookman's apprentice to not pick up on anything during his lessons? I just want to see if there's anything I can possibly figure out that her doctor had not."

"That's quite noble of you. Why would you want to do something like that?"

Lavi pondered the question for a minute before figuring that this would probably be used to provide reasons to Sheril so he could see Tricia. "I just want to help. Also, it's what family would do, and since I'll be part of this family, it would be nice to be able to get along with more than just you."

A low chuckle came from the Pleasure. "Getting into your role now aren't you." Lavi blushed as he fully took in what he just said. "I'm just wondering how you, as young as you are, believe that you can be more help than the physician already has been."

Lavi's eye narrowed as he recognized his age was being used against him. "I'm not sure if I can be, if the doctor is actually competent. However, it doesn't hurt to get a second opinion now does it?"

"No, I suppose it doesn't." Tyki answered. "I just find it curious that someone of the Bookman clan is taking enough interest to worry about someone." The Bookman Junior frowned at the course of conversation.

"That's not the reason why I'm interested. I'm just curious about what kind of woman it takes to be able to be around three Noah and still know nothing of the war they are causing. Furthermore, I want to know what kind of woman it takes to spawn and raise a Noah." Lavi replied while finishing off his dinner.

Tyki laughed aloud, before eating the remainder of his dinner of his dinner. Rising from the table, he offered his hand to the red head beside him. "Come, meu coelho, our room awaits."

"Tyki!" Lavi growled before resentfully accepting the offered hand.

*insert small commercial break here*

On the way to the west wing, Lavi tried to state his concerns about staying in the manor before Tyki's and Sheril's mother arrived. However, Tyki made it crystal — the Bookman apprentice was sure the slight emphasis was made in regards to crystal-type innocence — clear that the red head would be staying at the manor so that he could learn the daily functions of the Kamelot estate. The older also explained that the two of them would be sharing a room after his mother arrived at the manor. Thinking about sharing a room with the Noah made the exorcist's skin crawl, and the urge to bang his head against a wall made itself known. He held back though as he recognized this living arrange would be awkward for both of them, as the brunette didn't seem thrilled by the rooming arrangements either.

Tyki led his towards a closed door that was opened as the younger approached. The host spoke as he led Lavi inside. "This is my room."

The exorcist's hands tightened on his suitcase as he noted the location of the room. "And my room is one that is further away?" He asked hopefully.

The Noah chuckled at Lavi's reaction. "No. This is the room will eventually be the one we share. You should make yourself comfortable here before we are required to share it. In the mean time, I will temporarily sleep elsewhere."

The redhead reluctantly set his suitcase down. "How uncomfortable do you think this will be?" He asked turning in Tyki's direction, but the older male was no longer there.

"Very." Lavi jumped as he felt the breath of the voice on his ear. He gasped in surprise as he felt arms wrap around his waist and turned him to face the entirety room before pulling him to the body behind him. The bookman tried to relax in the heat emitted from the Noah; it wouldn't do for someone to come in and see him be tense in his pseudo lover's arms. "Pretend for me," Tyki whispered into Lavi's right ear, and the younger shuddered slightly in the hold as breath continued to hit the sensitive side of his ear. He wanted to shove the other away, but forgot as the elder's voice returned. "Think of this as the room we would usually go to in order to conduct our affair, and the reason why I am not there is because I am away, and you're missing me."

Just like Yuu-chan misses sweets and Allen misses Komurin. The exorcist's thoughts froze as the Noah pressed the two of them closer together; and the younger body tensed not used to the handling it was receiving.

The Pleasure took in the observation before finally asking, "Have you even slept next to someone before?"

Lavi pulled out of the hold and turned to face Tyki in shock at the question. Then red seeped into his cheeks as he answered. "No, at least not like we probably will need to. Even then, Bookmen codes wouldn't allow it, so I'd usually sleep on the floor if I had to share a bed." Relief flooded is features. "Actually, I call the floor."

Tyki's brow rose in amusement. "Go ahead. I'm not averse to the idea." He covered his mouth as a yawn attempted to escape from his lips. "However, for now sleep in the bed. I'm going to retire for the night in a room a little ways down the hall." The Pleasure then turned to leave and made it to the door before pausing. "That reminds me..." He turned to face the redhead who was kneeling on the floor in order to deal with his suitcase.

Lavi looked over at him as he heard the exclamation. "Silver or gold?" The younger seemed confused and startled by the question that seemed to be random. Taking in the expressions, the older male decided to clarify. "I asked silver or gold, as in which do you prefer."

The Bookman was still a little confused, as he attempted to interpret the question. Looking into the other eyes, he relied dazedly, "Gold."

The Noah smirked and spun on his heel to leave, "Goodnight, Bookman Junior."

Challenge time:

So, no one has gotten the last challenge correct yet, but I think if I provide you with an easier challenge someone might get it. Though the first challenge is still open. So here is my question:

When Allen originally joined the Black Order, he was told that there were 18 other exorcists. Who are these 18 people?

Same requirements as last time.

Til later this month.