I do not own D. Gray- man.

D. Gray- Man belongs to Hoshino Kastura.

Chapter 58:

"So you break in horses?" The General asked when we'd all sat down for lunch.

"We train them. I don't like saying 'breaking in'." My father said a little stiffly. "You work with a horse, not against it." The General nodded in understanding.

"You're a painter General?" My mother inquired.

"Please, call me Froi, and yes, painting is my passion in life."

"I saw the painting of Hannah and Morning Dawn. It's beautiful, a real masterpiece." "Would you like it?"

"Oh no, I could never-"

"Then I must insist on you having it. I have to say it's one of the better ones I have."

"Have of what?" My father asked.

"Of your daughter." My father lowered his silver wear and raised an eyebrow. "I paint many people in the order." The General clarified.

"How many painting of me do you have?" I asked, a little uncomfortable.

"A few. I gave one to Kanda." Why was he telling me this? "I have to say it was better than this one and he seemed truly captivated by it." Was he trying to make me dig a hole in the ground to hide in?

"This Kanda," My father interrupted, "Who is he? Kanda doesn't sound like an American or English name. German perhaps?"

"Oh no," The General shook his head. "he's Japanese." My father's grip on his knife tightened. "He's 18, a year older than Hannah. His full name is Yu Kanda. He's a sword master, truly brilliant sword play. Too bad he's not as good with people as he is with the sword."

"His sword is Mugen right?" Tim asked excitedly, I nodded. "He sounds so cool from the stories! Like a real hero! A knight!" I laughed.

"He'd get so mad if he heard you call him a knight. Samurai, call him a samurai."

"What's the difference?"

"Samurai are better swordsmen."

"This Kanda, what's he like?" My mother asked.

"He's rude and gets angry fast-" I cut the General off.

"You don't know him. Yes, he can be rude and he has a short fuse. But at the same time he usually keeps his opinion to himself, he's quiet, strong, he listens and says thing that are to the point."

"Only because you and he have been together since you arrived at the order." The General said. "I've known him longer and he still won't treat me like a father." He pouted. "I am truly jealous of you Hannah. Kanda-kun seems to truly have a liking to you."

"Only because I don't annoy him by being troublesome."

"I do not think that is the only reason."

"It is. He also doesn't mind Lenalee, Jerry and most of the scientists either. Because they're not troublesome. Oh, yes, he also doesn't mind Marie."

"No he doesn't mind them. But he seems to like you." I shrugged.

"He likes her does he?" My father wasn't happy. "Do you like him, Hannah?"

"Yeah, I mean he is my best friend." I noticed my mother give my father a worried glance and my father's jaw tightened. I decided to change the subject. "Are we going to look for the innocence?" I asked the General who was also watching my parents.

"Yes. Apparently it is in a cave in the mountains to the west. How long of a walk is it?" He asked my father.

"Three hours."

"Then we have no time to lose." The General got up and I followed suit. "Thank you for the lovely meal Elizabeth. We shall be seeing you either latter tonight or tomorrow."

"You are welcome. Take care of my girl."

"Mom, I can take care of myself you know."

"I know, I know, but you can never be too safe." She hugged and kissed me.

"I want another story when you get back! One with Kanda in it!"

"Okay, Tim!" I laughed.

"Work hard and get the war over with soon." My father said softly so as only I would hear as he gave me a hug.

I walked out the door with the General, turned and waved at them.

How many times had I done this before?