Disclaimer: We'd probably die if -man belonged to us. Since we're alive, yeah you know...
Two months later
"Allen, where are you?" Lavi shouted, his voice echoing slightly through the empty corridors of his huge mansion. He had all his maids and servants searching for Allen in town, and Bookman was out on a business trip until tonight.
Lavi Bookman was bored, really bored when he suddenly remembered that he hadn't seen Allen anywhere today, hence the search. Passing yet another empty room, his ears perked up when he heard the beautiful melody of his mansion's piano.
Lavi almost banged his head on the nearest wall. How could he have forgotten to check the music room? He quickened his footsteps, only stopping to listen to the sad piano music just outside the door.
The music reminded Lavi of their first meeting, when he found Allen in the alley, looking utterly lost and alone. Lavi had immediately taken him in after learning that Allen had no place to stay. No, don't be mistaken. Lavi didn't usually do charity; it was just something about the younger man that compelled him to do so.
Ever since then, Lavi had never regretted that decision. In these two months, Allen had quickly become his best friend. Being as rich as he is, most of Lavi's friends only befriended him for his wealth and fortune.
Initially, Lavi thought that Allen would be weak and gloomy, considering their first meeting. He was proven wrong on the next day when he got to know the boy better. Allen always smiled, even though sometimes it didn't reach his eyes. Lavi understood later that the albino didn't like to show sadness or any other negative emotion in fact.
It was only when Allen was playing the piano would Lavi be reminded of the pitiful figure back at the alley, and the sadness hidden under that bright smile. Allen Walker was truly an enigma.
Taking tiny steps, he sneaked into the music room. Allen's back was facing him as he made his way towards the elegant couch behind the piano stool.
Wincing at the sound of the tousled carpet, Allen's fingers halted. The room suddenly went silent, with the echoes of the last piano notes vanishing into the air. The young albino twirled effortlessly, giving a slight bow to the visitor. Lavi stood before him, tall and elegant, grinning while walking closer. 'Maybe a little too close...' Blood rushed to Allen's cheeks as he mentally slapped himself for that thought.
"How long have you been listening?" Trying his best to sound casual, Allen quickly turned his head to avoid eye contact. He was trying extremely hard to hide his reddened face.
"I just came. Is anything wrong Allen?" Lavi asked uneasily, fearing that Allen was angry at him for trying to sneak in. "Why won't you look at me?" Leaning in closer towards the petite boy, Lavi tried to loosen the mood, "Don't be angry, we're friends after all right?"
"We're friends… just friends..." The hope that had been building inside Allen for quite some time was instantly crushed. 'You don't understand at all do you, Lavi?'
"Yeah. Of course we are," Allen grinned. Although his smile was wretched, just like how his impatient heart felt, it looked genuine. And Lavi believed it. Smiling back, Lavi placed his hand gently on Allen's white locks before leaving the music room.
How Allen's heart defied him. He hated how Lavi took him in so easily. He hated Lavi for believing his lie without question. Above all, he hated himself. He hated being male. He hated himself for lying so much. He hated the fact that even after Lavi had pronounced their friendship, he could not help but fall for Lavi's charming smile.
As forbidden feelings grew inside him…
The moon hung low in the deep blue horizon. Bookman returned later than expected. As if the former wasn't surprising enough, the first thing Bookman did when he got back was to call Lavi, his normally cheery grandson, into his study.
This leads to the situation now, whereby Lavi is currently sitting in a chair in front of Bookman's desk.
"So what's going on, Panda-jiji?" Lavi said casually, even though he sensed that something was off.
When Bookman just glared instead of hitting Lavi on his head for his insolence, something was always terribly wrong.
"You're getting engaged to Lady Lulu bell," Bookman announced, and sighed.
"What?" Lavi Bookman shouted, his voice laced with surprise.
"You heard me, idiot grandson," Bookman said calmly, having already predicted this.
"You can't make me! I don't even know her!" Lavi protested madly, throwing his arms in the air for elaboration.
"This decision is neither yours nor mine to make. Apparently your deceased parents arranged this," Bookman replied logically, rubbing his temples.
"Can't I back out? My parents aren't even alive anymore!" Lavi retorted.
"Lady Lulu Bell is the sister of Lord Tyki Mikk, who I'm sure you know of," Bookman said gravely.
And of course, Lavi did. Everyone who lives in London knows them. Lord Tyki Mikk is the most successful businessman currently, and Bookman had made it quite clear that if Lavi did not marry Lulu Bell, his grandfather's business, no matter how successful it was now, would definitely fail.
Lavi ran his fingers through his hair, it seemed like he had no other choice.
"I've let you have your way for a long time. Even when you took in that strange boy, I had not said a word. Now, it's your turn to do something for this household," Bookman continued.
Lavi sat silently for a long time, reflecting on Bookman's words. Then he gave in.
"Okay, I'll do it."
Lavi stood in front of his full-length bedroom mirror, trying to think of a way to break the news to Allen. He never had a friend to tell things like these to before and wanted to make this announcement perfect.
"Hey Allen, I'm going to get married!" He voiced awkwardly, then shook his head and sighed. It was his umpteenth attempt at phrasing his declaration, yet it was disastrous. Lavi slumped on his bed; he was not having a good time.
He looked around the room, hoping to find something that would be of use to him. That was when he saw the folder containing all of Lulu Bell's information on his bedside table. Clutching the file, he headed straight for Allen's bedroom.
Someone's coming? Allen thought. Being an angel, his senses were much more distinct than mortals. He swiftly hid his wings from sight, as he always did. They were not taken off or kept away, no. They were merely invisible to the human eye. And they would stay invisible for as long as Allen wanted. Now, he did not look any different from a mere mortal. Well, except for the hair color and all.
He sat on a comfortable cushioned chair beside his window and waited for the guest to enter. For some strange reason, even though he knew that someone was there, he could not tell who it was.
When Lavi took a step into the room, Allen immediately jumped up. Lavi gave Allen another one of his angelic smiles. "Allen, I'm getting married!" Lavi declared while childishly pushing the folder to Allen's chest. "That's her! She's really pretty isn't she? We're going to buy her wedding gown tomorrow!"
Allen's eyes widened. Married…?
No, this can't be happening.
"I beg your pardon? I seemed to have heard wrongly, can you repeat what you just said?" Allen asked over politely. The younger boy observed closely as the older one fidgeted, unsure of what to say.
Lavi decided to just come clean.
"I'm engaged, Allen," he replied seriously, his usual cheerful demeanor gone.
Lavi watched as Allen froze. There was silence. Minutes ticked by and Allen hadn't seem to come out of that state.
"Allen, are you okay?" Lavi asked anxiously. Moving closer to Allen, he could feel the other teenager mutter to himself softly.
"It's not true… It's not true. Please tell me it isn't true!" Allen looked up to face Lavi with unshed tears in his eyes. Lavi was shocked. Why was Allen crying?
"I'm sorry, but I really can't back out. Please stop crying," Lavi said apologetically, trying to comfort the white haired boy. Somehow, Lavi felt guilty and he wasn't even sure why. The more he looked at Allen, the more his heart clenched painfully. He really couldn't control himself.
"Allen, please don't cry. Please..." Taking a step in, Lavi pulled the sobbing boy onto his shoulder, securing his waist while gently patting his head. Tears stained Lavi's sleeve for a period of time while he stood there bawling. Lavi just held him close, patiently waiting for him to calm down.
Allen's left hand moved swiftly from Lavi's chest to his shoulder, slightly pushing him away. Lavi could only catch a glimpse of the younger boy's face. It was still flooded with tears but there was a hint of lust in his eyes. Suddenly, he felt the albino's right hand at back of his head. Allen jerked his head forward, crashing their lips together in a heartbreaking kiss. The next thing Lavi knew, Allen stuck his tongue into his mouth.
What the hell? Lavi's emerald eye widened. He instantly thrust the other away.
"What are you doing?" Lavi exclaimed, furious. He tried to keep himself from being overwhelmed by the emotions within him.
"I… I…" Allen didn't get to finish his sentence, seeing that Lavi had already stormed out.
Lavi's head was in chaos. He didn't know what to think. Why had Allen suddenly kissed him? The answer was obvious but Lavi was in denial. He did not want to believe that Allen had fallen for him. It was absolutely insane. After all, Lavi was a guy and was only interested in girls. How could Allen like him?
The next morning
Lavi glanced drowsily at his wall clock. "Oh no, I'm late!" Lavi yelled, leaping off his bed like a ninja. He was supposed to meet Lulu Bell at the fountain in the middle of the city half an hour ago. It was already one and he had just woken up. Oversleeping is definitely not a good thing to do when you are about to meet your fiancee.
Lavi darted around the house, afraid that he might bump into Allen while going out. Surprisingly, Allen was no where to be found. Not even in the music room, where he usually resided. Lavi heaved a sigh of relief and rushed out of the mansion. He did not want to face Allen, not after what happened the night before.
Lavi reached the fountain panting, almost losing his balance while trying to catch his breath. Lady Lulu Bell recognized his dazzling red hair from the information file that was given to her, and immediately walked up to him.
Anyone could easily tell that Lulu Bell was not impressed, even though her fiancee was handsome to say the least, he didn't act like a gentlemen at all. What kind of person would make her wait? How could her brother let her marry such a person?
"Sor-ry for b-being late," Lavi struggled to say between his heavy breaths, ignoring the criticizing stare given by the other party, "l-let's go now."
Lulu Bell did not say a word. She had waited for him for almost forty minutes and was still trying to let her anger simmer down. She had a strange feeling about the day, but shrugged it off as edginess. Nonetheless, she was furious that Lavi had come this late.
Sensing her disappointment, Lavi brought Lulu Bell to a famous restaurant. Of course, he paid for the meal. They went to a mall next, walking into all the dress stores they could find. Lulu Bell tried on at least twenty dresses and looked like a magazine model in all of them. She even managed to attract customers into some of the empty shops. You wouldn't be able to count the number of times Lavi went "Strike!"
No matter how pretty she looked, each time she walked out of a changing room, she always sensed someone's disgust. A hatred that seemed to dwell everywhere she went. Almost like a predator stalking its prey. It made her feel extremely uneasy. However, when she saw that Lavi was having quite a good time with her, she tried to hide her discomfort so that they could enjoy their first date.
Lavi's hands were filled with shopping bags from various stores. They weren't little shopping bags, no. They were enormous carriers that gowns and dresses were put in. Lavi could barely see where he was going. Luckily Lulu Bell was leading the way, or they may have gotten lost.
Lulu Bell's hands were full too; she quickly paid a random person on the street to help her carry them. She was carrying her new wedding gown set: Complete with make-up, hairpins and even a pannier. They rummaged around the whole mall then finally decided on that as the wedding dress.
Lulu Bell was thrilled that she was about to get married to Lavi. During those five hours of shopping, she had practically fallen for him. No other man she dated would buy all those expensive gowns for her, and Lavi did not even hesitate while doing so.
After drinking a few glasses of wine when dinner was over, they finally called it a day. Lavi walked Lulu Bell all the way home. It was tough because she basically lived on the other side of town and his hands were piled with shopping bags. The worst part was that he could only see with one eye. If any of the shopping bags blocked that eye while they were crossing a road, he may not live through the day!
Lulu Bell's mansion was spectacular. Just as expected from her wealthy brother, Tyki Mikk. Tyki was a perfectionist. If the mansion wasn't perfect, it wouldn't be his home. It's no wonder all the girls in town were so obsessed with him.
The deep sky had a eerie glow to it, dozens of stars glinted erratically, watching the town carefully from above. As Lulu Bell's favorite maid, Mimi, left her mistress's room, she closed the door silently behind her. Mimi had just helped the lady do her nails. Knowing that her mistress did not like to be disturbed, she left right after her job was done.
Lady Lulu Bell could not help but feel a sense of impending doom. Even that afternoon, when Lavi had brought her out, she kept feeling a pair of exasperated eyes on her, watching her every little move and step. It was rather unusual seeing a person such as Lulu Bell, who was normally arrogant and calm, afraid. The young mistress laid quietly on her bed, trying to ignore the unusual sensation.
A small creaking sound brought her out of her thoughts. Her sharp ears had instantly picked up its location and she found herself staring at an open window. The moonlight shone brightly into her bedroom with a startling purple hue. She raised a delicate eyebrow. Didn't Mimi close it earlier?
Lulu bell got out of her silk sheets, heading over to the open window and then, she looked outside. Nothing. Not a single person in sight. Maybe she was just being paranoid; after all, she did just have a long day. It wasn't uncommon for people to hallucinate when they were exhausted.
She locked the window shut, taking a deep breath to calm herself. Resting her eyes, Lulu Bell turned back to her mattress. Out of nowhere, a silhouette loomed over her, and a small hand clasped Lulu Bell's mouth shut. A few strangled screams was silenced in her throat. The last thing she saw was a demonic hand with five razor sharp claws ramming towards her abdomen.
A few minutes later, all that was left was a corpse of a once beautiful lady surrounded by crimson red blood.
The angel opened the Pandora's Box.
It was raining when Lavi received word of Lulu Bell's death. Truthfully, he didn't know what to think. All he knew was that it was unexpected and that it wasn't a suicide. He was alone in his room now, unable to sleep. Was someone out to get him? Or perhaps gramps? Or maybe even Allen…
Lavi hadn't seen Allen today, mostly due to the fact that he was still shunning him. His thoughts drifted back to the day before, and instinctively Lavi reached out to touch his own lips. He could still taste Allen in his mouth. Lavi stammered. He definitely didn't feel the same for Allen. They were only friends. Why couldn't he just let the incident go?
Well, as they all say, speak of the devil, and the devil shall appear. Allen was standing at his door when Lavi finally noticed him. There weren't any lights on, but Lavi could tell that something was wrong with Allen.
The younger male stared at Lavi with remorseful eyes.
"Lavi…," Allen whispered, and somehow Lavi felt the hairs on the back of his neck stand. A flash of lightning brightened the room.
Lavi's eyes widened in surprise and horror. Allen's left arm which was usually hidden under long sleeves and gloves was exposed. Underneath was a pitch black arm and five pointed nails. The arm was deformed. Lavi didn't miss the cross-shaped gash at the back of his hand. But the most terrifying thing was… it was covered in blood. Dried, dirty brown blood.
"So you were the one that killed her…" Lavi said in a monotone. Allen smiled. The smile was so beautiful yet depressing.
Lavi felt disgusted that Allen didn't deny it. His brain had quickly figured out whose blood exactly was stained on Allen's deformed arm. Who else had hated Lulu Bell so much that he had the intent to kill her?
"You're a monster. Go away! I don't want to see you ever again!" Lavi spat out, his facing twisted with repulsion. Allen had just continued smiling, though one could see the self-loathing tears threatening to fall out.
"I love you," Allen said, just as another strike of lightning flashed. Lavi thought he must have been dreaming because he swore he saw a pair of white wings appear on Allen's back just as he disappeared, leaving a white feather behind.
To make the forbidden love between a human and an angel happen,
All he had to do was to destroy everything.
I knew you'd react that way but, it's okay,' Allen thought as he forced a smile. The pitiful angel who fell for a human, hid behind a wall. To grant the wish of his lover who never wanted to see him again.
Allen folded his hands behind his back, placing them under his wings as he leaned back. His head was hung low, facing the ground. And even as his eyes were closed, warm tears escaped them, falling drop by drop onto the floor.
'You would like me if I'm a girl right?' Sinking lower and lower, his immortal body reached the cold concrete ground.
There's only one way for that to happen.
Allen's eyes shot open, and he looked down at his left hand.
I'll abandon my pure heart, if I'm allowed to live and love you.
A metal claw shone, willingly taking the place of his left arm.
I won't hesitate to cut off these wings so, let me surrender myself to the devil.
Thick blood inched down his back. In place of his glorious wings, two crying stubs remained.
Izzy: That's all for the 1st chapter!
Keely: Yup, we'll probably upload a new chapter every 1 or 2 weeks.
Izzy: That depends… Will you be free?
Keely: What? You're pushing the uploading to me?
Izzy: Hey! You started it!
Keely: *Sigh* Why are you even my friend? Anyways, please leave a review!