Chapter 14: Those Years
::Colourful Moments::
"You are the answer to every prayer I've offered. You are a song, a dream, a whisper, and I don't know how I could have lived without you for as long as I have."―Nicholas Sparks, The Notebook
At exactly six-thirty in the early morning, the alarm clock rang loudly throughout the whole room, attempting to wake up its owner who was still hidden deep inside the thick covers on the bed. Soft, drowned groans were heard as there were some shuffling inside the covers, before it stopped and everything went still. The alarm clock continued to blare, its shrieking sounds piercing through the surrounding, showing no mercy for the owner. The covers were thrown aside, revealing a sleepy and slightly grumpy Allen Walker disturbed from his beauty sleep. His loose pajamas slid off his left shoulder slightly, showing his fair and smooth skin with firm trained muscles from his shoulder blade. His silvery hair strands were obviously dishevelled from the tosses and turns in the night, spilling all over his face. He let out a loud yawn, rubbing his cheeks as silver eyes blinked, looking ahead. Allen then turned and glared at the annoying alarm clock, before he reached out and slammed it down forcefully.
He stretched out his arms and legs fully, getting out of bed and slipping his warm feet into his favourite pair of white bear slippers. The silver-haired teen slowly walked towards the bathroom, grabbing a fresh piece of towel as he turned on the water tap and began to wash up. Splashing clear water onto his face, he felt more awake and ready to start his brand new day.
A new day to spend together with Kanda.
Allen couldn't help but smile to himself whenever he was thinking of that. He shook his head vigourously and proceeded to clean his face, before he stepped out of the bathroom. He opened his cupboard, wondering what he should wear for this great day. The silver-haired teen rampaged the whole cupboard, throwing out whatever clothes he could wear, his mind busily forming images and matching up the clothes suitable to wear. After several considerations, he decided to wear his light grey sweater with an outline of white alongside the clothing and a hood behind, a dark-blue denim jeans with a brown belt to accompany the pants. For the pullover, he would be wearing a silver-coloured windbreaker. Allen grinned in satisfaction as he put the clothes he chose on his bed, putting the rest of them back into his cupboard.
The clock hit seven in the morning. The sky was lit up with a diffused background of Aurora, signalling the beginning of dawn. He walked down the stairs to the living room, not surprised that the whole apartment was still deadly silent with no one around. Lenalee normally woke up at eight, while Komui was later than that. Allen took out four pieces of bread and walked into the kitchen, putting them into the toaster. He then opened the refrigerator and took out the large carton of milk, pouring the cold white liquid into an empty glass before putting the carton back into the fridge. The silver-haired teen smiled, humming a soft tune at his lips as he spun around the place, preparing his breakfast in high spirits.
After a few minutes, there was a snapping sound as the four pieces of bread, toasted into a beautiful golden crisp, popped out of the toaster. Allen put them down onto a plate and took it out to the dining table, placing it beside his glass of milk. Taking the newspaper by the door, he walked to the table and sat down, taking one piece of bread and bit it by his lips, his eyes reading the headlines. Watching the time at the same time, Allen drank his milk in large gulps as he reached out for his second piece of bread.
The clock ticked seven-thirty. Allen stood up, taking the plate filled with only crumbs and the empty glass into the kitchen sink. He then went up the stairs and walked back to his room. The silver-haired teen looked at himself in the long wooden mirror situated at the corner, unbuttoning his shirt as it slowly slipped down onto the floor, showing his firm torsos and lower curvy hips trained from days when he was an Exorcist. He slipped his grey sweater onto himself, straightening his shoulders as he pulled the clothing down to his waist. Allen took off his pants and threw them onto his bed, before wearing his tight denim jeans which fit his slender hips so perfectly. After strapping his belt in place, Allen started styling up his hair with gel, and wore some accessories of necklace and bracelets onto himself.
His eyes caught something lying on the table. Allen peered closely, seeing a pair of brown gloves which were given to him as a Christmas gift, though he did not know who the sender was. The silver-haired teen felt the soft velvet of the leather and slipped them into his hands. Wearing his windbreaker over himself, he grabbed his light-brown sling bag and went out of his room, walking down the stairs and towards the door. He then wore his socks and slipped his feet into his long black boots, before he opened the door and walked out into the cold.
The clock hit seven forty-five in the morning. Allen locked the door of the apartment and headed to the park which was just a few blocks away. He slipped his hands into the tight pockets, grinning madly to himself at the thought of seeing Kanda for the whole day. Recalling that moment when Kanda chased him all the way through the entire street, indirectly telling him his feelings and the sensual kiss that they shared wasn't helping either. The silver-haired teen laughed softly, skipping along the streets as he ignored the weird stares by other people, the sweet memories continuing to play in his head.
Allen entered the park, enjoying the peaceful view of the place filled with pines and oaks coated with the snow. There was still no one around, only him walking on the stone pavement leading to the Christmas tree situated in the middle. Reaching his destination, silver eyes peered at the front, his heart beating in anticipation on whether the raven-haired man would be there. A pang of nervousness suddenly invaded him, and he swallowed, wondering what to say when he met him later.
One more bend, and he would see him...
Allen paused in his steps, peering at the clear blue sky as the morning breeze rang melodiously throughout the air. He could see the Christmas tree just right across him. The silver-haired teen began to walk forward, step by step, and as he slowly count down inside his head, he turned to the right, seeing the large pine tree filled with pretty shimmering decorations. And there, he spotted a raven-haired man standing beside it, his hands tucked in the pockets of his long black coat as he leaned lightly against the wall.
That sight took his whole breath away. Kanda had let his hair down, spilling down his broad shoulders. His dark-brown sling bag and his camera which was attached with a long thick strap were hung at his right shoulder. His shades were above his head, covered partially by his fringe. The said man wore a pair of tight denim jeans and leather boots tied up in a tight yet beautiful butterfly knots. A bright white scarf was wrapped loosely around his neck, fluttering rhythmically with the wind. His lips were slightly parted, and as small vapours of his breaths escaped, Allen gulped, feeling a sudden heat washing over him. He slowly paced towards Kanda.
"Yo, Moyashi," Kanda greeted him in a low yet enticing voice, vibrating deep inside his ears.
"It's Allen," Allen corrected with a slight huff. After so many years that arrogant bastard still had the excuse to forget how to call him?
"I know," Kanda murmured with a small smirk. His hand reached out, and silver eyes widened as the raven-haired man grabbed his arm and pulled him closer to his side, his head leaning against his cheeks as he slowly sniffed in his addictive scent he carried along. Allen blinked and squirmed in slight awkwardness, not knowing how to react. Seconds later, Kanda released his hold and stepped back, and Allen felt a slight disappointment at his action, but he shook his head vigourously to snap out of this delusion. They had much, much, much more important things to do today.
"So where are we going, Moyashi?" He asked.
"Hmm..." Allen took out his planner that he had done last night. Kanda took a peek at the paper in his hands, curious on the events lined up for the outing.
"Before we are doing this, isn't it logical to settle our breakfast first?" The raven-haired man asked softly, leaning at his shoulders as he peered at him.
"Y-Yeah, we have to eat...wait, I have considered that in my schedule, Kanda!" Allen shot him a stare, telling him inwardly that his plan was just perfect. Seeing his obstinate expression which looked more like a cute pout, Kanda chuckled in amusement.
"Then what are we waiting for? Let's go."
Silver eyes narrowed at the sudden change in his character. Kanda somehow was behaving different than before. He could not explain what it was, but he wasn't someone who had the habit of leaning close to him. At that particular moment when Kanda closed in to him, he could literally feel his warm breaths blowing by his cheeks and a deep, vibrating inhaling sound from his throat as he breathed in his scent. Allen blinked, feeling his face heating up fast.
"Why are you still standing there like a dummy, Moyashi?" Kanda shouted from a few metres away. The jasmine scent gradually faded away, going away together with that person.
"I told you that my name is Allen, not Moyashi!" Allen yelled back as he rushed up to the raven-haired man.
::Colourful Moments::
"Everytime you smile, I smile
And everytime you shine, I'll shine for you."―Taylor Swift
9 am, Clear
They were in a cafe―the same cafe which they visited last night. Somehow, the soft and tranquil atmosphere here felt rather nostalgic, even though they were here in less than 24 hours. Kanda ordered a cup of cappuccino and a sandwich, which Allen pondered how the raven-haired man got used to eating western food and leaving his favourite Japanese dishes. Silver eyes peered at him in a curious gaze, trying to figure out everything and get into that person's thoughts, but whenever he met that pair of sapphire eyes, he found himself looking away instead. Allen hissed softly in slight frustration. Just what made him so anxious whenever he was looking at Kanda?
That guy was famous for being a stubborn mule. No matter how Jerry advertised his delicacies every time he came to the cafeteria of the Order, Kanda would not hesitate to reject his every offer and order himself a plate of soba and a cup of green tea instead. No one ever succeeded in getting him to eat other cuisines. The former swordsman liked nothing other than his sword, and his favourite soba and green tea. Allen had once thought that it was because of his past in his hometown, but after finding out the truth later, he knew that the last place that the raven-haired man wanted to go was Japan.
He took his cup of hot chocolate and drank it, tasting the creamy sweet beverage at his tongue, swirling deep within his caverns before he swallowed it down his throat. Kanda was now engrossed in the newspapers in his hands. Allen slowly studied his stern face features and the signature frown at his forehead.
Just how much had changed in him? He knew Kanda wouldn't continue practising in his sword skills when the Order was disbanded. The time had changed, and their lives were gradually changing. What made him change his habits and his lifestyle? Who...influenced him in changing his life? The silver-haired teen couldn't help but think back to that red-haired girl who could step into Kanda's life so easily, while it took him so many years to open his inner barriers and allow him inside...
"Moyashi?"
Allen blinked, looking up at Kanda who was staring at him.
"No, I'm just...thinking that so much things have changed through the years."
Kanda raised an eyebrow at his sentence. Allen showed a faint smile as he peered at his beverage.
"You hardly touch any food except your Japanese soba and green tea in the past, and now, you are drinking English cappuccino in front of me. Somehow, I couldn't get used to it..."
Before Allen could finish his sentence, he felt himself being pulled over as a warm hand descended onto the corner of his lips, wiping away the cream from the cream puffs he was currently eating. Silver eyes widened as Kanda licked away the white cream at his index finger and stared at him with soft, seductive eyes which made his heart skip a beat.
"For a person who invited me out first, I do not understand why you wouldn't get used to this side of me," He whispered. Allen blinked hardly, his mind switching off in an instant. Or rather, everything was completely wiped out of his mind, like the strong Trojan horse virus attacking a computer, deleting every content in its way. His heat was literally smoldering his hand, and it might be because of that his face was flushing darkly in response. The silver-haired teen swallowed thickly, finding himself at a loss for words.
Kanda licked the remaining sweet cream off his lips, letting go of him as Allen sank back onto his seat. The slow classical music continued to play throughout the cafe, ringing softly at his ears as it slowly calmed down his heartbeats. Allen shook his head, trying to snap himself out of the pervy thoughts coming to him when Kanda did that particular action. He bit a small bite of the cream puff, staring at him in silence. Kanda just continued enjoying his breakfast as he continued to read his newspaper.
He remembered that Kanda hated sweets.
Allen peered at the surface of the hot chocolate which was still swirling after he stirred it. How much had he missed ever since they went separate ways three years ago? He knew that something must have changed, but he had never thought that he would change this much. He had always wanted to get to know Kanda better.
But was a day enough? Enough to let him grasp on everything about the Kanda Yuu he was seeing now?
After breakfast, they were going to take a bus to Buckingham Palace to catch the marching ceremony whereby the royal guards would be changing their shifts at 11am. Allen was walking briskly towards the bus stop, worried that they would miss the public bus and be late for the ceremony. Kanda was pacing behind leisurely, enjoying the windy weather and the fresh morning air. Seeing that the raven-haired man was not beside him, the silver-haired teen turned around and stared at him in slight annoyance.
"Can you hurry up! It's already 9.30am!" Allen screamed out, his voice slightly drowned by the wind.
Kanda ignored him and stopped, taking out his camera to snap a picture of London's scenery and a guy leaning against the tree, reading a newspaper in his hands.
"Kanda!"
The raven-haired man grunted in irritation as he put down his camera and began to walk towards him. Allen was frowning deeply in displeasure, his cheeks puffed up so much that it looked like a long pout. Kanda chuckled as he squeezed his shoulders tightly. The silver-haired teen let out a sigh, before he smiled at him. As they walked together, their hands brushed lightly past each other, sending little sparks of electricity up their spines. Silver eyes looked up, seeing his flying strands of raven hair and his black coat fluttering together with the breeze.
"The bus, Kanda! The bus!"
They sprinted to the bus stop as fast as they could, squeezing together with the crowd at the front of the bus. There was only one available seat behind, and Allen decided that he would rather stand together with Kanda, but Kanda pushed him down firmly without a second thought, and the silver-haired teen found himself sitting on it, feeling his heat radiating towards him as the bus started its journey. Allen peered out of the window, seeing many streets and places which passed by in a flash. He glanced at Kanda, wondering whether the time today would also pass by within a flash, just like this bus which would eventually reach its final destination.
What was their final destination? Did they even have one in the beginning?
Allen blinked and stared at the random graffiti written at the back of the seat, feeling heavy tears forming at his eyes. He bent down, trying to calm his emotions down. Now was not the time to cry over their eventual departure.
"Moyashi?"
He felt a hand on his shoulder which felt so soothing and comforting. Allen looked up at Kanda who was giving him a look of slight concern. He just smiled back in silence.
After about 30 minutes, the bus reached the front of Buckingham Palace. They could see a large crowd at the front gates, waiting for the ceremony to start. Both of them alighted the bus, walking on the rough pavement as they looked for space to view the ceremony more clearly. As Allen was busily looking out for any spaces, he felt something grabbing his arm and taking him away. Silver eyes looked up at the raven-haired man who led him to a higher ground just few steps away from the palace, his hands pulling him up carefully until he stood beside him. Allen looked down, his eyes slowly widening at the great view which was far better than standing on the ground and having to squeeze with the people counted at least hundreds.
"Oh my God..." Allen whispered loudly, feeling the rush of the wind from their positions. Kanda snapped some pictures of the palace and the front gates.
"Don't fall, Moyashi."
"I will not fall! And my name is Allen!" Allen snapped back, though he recognised his tone that Kanda was just teasing him. He sat down at the edge, watching the palace from afar as he waited. Kanda soon sat beside him, waiting as well. It was within minutes, and he wondered how fast the time would pass by.
The silver-haired teen heard the loud sounds of the drum beats, and the ceremony soon began. The gates slowly opened, and with the roar of applause coming from the audience, the soldiers marched out of the palace, their heads up high and their feet moving in an even rhythm with their black rifles in their hands. Their smart uniforms fluttered lightly as they turned in unison, following the thundering beats of the military band. Loud cheers echoed in the air, and Kanda took up his camera, snapping down everything quickly within seconds. Allen silently watched the performance, swinging his legs as he enjoyed the solid beats of the military song etched deeply inside his memory.
It was a short one, and the march ended after fifteen minutes. Allen wanted to take a photo with the soldier, but he hesitated slightly, knowing that they did not have the time. If he had to choose between the photo and Kanda, he would choose Kanda without hesitation.
"Let's go to the next destination, Kanda!" He shouted, jumping down onto the dirty ground as he looked forward to proceed to the next venue.
"I want to take a photo with the soldier."
Allen flinched, his eyes widening slightly as he turned and stared at the raven-haired man. Kanda turned around and walked towards the nearest soldier on guard.
"Hurry up, Moyashi. You have to help me."
Allen remained there for a moment. He then went over to where Kanda was, taking the camera from him. The silver-haired teen slowly stepped back, positioning himself where he could take a best shot. He stared at the small screen, and as he started counting, his eyes slowly widened in slight astonishment at noticing the small smile on the raven-haired man's face. As far as he knew, Kanda hardly smiled. No, he did not even smile once in his whole life since he met him till now. Though it was only for the photo, it felt as though the smile was indirectly meant for him to see. His heart thumped heavily at this feeling, not able to avert his gaze away. He should be feeling ecstatic, yet this was the first time, and would also be the last time he would see it. How ironic was that? What exactly was Kanda trying to tell him by showing this kind of face expression?
Allen pressed the button, taking down the picture. Kanda then came over and shove him towards the same soldier.
"K-Kanda...!" He gasped, stumbling in his steps.
"Stand properly, or else I can't take it!" Kanda yelled. Allen blinked in slight astonishment, finding no words to answer back to him. He slowly approached the soldier and stood beside him, facing the raven-haired man as he was preparing to take a photo of him. As Kanda counted from one to three, he let out a small, tentative smile, before a snap of the camera was heard. Allen then walked out of the crowd and joined Kanda who was waiting for him at the roadside.
"How do you find the performance?"
"Hmm, interesting. First time seeing it," Kanda replied. Allen smiled, glad that he was enjoying himself. This was what his main aim was. As long as he was happy, he had nothing to wish for.
"Let's go to the next place."
They went over to the House of Parliament, the main London residence of the Kings and Queens of Britain. Kanda observed the structure of the building closely, his camera snapping continuously at a particular angle of the place he wanted to take down. Allen followed behind him, watching the hardworking side of him which he would never fail to see whenever the raven-haired man was absorbed in his own thing. He remembered back when Kanda was training in the Order, his eyes blindfolded as he held his sword tightly, trying to locate where the target was. At that time, he was also showing the same expression he had now, too focused on what he was doing that he did not even notice that he was always here, watching him from a distance away.
They turned at a corner, reaching deeper inside the place. Kanda took out a notebook and pen, writing something down quickly. Allen peered at him in silence, stepping on his footsteps which had left a mark on the soft, snowy ground. Many thoughts came to his mind. Why did Kanda choose to chase after him instead of staying at her side? What did he exactly mean when he asked him again whether he liked him? What made the raven-haired man agree to go out with him today? But no matter what the reasons were, Kanda was here with him, and he was going to make use of this day to make many memories with him, to replace the time that was lost years ago when they were still Exorcists.
"Found new ideas for your project?" Allen asked out of a sudden. Kanda stopped and stared at him for a moment. He then put down his pen and continued walking.
"Yeah."
It was a simple question with a short answer in return. He knew Kanda wasn't good in conversations, and he was doing his work, thus he shouldn't disturb him for now. But for some reasons, Allen felt like talking to him more frequently, to hear his voice as much as he could till the next day of his departure, such that when he left this place, he would not have any regret. He could have asked him to stay, but...
"Moyashi?" The silver-haired teen turned and faced Kanda who was frowning slightly. He smiled.
"No, it's nothing."
::Colourful Moments::
"My soul will find yours."―Jude Deveraux, A Knight in Shining Armor
12 Noon, Sunny
They reached to Oxford Street, known as the heart of London shopping whereby there had more than 300 shops, designer outlets and landmark stores. Even at the start of the afternoon, the street was already bustling with people of all ages, coming here to buy the clothes and fashion of their liking. Being here with Lenalee once, Allen showed Kanda around, and they stopped whenever they spotted something interesting. The raven-haired man looked around the surroundings and took pictures of the crowds of people and the famous street in London which everyone would go.
"Kanda, come in and take a look!" Allen called out. Kanda turned and went to him, staring at the shelves of denim jeans which were currently on sale. The silver-haired teen tapped his chin as he glanced at the jeans, taking a black and light-blue jeans and handing them to him.
"Go and try, see which one fits you!" Allen said. Kanda blinked for a while, before he went to the fitting room to try them on. He then looked around, seeing if there were anything which suited the raven-haired man's taste. He doubted that Kanda knew anything about fashion, and from his busy schedule, he believed that he hardly had time to shop as well. It would be a good time to take him for a shopping trip before he went back. The silver-haired teen paced through the rows of clothes, taking out a dark-blue windbreaker as he inspected it fully.
"This one looks good on that boyfriend of yours."
Allen looked up at the shop owner in slight confusion. Silver eyes widened in realisation as he looked away, blushing fiercely in embarrassment.
"I..."
"He's a fine man you've got. But you look rather depressed. Anything happen between the both of you?"
Allen was silent, not knowing what to answer. It was past noon, and before he knew it, half of the day was gone. For the past three years holding back his feelings, it had been hell, but when they were together, time flew by quickly, so fast that he couldn't catch up to grasp on what was happening.
"Oi, Moyashi." He turned to Kanda who had come out. He chose the black jeans, and after they paid the money, they walked out of the store, staring at the street which stretched far down to the other end. Both of them continued their way, seeing many different types of trendy outfits and shoes to pair with. Something caught his eye as Allen ran over to the glass pane, seeing TOMS shoes displayed outside. He loved the soft and comfy material of the shoes, and he had always wanted to buy a second pair after Lenalee gave one pair of dark-blue TOMS shoes to him as a present.
"What is it?" Kanda went to him and took a curious look.
"I want to buy shoes from this brand. Come," Allen said as the two of them walked inside the shoes store. The place was furnished with plain colours of white and light brown, and there were many shoe brands displayed, ranging from Sports brand Adidas, Nike and Reebok to casual wear such as Dr Martens. Allen took a red-coloured TOMS shoe and sat down to try, smiling as his right foot fit perfectly into the shoe.
"Is it nice, Kanda?" He asked, standing up as he paced around the store, admiring himself in the mirror.
"Looks good on you, Moyashi," Kanda answered, his eyes fixing on a pair of dark-blue TOMS shoe in slight curiosity. He took it down the shelf and walked over to a vacant seat, taking off his right boots as he tried it on. Surprisingly, it felt rather comfortable. He stood up and walked around, liking the light sensation he was getting when he was wearing it.
"Oh, you like this kind of shoes as well?" Allen asked as he took off the shoe and wore back his boots, asking the salesgirl beside him to get him a new pair. The raven-haired man walked back to his seat, tapping his foot lightly on the floor.
"It really fits you well," The silver-haired teen commented. Kanda nodded his head, continuing to try out the shoe.
Allen then had a sudden thought that the two of them would be going out on a date, wearing the same pairs of shoes walking on a random street, their hands clasping together. Silver eyes blinked as he blushed slightly at his imagination. He shot a glance at Kanda who was asking for a new pair of shoes. This idea was certainly interesting and definitely had room to explore, but...how could Kanda like wearing the same stuffs as him, like those couples he saw in most of the Korean dramas? It would be completely impossible. Allen sighed and shook his head, telling himself inwardly to stop thinking of such irrational fantasies which would not even happen.
They stepped out of the shop, realising that the crowd was getting thicker. Hordes of people were walking on the street, so close that he could not see any gaps between them. Allen breathed deeply, gripping the sides of his windbreaker in slight nervousness. After some time to recuperate and adjust himself when the war was over, his phobia had recovered fully, but he still felt a little uneasy facing so many people all of a sudden. The silver-haired teen bit his lip and was about to walk out when something grabbed his arm. Silver eyes widened slightly in astonishment, before he turned back, staring at Kanda.
"Don't force yourself if you cannot do it."
His eyes slowly widened. That calm gaze in his sapphire eyes brought him comfort and security, and he felt himself loosening much more than before. The raven-haired man then stepped down, grabbing his hand together with his.
"Kanda, what are you doing―" Allen gasped, following him behind as they entered the main street, joining in with the crowd. It would be bad if anyone spotted them holding hands, not to mention that they were both guys!
"Do you want to get lost?" Kanda asked. Allen blinked and pondered at his question for a moment, before his face snapped up to him in anger, fighting back the urge to yell at that arrogant bastard. Did that baKanda really think that nothing had changed in him for the past three years? How dare he ask him such a ridiculous question when he was only the visitor here and he lived here for three whole years!
"Who the hell will get lost here! I should worry whether you will lose your way, baKanda!" Allen hissed, glaring hardly at him. Kanda did not reply, focusing on where he was going as his hand gripped tightly onto his, as though there might be a split second that his hand would slip past him and the silver-haired teen would disappear completely. Allen stared at that hand which clasping over his, feeling slightly confused yet happy that the raven-haired man was somehow treating him so nicely for the first time in his life. A small smile appeared on his face as he peered at his back leading him on, and he wished that time would go slower, such that they could continue to walk on like this, till the end of the road.
For him, he would do anything.
The crowds were getting larger, and Allen could feel the closeness between him and the people around him. He gasped slightly, his heart beating faster as his body began to tremble out of its own, rejecting the fear he once had towards crowds of people who might be Akumas in disguise. The silver-haired teen swallowed, trying to block out the loud noises vibrating in his head messily. Several memories flashed inside his mind―walking on a street filled with strangers smiling and laughing, and some were Akumas as humans which were waiting for their chances to pounce upon their prey. He could not differentiate whether they were normal people or Akumas, and he couldn't ignore people's perceptions towards someone as hideous as him. He tried to conceal himself, but was scared that they might see through him easily.
Allen flinched at that memory, losing his concentration for a slight second. He gasped, feeling himself being pushed aside. The silver-haired teen stumbled slightly, his eyes widening in slight horror as his hand slowly slipping away from his grasp, vanishing into the crowds of people. The silver-haired teen slowly stopped in his footsteps, staring at the bustling scene in growing fear. He could no longer feel his comforting warmth, and his jasmine scent was getting fainter, away from him.
Kanda was not here. Kanda was gone.
Gone.
There is no way you could notice us, Allen.
Silver eyes looked around frantically, his hands hugging his trembling body as he searched through the street.
Even if you notice us, what can you do? Kill us?
He bit his lip, breathing heavily as he rubbed his arms which was slowly turning cold.
How can you even kill us? We are once humans, Allen.
"No..." He muttered softly under his breath, feeling light-headed as his vision began to blur.
Can you kill us, Allen?
"Please..." Allen whispered softly, covering his ears as he tried shutting out the voices which continued to haunt him.
Can you?
"Please...don't let me go..."
Before his feet gave way, a hand reached to him and grabbed his wrist. Allen gasped, feeling himself moving forward on his own, straight to the familiar raven-haired man he knew so long. Silver eyes widened as his feet gradually stopped in front of him, his face hitting lightly onto his chest. He looked up at Kanda who was glaring darkly at him. Those memories clouding in his head and the voices gradually disappeared as soon as he saw him.
"Who asks you to let go, Moyashi?" He demanded angrily. Allen said nothing, his hands holding onto his arms tightly as his head leaned gently onto his black coat, breathing in his light scent that brought him calmness and reassurance. The silver-haired teen smiled lightly, closing his eyes as tears streamed down his face. He felt so glad that he was here; that he did not leave him behind. He was so glad that the nightmare he experienced years ago were finally over; that the Millennium Earl was defeated and the war was over; that he was able to be together with Kanda at the end.
"Stupid fool." He felt his face tilting upwards as a warm hand brushed gently on his cheek, wiping off the tear down his chin. Allen stared at his deep sea blue eyes which had never looked so mesmerising and stunning in his life. His heart throbbed hardly, and he fell in love with such a beautiful and elegant person all over again, like the cycle of waves which continued to crash onto the sandy shores repeatedly.
"Let's go. People are staring at us." Kanda stretched out his hand towards him. Allen smiled, reaching out as he took his hand. They continued on their journey, and this time, he was not going to let him go.
::Colourful Moments::.
"Happiness is like a butterfly which, when pursued, is always beyond our grasp, but, if you will sit down quietly, may alight upon you."―Nathaniel Hawthorne
2 pm, Cloudy
Both of them stopped at the side of the street for a short break. Allen frowned slightly as he heard a growl from his stomach which had been screaming for the past 30 minutes. They had bought quite a lot of stuffs around the place. Kanda put the shopping bags onto the ground as he took out his bottle of water and drank it. They should be going off to their next destination as written from the packed schedule that he had planned, but he couldn't go anywhere when he was hungry. Allen looked out, scanning for any food stalls selling food, but apart from the people amounting to thousands, he couldn't find anything. He sighed, rubbing his flattened stomach which was demanding for food.
"Let's go, Moyashi," Kanda said, taking up the shopping bags in his hands after drinking some water. Allen shook his head, tossing the need to find food off his head as he took some from him, and they were about to set off when an extreme loud growl echoed in the air. The raven-haired man stopped and stared at him in slight bewilderment. The silver-haired teen cursed under his breath, screaming inwardly to his stomach which could not keep itself quiet for a moment. He then turned to Kanda and laughed awkwardly.
"Are you...hungry?" Kanda questioned with a raised eyebrow.
"I...Of course not!" Allen laughed loudly, shaking his head. Seconds later, another growl was heard. The silver-haired teen looked down, too embarrassed to say anything.
"Looks like you are." The raven-haired man was smirking in amusement. Allen wished to jump into a hole instantly.
"We go to the end of the street and see if there is any food stalls around." Kanda suggested, sympathising the beansprout a little after seeing that miserable look on his face. Allen nodded his head, and they walked to the end of the street, looking around to see whether there were food stalls around. Luckily, there was one selling hotdogs at the side of the road. Allen skipped over to the stall, his mouth almost drooling at the sight of the food and its overwhelming aroma hitting his senses. When the person in front of him left, the uncle turned to him.
"What do you want?" He asked.
"14 sticks of hotdog."
The owner stared at him in slight astonishment, wondering whether he was hearing things.
"Doesn't seem to me that you can eat that much for a small-built like you, boy," The uncle chuckled, slipping 14 sticks of hotdog into a paper bag as he handed it to him.
"I'm buying for someone too. Thanks uncle," Allen replied with a smile as he handed him the money. He stepped aside, closing his eyes as he sniffed in the strong aroma deeply. His stomach rumbled in response, and he could not wait to indulge himself into the delicious food that he bought. Allen grinned as he held the paper bag in his arms, walking back to where Kanda was. As he walked past a lady who was blocking his view, he saw an incoming bicycle within metres which was coming in his direction at top speed.
"Moyashi!"
Silver eyes widened as he felt an arm circling around his shoulder, pulling him backwards. His whole body crashed into the embrace of the raven-haired man, seconds before the bicycle hit him directly. Allen gasped in slight surprise, almost dropping the shopping bags and his food. A soft jingle rang at his ear, and as he stared at his neck, he saw a pretty cross necklace which looked extremely familiar. Allen frowned, thinking back to where he might have seen it, before his eyes widened in realisation.
"This...!" He exclaimed, pointing at the silver accessory. Kanda blinked, peering at the necklace that he wore for the first time.
"What?"
"This necklace...where did you get it from?" Allen asked. Even though he knew, he had to confirm it first.
"It was a Christmas present that Lenalee gave it to me randomly, but there is no card indicating the person who bought it," Kanda replied.
"Oh my god..." Allen whispered, touching the silver cross as he took up the necklace. Kanda frowned, not understanding what the beansprout meant.
"What is it?"
"I bought this necklace."
Sapphire eyes widened as the raven-haired man stared at him in slight astonishment.
"It was actually bought out of impulse, few days before Christmas. When I chose this cross necklace, I suddenly thought of you, and how it will look compatible on you when you wear it. It really looks so good on you..." Allen murmured and smiled, feeling the cold surface of the metal cross gently. Kanda just watched him in silence, and after a moment, he grabbed his wrist roughly, startling him slightly.
"What―"
"Where did you get this pair of gloves?" Kanda asked. Allen frowned in bewilderment.
"This is one of the Christmas presents that I got that day as well."
Kanda stared at it in a slight daze. He then let go of his hand, chuckling softly to himself.
"Kanda?" Allen peered at him questioningly.
"I bought this pair of gloves."
Allen remained silent for a moment, before his eyes widened as he stared at his gloves which were on his hands.
"What! Really?"
"And the funny thing is, I bought that on a whim as well. I never thought that you would be wearing it," Kanda said.
"So that means...we are meant to be together...?" Allen asked with a beaming smile, anticipating his reply. Kanda stared at him in slight absurd, wondering how he came up with such a ridiculous answer.
"Don't be stupid, Moyashi. And be careful next time. Don't always think of food all the time."
"I...I don't think of food all the time!" Allen snapped, his face red in annoyance and embarrassment.
"You do," The raven-haired man said, taking the bag of food as he peered inside. Sapphire eyes then widened in slight horror.
"When did I ask you to order that much?" He asked incredulously. Allen smiled sheepishly as he took one stick of hotdog and bit it in his mouth. Kanda just stared at him in silence, before he let out a sigh of defeat.
"That's why I said not to think of food all the time. You will grow fat," Kanda muttered, taking a stick as he started eating the hotdog.
"I'm not fat, Kanda!" Allen exclaimed in displeasure, glaring hardly at the raven-haired man who decided to look elsewhere and ignore his whines. Yes, he might love all the food available in the whole world, but he certainly was not fat! For his information, he had been exercising regularly even after he left the Order!
"Yes, you are,"
"No, I'm not!"
"...Yes, you are."
"I am definitely not fat! Just because I am small-built does not mean that I'm fat!"
"Oh, so you acknowledge that you are short, Moyashi?" Kanda asked with a smirk. His eye twitched in anger, and Allen was more than willing to sentence this bastard to death this instant.
"KANDA!"
And they continued to bicker just like before.
::Colourful Moments::
"His lips tasted cool and sharp, peppermint, winter, but his hands, soft on the back of my neck, promised long days and summer and forever."―Maggie Stiefvater, Shiver
4 pm, Clear
He did not know what made him agree to go out with the beansprout. When he chose to chase him down the streets and grabbed his wrist to prevent him from leaving again, Kanda wondered whether he was doing the right thing. He caught hold of Allen Walker whose face was filled with heavy tears, his silver eyes glaring hardly at him with extreme pain and hatred―for betraying his feelings at the end. Realising how he really felt for him, and bringing him such misery upon his life, he had once thought to let him go.
"What do you think you are doing?"
He had once thought to forget him―to erase everything about Allen Walker. He supposed to hate him, to detest him and reject him completely, throwing away his existence and regarded it as something insignificant in his life. But there were simply too many memories he had with the beansprout. He could not erase all of them away, and even if he did erase some of them, more would appear in his mind, reminding himself repeatedly that in his life, he had met this silver-haired teenager who was changing his very fate.
"Then why did you run when you saw me?"
"I do not want to disturb the two of you together."
"Is it really like that?"
In order to forsake his feelings for him, Allen chose to run away. In order to ignore his growing feelings for the other, Kanda chose to pretend that nothing had happened. After all, it was nothing but a mistake. They were two different people living in two different worlds, and all they ever did together were to fight, bicker and make such a big mess of themselves. Yet all these while, they had been walking in circles, eventually making their way back to each other. Just like that, their fates could never be cut, even if both of them wanted to.
"...Yes."
"You are lying."
"Do I have any reason to lie?"
He wasn't sure whether it was just attraction. His heart just felt a electric sizzle, jolting up his senses which were all fixated on Allen, and he realised that he could not erase this emotion which started to torment him endlessly, like a deep scar forcefully carved on the flesh of his body. He wanted it to go away, yet he was hesitant on whether he should really let Allen go―to erase his existence entirely from his life without leaving anything behind. He wasn't sure whether he had the courage to live on without any memory of Allen Walker residing in him.
"Because you like me."
And before he knew it, he felt himself gradually attracted to him.
"Look at this, Kanda!" Allen shouted from the front, waving excitedly at him. Kanda frowned slightly, wondering how enthusiastic this beansprout could be. He walked to his side, peering at his shoulder as he saw different kinds of hand-made postcards specially designed by the art students. He peered at the exquisite work, spotting one which had the picture of Big Ben at its front cover. Allen took up one of them, tracing the surface lightly with his fingers.
"Isn't this beautiful? Should I buy some of these?" He asked. Kanda raised his eyebrow in slight bewilderment.
"Aren't you living in this city? Is it even necessary?" He asked. The smile on his face faltered slightly at his words. The raven-haired man stared at him, wondering whether he had said something wrong.
"But you are leaving tomorrow..."
Sapphire eyes widened slightly. Allen turned and smiled at him.
"So I thought of sending some postcards over to your place in Canada. At least we can still communicate even though you are not here anymore."
Kanda did not say anything. Allen put the postcard back to its original position, before they continued to walk and look around the Greenwich market. He paced behind him, wondering what the silver-haired teen was thinking at that moment when he said those words. What face expression did he make at that time? He wanted to know, yet he was somehow hesitant in finding out. Even though he really found out, what could he do?
The silver-haired teen disappeared into the large crowd surrounding an area. Kanda was slightly annoyed, though he was not sure whether it was because that beansprout did not have a sense of direction, or he was simply worried for him―which he would never admit. Making sure that Allen was within his sight, Kanda went over to where he was, hearing a soothing piano melody and a deep, high-pitched voice singing away with the classical music.
He stopped by, staring at a girl who was around Allen's age. Her eyes were closed, her body swaying with the soft melody as she sang out the tune deep within her heart. Her eyes opened halfway, her emotions surfacing together with the saddening lyrics as she pronounced each word with strong feelings. The piano continued to play in the background, its soft melancholy tune triggering his long memories of him and Allen.
From the day they first met at the front gates of the Black Order, the multiple circumstances happening between the two of them during missions, that particular moment when Allen blocked his way from reaching Alma and he stabbed into his abdomen forcefully in rage, and that last night they saw each other before they parted ways.
If time could rewind, back to that night when they were still in the Order three years ago, whereby they each could make a choice again, what would he choose?
"Kanda." Kanda looked up, seeing Allen smiling at him. The performance ended, and the girl bowed as a loud applause was made by the audience who had enjoyed the music. They continued on their way, seeing many portraits and art and crafts among the stalls. He stopped sometimes, taking down the culture of this place he wanted to remember. The raven-haired man continued to snap pictures, and before he knew it, the silver-haired teen was in almost every picture that he took down. Kanda slowly lowered down his camera, watching Allen in silence.
His heart thudded hardly in response.
When had he become so conscious of Allen Walker?
"Let's go back," He said.
"What?" Allen stopped in his footsteps and stared at him.
"Let's get the postcards," Kanda said firmly. Silver eyes slowly widened at his words. They eventually went back to get the postcards. The silver-haired teen peered over the different designs of the postcards, talking to one of the arts students about the price. Kanda stood under a tree, watching him from afar. He slowly took up his camera, peering at the screen as it portrayed the side view of the silver-haired teen whose hand was at the corner of his lips, laughing through the conversation. He zoomed in, staring closely at his small yet firm body structure―from his legs, upper abdomen, his chin, the raw scar at his left eye, and his smooth silver hair strands moving beautifully in the wind. The beansprout had certainly grown a lot now compared to the past, when he was still an Exorcist. He did not even want to mention just how frail and skinny the silver-haired teen had become at that time―fighting with his Noah, fulfilling his responsibilities and having to face endless inspections from the Vatican.
At this moment, the girl within the small group of music students that they bypassed just now began to sing again. That melodious voice resonated in the air, bringing in a light and calm ambiance to the surrounding they were in.
Allen turned back, waving at him excitedly. He heard a snap, and that picture of him was forever stored inside this memory.
They went to the Trafalgar Square next, a famous destination that one must visit in London. Allen stepped into this large space, his eyes slowly widening in shock and amazement. People were all over the area, chatting among themselves. A light and tingling atmosphere was in the air, filled with soothing classical music. Kanda walked around as he observed closely at its architecture, taking pictures of the well-known stone lions and the infamous fourth plinth, telling back its history of this place. A small fountain was situated at the middle, spurting out crystal-clear water as it descended down beautifully back to the bottom of the fountain.
It was late evening, and the sky was slowly darkening, with the golden rays of sunlight shining brightly at the red horizon.
As the raven-haired man was taking different angles of the scenery, he spotted a couple within distances. The guy took off his scarf and wrapped around the girl's neck, making sure that it was tucked firmly into her clothing to keep out the cold. She smiled shyly, and as the guy placed his gloved hands on her face, they leaned in and kissed. Not only them, there were other couples who were practically doing the same thing.
They all each had promises to each other. Promises of a lifetime. He and Allen were going separate ways tomorrow. This was the last day which they could spend their time together. He did not want to promise anything with that beansprout, because he did not want him to wait, just like three years ago. But at least, he could promise that the time they spent now was real.
The silver-haired teen began to move forward, his eyes fixating at the biggest Christmas tree that he had ever seen. He slowly walked to the front, peering up at the golden and silvery hues brightening up the whole tree, as though he was seeing tiny stars on it.
"Kanda, remember that time when we first met?" Allen asked.
Kanda stared at the bright star shining at the very top, remembering back to that time when he and Mandy were standing in front of a Christmas tree in a park, and together with the rest of the people, they began wishing. At first, he did not believe in any of the sayings, that he would see the person he wanted to see when it lit up. He did not exactly wish to see Allen as well. Maybe it was because that beansprout had been occupying his mind for so long.
Maybe, it was fate.
"I did not expect to meet you there."
"Yeah, and you ran away from me," Kanda replied with a slight frown.
"That was because I wasn't prepared to face you," Allen said. Kanda turned and stared at him.
"Why?"
Allen stared at him, having a dull shine in his silvery eyes.
"Because I was afraid," He whispered softly.
"And now?" Kanda asked again, sapphire eyes staring at him with strong emotions as he walked towards him. Allen exhaled softly as he leaned in, sliding his arms around his shoulders as his fingers were entangled together with his raven strands. A faint smile slowly formed at his lips.
"I am no longer afraid, because you are now with me, Kanda."
Kanda closed in, his hand callousing his face as their lips met with a gentle, chaste kiss. It felt extremely warm, enough to drive out the cold from his body. They slowly parted soon after, their foreheads still leaning together as they stared at each other with a longing gaze. Allen slowly smiled radiantly, his left hand locking together with the big yet slender hand belonging to the raven-haired man.
"I love you."
He wished to believe that there was future for the both of them.
::Colourful Moments::
"In our time together, you claimed a special place in my heart, one I'll carry with me forever and that no one can ever replace."―Nicholas Sparks, Dear John
6 pm, Windy
"I have always wanted to come to this place!"
They entered Hyde Park, one of the greatest city parks in the world covering 142 hectares with over 400 trees surrounding it. Kanda was wondering what place made that beansprout talk non-stop for the last 30 minutes. Sapphire eyes narrowed in slight amazement as he stared through the pine trees, seeing a large patch of frozen lake for people to skate on it. The area was fenced for safety, and there was a rental stall for people to rent skates if they did not have.
Skating wouldn't be much of a problem for him, since he, Mandy and some of his colleagues had gone for ice-skating during the winter season. They also went for skiing deep inside the mountains, a tedious yet fun and relaxing sport which he came to like years after he came to Canada. The problem was, did that beansprout know how to skate on ice? Kanda frowned slightly at imagining a scene whereby he was desperately trying to teach that clumsy beansprout how to skate properly.
"Do you know how to skate?" He asked. Allen stood there, silent.
"There is always a first time?" The silver-haired teen smiled in enthusiasm.
"That means you do not know how to skate!" Kanda snapped. Allen was giving him pleadingly eyes, his hands swinging his arm lightly like a child throwing a small tantrum. The raven-haired man stared at him for a moment, before he let out a sigh.
"Let's go and rent a pair of skates first."
"Yay!" Allen exclaimed in happiness as he ran to the rental stall within seconds. Kanda shook his head, preparing himself for a series of events which would give him endless headaches. He walked over to Allen's side, taking off one of his boots to let the person at the counter estimate his foot size as he went in to get a suitable pair of skates. The silver-haired teen was sitting at a corner, trying on the ice skates.
Kanda grabbed his skates and went over to Allen who stood up and was walking in a rather...awkward way. He raised his eyebrow, watching him in silence as the silver-haired teen almost tripped on a pile of snow. Allen balanced himself, patting off the snow on his jeans as he continued to walk in large, unbalanced steps like a clumsy penguin. Kanda looked away, finding himself laughing at this sight.
"Are you laughing at me?" Allen shot him a glare in suspicion.
"I should be worried on what would happen later," Kanda cleared his throat and answered as he took off his boots and began wearing the skates. They left their shoes at the rental stall and proceeded their way to the frozen lake. Allen slowly stepped onto the ice, swallowing nervously as his hands held on the railing fearfully. The silver-haired teen slowly let himself move, his eyes widening in slight awe as he felt the wind blowing against his body. Kanda was behind him, observing his movements closely.
The moment Allen let go, his skates went out of control. He screamed out in panic as he skated in circles, his arms flying up in the air before he fell down onto the hard ice, sliding across it for a few centimetres. The silver-haired teen whimpered in pain, his hand rubbing his aching abdomen which felt as though it had split open. Kanda skated over to him quickly and took both of his hands, pulling him up. Allen clasped on his hands tightly as he struggled up, keeping his wobbly feet steady at the same time. Thinking that he was okay, Kanda let go of his hands, and Allen slipped again. The raven-haired man moved across him, his hand grabbing his waist before the silver-haired teen fell.
"Are you really alright?" He asked in slight amusement. Allen frowned, showing an indignant expression as he stood up to his feet, deciding to make this right and prove to Kanda that he could also do it. Kanda blinked in slight confusion as the silver-haired teen shove off his hands and skated off on its own, raising up his arms to balance himself. The raven-haired man chuckled lightly to himself as he followed him behind, observing him in silence.
There were many people skating on the frozen lake, whether it was a couple, family or friends. Some of them like Allen were learning for the first time, while others were already gliding along the ice lightly, spinning gracefully in circles like a ballerina performing on stage. Kanda closed his eyes, sniffing in the refreshing scent of snow and ice around the place. He put his hands behind his back as he began to skate in big strides, doing a small spin at a corner as his feet moved backwards. He did a round, and was moving towards the frustrated silver-haired teen who was still attempting to finish half of it.
"Wait for me!" Allen whined. The raven-haired man just smirked playfully.
"Catch up to me then," Kanda whispered lowly, his index finger purposely leaving a hot trail down his arm, before he skated off. His heart throbbed painfully, fighting back the sudden desire to grab the sexy raven-haired man and kiss him hardly. Allen pouted in displeasure, determined to skate properly and catch up to that baKanda to return him the favor for seducing him like that.
Kanda grinned at that deflated look on that beansprout's face. It wouldn't be long before he caught up to him. The raven-haired man moved gracefully on the ice as he made a few more light spins, his hair fluttering together with the wind. He brushed away his long fringe, peering at a girl with rare beauty skating beside him. Her electricity eyes sent some sparks to him, blinking multiple times as her arm snaked to his arm.
"Alone today?" She murmured seductively. Kanda smirked lightly in reply.
"I wonder?" He replied, pulling out his arm from hers. She giggled, leaning closer to him as their bodies brushed past. He shot her a slight glare, telling her that she had gone far, but she did not seem to give up. Kanda sighed, looking up as he searched for the beansprout, but to his slight astonishment, the silver-haired teen was nowhere to be found. He slowed down his speed and turned around, only to crash with the beansprout whose anger was at its peak. Kanda stared at him in slight surprise, wondering how he managed to finish a round and catch up to him. Allen gave a death glare at the girl who dared to harass his lover, before he pulled Kanda away.
"What the hell are you two doing?" Allen hissed in anger as he wrenched his coat roughly, bringing their bodies together.
"Are you jealous, Moyashi?" Kanda asked softly at his ear, his arm wrapping around his waist lightly as they moved together on the ice. Allen growled in response, glaring darkly at the other.
"Why would I be jealous! And my name is Allen!"
"Moyashi." His deep baritone voice rang melodiously at his ears. Allen swallowed thickly, his blood shooting up to his head as a red flush was gradually appearing at his cheeks. He bit his lip, his gaze at the floor as he tried to put out the fire of his inner desires.
"I told you not to call me that!" He growled, in a much softer tone. Kanda smirked, knowing that the beansprout was starting to get aroused. He just did not know that his voice was enough to make him weak in the knees.
"But I love to call you that. That name refuses to leave me alone," Kanda murmured, his hands playing with his thick silvery locks behind his ear. Allen gasped to cover up the soft moan which escaped out of his lips. He almost fell for it. Suddenly, the warmth was gone, and the silver-haired teen looked up to see the raven-haired man getting away. He looked down, a dark aura emitting out of his body as he began laughing rather eerily.
"Kanda...!"
He swore to get it from him. Allen snapped up and skated as fast as he could, but not as fast as him. Kanda dodged purposely as the silver-haired teen lunged to him desperately, enjoying the torment he was bringing to the other. He did not know why, but every time he saw that fuming face of his, he wanted to laugh, and somehow, he began teasing the beansprout repeatedly just to see that look on his face again.
"Hurry up, Mo-Ya-Shi," Kanda drawled out, emphasising that nickname in particular.
Allen stumbled, his hand barely touching Kanda's hand as he almost fell again. Kanda smirked as he turned around, his feet moving backwards at the same time as he grabbed both of his hands, pulling Allen into his pace. The silver-haired teen gasped frantically, gripping on his arms tightly as he stared at his skates which were moving smoothly on the ice.
"K-Kanda, aren't you going a little too fast?"
Allen could feel the cold, frosty wind pricking painfully at his face. He had no idea how many rounds they had skated, and before he knew it, they were gradually moving towards the middle of the lake, where there were lesser people around. Allen realised just how close he was leaning to Kanda, enough to hear his faint breaths and heartbeats. They were gradually slowing down, spinning lightly in circles as Kanda continued to hold his arms, guiding the silver-haired teen along. Allen was slowly loosening his muscles as well, going with the flow.
"I'm letting go," Kanda said. Allen nodded his head, and he slowly released his hands, letting the silver-haired teen to manage on his own. His few strides were slightly wobbly, but he was finally able to balance himself on the ice. A wide grin slowly appeared on his face as Allen began to skate smoothly without difficulty. The raven-haired man watched him in silence, and he wondered how much he had desired for that smile from that beansprout.
How much he desired for him.
"Kanda!"
Kanda looked up at Allen who was skating towards him.
"Let's take a picture together!"
The silver-haired teen crashed lightly to his side, grasping his arm as he peered at him in anticipation. Kanda wondered why he did not refuse his request immediately. He held his camera far, its lens facing him. Allen grinned and locked his arm to his, leaning closely to his shoulder as he stared at the camera.
"One...two..."
"THREE!"
"Don't yell at my ear, Moyashi!"
"Sorry, Kanda...And my name is Allen, not beansprout! How many times must I remind you that?"
"To me, you are always a Moyashi."
"I told you to stop calling me that!"
"Moyashi."
"Kanda!"
Why hadn't he realise that three years ago?
::Colourful Moments::
"My heart only ever had one thought, one want. One need. Despite all, in spite of all...All my heart has ever wanted is you."―Stephanie Laurens, The Edge of Desire
9.30 pm, Clear
After skating on ice for two hours and having dinner at a nearby cafe for about an hour, it was already past nine at night. They were taking a slow walk on the London Tower Bridge, deciding to use the remaining time to walk all the way back to the hotel. Kanda took up his camera and snapped a picture of the London's Eye which was shimmering in different hues of light. Allen peered at the river, many thoughts coming into his mind.
They had accomplished many things today―did what they wanted to do, tried what they wanted to experience for their first times, and enjoyed every moment of it. He peered at the small bag of postcards which he had bought, remembering back to that time when Kanda suddenly wanted him to buy them. He somehow knew the reason, yet he wanted to hear it personally from the raven-haired man. Why would he suddenly want him to buy these postcards? What exactly was he thinking when he made that decision? Kanda might probably want to grant his requests since it was their last day together, but was it really like that? He agreed on this date just out of a mere whim?
In less than twelve hours, Kanda would be leaving this place.
Allen stiffened. The silver-haired teen gripped the sides of his windbreaker, feeling a sudden chill invading his body. He should be content to be able to go out with Kanda for the whole day, yet somehow, the mood was completely gone. He glanced at Kanda who was looking elsewhere, silent for the last few minutes when they were walking back to his hotel. What was he thinking all these while when he was with him? Did he enjoy every bit of their journey together?
Would he...miss him when he left?
They stopped at the traffic light, seeing many vehicles driving along the roads. He began to count down the number of steps which would eventually reach to their final destination. His stomach began to twist in uncomfortable knots, and Allen prayed that the traffic system would break down, such that they would never made their way across this junction; such that they would continue to stand here.
Such that he would continue to stay with him.
After a few minutes, the traffic light for the pedestrian turned green. Silver eyes stared at the illuminating light which started flashing brightly for a moment, before he let out a bitter laugh, mocking at his naivety. What was he thinking? They could never stop here forever.
"Moyashi?" Kanda turned around, noticing that Allen did not move from his spot.
Allen stared at the raven-haired man who had reached to the other side of the road. He knew he shouldn't be selfish. Kanda did not belong here in the first place. He slowly took a step forward, moving across the junction just before the traffic light turned red.
The silver-haired teen felt himself moving slower, dragging his feet heavily against the ground. He stared at the silhouette of the other, admiring his broad shoulders which he would always wrap his hands around in closeness. His hand slowly reached out to his shadow, wanting to stop him; wanting to stall the time which was slowly slipping away in desperation, yet what could he do when he held Kanda back? Was there any reason for Kanda to stay? The raven-haired man was able to go out with him, simply because he had finished his assignment and had nothing to do before his departure. Even if Kanda liked him, he knew his character very well. That man wouldn't stop his footsteps just because of him.
Before he realised it, they were standing in front of the hotel.
"You can go back first―"
"I go up with you!" Allen exclaimed. Kanda stared at him in slight astonishment. He then sighed and turned back, walking to the main lobby.
"Whatever you wish."
They entered the lift, leaning at the corners of the glass pane while it ascended to the 8th floor. A few seconds later, the lift gradually stopped and opened its door. Allen stared at the stretching corridor, seeing the remaining distance to the room which Kanda was staying in. They walked in silence, and he found himself staring at the number of his room. Kanda seems to be reacting slower than usual, his hands searching for the card in his bag. He took it out, ready to open the door.
"Kanda."
The hand holding the card stopped, just millimetres from the card slot. Kanda turned and faced him. Allen stared at the white card in place for a moment, wondering what he was doing. He rummaged his bag, taking out a similar card that Tiedoll handed him yesterday.
"I want to hand it over to you. I met Tiedoll outside yesterday, and he told me to give it back to you." He gave it to him. Kanda frowned as he took it, wondering what stupid idea that old man was planning under his sleeves.
"I...just want to thank you for coming out with me today. Thank you for making this day an enjoyable one."
His mind was searching for words―anything to hold him back, even if it was only for a second.
"I...I hope you...you won't forget us, and I hope that you would...would come back here again."
Allen forced out a smile. It was really over.
Kanda inserted the card, unlocking the door. He slowly went in, turning back to face him. Allen stared at him, waiting for that moment―the sound of the door closing which would mark the closure to their relationship.
"I have fun today as well. Thanks to you..." His voice trailed off for a moment.
"...Allen."
Silver eyes widened, hearing his name which left a faint echo deep inside his head. He thought that this was it, that it was time to accept the truth that they were going back to their separate lives, that he would never see him again. He had spent a fruitful day with Kanda, and he was leaving with no regrets. But at that split second when he saw that distant look from the raven-haired man who purposely called him by his name, his resolve to move on was wiped off in an instant. His deep voice continued to ring inside his head again and again, and he could not ignore the slight hesitant tone in his voice which sounded as though he did not want him to leave.
It might sound like an excuse, but he could no longer care.
The door was closing in front of him.
His hand reached out, gripping its side and stopping it before the door closed completely. There was silence for a moment.
"Can I be selfish one last time?" Allen asked softly, waiting for his reply, wishing that he might, perhaps, have the same answer as him.
He then felt the grip of the door slowly loosening as it opened slightly. Kanda was standing there, at the very same position when he turned around and said his last words to him. Allen stared at him, before he slowly stepped into the room, closing the distance between the both of them.
The door gradually closed behind him with a soft click.
A/N: I practically researched every attraction sites in London, read the reviews and selected the best ones which were suitable for their outing. Just to tell you all that I have never been to London before, so the description of the places might not be correct, but I have tried my best to write them, so if I make mistakes, or if it does not really turn out the way you imagine it to be, I'm really sorry for that. No flames are allowed here, simply because I have put in a lot of effort in writing this chapter, but I really hope that this chapter pleases most of you :)
This chapter is mainly focusing on their outing, so I have to apologise to readers who are looking forward to reading some Lavi/Lenalee moments! For the next 2 - 3 chapters, it will also be focusing more on Yullen pairing rather than Lavi/Lenalee, but no worries, I will definitely write more on this cute pairing in future chapters!
High Yullen fluff alert in this chapter! Don't say that I did not warn you all :P
Next, thanks to all for the lovely reviews once again! This chapter is rather long (the longest chapter I have ever wrote in my life), so I have to apologise for this. Their POVs might be confusing, so I explain here. Kanda's POVs are mainly the scenes on the Greenwich market (buying postcards and the singing), the Trafalgar Square and the Hyde Park where they were ice-skating, though there are little bits of Allen's POV in the ice-skating scene as well. The rest of the scenes are mainly Allen's POVs.
So how you all think of this chapter? What exactly will happen after Allen entered Kanda's room? Or...what do you expect it to happen later? Though it is a little obvious here *cough cough*, please share your opinions with me in your review!
~SingingBlues