Robin groans and shoves the blankets over her head. Her head is pounding in her skull. It's the worst headache she's ever had and the light shining through the window isn't helping. The bed shifts and she hears Kanda chuckle.
"Enjoying your hangover?" He asks. She cringes at the volume of his voice and shifts.
"Shut it." She hisses. "My head is gonna explode."
"That's what you get for drinking so much." He says. His voice is lower, but her head still screams with each word. She groans and moves to face him. His chest is bare and she blushes when she realizes he's completely naked under the sheets.
"And where is that beautiful dress of yours?" She asks, glaring back at him.
"Burned." He says with a smug smile. Robin pouts.
"Damn." She says. "And you looked so good as a princess. Finally put that feminine charm of yours to good use." A vein ticks on the side of his forehead.
"Shut up." He growls. Robin grits her teeth and slams the palm of her hand across his mouth.
"Shut it!" She says. "No yelling. Do that again and I'll shove that damn katana of yours up-"
Kanda sighs and pulls her hand away. He presses his lips to hers, thoroughly silencing her. His tongue slides across the inside of her bottom lip and she parts her mouth, giving into the kiss.
"No complaining." He says, pulling away. "That's the nicest possible way I can make you shut up."
"Sure." She says. "But if you start doing that with Lavi or Allen, my previous threat still stands." Kanda rolls his eyes and she lies back against the pillows with a groan.
"At least you beat the moyashi." He whispers, wrapping his arms around her.
"So I did beat him?" She asks.
"You don't remember?"
"Nope." She says. "Everything after that fifth bottle is one big, obnoxious blur. But I'm glad I didn't have to kiss the rabbit. Bad enough, I have to deal with him because of Raven. But then that means I missed out on Allen and Lavi."
Kanda grimaces, remembering the two exorcists making out on the floor.
"I always miss out on the yaoi." She says with a sigh. "And Laven too!"
Kanda sweat drops. "You're an otaku?"
Robin's face flushes and she glares at him.
"Hell no!" She hisses. "Raven's the otaku! She's the one always going on about the burning flames of moe!"
"The burning flames of moe?" He repeats. Kanda sighs. "I fear I'm losing my respect for you."
Robin's eyes brighten. "You respect me?"
"Not anymore." He says and Robin pouts.
"It's not my fault." She says.
"Oh really?"
"Yes." She says. "I'm pretty sure any girl would get at least a little excited if she saw two gorgeous guys making out."
"Gorgeous?" He growls. She rolls her eyes.
"They're good looking." She says. "I can't help it." The arms around her tighten and Robin sighs. She runs a hand down his chest and she brushes her lips against his jaw. A smile reaches her lips.
"But if its any consolation, you're the hottest, sexiest, most bad-ass exorcist of them all. And you're all mine." Kanda smirks and moves her so she's straddling him. He slides a hand up her shirt and she moans.
"So that's it." She murmurs. "Were you waiting for me to get drunk?" His lips brush against her neck and he bites down, making her shudder with pleasure. He chuckles.
"Like I need to get you drunk to have my way." He says.
"True." She says with a smirk. "But I'm not feeling well right now." She groans and lies back down at his side. "My head is still killing me."
"Sleep." Kanda whispers. Robin rests her head on his chest and sighs. Kanda is so warm. She smirks and shuts her eyes, wrapping her fingers around a strand of his hair.
"You really are obsessed with my hair." He says.
"Hush." She says back. "I'm sleeping." Kanda rolls his eyes and she forces her body to relax, letting herself drift to sleep.
When she wakes up she squints at the bright afternoon sun shining through the window. Her head feels a little better and no longer throbs when she tries to lift it off her pillow. Speaking of her pillow, Kanda shifts and she whimpers when he rolls her over to his side. His eyes reach hers and she nuzzles his chest.
"What time is it?" She asks. Kanda shifts and glances at the clock on the bedside table.
"2:34 PM." He answers. She groans and her stomach rumbles.
"I missed breakfast." She says. Her stomach growls again, louder than before, and Kanda chuckles.
"I'll take you down to the cafeteria." He says.
"But that would mean getting up." She says.
"That's the idea." He says. He sits up and Robin whimpers as he strolls over to the dresser.
"Come on." He says. "You'll feel better after you eat." He throws a pile of clothes on the bed for her and she groans.
"For food." She says.
She sits up on the bed and snatches the bundle up, crawling over to the bathroom. She manages to slip on the pants and button up her shirt with little trouble and walks back into the room right as Kanda slings Mugen around his shoulder.
"If I act weak and pathetic will you give me a piggy-back ride?" She asks.
"You can give it a shot." He says, opening the door for her. "Though you won't get very far."
Robin frowns and follows him out. When they reach the cafeteria, the room is still relatively full despite the odd time. Robin thought no one would be here, but a call from across the room proves her wrong.
"Kanda! Robin!" Lenalee yells, sitting at the table furthest in the back. Robin waves to her and leads them to the table. They take a seat and Robin raises an eyebrow at the sulking exorcist next to her.
"What's up with Allen?" Robin asks, cautiously poking the head of snow white hair. Lenalee giggles.
"You missed out!" She chirps. She holds up a picture from last night and Robin blushes.
"Damn." She says. "I can't believe I missed out on Laven!"
Allen groans and across the table Lavi snickers.
"You were right, Robin." Lavi says. "Moyashi does taste like mitarashi dango." Allen's head twitches and he glares up at the red head.
"Never again." Allen says. "I am never drinking ever again."
"I'm with you there." Robin says. "Kanda turns perverted when I'm drunk." Lavi bursts into laughter and Kanda growls.
"You were the one on my lap, baka." Kanda says back. Robin smirks and pecks him on the cheek.
"And you know you loved it." She says. Kanda rolls his eyes and Lenalee squeals with joy.
"So Robin, Allen," Lavi says. "I hear we have a new mission?"
"We do?" Robin asks.
"Krory too." Allen says. "We have to report to Komui."
"Come to think of it, I don't think I've ever been on a mission with Krory before." Robin says. "Is he strong?"
Lavi grins. "Yeah," He says. "Just don't let him bite you."
"Huh?" She asks, confused.
Allen smiles. "Don't worry," He says. "I'll protect you." Robin blushes and Kanda growls at the white headed exorcist.
"Poor Yuu." Lavi says. "Forced to stay at the Order while Robin is off fighting akuma. But don't worry, I'll keep an eye on him."
"I already told you, keep your damn eye off him." Kanda growls. "Besides, I'm not worried. Robin doesn't need protection."
"Damn straight." Robin says.
"Just don't do anything too stupid." He says and Robin scoffs.
"I'm not a baka usagi." She says.
"Hey!" Lavi yells.
"I'll make sure to kick all their asses." She says and Kanda smiles. Robin smiles back and takes a lock of his long, blue hair. She brushes her lips against the strand and Kanda's eyes widen in shock.
"I'll be back before you know it." She says, smiling up at him. "After all, I am your tenshi." Lavi looks over at Kanda and inwardly smirks when he sees a faint, pink tint across the samurai's face.
"Well, now that that's settled." Lavi cheerfully pulls Robin away from the table.
"What?" She asks. "But I didn't get to eat anything!"
"Come on!" Lavi says. "Komui's waiting for us!"
"But what about the food!?" She yells as Lavi pulls on her arm. Lavi ignores her and continues to drag her out of the cafeteria, the rest of Robin's yelling becoming inaudible from the hallway.
"Bakas." Kanda mutters. "Both of them."
"Yeah," Allen says, smiling. "But he's so cute." Kanda glares at him and Allen scurries away before the other exorcist can draw Mugen, following the two idiots down the hall.
"That was real smooth back there." Lavi says, walking in front of her. Robin begrudgingly follows behind the rabbit, grateful he's at least no longer tugging on her arm.
"What are you talking about?" She asks. Lavi turns around at her and grins.
"Kissing his hair like that." He says. "Yuu must be dying with joy right now." Robin raises an eyebrow.
"What the hell are you taking about?" She asks. Lavi blinks.
"Don't you know what that means?"
"It has a meaning?" She asks. Lavi snorts.
"You mean you did that without knowing anything about it?"
She frowns. "Well, then at least tell me what it means." She says. Lavi laughs and Robin pouts.
"Lavi!" She whines. "I'll tell Raven you were making out with Allen all night!" Lavi flinches.
"Okay, okay!" Lavi says. "In Japan when you kiss your lover's hair it means that you'll love them forever."
"Wait," She says. "So then I just...?" Heat flashes across her cheeks. Lavi laughs.
"Yup." He answers. "I'm sure Yuu is so happy."
"Shut up." She says, looking away, embarrassed.
"Hey!" Allen says, running up from behind them. "Why the rush Lavi?"
"Komui wanted to see us in his office as soon as possible." Lavi answers.
"Yeah," Allen says. "But you could have at least waited for us to finish eating. I still had five more plates of food left!"
"At least you got something." Robin says. Her stomach growls and she cringes.
"Oh yeah," Allen asks. "Aren't you a parasite type?" Robin nods. She grabs her stomach and groans when it lets out another loud growl.
"I'm gonna die." She says.
"Oops," Lavi says with a grin. "Guess I forgot about that."
"Forgot?!" Robin yells. "How can you forget?! You have a freaking photographic memory!" Lavi snickers and she growls at him.
"By the way Robin," Allen says. "How is your Innocence lately?"
"I dunno." She says. "I haven't activated it since it freaked out."
"I'm worried." Allen says. "Our last mission was relatively peaceful, but something tells me we won't be so lucky this time. I overheard from Master that there's a chance you could become a Fallen One?"
Lavi's attention snaps to her and they stop in their tracks. Robin raises an eyebrow at their reactions.
"Kanda said that too." She says. "What exactly is a Fallen One?"
Lavi glances at Allen, who turns away.
"Fallen Ones are humans whose bodies and minds have been taken over by their Innocence." Lavi says. "They're made through one of two ways; either an Accommodator forces a synchronization with a shard of Innocence and fails, or a current exorcist betrays the will of God and the synchronization rate falls below zero percent."
"I saw one." Allen says. "It was an exorcist named Suman Dark. He betrayed the Order and was transformed into a Fallen One. It was horrible."
"What happened to him?" Robin asks. She looks to Lavi and the red head silently shakes his head. Her eyes fall to the floor.
"So that's what it means to become a Fallen One." She says. "But I haven't betrayed the Order!"
"Really?" Lavi asks. "You've never done or hid anything that the Order doesn't know about?" Robin's eyes widen. Is he referring to her secret?!
"Lavi!" Allen yells. "Robin is our friend! He wouldn't do something like that!" He glares at him and Lavi grimaces.
"I know!" Lavi says. "I'm just saying there's a lot we don't know."
"If we don't know, then we shouldn't make accusations!" Allen says. "I believe in Robin. It has to have something to do with his Innocence. It has to be acting strange for some reason."
"Maybe he's the Heart." Lavi says. Both exorcists fall silent and stare at her, completely serious. Robin exchanges a look between the two of them and laughs, uneasy.
"Geez, this is complicated." She says. "Well, whatever it was last time, it doesn't seem to be doing it anymore. No reason to be so worried. So come on!" She forces a grin and grabs their hands, dragging them down the hall with her.
"Oh, Robin!" Allen yells.
"Hey!" Lavi says. "I thought we were taking our time!"
"Shut up." She says. "You of all people have no right to complain." Lavi whimpers and Allen manages a small smile.
When they finally reach Komui's office she lets Lavi and Allen go, moving to take a seat on the purple sofa in front of the desk. She glances to her right and notices the tall, pale faced exorcist next to her.
"Hello, Krory." She says with a smile. "Ready for our mission?" Krory nods.
"I hope so." He replies.
Lavi and Allen sit down besides her and Komui hands them each an outline for their mission. Robin skims through the papers and frowns when she sees their destination.
"Egypt?" She asks, raising an eyebrow. The purple haired scientist sighs and takes a sip of coffee from a mug with a bright, pink bunny on the side.
"Yes," Komui says. "There have been an unusual number of sandstorms near Egypt's famous pyramids. The desert is known for its hot and uninhabitable climate, however the region is experiencing abnormal flukes in temperature. One second the sky it clear, the next there's a vicious sandstorm or other strange weather. We've received reports of hail and even snow flurries."
"Wow," Allen says. "Snow in a desert?"
"So then, you think it's Innocence?" Lavi asks. Komui nods.
"Where there is strange phenomena, Innocence is often found." He says. "I want you guys to be careful. Several finders have gone missing while investigating the pyramids. If there is in fact Innocence, then you can pretty much guarantee akuma will also be lying in wait."
"Right." Allen says.
"Before you go," Komui says, standing from his seat. "Robin, I'd like to have you checked out by Hevlaska." Robin nods. The scientist heads for the door and with little else to do, everyone follows.
Robin takes a step closer on the platform. Allen, Lavi and Krory stand behind her and Komui, while they approach Hevlaska. Robin fidgets nervously. She remembers when she was first checked by Hevlaska the very first day she arrived. Needless to say, it wasn't all too pleasant. Komui smiles encouragingly and she sighs, flinching slightly when the pale, white appendages wrap around her. A minute later, the arms recede and she lets out a deep breath.
"So?" Komui asks.
"Robin's Innocence appears to have stabilized." Hevlaska answers. "Currently, his synchronization rate is 99 percent."
"99 percent?!" Komui says. "Wow! That's great Robin!" Komui places a hand on her shoulder.
"It's risen." She says. Komui nods.
"You'll be hitting the critical point anytime now." He says with a smile.
"While he is close to hitting 100 percent," Hevlaska says. "It seems there is something preventing it from happening."
"Huh?" She asks. "What do you mean?"
"I can't pinpoint what it is, but there is something blocking the Innocence from fully synchronizing."
"Do you have any ideas?" Komui asks.
"Unfortunately no." Hevlaska says. "I'm sorry."
"Can you activate it?" Komui asks Robin. She nods. Her eyes close and she concentrates. Two bright, silver wings shoot out from her back and she holds them out so Komui can see.
"Wow." Komui says.
"Oh, yeah," She says. "I forgot you haven't seen them yet." He runs a hand over the feathers and smiles. The wings glow white under his touch and Robin twitches.
"They feel a little different than usual." She says. "They never used to glow like that before."
"You have a healing ability, correct?" Komui asks. "This is just a guess, but perhaps that ability is being transferred over to your wings."
Robin flaps her wings a little and the glow dies down.
"I'll have to be careful not to accidentally heal the enemy then." She says. She deactivates her Innocence and sighs, feeling tired for some strange reason. Komui looks over at her with curiosity.
"A healing ability is extremely useful." He says. "However, it seems to take a lot out of you. Don't push yourself too hard. If you get into any tough spots, I want you to promise me that you'll get to safety. The Order can't afford to lose an exorcist like you."
"Yeesh," She says, walking back over to where Lavi and the others wait. "Everyone here worries way too much." She smiles. "But then again, that tends to be a side effect of kindness." She turns around and gives Komui a reassuring grin. "Thank you for worrying, but we'll be just fine."
The others nod and Komui lets out a sigh.
"Be safe." He says and they return to the elevator. Robin waves goodbye and Komui returns the gesture before the elevator suddenly rises and whisks the exorcists out of sight.