THE CAVE: CONTINUUM

Part Nine

Allen focuses on putting one foot in front of the other, the fibers in his thigh muscles burn hot under the strain of every step he takes. The pain in his feet reverberates up his legs as if carrying a greater weight then he is – he pushes onward. He has endured far worse in the past and is not ready to give into his weariness.

'Breath Allen, breath in … blow out … breath in … blow out … one more step … step … breath, I can do this.' Allen busies his mind to forget the grievous pain rippling throughout his entire body; now, dragging his feet with every step. Excreting perspiration, flushes his face red, and wets his hair from overexerting himself.

"Bean Sprout, are you all right? It has been more than a couple of hours since we started walking," Kanda says, turning around to check on his partner, who is swaying as he drags his feet, looking bone-weary.

"I can keep going for a while longer," Allen says breathlessly, looking as if he will topple over at any moment.

"Damn it, Bean Sprout! Why didn't you tell me you needed to rest? We can always take time for you to sit down and recoup your strength. Shit, you look like you're ready to fall down," Kanda says, irritated.

Quickly walking back, he wraps his arm around Allen's waist and helps him walk off the roadway, just inside the tree line, where they are out of sight if anyone who should pass by. Timcanpy had been dozing on Allen's shoulder, but now awake, he flies over to rest on top of a boulder to keep watch.

"I don't want to be the one to hold us up. I know we need to get some distant from the Finders, and every rest stop puts us behind," Allen murmurs, sluggishly, barely able to speak or keep his eyes open.

Kanda takes his coat off and sits down beside Allen. "Lay down Bean Sprout and place you head on my thighs as a pillow and rest. Your health is important. Don't forget, you have me to think about too, idiot. If anything happens to you …" Kanda stops there. He still does not want to think of a world without Allen in it with him.

'What would the idiot do if I wasn't around watching out for him? Maybe I need to be more conscientious about his physical health to make sure he is taking care of himself.'

Allen's too tired to protest and does as Kanda orders. Getting himself comfortable, he lays his head on Kanda's firm thighs and closes his eyes – falling to sleep immediately. Kanda takes his coat and lays it over Allen to prevent him from getting a chill. Looking down at his precious Bean Sprout, he strokes Allen's damp hair wiping away perspiration from his forehead, and leans his head back against the tree.

"Tim, keep an eye out, let me know if you sense trouble. I'm going to rest my eyes for a minute," Kanda says, feeling his own tiredness creeping in. It is not long before he is asleep also.

As they lay sleeping, peacefully, a tall shadow looms over the young Exorcists. Timcanpy wags his tail at the figure looking down at the two young lovers'. The man sits down in front of a boulder and stares at them, soaking up the serene sight of the two young teens – sketching.

Timcanpy works his way under Kanda's coat to cuddle next to Allen. It's not that he is afraid of this man, but more to show who his master is. Cool metal seeps through Allen's shirt awakening him and he lifts his arm slightly to look under the coat. Opening his eyes a slit, he sees Tim cuddling in close to him. It's then Allen feels the presences of another person near them.

He slightly moves his head on Kanda's thighs to get a look at the person who is sitting too close for Allen's comfort. He glances up, and a gasp escapes his lips, stirring Kanda out of his slumber.

"What's the matter Bean Sprout—"a startled Kanda awakens. He looks in the direction Allen is staring and sees the man sitting near them and his heart skips a beat.

"Tiedoll!" Kanda yelps, his mouth hanging slightly open. Allen sits up leaning against Kanda for support.

He puts his arm around Allen's shoulders protectively. Neither is sure how Tiedoll will handle this chance meeting. Will he turn them in or keep their secret?

"Kanda," Tiedoll whispers, warm eyes flooding with tears.

"I have been so worried about you son." His eyes widen as he takes in his adoptive son holding Allen protectively to him, and then his eyes catch the golden bands on their fingers.

"You love one another," Tiedoll stammers, more of a statement then a question. "Why didn't I see this before? Even with all your fighting I should have sensed your feelings for each other. Are the gold bands—?"

Hugging Allen closer, they turn to look at each other, Kanda saying, "Yes, we love one another and yes, we are married. I am sorry I couldn't tell you. Everything happened so fast I didn't have time to contact you."

"Then, you are happy?" Tiedoll asks Kanda. Though, he knows the answer already. This is the first time he has seen Kanda looking content and … in love. It warms his heart viewing the two young lover's contentment and the adoration that is obvious between them. 'Kanda married, I never thought that would ever happen for him.'

"Yes, very happy," he replies, lifting Allen's chin and brushes a kiss on his lips.

Kanda no longer needs his protective shield up when he is with Bean Sprout. Now, knowing Tiedoll has accepted them, as a married couple, he has no fear showing his affection for Allen in front of him. That doesn't mean Kanda will let his guard down to just anyone. His arrogant self, that safeguards him from people, is still there when in front of others and especially if it involves protecting Allen.

"Why yes, I see you both are, my congratulations son and to you Allen. Now, I have another son to bring into my family," Tiedoll says, standing up, shaking both their hands and beaming with pride. 'Hmm, Kanda has mellowed and I'm sure it has everything to do with Allen and what they have had to endured together," Tiedoll believes, admiring his two sons.

The young couple stood up too and before Kanda realizes it, Tiedoll is hugging him so hard he could hardly breathe. Tiedoll didn't forget Allen and brings him into his arms, hugging the two. "Your secret is safe with me," Tiedoll assures them. Once Kanda and Allen are able to escape his crashing arms, Kanda is anxious to know the update on their situation.

"Tiedoll, have you heard any word about Rouvelier? Rumor has it he was asked to return to the Vatican," Kanda says, cautiously, looking into Tiedoll's eyes for some sort of reaction.

"Well, I have heard there may be charges pressed against him. Speculation is that it pertains to you Allen, and Rouvelier's decision to have you executed," Tiedoll says, warmly looking at Allen.

"Rouvelier was not happy to hear about your escape and sent out the 3rd Exorcists to locate you and Kanda. Once you were in custody they were to return, both of you, immediately. Upon arrival in Boston both of you were to be executed." This is not easy for Tiedoll to tell the young couple before him. His love and worry shine in his eyes.

"Now, Komui Lee, Zu Mei Chang and Bak Chang have all been called to the Vatican just recently – Link is already there. Whatever is going on, we can only hope something good comes from it," Tiedoll smiles, trying to give some encouragement to them.

"I would love to hear all that has happened to the both of you, but I believe you should continue on before the Finders arrive. Don't tell me where you are heading, but when things are safe will you somehow let me know where you are, or at least let me know that you are safe?" Tiedoll asks, tears forming in his soft eyes.

"Oh and Kanda, don't let your guard down again. Never in the past would I have been able to sneak up on you like I did," Tiedoll says, grinning at Kanda's scowl on his face. Some things never change.

"Allen, protect my son for me and keep him safe," Tiedoll says, as he turns giving Allen a good-bye hug.

"Allen is the one who needs my protection, Tiedoll," Kanda says, a bit too harsh, and then catches a glimpse of hurt in Allen's eyes.

"Well – actually we protect each other," he re-states, lightening up his tone, he sees the shine come back in his lover's eyes.

They pick up their belongings to start out once again now that Allen is fully rested. Timcanpy hops upon Allen's shoulder and they walk out to the roadway.

Kanda and Tiedoll look at one another and shake hands, and then Tiedoll pulls his adoptive son into another big hug, not wanting to let him go. He would do anything to protect Kanda, and Allen too if he must. He couldn't bear seeing either of them hurt. Kanda gently pries Tiedoll's arms from around his waist, pushing him away at arm's length; the old man has tears streaming down his face.

"I'm proud of you Kanda," Tiedoll says quietly. He gives the General a slight smile and then nods his head, turning and walking away. Kanda has not stepped too far before it strikes him, 'what if Tiedoll gets killed and I never see him again?' Swallowing his pride he turns around looking back at the old man.

"I've missed you Tiedoll, keep safe, I expect to see you again. Maybe when Allen and I have a place of our own," Kanda says, and then smiles for the old man. He turns on his heels and catches up to Allen, grabbing his hand as they walk along.

"Thank you Kanda, you have given me more than you know for happiness," Tiedoll whispers to himself, tears still streaming down his face as he watches his sons walk away. 'He called him Allen."

To be continued …

A/N: I'm sorry this is shorter than my other chapters, but don't fear, at this time I am working on the next chapter and I promise it will be a bit longer. Thank you for all your reviews – they are very helpful and encouraging for me to keep continuing. Thanks for all your patience. Hope you are enjoying this story.