A/N: Finally I got another chapter out. My beta went AWOL on me and took a bit of time for her to edit this chapter, but in the end it worked out fine... I hope. Well first and foremost, the storyline is going a bit slow at first because I find it illogical (in my opinion) that Allen got screwed by the one he's in love with and be ok with it after Lavi called out another guy's name :P Second, I promise the story will be advancing from it's... impasse pace starting next chapter.

Disclaimer: If I own Man, Lavi would have had his way with Allen a looonnnnngggg time ago -.-

And the Reason Why I Stayed Was...?

Shower first, Allen thought as he tested out the temperature of the water spraying out from the shower head. Deeming it to his satisfaction, Allen stepped in and let another sigh escape as he got used to the water raining down on his used up body.

Allen let out a humorless chuckle. Used up body… Used…

That's all he was there for. After being used and needed no more, he was discarded and graced with the disappearance of the red head.

How long had it been, Allen wondered. How long had he been giving Lavi free access to his body? How long had Lavi even acknowledged him as more than just a friend…not that sex buddy is much of an accomplishment…

Allen remembered that very moment when he awoke in the middle of the night to the red head standing outside his apartment door, continuously ringing his doorbell to his dismay. The red head reeked of alcohol and slumped into Allen's arm. The feel of Lavi's warmth, the smell of his alcoholic breath, and the musky scent of his cologne etched itself into Allen's mind as if it was yesterday.

Never would the young male forget the desperation of the red head or the moment when he was roughly pushed against the wall and had his lips captured by Lavi's in a sweet kiss. Contrary to the hands unbuttoning his nightwear and making haste in removing his articles of clothing, the kiss was slow and gentle. Free of the obstructing shirt that now lay on the floor, Lavi's cold hands made contact with Allen's chest. The cold stunned him awake from the euphoria of Lavi's kiss and Allen hastily pushed the green eyed male away, with the sole intention of stopping things before they escalated.

With a forlorn look, Lavi said, "Allen… even you, too?"

Back then, Allen had no idea what Lavi was referring to. It was afterwards that he found out Lavi was indirectly rejected by Kanda. But under any circumstances, Allen would have said no, and refused Lavi's offer despite his secret desire to be in his arms, but the look of desperation and hurt was all it took for Allen's resolve to waver. With the look of an abandoned puppy, Allen truly could not deny his friend the one thing that they both wanted, but there was fear. Fear of pain, fear of the consequences, and fear of the red head's rejection, for he had never, in his twenty- four years of life, conducted any sort of sexual act.

But Lavi'sthere, right within his reach and seeking intimate contact. This was a once in a lifetime thing. If he didnt grasp this chance now, would he have another one? But if he doesn't get another chance, does that mean that this encounter is meaningless; that once they are finish, they'll act like nothing happened the next day? Perhaps a cold shoulder even?

Such feelings of ambivalence plagued the smaller male's mind. To do what he wants, what theyboth want taking in account that Lavi is dead drunk and probably won't remember a wink of what happened, or to do the right thing and push him away.

As if sensing the albino's vacillating emotions, Lavi's mouth hovered next to Allen's ear, and in a breathy voice, he said, "For the night… be mine."

Allen's breath hitched as his heartbeat increased. Be his for the night. Lavi's hand grazed his stomach, leaving a trail of heat in its wake. His stomach coiled in anticipation as Lavi's hands made its way towards the hem of his jeans. With one arm wrapped around the smaller male, Lavi pulled Allen to his chest and in a desperate tone, made a silent plea.

"Please."

Allen stiffened in the embrace. It was as if his mind hadn't just undergone a battle of right and wrong; as if he hadn't pondered whether to give into lust or to preserve his chastity. The fear left him as if it evaporated into thin air. Appeasing his desire, Allen clung to Lavi's shirt as if his life depended on it. Without thinking, he had fallen prey to the wandering hands and sweet whispers.

Just like how he had imagined what sex with the red head was like, it felt good, but fantasy is a far cry from reality. In reality, there was also pain but after the careful preparation and patience, his body soon adjusted to the sudden intrusion that brought about pleasure. Allen drowned in the feel of skin on his, the rasped breath on his neck, the enclosed lips around his, and the dull ache that created waves of pleasure resonating from his body. Yes, reality was so much better than the fantasies Allen has had. They weren't lovers yet the passion was eminent. They are friends, yet it felt like they were more; they were like friends that seek release through one another's body. One for the sake of lust, while the other for the sole reason of embracing the one he loves.

When they were done, Lavi rolled off Allen and was fast asleep. When the passion and tranquility subsided, all that remains was the pain in his lower back. The secretion flowing out onto the sheets was the sole evidence of Allen having lost his virginity; the sole evidence of their sinful act. One is sober while the other intoxicated. It was from this very moment that brought their relationship to a whole new level of work and profession to sexual release and passion. The awkwardness was one sided on Allen's part for he tried to avoid the red head but his attempt was futile.

Allen let loose a set of humorless chuckles as his temperature rose from the shower. "Why do I always find myself in such shitty situations?"

The dull ache in his chest seemed to go on forever and the sound of the water pouring down on him seemed to annoy him to no end. With a frustrated cry, he shut the showerhead off and watched the water spout out from the bathtub faucet before taking a deep breath and drove his head underneath the gushing fountain.

Allen's mind drifted to a time when he first met the red head. After hearing that the new model he's looking after was the grandson of the president of BookMan Enterprise, Allen immediately jumped to the conclusion that the red head wasn't serious about his job. His first impression of Lavi was that of an insolent, annoying, obnoxiously loud, shameful flirting asshole, for lack of a better word. Of course, Allen didn't say that out loud to the redhead. When he had beeninquired about his thoughts on the new model, Allen had merely replied with a curt, "Peculiar," before changing the subject lest they ask him to elaborate.

What was shocking to the albino was not just his overly pompous behavior, but also his cluelessness when placed in front of the camera. He sure is boastful for a guy who can't even make an acceptable pose. But what surprised him even more was Lavi's adaptability to his role as a model. Once he was given instructions to maneuver his body in a certain pose, Lavi's countenance oozed charisma and his poses showed confidence. Even Allen, who had been belittling Lavi in his mind for the first thirty minutes since he met him, was awed by his change.

"I've always wanted to walk down the runway in Paris; after all, that is every model's dream, no?" Allen remembered Lavi saying sheepishly. "Besides, I'm not interested in my gramp's business. I want to make a living without having to rely on the Bookman fortune."

As if he was enticed in Lavi's down-to-earth thinking, Allen couldn't help but feel moved by Lavi's determination to rely on himself. And here he was, prejudging Lavi for being a spoiled superficial rich boy without truly understanding him.

As if on impulse, Allen said, "Well then, I should do whatever I can to accommodate you in achieving your dreams."

Lavi nodded before he grinned and said, "So what did you think? Am I a natural or what?"

Getting cocky already, aren't you? As if I'd let an amateur get too big headed on their first shot at modeling no matter how good looking they are.

"Funny how you think you're a natural when you hadno idea how to pose earlier." With a feral grin, Allen continued, "You've got a long way to go.(1)"

Allen pulled his head out of the water and took sporadic gulps of air to satiate his oxygen deprived lungs. As if he just remembered his purpose of being Lavi's manager he couldn't help but berate his unprofessional attitude.

I don't need his love. From the first moment Isaw him, I dismissed him as nothing special, but the moment he stood behind the lens of the camera, I was attracted to his charisma. I didn't agree to be his manager because I wanted his attention; it was to help Lavi accomplish his dreams. I came to realize that this isn't just about Lavi's ability as a model, but my ability as a manager, too. As a manager, I want to be worthy enough to pave a path for Lavi's success. After that, the rest is up to him to get through the obstacles along the way. At the very least, this way, I can stand by his side.

Allen worked with Lavi, and although Allen didn't have a high opinion of the red head at first, they soon formed a bond and became inseparable. But, somewhere along the lines of work, duty, and friendship, Allen developed feelings for Lavi. Not like Lavi will ever find out. No, more like he can't find out, because Lavi loves Kanda…

With a petulant sigh, Allen turns off the faucet and grabs a towel nearby to dry off as he exits the bathroom and gets ready for the day. He stretches the tiredness from his limbs while thinking of the combination of outfits he could wear before making a beeline to his closet.

After all, one must dress to impress especially if one works for a big renowned modeling agency like the Black Order Entertainment. Since having dreamed of being a model as a child, it's only natural that he tries to achieve the dream, but unfortunately, Allen doesn't have the features of one. With his petite form, and delicate facial features, the word "cute" just about sums up the young male. Whereas a male model needs to have a more toned and well defined body, Allen is graced with a skinny frame. He perhaps has a higher chance as a female model than a male. With his dream unfulfilled, he opts for a job as a manager in the biggest entertainment industry via connections, of course. His new goal, of course, is to help make his client rise up theladder of fame.

Once he's dressed and ready to leave for work, Allen double checks his belongings and grabs an umbrella before he dons his shoes. Taking a deep breath, he opens the front door. With renewed inspirations; he was more determined than ever to perform his obligations as Lavi's manager.

Yes, Lavi Bookman will definitely rise to fame. He will make sure of it, for it's not only his dream to help his friend, but also his friend's dream to make it big. Lavi Bookman will succeed in Allen's place and Allen will do anything in his power to make it happen.

School started in NYC and I got a 1-11 period schedule... my life officially sucks . I'll try to get chapter 3 done as fast as possible and have my never consistent beta check it out :P Oh, have anyone watched the anime No.6 and notice the resemblence between Sion and Nezumi to Allen and Kanda? I couldn't help but let out a fangirl scream; they were so cute! xP

(1)- I couldn't help but think of Ryoma Echizen from Prince of Tennis and his catchphrase, "Mada mada dane." So I incorporate it into my fic, but the direct translation doesn't sit well with me, so this was a tampered version :P