Eyyyy. Here's to another short-ass transition chapter. Thankfully, this should be the last one. On a better note, it's summer break now, so (no promises) I should be updating mildly faster. We'll be getting back to Allen next time. My beta is a wonderful person.

Kanda hated meetings. Especially ones where everybody was talking all at the same time. Just as he really began to grind his teeth in annoyance, a voice broke out over all the others.

"Neah has escaped."

The room fell silent at the announcement. Inspector Howard Link looked like he was bordering on furious as he continued to speak.

"This was, in part, due to mistakes made by my team, which I take full responsibility for. However," the blonde man began, eyes passing over all present before finally landing on the Bookman. "We believe he may have had help. Bookman Jr. disappeared after the fire and has not yet been found."

Kanda started at this bit of information, not knowing what to make of it. Bookman, for his part, didn't look surprised at all. No doubt he'd already known.

"I-Isn't it possible that he went out to track Neah down?" Miranda spoke up, a rare show of bravery from her in this type of setting.

The Inspector eyed the timid woman testily. Her courage seemed to leave her and she cowered a bit under his gaze.

"Doubtful. The fugitive knowing his way out of the building and the convenient timing of the fire indicates outside influence. Neah had been taking his afternoons with Junior for a while now. It would have been the perfect chance to orchestrate an escape attempt."

"I don't want to believe that Lavi would do this. It's very unlike him." Bookman stated quietly.

"Let us reserve judgement," the old man continued. "Until we have tracked him and Neah down. If there were any extenuating circumstances, we should gather as much information as possible."

"I'll go find them." Kanda said.

"You are on probation, Yuu Kanda." the Inspector glared.

"Maybe, but I've worked with Lavi before, and I understand the runt. I can track them down quickly."

Howard Link pinched the bridge of his nose, debating.

"We must send out search parties in any case. Set up teams of capable people to apprehend them, be prepared to use force in the event that they attempt to resist. Should you locate either the fugitive or Bookman Jr., escort them back to the Interrogation rooms and report in."

Just as Kanda was about to open his mouth, the Inspector began again.

"If you are going to be so insistent as to your helpfulness in this matter, then I will see to it that your probation status is temporarily lifted."

'Finally,' Kanda inwardly sighed with relief.

"But, I will be accompanying you in your search." the Inspector finished.

Dammit.

To My Reviewers:

momorona- I missed you too. Yeah, Lavi's all warm squishiness on the inside.

Allen's Matchmaker- Hopefully the crap wait was worth it.

YullenLover16- Oh, I'm glad you like it! That makes me feel alot better. :)

AllenxEdward- It's good to hear from you too!

ShimmeringCrimson- You're welcome! And thanks to you for the review!

Hinata's Shadow1- I don't know how many safe places there are, but hopefully they find one.

Ali sanpei- Ahh~ Let me smooch your face! I love the boys too! I just want lots of fluffy soon!

mychemicalbitchbot- I'm glad you liked it!

Conrii- Glad you liked it! (And to your other review:) It could be! *evil smile*

Happycafegirl- I'm glad you like them!

Midnight Fantasia Goddess- Well, there's definitely something wrong with his personality(s?) I'll give you that.

Tintaglia In Flight- Well, yeah, the Order is gonna come after them, but I really do wanna focus more on the relationship now. I can't wait until Kanda catches up. It could lead to brutal murder, or sexy fun times, but either way it ought to be fun.

Krystal Nite- So happy you stick with me!

Yana5- I'm glad!