A/N: I'm exhausted. I feel like I'm about to drop dead. This week's been intense, and that will be nothing compared to next week. So yes, it did take me two days to write this chapter. I don't know if I'll have the energy to write another one; I feel like I'm about to crash and burn. Anyway, thanks to Manu259, Storm VII, jy24, Lena-luvs-cats, and Takei Daloui for supporting this story and reviewing! Probably wouldn't be updating if it weren't for you lovely people. Enjoy.

Disclaimer: No.

Chapter 18

Time Frame — Evening of February 5th, 1896

—3rd Person POV—

~Allen~

"Would you like anything else, sir?" Allen inquired politely as he stacked the dirty plates and cups atop his platter.

"You ask me this every time Allen, but the answer is still no," the older teen chuckled, his warm, bronze eyes kind as he smiled at him in thanks. "And haven't I already told you? Call me Oliver."

According to the other workers, Oliver Price was part of a wealthy family in town, who always partook in his routine without fault. Every week, twice a week, he would come in for a late dinner, always dressed semi-formal, wavy, dark hair pulled into his usual ponytail. Allen had been assigned as his waiter for the past two weeks, since he'd returned from his mission.

"But I'm sure you understand that's inappropriate," Allen replied with an easy smile, straightening up as he finished picking up the dirty cutlery. "I'd rather not lose my job."

"Of course," Oliver nodded graciously. He then grinned. "But I'll hurry. I know your shift must be over by now."

"There's no rush," Allen shrugged, though in truth, he wanted to get going. He'd promised Lenalee to meet up with her at the Library at 7:30 (half an hour after the end of his shift, which had ended five minutes ago).

"No need to lie." Oliver stood and grabbed his coat, taking a moment to place the bill and an additional tip atop the pristine tablecloth. "I'll be on my way. As always, I appreciate the great service, Allen."

"Thank you," Allen said gratefully, and then hurried to clean everything up, snatching up his tip and then ducking into the backroom to get changed.

Once he finally left, he hurried through the darkening streets. He would have just enough time to stop by his room in order to grab his school bag and then head for the library. Despite taking the job on the whim, Bookman took the class he taught them very seriously. Apparently, the old man couldn't bear it if he had to teach a whole bunch of rowdy teenagers without at least cramming some information into their head. Probably his pride as a Bookman. In any case, the old man had decided to have an exam the following day, and any and all failures would be forced to take remedial classes with someone who could afford to waste their time on them (Bookman's words).

And it was about two minutes before their meeting time that Allen was hurrying through the campus grounds, scratching the back of his head and wondering where on earth the library was. "Oh no," he muttered in despair, shoulders slumping. "I should've seen this coming… It's a wonder I even make to work on time…"

"Allen! Are you alright?"

In quick succession, Allen spun around with a relieved grin. "Lenalee! Thank God you found me! I thought I was going to end up lost and wandering around this campus for the rest of eternity!"

Lenalee jogged over to his side, and quirked an eyebrow once she came to a halt. "Um, are you sure you're not just exaggerating, Allen? I know you said you have no sense of direction and that you easily got lost, but the library is right there." Here, she pointed to the farthest building on their right.

Allen blinked, and then frowned, grumbling under his breath, "They all look the same…"

Lenalee burst into a short laugh. "How do you even make it to class?" she giggled.

"Well, the cafeteria's the one place I can usually find," Allen admitted with sheepish smile as they simultaneously began heading for the library. "From there, I just follow the rest of you around to get to our classes."

"Of course you can find the cafeteria," Lenalee huffed, "Between you and Alma, you'll soon be eating us out of house and home!"

"Heh, s'not like we can help it," Allen rubbed the back of his head and smiled. "Not that I'm complaining. The food is great!"

"Then you should definitely try some of Jerry's cooking over at HQ. He is amazing!" Lenalee gushed. "And he makes the best chocolate cake!"

Allen grinned. "That's definitely something I'd like to try!" They were entering the library just as he said this, but before Lenalee could reply, a loud squelch burst beneath their feet. "Eh?"

They both glanced down, eyes widening at the large puddles of water running over the tiled floor. Their gaze eventually landed on the heap of wet books scattered in sad, soggy piles. And eventually, onto the girl sitting on her knees and picking up the mess.

"Road! What happened?" Allen demanded, rushing over to her side.

"Are you alright?" Lenalee asked, picking up the book at her feet and cautiously stepping over to kneel by her side.

Road stiffened and kept her head ducked down, hands shaking. But it wasn't from fear or shame. She was angry. Allen could practically feel it pulsating from her as she finally glanced up at him, violet eyes seething. "I'm fine," she spat to no one in particular, hands clenched around the soggy book in her hands.

Lenalee tentatively placed a hand her shoulder, observing her with concerned eyes. "Who did this?" Road didn't reply. But she didn't need to. Lenalee tilted her head back up, gaze landing on the group of giggling girls at a nearby table. The occasional sneer they threw in Road's direction was explanation enough. Lenalee narrowed her eyes, slowly rising to her feet. "I'll be right back," she murmured.

Too focused on Road's sad state, Allen didn't take much notice as he helped her pick up her books. "Road—"

"Don't," Road hissed with a final tone, avoiding eye-contact. Allen frowned, gazing sadly at her. But Road wasn't finished. "Don't pity me. Don't think I can't defend myself. If I did, those girls would be dead. I have better things to do than deal with their kind."

Allen was speechless. Road was so cheerful and fun to talk to, it had never even occurred to him that she might have these sorts of problems. That she might be friendless. That she might be bitter. After getting to know her, the idea was so inconceivable. But here she was, alone and kneeling in a puddle of water.

"But they'll get what's coming to them," she whispered so softly, he thought he might've imagined it. But he knew he couldn't have. The rage and absolute loathing was an aura that cloaked and encompassed her being. Allen shuddered; despite her miniature appearance, something within him wanted to recoil with fear.

He shook the thought aside. This was Road; friendly and cheerful (if a bit odd) Road. She had every right to be angry.

"I don't think they'll be bothering you any longer." Lenalee had suddenly appeared back by their side, and with narrowed eyes, Allen glanced back to the table of girls. They were now hushed and a bit pale, completely avoiding glancing in their direction.

Road momentarily frowned, seemingly ready to protest, but then quieted. "Thanks," she muttered. Observing her, Allen had a feeling that she wasn't quite satisfied.

A/N: Surprised by Lenalee and Road's interaction? I thought it'd be dumb and cliche for them to hate each other because of Allen. Not that they'll be best friends or anything. I don't know. I'm too tired to think any further on it, so just tell me your thoughts. Review!