A/N: Sorry once again for my absence! It's mostly do to the fact that I've been working on other D. Gray-Man fics, so it's not like I haven't been writing.(x But I'll be focusing on this story for this week and the next, so maybe I can finally complete it!(: And thank you to Takei Daloui, The Moyashi Beansprout Midget, gabiey, Lena-luvs-cats, and Morribr (x2) for reviewing! You guys are the best!^.^ Enjoy!
Disclaimer: Nah, I still don't own this manga, but I'm cool with it because there's an anime coming out! :D
Chapter 22
Time Frame — Morning of February 11th, 1896
—3rd Person POV—
~Allen~
Feeling rather nervous, Allen shifted on his feet, moonlit eyes flickering among the throngs moving steadily throughout the train station. He took a deep breath and shoved his hands deep into the pockets of his regular, black coat (he'd forgone his Exorcist one), attempting to relax as he waited. It was only a few days ago that the white-haired teen had agreed to take Lenalee on a date, and now that it was Sunday, they were taking their chance. With Valentine's Day and her birthday coming up, they knew Komui would come into the picture and practically kidnap her, just in case any octopi (read: boys) thought to do anything unsavory to his precious sister.
"Allen!"
Whirling around, Allen's uneasy expression bloomed into a wide grin as he waved at the Chinese girl. As she neared him in quick steps, Allen turned slightly red, observing how pretty the fifteen-year-old girl appeared in her ruffled, purple dress. "Hello, Lenalee. You look really nice," he smiled as she finally came to stop before him.
"Thanks!" she beamed, and then glanced around curiously. "Anyway, why are we meeting up at the train station? We're not eloping already, are we?" she teased, and in reaction, Allen lit up like a Christmas tree. Failing to smother her giggles, she snorted, "It's okay, Allen, I was just teasing. You can breathe now."
"Ah, r-right," Allen stammered, smile sheepish. "But don't say things like that, Lenalee. I'm going to have a heart attack one of these days, and then who is your brother going to kill?"
"Trust me, he won't rest until he's the only male left in existence!" she exclaimed with a laugh.
Allen chuckled and then took her hand, tugging her aboard one of the train carts. "Don't worry," he tossed over his shoulder, "We're not eloping, but I figure hanging around this town still isn't safe with your brother nearby. We're just traveling to the next town over, so the ride won't even last an hour!"
"What will we be doing?" Lenalee wondered, as she took a seat next to him. Fortunately, they found an available bench among the already crowded cart.
Allen shrugged and threw her a grin. "Nothing I'm sure you can't guess once we arrive. But I'll let you sit on it for now."
"That's just mean," she pouted, and then lurched forward and would have most likely fallen off the bench if Allen still hadn't been gripping her hand, as the train staggered into motion.
Lips pressed together to keep from laughing, Allen replied, "Well, I did just save you. I think that's repayment enough."
Her cheeks turned a little red, as if embarrassed, before she shook it off. "Okay, whatever you say, Allen," she scoffed, and then grinned cheekily at him. "But don't think for a second that I couldn't have saved myself! You were just being a gentleman! I can't get mad a something so adorable."
Allen frowned, and parted his lips, ready to protest, but was interrupted by the elderly lady that sat in the bench across from the pair. "My, aren't you two just the cutest thing! Why, I remember when my Benjamin and I…"
The blush that lit their faces eventually dimmed as they settled down for the long train ride.
"Bye, Mrs. Montgomery! It was very nice meeting you!" Lenalee called with a wave as she and Allen hopped down from the train cart.
"Goodbye, my dears! Have fun on your date! But not too much fun! You're too young for that!" she called, her voice fading away as Allen and Lenalee hurried off, their faces turning permanently red. It had been quite the peculiar ride with the elderly lady.
"Um, well that was interesting," Allen finally spoke up, awkward smile in place.
A little more relaxed now that they'd finally exited the train station, Lenalee burst into a carefree laugh. "Interesting is one word for it. I don't know whether to feel embarrassed or amused. All the same though, she was quite nice." Taking his hand in hers, Lenalee turned to him with a beam. "So! We're here now; where are we off to?"
"I'd have thought it'd be obvious by now," Allen remarked as he pulled her through the crowded streets, and then nodded up. Following his gaze, Lenalee stood on the tips of her toes, and above the throngs, towards the end of the road where it opened it up into an expansive town square, a massive sign was held up by the two corner buildings. Upon it read: Nottingham Goose Fair. And suddenly, it wasn't Allen pulling her along; it was Lenalee pushing through the masses, cheering with excitement.
"We're at the fair?!" she marveled, expertly maneuvering through the multitudes. "It's been so long since Brother has taken me to one of these! How'd you know they'd have the fair?"
Allen chuckled, pleased that she seemed so animated and thrilled. "I got lost a couple of times when I was trying to find the academy a month ago, and I ended up here at some point, thinking I'd finally found the place. I didn't, obviously, but I did get some townspeople handing out flyers advertising that the fair would be opening up soon, so I thought, why not?"
"I'm sure glad you did!" Lenalee shouted over the commotion as they finally made it through the entrance. "It sure brings back memories!"
Allen gripped her hand a little tighter. "I'm glad."
A/N: Don't worry! Their date will continue on to the next chapter!(: Any suggestions?(;
Hope you liked it! Please leave a review on your way out!(: