Exception

By: Aviantei

33. Revving Up

The news hit the school like wildfire: over the weekend the Chairman of Millennium Private High School had contacted Principal Hevlaska and offered to host their Valentine's dances as a joint event, in the interest of forming a closer bond between the schools. This included allowing Black Order High School students access to the massive ballroom MPHS had rented out for the event.

The responses were mixed. Several sports team's members and fans grumbled about sharing a dance with their rivals. A number of students were excited about the change in locale, a far cry from the recreational center in the park that had been the norm for several years. Plenty of people lamented their clothes wouldn't be up to par. There was so much talk in and out of class that even Ivy, who tended to distance herself from such things, had heard about it before Lavi had sent her at least fourteen passionate text messages about the subject.

Lenalee had heard the news (of course she had, there wasn't a rumor at Black Order High that the younger Lee sibling didn't know about), but she had other things to focus on in her free time following her English class. Like the upcoming Valentine's carnation exchange.

It wasn't anything complicated. Pay a dollar and you could send any student in the school district a color-coded carnation to be delivered in the last period of Valentine's Day, the upcoming Friday.

It's always Friday, isn't it?

Lenalee herself had always gotten a number of purple secret-admirer flowers, her potential suitors too afraid of Komui to put their names on the things. Lenalee didn't blame them, and she took care of her bouquet with pride. But this year she planned to be on the sending end of things and was trying to figure out which combination of flowers to send to Allen.

Red, for love, was a given. Pink, though it stood for crushing, made a nice color compliment. Toss in a few "you are my sunshine" yellows, and it would make a pleasant collection to set the right mood for the dance, even though Lavi reported that Allen was taking a feel-things-out-in-the-moment approach to Friday.

But is this going to be enough? Komui had spoiled Lenalee on her dress budget, and she still had leftovers after picking up her ensemble the previous day. She could easily send Allen a mountain of flowers, but she didn't want to give him a handful on the bus ride home. Going overboard could seem like a cheap tactic, too. Things would have been easier if she knew what Ari was doing.

Too bad Lavi had stuck true to his no favoritism rule. Ari had the same information that Lenalee did. Things were coming down to the wire, and it had to be A-Game from here on out. That would be necessary with the sub-goal of "Blow Allen Away," the precursor to "Win Allen's Heart."

One couldn't tell if it was better that Lavi had been in charge of naming the SSGTIK or not.

In that case, she should hold true to herself. A small batch of carnations would do. Digging out the order form from her planner, Lenalee marked out the number of flowers and their colors, directing them to Allen and signing her name with a flourish.

Satisfied, Lenalee stood as the bell rang and headed to the lunch room to get her order in before Komui caught wind of what she was doing.

Lavi, too, had other worries. And what way to get those worries out than to ramble to an uninvolved party?

On the premise of getting seconds at lunchtime, he snuck back into the lunch line to ask Jerry for advice. Since two of his friends were romantically entangled, two wanted nothing to do with this, and one was the subject of conversation, the chef was the best option. Beyond always being willing to listen, he could keep a secret. Lavi didn't know of a single person that had had their secrets spilled by Jerry, and the Bookman boy knew a lot.

Like, a lot a lot. Seriously.

"…and so I brought up a date and he kind of laughed it off like a joke, but when he realized I was serious, he took it in stride. Told me he was unsure. So I guess it was kind of unfair of me dumping this on him when he's got all this other junk going on, but I didn't want to miss my chance, you know? And things were okay when we were eating breakfast this morning, but he was mostly eating. Did I screw up? I feel like I screwed up."

Jerry sucked in the words as he refilled the lunch portions for the following period. Whoever had made the hiring decision for Jerry had done the students of Black Order High a great service, as each meal was delicious. This sort of scenario wasn't out of Jerry's line of expertise, either, and he had heard stranger stories than this over the years.

"Well, honey," Jerry mused, "I think you were brave for taking a chance on this. And I hope you're satisfied with whatever result you get." He thought the situation over. Even with only partial details, he had a pretty clear picture. It was amazing the number of things you could learn about kids while just serving them food. "I don't think you screwed up, but I do think you should play it cool, Lavi. Don't expect too much and let Allen work things out on his own. You get me?"

Lavi sighed, trying to figure out which entre he should pick out that he could actually eat without setting his stomach into overdrive. Jerry's cooking was delicious, so that wasn't even an issue. "I figured you'd say something like that," he admitted. It was better to try than to guess, though, even if the redhead had very accurate guessing capabilities. "Well, my hat's in the ring. I'm not out of this game yet."

Jerry tapped off the ladle in his hand before brandishing it towards the ceiling. "Don't give until it's over, Lavi-chan. I believe in you." With a well-executed flourish, Jerry twirled the ladle and went right back to his preparations. "No matter what, I'm rooting for you kids to get the happiness you deserve. So go and give it all you've got!"

Lavi's trademark grin resurfaced, damn near splitting his face in half. "Thanks, Jerry. You're the best." At last settling on a serving of curry, Lavi shuffled out of the empty lunch line and punched his code in at the register before skipping off. Satisfied, Jerry started humming to himself, ready to enjoy a breather before his afternoon home ec class.

"Jerry, I need your help, please."

Allen Walker was no stranger to the Black Order High cafeteria, and Jerry was used to the young Brit reemerging for seconds, thirds, fourths, and so on. Allen's record was reaching sevenths, and Jerry took it as a challenge to keep every student and faculty member full. However, there were other things on Allen's mind that day than eating until his stomach was on the verge of bursting. Do restrain your disbelief, please.

Setting his pot to a simmer so it wouldn't overboil, Jerry whirled around and clapped off his hands. "You know I'm always around to help you, Allen. What second course are we looking at today?" Without a tray in his hands, though, Allen couldn't quite carry anything out of the line, and he'd already been scolded for trying to eat right out of the dishes years ago. Jerry cocked an eyebrow. "Allen, dear, is everything okay?"

"Yes. No. I think?" Allen's stomach twisted up with such ferocity it would've made a blender jealous. He slumped against the milk cooler, shoulders hunched in, and Jerry switched straight from chef to mother hen mode. "I'm just confused. Like, really confused."

Having just heard the details from Lavi, Jerry knew what it was about, but he didn't let secrets spill. He'd been the trusted confidant of Black Order High students for years, a reputation he was almost as proud of as his cooking skills. And for someone like Allen, who didn't participate in gossip or opening up much, space and time were necessary in making him comfortable.

"You know you can always talk to me," Jerry said. He wiped off his hands on his apron and leaned up against the wall by Allen. The lunch dishes behind him continued to cook, and he kept track of the savory scents so none of them burned. "I told you when you first moved here that this cafeteria is a no judgement zone. Whatever it is, I'll have your back."

Relief started to loosen the coil in Allen's nerves, but the stress was still getting to him. Everything was just piling up, and while he knew—he knew Lavi hadn't been trying to make things worse, it was just another thing to worry about on his already reaching high list of concerns. So he spilled it all out to Jerry, voice quiet, even though it wouldn't break through the chatter going on in the main lunchroom.

"…and Valentine's is on Friday, and I don't even know if I'm ready for this," he said, nearing his conclusion. Jerry had been quiet the whole time, the perfect listener. It was no wonder he saw more traffic than the actual guidance counselor's office. Allen wrung his hands together, pressing together the fabric of his gloves. "I mean, Lenalee and Ari are one thing, because I think we have an understanding, and I know I like them. But I don't know if I like Lavi. I mean, I don't even know if I like blokes? I mean, I like girls for sure, but I know that doesn't mean I can't like guys, too." He scratched at his head, sending pure white hair in all directions. "Why is all of this so complicated?"

Sensing it was his moment to shine, Jerry reached out to pat Allen's shoulder. "Well, I'm glad you want to give Lavi-chan consideration, even if you're not sure." Kids sure could grow in the couple of years that you knew them. One of life's many miracles, if Jerry could say so himself. "But you don't have to force yourself to make any decisions, for him or the girls." Allen looked up, gray eyes wide. That sounded way too easy for the chaos he lived in. "Life's too short to waste time, but it's not long enough that you can't think things through. Follow your heart, Allen, and you'll make the right decision. That's what I think, at least."

"Follow my heart, huh?" Allen looked back to his hands and clenched his left fist tight. For a moment, there was a buildup of pressure—but when he realized it, he felt lighter. "Yeah, I get it. Thanks, Jerry!"

Cue the high-class blinding Allen smile. Good thing none of the collective interested parties were present. Jerry almost passed out as it was.

With a cough, the chef regained his composure and stood up tall. "Glad to help, honey. Now, don't pretend you don't want something else to eat. I still have plenty of leftovers ready to go." Jerry retreated behind the serving counter and spread out his arms. "So hit me with what you've got, Allen."

And Allen snapped to attention like a puppy with a treat dangled in front of his face and pretty much teleported to the counter, a fresh tray in hand. "Well, in that case I'll take…"

Goodness, kids these days, Jerry thought, but he served Allen with a smile.

Slumped over a table in the teacher's lounge, Komui admitted he had not been having a good day. No, he hadn't been having a good weekend. To be honest, February was an utter month of hell, given that there were all sorts of fools who would dare try to use Valentine's Day to get close to his beloved Lenalee. No matter what Komui did, there was always someone who was brave enough to think they could survive the Wrath of Lee Komui, or some new freshman who didn't know any better because they lived under a large, social-impairing rock would try to win over Lenalee's heart. Through a combination of the Lee sibling's intimidation (the older brother) and polite rejections (the most precious of younger sisters), no such suitors had been successful.

But that year was different.

That year there was one.

"Allen… Walker," Komui said, his voice not sounding too far like he had been possessed by some otherworldly entity, though one would have to question what demon would be foolish enough to even try. The little bastard had dared to take Lenalee out on a date! And she had come back smiling! Sure, it would've been worse for him if she'd been disappointed by the whole thing, because no one broke Lenalee's heart and got away with it, but the alternative meant there might be more dates in the future, which was all the worse. "I won't forgive this… I won't allow any of it!"

"Are you still going on about this?" Reever approached the table and, after a few minutes of pained consideration, sat down next to Komui. As Komui's closest friend (and sometimes maybe even his only one), it was Reever's job to keep Komui's nonsense from affecting the rest of the faculty and students. They had at least arrived at the end of the school day, but it was still Monday, and four days remained until Valentine's was over. "Komui, you're a teacher. You're supposed to be teaching these students, not plotting their demise."

"I will plot the demise of whomever I damn well please!" Komui reared up from his seat with the force of a vengeful scientist who hasn't had enough coffee (or maybe too much). Poor Lenalee, she still had a year left of this. Though it could be worse for Allen, who would remain at Black Order High once his friends graduated. Komui produced a rather concerning looking metal drill, left aside from the Robot Fight Club preparations. "In fact, I'll go execute his demise right now!"

"What sort of damn logic is that? No, wait!"

Komui was already storming his way towards the door. Even though it was the end of the school day, plenty of students were still milling about, either for clubs, sports, or just general hanging out, and the halls were packed. With a Lenalee Protection Mode Komui, there was no way for the fiasco to end peacefully. Reever, abandoning his coffee and taking one for the team, lunged at Komui's legs. On any mere mortal, the tackle would've taken out their legs, but Komui dragged himself forward, undeterred.

"I'm gonna go put Allen Walker out of his misery right now…!"

"You can't, you idiot. I'm seriously telling you, you can't!"

"Getting involved with my precious sister…"

"Why are you always like this?!"

"Lenaleeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee—!"

The passionate cry was cut off as Komui bumped into a passerby who hadn't gotten the hell away from his rampage. Komui paused, drill still in hand, while Reever looked up from his position on the ground and jumped to his feet in a flash. The woman looked at the two science teachers with a frown on her plush lips and a crease in her brow. Likewise, Komui and Reever glared back, sending both metaphorical and literal sparks flying. It seemed the drill was even more dangerous than it appeared to be at first glance.

"Lulu, come on," a girl's voice said. "I wanna get to the meeting so I can get this over with. I still haven't finished touching up my dress yet."

The woman's lips pursed, then they slipped into a small smirk. "Yes, of course. Rabble like this isn't worth wasting my time on, anyway."

A collective vein broke in Komui and Reever's foreheads. No matter their disputes, the wavelengths of friendship still applied. Without waiting for a retort, Lulu Bell, Millennium Private High School alumnus and current teacher, pivoted on her heel, dark ponytail swaying behind her.

"Reever," Komui said through gritted teeth, "just what in the world is that woman doing here?"

"I think," Reever said with a twitch in his eyebrow, "that she's supervising the joint committee for the dance. That girl with her was in the MPHS uniform."

"Just what is this world coming to? I don't understand what Hevlaska is thinking." Komui sighed, running a hand through his hair. "At this rate, the Noah will be attending the Robot Fight Club—oh. Oh, oh, oh." A maniacal grin wound its way across Komui's face, and he looked back to the drill in his hand before grabbing onto Reever's shoulders. "That's it, Reever! We invite the Noah to the Robot Fight Club, and then we crush that woman's bratty students. It's perfect!"

Reever blinked. He sure was craving at cigarette at the moment, between Komui's wildly flinging moods and everything else going on, but that didn't stop part of him from agreeing with the idea, just a little. "Alright, I'm with you. But if we're gonna do this, we're gonna have to do this right. We'll need to give the Science Club all the support we've got." Herding Komui back into the teacher's lounge, Reever acted both out of preservation of the student body and the inherent desire in him to see a Noah get wrecked.

The fact that it kept Komui distracted from Valentine's Day was an additional bonus.

"Lulu, you're smiling way more than usual," Road said, kicking her shoes across the Black Order High floors with every intention of leaving scuff marks. Even while in uniform, she had added petticoats to flounce out her skirt, and being one of the director's favorites meant that no one could give her shit about it, either. Not that anyone would dare to try. "What's that about?"

Beside Road was Lulu Bell, who, as predicted by Reever, was escorting Road as the ambassador for coordinating the schools' dance efforts. Anyone who would question such an appointment would have to be a certified moron, considering Road had volunteered for the position herself. The two drew multiple stares as they worked their way to the art room, where the dance committee was meeting, but neither female let the sheer confidence in their gaits drop.

"Just some old rivalries," Lulu said. It had been some time since she had faced off against Black Order members, but they were fun memories nonetheless. "More importantly, I know you're not here to take responsibility for this joint dance. What's your real game?"

Lulu hadn't missed the way Road was combing the halls in search of something that wasn't the art room. Road didn't even bother to look ashamed, folding her arms behind her head. "I'm just hoping for a chance to see the real objective here." The real objective very much being Allen Walker. Sure, they'd be going to the same dance on Friday, but Road was never one to waste an opportunity. Lulu raised a thin eyebrow, and Road giggled. "Just a new friend. I'm sure the Director will mention it sometime soon enough."

You mean a new toy for you to mess with, Lulu thought, but didn't bother to voice the thought. Older or not, even the other Noah knew not to mess with Road when she zoned in on a target. The creepy giggles were a sure warning sign. "Well, so long as you remember to keep up appearances. We are here representing the Director, so—"

"Holy crap, that's actually him. I'll be right back." Not even bothering to heed Lulu's warning, Road zipped off, a smile spreading across her face. It'd be cute seeing her get so worked up over a crush if she weren't being a verifiable stalker in the process. Sure enough, finishing sorting through his locker and preparing himself for the torment of another evening with Cross at home, was Allen. He finished packing up his bag, locked up his locker (it wasn't even a combination, Road noted, making it easier to break into to), and turned around. The girl before him was unfamiliar, but she was smiling. "Hi!"

"Uh, hi?" Allen resisted the urge to look around the hallway, but even with just his peripheral he could tell there wasn't anyone else Road could be speaking to. Her unfamiliar school uniform just made it more confusing. "I'm sorry, have we met before?"

"No, no, nothing like that." Lulu, retreated out of the immediate vicinity, rolled her eyes at the half-lie. "I'm just the ambassador for Millennium Private High School, Road Kamelot. I'm helping out with the dance!"

The best part was that it wasn't even a lie. Scratch that, the best part was watching the baffled expression form on Allen's face in person. Road put on one of her disarming smiles (the ones that those close to her knew to never ever trust), and Allen's face turned red in an instant. "Th-that's nice of you," he said, scrambling for a response. Just what was it with people lately? First Ari asking him out, then Lenalee's declaration of war, then Lavi, and now this? "Did you need my help with something?"

Part of Allen was insisting on a retreat, but that wasn't polite, and his manners won out over everything, even as Road put on a smile that sent a shiver up his spine. He had to be overthinking it; she was just a kid, right? Without any concern for what ordinary people would consider personal space, Road stepped closer. "Well, since we're working on bringing our schools closer for this event, I think it'd be best to have as many people involved as possible."

Lulu checked her watch. It took less than five minutes for Road to start ignoring social conventions. Not quite a new record, but still an impressive time.

Allen caught the connotation and let out a nervous laugh. It just made Road adore him more. "So you want me to help?" Road nodded fast enough to send her wild hair flying. Allen rubbed his arm, making eye contact out of sheer willpower. "Sorry, I don't think I'm really the best fit for that."

"Aw, don't be silly." With even less consideration for Allen's personal bubble, Road sidled up to his side and latched onto his arm. He flinched; she just giggled. "You seem like you're organized and dedicated. We could totally use someone like you!" Alarm bells, commence making a racket.

Despite the ever creeping sensation of dread building up in him, Allen wracked his brain for something—really, anything—he could say that wasn't outright get the bloody hell off me. "I have plans already, so I shouldn't be late."

Why in the world is she so fixated on me coming with her? The pout that fell onto Road's features just served to confirm that was her endgame. Road herself, starting to lose her patience, gripped harder. Lulu watched, trying to figure out at just what point she might have to stop the situation from erupting into a full-blown Road Kamelot tantrum.

"Is it such a big deal? I'm sure your friends would understand." They'd understand if Road got her hands on them, for sure.

"We've been planning this a while, though…"

"You can just invite them along. We could use the extra hands now!"

"Th-that wouldn't be appropriate."

"Why not? What's so important you've got going on that you can't lend someone a helping hand? Is it because I'm a Noah?"

"N-no, not at all!" If it weren't for the vice grip Road had on his arm, Allen would've been waving his hands in denial. School rivalry or no, that was going too far.

Still, she locked Allen in a glare. By that point, the remaining students had cleared out, leaving him without any backup. "Well," Road said, refusing to let Allen so much as blink, "what is it then?" Scrambling for a response, Allen blurted out the first answer that came to mind:

"Because I'm going on a date!"

Something inside Road Kamelot snapped, and Lulu decided that the time to move had arrived.

[Author's Notes]

Today, December 23, 2018, marks the ten year anniversary of when the first chapter of Exception posted. Considering that I haven't finished this fic yet, I really have no excuse, but I figured I'd go ahead and post an update anyway to celebrate. I like to think I've learned a lot from fanfiction after all, so here's to continuing working on things for the next ten years (and hopefully finishing up this fic in that time!).

Thanks go out to Savage Kill, teamxcution, NeKo19-94, shana97, and YatogamiKushina for the favorites and follows since the past update. I'd love to hear your thoughts on this fic, so let me have it!

If nothing else, my goal moving forward is to give this (and the rest of my fics) more regular updates. This will involve chapter 34 debuting at the beginning of next year, so I ask that you look forward to it. If you happen to read any of my other stories, I'll be posting one update a day as part of my ten year celebration, so look forward to those as well!

-Avi

[12.19.2018]