D. Gray-man Fan Fiction ❯ Invention Is The Mother Of Neccesity ❯ Inside Out ( Chapter 10 )

[ X - Adult: No readers under 18. Contains Graphic Adult Themes/Extreme violence. ]

Invention Is The Mother Of Necessity
 
A Fanfiction By SailorLight22
 
Chapter 10 - Inside Out
 
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Okay here's the end. Well, maybe there will be an epilogue, not sure just yet. For anyone who's still with me, thank you.
 
For the people who have been most prominently 'encouraging', let me say this: HA! Now that this is finished, I shall sequester myself far from your armsreach, and return to my writing of badfic and nonsense!
 
Or not. Actually, (coughNiamhcough) I think someone may have a few ideas for my.. Freetime. Look forward to that, and in the meantime, read the fic that makes me love this person. It's good, trust me. Besides, who doesn't need a little more normal in their routine?
(snort of amusement@the relativity of normal)
 
And as a final note, all reviews, whether by mail, im or onsite, are welcomed and greatly appreciated!
 
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There was, Kanda decided, something to be said for the intricate layout of the Exorcist's headquarters. Currently wrapped in a thin white blanket, the swordsman examined the possibility that he could spend the rest of the evening in the shallow alcove that had so conveniently presented itself in his hour of need. Gingerly touching his aching sides, he grumbled in mild irritation at the thought of being found in such a place by his vengeful white-haired lover.
 
The sound of approaching footsteps brought him to his feet, his eyes widening at the state of his..apparel. Inching further into the shadows, he realized with a start that the person's gait was unfamiliar to him. The footfalls were far to light to be any of the men he knew, but were heavier and less sure than Linali's. Curious, he took a step forward, glancing quickly down the corridor as the sounds drew closer to his hiding place.
 
At first, the shadowed hallway concealed the person's form in darkness, but as they passed beneath a dim gaslight, he made out the familiar features and wringing hands of Miranda Lotte. Raising an eyebrow, he wondered at her appearance in this particular corridor. 'Probably lost,' He thought, rolling his eyes.
 
Sighing in exasperated defeat, he moved further into the open, clearing his throat to catch the woman's attention. At the sound, she looked up. Blinking, she took in the white-shrouded form, her eyes widening with open horror. "A GHOST!" She shrieked, backpedaling frantically, "I'm sorry, I'm sorry! Please don't eat me, I took a wrong turn!" As Kanda gaped stupidly at her, she whirled around, sprinting full tilt around the corner.
 
For a moment, there was only the sound of her rapid footsteps, and then a horrible thud cut through the woman's hasty retreat. Curious, the swordsman ventured to the corner, peering cautiously around the bend. Apparently the hallway had once led to others, but now there was only a solid wall. On the floor, the timid woman's body lay crumpled in an painful-looking heap. In her rush to escape the 'ghost', she'd mistaken the turn for the one she'd previously traversed, and had slammed headlong into the altered stonework.
 
Seeing the steady rise and fall of her chest, Kanda shook his head in relief. Explaining the death of an almost-competant Exorcist would be tedious, and he was in no mood for an official report meeting, as he was severely underdressed for company.
 
Stepping carefully, he wrapped the blanket around himself more tightly, pulling the edges away from his feet. Taking a final glance at the gently twitching body, he smirked faintly before making his way cautiously back towards his quarters.
 
Hoping that his lover would be more concerned with dinner than seeking him out, he relaxed slightly as he crossed into less secluded halls. So far, he hadn't seen anyone, and he prayed that everyone would be in the cafeteria or on duty for as long as it would take to reach his room.
 
His luck held until he was only steps from his door.
 
As he began to sigh in relief, he suddenly tensed, sensing eyes upon him. He turned, eyes narrowed with malice as he opened his mouth to deliver a hideous threat to whoever stood watching. His voice faltered as he met the cooly assessing gaze of one Linali Lee.
 
After a moment, she frowned, shaking her head. "Kanda, as much as I would like to just turn around and walk away, I have to know one thing.." She pressed a hand to her face, her voice quiet. "One thing, Kanda, and I swear that the question has been bothering me for days."
 
She paused, once again allowing her eyes to drift briefly over his nearly exposed chest. He gathered the blanket closer to his body, studiously ignoring the dull flush that had crept steadily up his neck. Raising one thin brow, he indicated for her to finish her question.
 
She smiled, quickly stifling her exasperated laugh as the now furiously blushing man growled in annoyance. "All right, all right!" She said, waving her hand reassuringly. "I just wondered....Who's the Seme?"
 
For a time, he merely stared at her. Then, he narrowed his eyes again. "What!? I don't think either of us will be discussing that with you. Now, if you don't mind, I'd like to go to my room. Good Evening, Linali."
 
He turned, yanking the door open with one last glare at the smirking girl before slamming it closed again. Shaking her head in amusement, she turned to a seemingly deserted alcove.
 
"You owe me ten bucks, Mister!" She giggled, sticking out her hand. "I told you he wouldn't answer!"
 
Allen stepped out, frowning. "Oh, I knew he wouldn't tell you. I just expected him to get a lot angrier." He grinned, laughing quietly. "But it's still worth every penny, just to see the look on his face when you said that!" He covered his mouth, knowing that his lover would recognize his voice even through the thick wood of the door.
 
She smiled tolerantly, her hand still extended.
 
Allen looked at her, then down to her hand. Grinning sheepishly, he laughed. "Right now?" Linali nodded firmly.
 
"Right now."
 
He shook his head, digging into his pockets.
 

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Kanda sighed in relief, fastening the last button of his new shirt. He'd never appreciated his clothing until that very instant, and he found himself absurdly grateful for the Order's generosity.
 
Sinking onto the bed, he closed his eyes and allowed his mind to wander over the last several days. He found it hard to believe that so much could change in so little time.. 'I would never have imagined that this could happen,' He thought, smiling faintly. 'If someone had told me that I'd be in a serious relationship with Allen Walker within the space of a week, I'd have either laughed or killed them!'
 
His smile faded as he thought about how close he'd come to missing his chance. 'If it hadn't have been for that idiot Komui, would any of this be happening?' He opened his eyes, glancing toward the door. 'I would have never known that he cared so much..'
 
Sitting up, he decided that it was time to show his newfound lover exactly why one should never tickle a naked samurai.
 
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Allen shivered, wondering at the slightly uneasy feeling that passed as quickly as it had begun.
 
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Linali was on a mission.
 
After knocking several times on the traumatized woman's door, she realized that a search was in order. Quickly checking the common areas of the building, she sighed in frustration . 'Where in the world is she? 'Nii-san said she wasn't on assignment, and she isn't in her room..' Thinking for a moment, she smiled. 'I'll bet she was wandering around like she does at night, and got lost.'
 
Shaking her head, she returned to the corridor that ran alongside the one leading to the Exorcist's quarters,remembering that the older woman had often taken the wrong turn when she'd first come to the Order's headquarters. Turning down the long-unused passage, she noticed almost immediately that there were several smudges in the dust which layered the floor. Leaning down, she made out the imprint of a narrow shoe.
 
Straightening, she followed the trail of footprints as they wandered through the hall, seeing that they wove back and forth erratically. Turning a corner, she saw a broad sweep of marks, as if the woman had dragged her feet or possibly her coat. Taking a closer look, Linali saw the tale tell markings of her quarry's shoes , running alongside the odd trail. Following them back, she gasped as she spotted the woman's crumpled form.
 
Rushing to her side, she sighed in relief as she saw the woman's steady breathing. "Oh, Miranda-chan," She giggled, "What am I going to do with you?" Activating her Innocence, she gathered the woman in her arms, heading back towards the occupied parts of the building. Finding the Exorcist in such a state was a slight setback for what she had planned, but she was willing to wait.
 
"Maybe I should hold off on showing her that one book," She mumbled to herself, "She might pass out on me, and that would defeat the whole point." Reaching the end of the corridor, she managed to hoist the older woman to her feet, supporting her weight as she unlocked her door. Dragging her 'guest' inside, she laid her on the bed.
 
Crossing to the bathroom, she filled a small bowl with water and retrieved a washcloth, carrying the items to the bedside table. Soaking the cloth, she wiped the twitching woman's forehead, gently calling her name until she stirred.
 
"Linali-chan..? What..Oh, my goodness!" The woman bolted up, wavering as her sudden movement made her head spin with dizziness. "The ghost, did you see it too? It was awful, I was so afraid that it was going to..!" The girl stared at her in amused confusion.
 
"I didn't see anything like that, I found you lying on the floor by yourself, Miranda-chan. After I saw that you were all right, I brought you back here." She smiled, patting the woman's hand reassuringly. "Maybe you just thought you saw something? I've never heard of a ghost here.." She trailed off, an idea striking her. "Was... was it wearing anything? A sheet, maybe?"
 
The older woman frowned, nodding. "It was tall, and it was wearing a shroud. It looked like something out of a horror story, Linali-chan. It appeared out of thin air, all pale and quiet, with long hair that covered most of it's face..!"
 
Forcing her face into a calm smile, Linali pushed down the urge to laugh. 'If she only knew..' She thought, shaking her head. Meeting the woman's wide eyes, she nodded. "It's gone now, whatever it was. I'm sure you'll never see it again, Miranda-chan."
 
The frightened Exorcist nodded fervently. "I hope not, I thought I was going to die.."
 
Linali smiled reassuringly. "It's all right now, so just forget about it. Actually, I wanted to talk to you about some things, Miranda-chan." The woman blinked at her warily.
 
"I didn't do something wrong, did I? I'm so sorry, I'm always messing things up without thinking..!" She would likely have carried on well into the evening, but Linali decided to get straight to the point.
 
"No, you haven't done anything! I just wanted to ask you if Allen-kun's relationship with Kanda bothered you.. You seem uncomfortable around them now, I noticed it at breakfast." She paused, patting the older woman's hand. "Are they the first same sex couple you've really known?"
 
Miranda nodded slowly, her face flushed. "I'm not...upset really, but I've never had a chance to talk to anyone about things like that. They seem so..I don't know, happy. Like they don't care if people think it's wrong." She glanced away. "Does it bother you, Linali-chan? I like them both very much, but I don't want you to be angry at me if I shouldn't accept them..!"
 
Linali laughed in relief. 'This may not be so hard after all,' She thought, walking to her desk. Riffling quickly through the top drawer, she returned to the woman's side, offering her a slightly worn book. "Here, take a look at this."
 
The nervous woman opened the book cautiously, her eyes widening in shock. She looked up at the girl in open astonishment. "Linali-chan, this..you.. Oh, my goodness!" She blushed a shocking purplish-red color, her eyes drawn back to the pages almost as if she had no control of herself. "But, wherever did you get something like this? Does your brother know?!" She giggled hysterically as the girl smiled.
 
"He wouldn't care. I'm not really sure if I should tell you this, but 'Nii-san doesn't like women. Actually, he's just gotten together with Lavi-kun."
 
The elder woman fidgeted, glancing between the book and the girl beside her. "You.. don't mind it? I wouldn't know what to do if it were my brother.. Do they love each other, the way Allen-kun and Kanda-san do?" Linali smiled at her curiosity.
 
"Lavi-kun has been trying to work up the courage to confess his feelings to 'Nii-san for a long time.. 'Nii-san might not be ready for a permanent relationship yet, but you know how Lavi-kun has a way of convincing people. They'll be all right, I trust them not to hurt each other, or I wouldn't have let it go so easily. 'Nii-san is quite a bit older you know."
 
The woman nodded. "Your brother seems a little.. I mean, he's excitable sometimes, but I trust him. Lavi-kun hasn't really talked to me, but he doesn't seem like a bad person either. I'm happy that my friends are finding people to care about, whether it's a man or a woman.. Do you have anyone, Linali-chan?" She gasped, shaking her head. "I'm sorry, that's not my business!"
 
Linali shook her head. "It's fine, don't worry. I don't really have anyone right now, but I'm not looking too hard, I have so much I want to do before that. Do you have anyone, Miranda-chan?" The dark haired woman blushed, looking away.
 
"I've never.. I mean, no one wanted.. No, I don't have anyone." She sighed. "I don't think I'll ever find anyone who'd want me like that, I'm just so.." Trailing off, she shook her head.
 
Linali frowned in sympathy. "There's nothing wrong with you at all, you just haven't met very many people! I'll tell you what," She grinned. "Since you think it's impossible, how about I help you a little? I can introduce you to some of the people here, people that like the things you like. Maybe having more friends will make you more confident?"
 
The older woman blinked back tears. "Linali-chan.. You'd do that for me?" The younger girl nodded.
 
"Of course! Friends do things like that for each other all the time. But before that.." She grinned widely. "Would you like to borrow this? I've got about a dozen more if you'd rather pick another.."
 
Miranda's face was completely scarlet as she nodded. "I am finished with all my other books..."
 
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Lavi spent an entire day grinning like an idiot. Now, by itself that would be a normal thing, but on this absolutely splendid day, he was grinning like an idiot in love. After being dismissed by a thoroughly disgusted Bookman, he returned to his room, falling facedown on the bed. Gathering the pillow in his arms, he inhaled the subtle scent of his hopefully soon-to-be lover.
 
Rolling onto his back, he allowed his mind to wander to the previous night. Komui's acceptance of his feelings had been a welcome surprise for the boy, even if the older man had made an effort to establish a few 'ground rules'. Smiling at the memory, Lavi sighed.
 
"I'll just have to be patient," He murmured, sitting up. "He did say he'd try, so that's half the battle right there!" Hearing footsteps approaching his door, he rose to his feet. 'That can't be him already,' He thought, 'His work wouldn't even be half finished by now..' After a pause, there was a quiet knock. Shaking his head, he opened the door curiously.
 
A strange sight met his gaze, and for a moment he stood transfixed. "Yuu...Is everything all right?" He asked cautiously, stepping back to admit his visitor. Kanda strode past him quickly, indicating that he should close the door. Obliging his friend, Lavi turned to stare at the other boy's eerily smiling face.
 
"I need you to help me." He said, his frightening grin firmly in place. Lavi nodded warily.
 
"Help you..? Ah, what do you need?" The samurai pulled the room's only chair over, sitting down before replying.
 
"Moyashi has done a very bad thing. He needs to be punished."
 
Lavi frowned, nodding. "What did you have in mind? Wait, what do you mean, a bad thing? What did he do?" To his surprise, the younger boy's face colored slightly.
 
"That doesn't matter! Will you help me or not?" His smile had thankfully faded, giving his expression a touch of his usual glare. The redhead snorted.
 
"Yeah, whatever. If it's that bad, I'm sure I'll hear about it eventually. What do you want me to do?" Kanda smirked.
 
"Nothing much.. I just want you to sneak into his room and take all of his clothes and hide them." The boy stared at him.
 
"What the hell do you mean, nothing much? Where is he going to be, just wandering around not thinking about someone stealing his stuff? What if he catches me, how the shit would I even attempt to explain?"
 
The swordsman waved off his protest. "He'll be with me, idiot. All you have to do is come in, take the stuff and leave, simple as that!" Seeing the other about to speak, he shook his head. "He won't have any idea that it was you, and he won't catch you. I'll keep him..Occupied until I know you're out."
 
Lavi stared. "Occupied how? Nevermind, I don't wanna know. But how would you know I was gone?" The younger Exorcist frowned at him.
 
"We'll be in the bathroom. I've got better hearing than he does, so I'd know when it was safe to come out."
 
Raising his hands defensively, the horrified boy backed away. "Have you lost your mind?! No way am I going in there with you two in the next room screwing around!" Kanda sighed tiredly.
 
"Don't be stupider than usual, Lavi. There won't be anything like that going on, who do you think I am, you? I'll just get him in there, wait for you to come in and leave, then I'll make an excuse to come out and leave too." Reluctantly appeased, the Bookman in training nodded slowly.
 
"You swear? No jokes Yuu, if I hear so much as a whimper, I'm so out of there..."
 
Kanda waved off his threat. "Yes, yes.. Will you do it or not?"
 
Lavi sighed, massaging his temples. "All right, when?"
 
Rising to his feet, the samurai grinned ferally. "This evening, right after dinner. Just wait for us to leave, and follow. When you hear the bathroom door close, come in, do your part and go. That's it." Walking to the door, he paused. "And try not to let anyone see you. I'll be back for his things eventually."
 
When the door was safely between him and his oldest friend, Lavi returned to the bed, burying his head beneath the pillow. Willing away his unease, a thought occurred to him. Bolting upright, he groaned. "Shit, Komui's supposed to drop by sometime after dinner! I can't believe I forgot.."
 
Flopping back down, he sighed. "I guess I could leave a note, just in case.. I'll just have to hurry a little. God, why did I let Yuu talk me into this?"
 
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The rest of the evening passed uneventfully, with Allen settling warily beside a stoic Kanda at the dinner table. After several minutes of silence, the younger boy had leaned in closer, whispering a soft apology in the swordsman's ear.
 
"Please don't ignore me, Kanda..I really am sorry." Grunting in reply, the other rose.
 
"Let's go somewhere else to talk, Moyashi. Your quarters, perhaps?" The white-haired boy nodded eagerly, following his lover to the doors, completely unaware of the slim shape that trailed several corridors behind them.
 
Reaching his rooms, Allen quickly opened the door, moving aside to allow his companion to enter. As soon as the door closed, he found himself pressed firmly against the cool wood, his lover's body leaning over him.
 
"Moyashi, I have half a mind to spank you for what you did." The other said quietly, narrowing his eyes at the boy's smirk. "You think it's funny that I had to run around practically naked ?" Allen shook his head, forcing himself to be serious.
 
"I said I was sorry.. I didn't think you'd actually go out there, Kanda." He bit his lip, looking up at the boy's dark eyes. "Please don't be angry with me, let me make it up to you..?" Kanda smiled slightly.
 
"Don't give me those eyes, I know you're sorry Moyashi." Moving closer, he nuzzled against the boy's collar before continuing. "It's been a long day.. All that dust, and then training after that.. It makes me think that I should clean up a little.." Allen's eyes widened at his tone, his pulse skyrocketing as he felt the samurai's teeth on his throat.
 
"Clean..up? Do you mean take a..Kanda!" He gasped, his hands fisting tightly into the boy's shirt as he pressed closer, bringing their bodies together. "Oh God, I can't think when you're doing that..." He whispered, closing his eyes.
 
The taller boy leaned back, his smile widening. "That's the idea, koi. You're all hot and sweaty too, aren't you? Maybe you'd like to join me in the bath.." He stepped away, unbuttoning his shirt and slipping it over his arms. "Or you could just watch?"
 
Allen nodded dumbly, his face reddening. "Whatever you like, make yourself at home.."
 
Kanda turned, heading for the bathroom. "Well, when you put it that way.." He opened the door, glancing back at the flustered Exorcist. "Coming, Moyashi?"
 
The boy jerked, squeaking in surprise at his insinuating look. "Yes, sorry.. I'll be right there." He smiled brightly, taking a deep breath. Following his smirking lover into the smaller room, he leaned against the sink as the samurai dropped his shirt to the floor.
 
Kanda leaned down, turning on the water. Feeling the other's eyes on him, he grinned evilly. Straightening, he faced his fidgeting lover, two short steps bringing his close enough to touch. Moving slowly, he wrapped one arm around the boy's waist, his free hand tugging his shirt free of his pants. "Let's get rid of this, hm?"
 
Allen shivered, nodding silently as the older boy began to unbutton his shirt. Allowing him to tug it off, he swallowed at the hungry expression on the swordsman's face. Kicking the door closed with his foot, Kanda dropped his hands to his lover's waist. Hearing his sharp intake of breath, he pulled him closer, his lips returning to their place on the other's throat.
 
"Delicious," He murmured, his voice sending a shock of heat through the younger boy's body. "Maybe I could have a better taste after the bath?" Allen whimpered softly, nodding.
 
"Anything you want.. Please?" Kanda laughed, moving his lips from the boy's neck. Hearing a cautious step behind the door, he dropped a hand to his lover's pants, pressing their mouths together as he unfastened the button and tugged down the zipper. Certain that the white-haired boy was completely oblivious to his surroundings, he slipped the material over his hips and let them drop to the floor, urging him to step out of them.
 
Deepening their kiss, he sought out the boy's tongue with his own, feeling his muffled moan through the contact. Tracing the line of his lover's teeth, he slid his fingers along the waist of Allen's underwear. Pulling back, he smiled lazily. "Let me turn off the water, so there aren't any..Accidents later." He returned to the tub, twisting the knobs briskly.
 
Allen gripped the edge of the sink with shaking hands as he watched the older boy's approach. "Is it ready..?" Kanda nodded slowly, pulling him forward for another kiss. Listening intently, he smiled inwardly as he heard the room's door close stealthily.
 
"Drop these," He tugged at the offending garment with one finger. "And get in. I'll put your things in the hamper, and then I'm going to lock your door, since you forgot to do it before we came in." Allen frowned, nodding.
 
"I did forget.. Thank you for noticing." Kanda felt a slight twinge of guilt at the boy's bright smile, but he shoved it down in favor of regaining some semblance of his former dignity. Leaving the bathroom with Allen's shirt and pants in hand, he pulled the door closed behind him, making his way to the exit with a grin.
 
He opened the door silently, taking care to turn the lock as he closed it just as softly behind himself.
 
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Allen sank into the warm water, sighing quietly. After a moment, he opened his eyes, confused. "Kanda, is everything all right? Kanda?" He listened intently, frowning at the continued silence. Exiting the bath, he wrapped a towel around his hips, peeking through the door with a shiver. "Is something...wrong...Hey, where are you?"
 
Glancing around, he blinked. "Kanda...?"
 
Stepping fully into the deserted room, he narrowed his eyes. 'He wouldn't have...Would he?'He thought, opening his wardrobe. Staring for a moment, he closed his eyes. "Where...the HELL are my CLOTHES? Kanda, you bastard! Where are my clothes? It's freezing in here!"
 
A quick search of the room revealed nothing, not even so much as a spare shirt. Huffing in irritation, he turned to the bed, a new wave of rage flooding him. "You even took the SHEETS? Argh!" He stomped to the bathroom, snatching his discarded undergarments from the floor. "At least he didn't take everything.. God I can't believe I fell for that..! Stupid, stupid, stupid!" He fumed, clenching his hands.
 
Sliding to the floor, he sighed. "Maybe he'll come back.."
 
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Lavi slammed his door, breathing heavily. Looking around, he bit his lip in thought. 'Damnit, where am I gonna stash this stuff?' He wondered, at a loss. Glancing at the clock, he swore. "Shit! It's too late to take it anywhere else!" As he tried to decode what to do, he heard footsteps approaching his door. Willing them to be someone other than his expected guest, he thumped his head on the door when a familiar humming registered.
 
Whirling around, he snatched up the bundled clothes, still wrapped in the unfortunate boy's sheets. He yanked open the closet, stuffing them inside and quickly latched the door. Hearing the steps pause, he straightened his jacket. Hoping to appear somewhat less than guilty, he forced a smile as the man outside knocked lightly.
 
Walking to the door, he froze in mid-stride as he spotted a piece of the other boy's clothing on the floor. He quickly shoved it beneath the bed, sighing at the almost fatal mistake. Smiling determinedly, he opened the door, snatching a surprised Komui by the arm and dragging him inside.
 
He closed the door behind them, turning to face his guest. "I was wondering when you'd get here! Busy day?" The man smiled, nodding.
 
"There were a lot of forms that had to be done, but nothing really important. Were you waiting long?" The redhaired boy shook his head, stepping close.
 
"I had something to do earlier, so I wasn't here until a few minutes ago. I'm glad that I didn't miss you, I've been looking forward to seeing you." He ignored the stab of guilt at what the 'something' was, meeting the taller man's gaze. "Did you miss me, Komui? You seemed..Distracted when you left last night."
 
The scientist turned an interesting shade of pink as he looked away. "Of course I was, Lavi. You're a most distracting person." He cleared his throat meaningfully. "And yes, I was actually looking forward to seeing you too." He looked down at the boy's mischievous smile. "Would you like to talk about anything in particular, or did you just want to be amusing?" Lavi snickered at his false indignation.
 
"Well, there was something that bothered me earlier.." He stepped forward, backing the man towards the bed. When he could go no further, he slipped his arms around his waist with a disarming smile. Komui's eyes widened, his mouth suddenly dry.
 
"What's that..?" He said, swallowing nervously. The boy leaned up, his hands fisting into the material of the man's jacket.
 
"I wondered if you still tasted like coffee." The scientist's quiet gasp was muffled by the boy's mouth, his lips pressed insistently to the older man's as his hands relaxed their grip and started to roam over his back. After a moment, he pulled back for air, his smile faintly self-satisfied at the other's slightly dazed expression. "Hm, you do. Does all that caffeine make you hyper, Komui?"
 
The man nodded faintly, his breathing uneven.
 
Lavi's smile turned wicked. "Good." Tugging the heavy coat off of the scientist's shoulders, he dropped it onto the chair by the bed. "Oh, your all bunched up. Why don't you lose the boots and lie down? I'll fix you right up!" Without waiting for a reply, he practically bounced to the bathroom, humming tunelessly as he riffled through a drawer for a bottle of lotion.
 
Komui laughed quietly, shaking his head at the boy's antics. He sat down, tugging off his footwear with a sigh. Setting them aside, he noticed that a pen had fallen from his coat pocket. He leaned down to retrieve it, freezing as a flash of bright red caught his eye.
 
Dropping the pen into a handy pocket, he cautiously picked up the scrap of fabric, snorting as it turned out to be a pair of undershorts. He straightened the material in his hands, still smirking. His laugh cut off abruptly when a set of embroidered initials came into view.
 
Lavi returned to the bed, his steps light as he imagined the feeling of the man's warm skin beneath his eager hands. "Here we are, you can...Hey, what's that?" The older man stood, his expression uncharacteristically serious.
 
"Lavi, is there something you'd like to tell me?" The boy shook his head, nonplussed. Komui took a deep breath, meeting his curious gaze squarely. "Nothing at all? Something that might have slipped your mind?"
 
The Exorcist frowned, still confused. "No, I'm sure. Why do you ask?"
 
Komui thrust the clothing at him with a quiet growl. "Then please, please explain to me why you have Allen Walker's underwear hidden under your bed?" He narrowed his eyes as the boy's face paled. "Think really hard, because it had better be the best damn story a Bookman ever told."
 
Lavi squeaked at the furious glint in the man's eyes, fidgeting nervously. "It's not what you're thinking! I only took them because Yuu asked me to!" Komui snorted.
 
"You expect me to believe that Kanda just marched in here and said 'Please Lavi, hold on to my lover's dirty underwear for me!' ?" Lavi nodded quickly.
 
"He said to take the clothes and stash them somewhere. I don't know when, but he said he'd be back for them eventually.." He trailed off as the man began to laugh. "Um..'Mui? What's..." He jerked back as the scientist flung the garment to the floor, seizing his hand and pulling him forward. "It's true, I swear! I know it looks..!"
 
The older man cut him off, pressing their lips together possessively. Lavi's eye widened briefly before slipping closed, a surprised moan rising in his throat as the other caught his lower lip in his teeth, demanding entry. After a long moment, Komui broke away, his expression faintly alarmed.
 
"Did you change your mind, Lavi?" He asked, his voice low. "You said that you'd wait for me, but those make me think otherwise."
 
Lavi shook his head quickly, his expression desperate. "No! It isn't like that, Komui. I told you, I don't want anybody but you! Please let me explain, it was just a stupid joke!" The scientist nodded slowly, tugging the other down with him as he returned to his seat.
 
"All right. Start at the beginning, please?" The Exorcist smiled brightly.
 
"Sure thing. In the beginning, God created the Heavens and the Earth.." Komui laughed, shaking his head.
 
"Stop, just forget it. If it were really something bad, not even a clown like you could try that one. Just don't let me catch you playing around, please? If you do change your mind, I want to be the first to know."
 
Lavi nodded. "I wouldn't do that to you. I'm not going to change anything, I'll wait for as long as you need me to." He turned his face into the man's chest with a sigh. "I really do love you, even if you don't feel like that yet."
 
Komui wrapped his arms around the boy's shoulders, resting his chin on top of his head. "I believe you, Lavi. I'm not angry, it was just...surprising." Smiling faintly, he nudged the Exorcist's face with his cheek. "I don't know if this is really as hopeless as you seem to think, though." He nipped teasingly at the redhead's ear, soothing the sting with his lips. "For a second, I believe I was almost jealous.."
 
Lavi's breath caught, his face lifting to stare at the man in quiet shock. "Almost..?" Komui nodded seriously.
 
"Jealous. You said you were mine, Lavi. Even if I don't have the same feelings that you do, telling me that you belong to me is a pretty good way to make me want to keep you." He smiled, pressing a soft kiss against the boy's jaw. "If I'm going to make this work, I'm sure as hell not letting someone else come between us before we even get started."
 
He sighed against the other's skin, his mouth moving slowly over the line of the boy's pulse. "I was wondering about something earlier too, you know."
 
The redhead shivered, clearing his head to reply. "What was it?" He whispered, closing his eye as the man's soft laugh sent a faint rush of tingles up his spine. Komui sucked briefly on the junction of his neck and shoulder before responding.
 
"I wondered if you keep it so dim in here on purpose.. Being in dark places makes people want to be closer, doesn't it?" He smiled at the boy's quickened pulse. "Would you like to be closer, Lavi? Your candle is getting low.." He nodded towards the room's only illumination, on a low shelf nearby. "It would be a shame if it went out before you had another one ready."
 
Lavi blinked at him owlishly. "No, it's fine. I've got more...Somewhere." He waved a hand vaguely. "Does the dark bother you, Komui? I can look for.." He trailed off, gasping quietly when the other shook his head.
 
"I don't mind the dark, Lavi.. Was there something I needed to see besides you?" The Exorcist's hands shook slightly as he pressed them against the scientist's back, urging him forward.
 
"Nothing that you couldn't see anytime you wanted.." He mumbled softly, the closeness of the other's lips distracting his thoughts. "Is there something you wanted to see?"
 
Komui smiled faintly. "There was one thing.." He moved back, pulling the surprised boy into the center of the bed. Leaning on one arm, he placed his free hand on the redhead's chest, fingers tracing absent circles on the fabric as he pushed him down. "You get the strangest look on your face sometimes," He said, bending closer. "It's almost like you're worried about something. Is it because I make you nervous?"
 
Lavi shook his head, relaxing. "I want to make you happy, but I'm not sure if I can. That's the only thing that worries me." He sighed, stretching his arms over is head. "It isn't your fault that I get nervous, Komui. I just don't know what you like yet, so I'm trying to figure things out." He took the man's hand, pulling him down beside him. "I know that you like kissing.." He smiled, leaning up to demonstrate briefly. "And I'm pretty sure that you like it when I touch you."
 
Komui nodded, humming contentedly as the boy's hand slipped under the hem of his shirt, fingers digging at the tightened muscles. "Oh, that's wonderful.." He sighed, leaning into the contact. "You have no idea how uncomfortable the lab chairs are after about ten hours.." Lavi chuckled.
 
"Well, before Allen's evil underwear made their debut, I was going to do something about that.." He sat up, leaning over his companion to retrieve the bottle he'd sat by the bed. "Lose the shirt, hm?"
 
The scientist nodded, tugging it over his head. "Better?" He asked, stretching out on his stomach. Lavi smiled, laughing as the candle guttered and went out, plunging the room into darkness.
 
"Much better. Too bad about the light, but I'm pretty sure that I can feel my way around. Now, you just stay right where you are and let me see if I remember the stuff I read about massages.."
 
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Kanda groaned in irritation, rubbing his eyes. "Damn it, I can't just leave him like that all night.." He stood, throwing himself a dirty look in the mirror as he passed it. "Less than two hours and I'm sitting here like an idiot, worried that he'll be sad instead of mad!" His reflection scowled back at him, reminding him that he still hadn't bathed.
 
"Well, at least he has his shorts.." He muttered, shaking his head as he walked to the door. "How bad could it be, it's not like I'm scared.."
 
He reached into his dresser, snatching a clean shirt and a pair of comfortable pants. Pausing, he growled at himself and took another set of clothes from the drawer, slamming it shut. Flipping off the light, he locked the door and headed in the direction of his lover's room, cursing his weakness in an altogether unconvincing manner the entire way.
 
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Well, that's the end of this fic, I hope no one kills me! ^_^ There is going to be an epilogue, so don't get too upset until that's finished, k? Stay tuned for the next part, and be sure to review if you liked this. And don't forget, I did say I'd do a sequal/continuance to this, so look forward to that, there's going to be a lot more of my favorite odd couple in that, but still plenty of Kanda/Allen goodness after it gets moving. Til next time, Thanks for reading!