- | Allen's Love | -

I leaned on Allen as he slid his arm around my waist. I let out a sigh of content that came from both his aura and warmth. I indulged in his sweet scent that easily excited me and his tender smile that sometimes sent my heart into overdrive. As cliché as that sounds, it felt like it. Maybe it was nerves or adrenaline that made my heart pound, but not today. No, everything was soothing and calm. So long as Komui doesn't figure out about our little date it should be fine. Plus I got Lavi to back me just in case.

"Hey, Allen?" I murmured, looking up at Allen and I could feel Allen moving to meet my gaze. "When am I going to meet your Uncle?"

"I didn't know you wanted to meet him that badly." Allen said as if to humor me or himself, but there was a twinkle in his eyes to show how pleased he was that I wanted to meet Neah. "Soon, Lenalee, I promise, but first, I want to take you out on a special date."

"Special date?"

"For a special lady." Allen affirmed.

A couple of seconds passed and Allen didn't say anything. We only walked in silence, but it was nowhere near uncomfortable, however, I was left in self-question about what Allen meant. I tried not to think about it, but it was hard and with that smirk on Allen's face I knew that's what he wanted-me to keep guessing cluelessly. I was stuck in suspense and anticipation, but as I pondered I thought maybe, just maybe, Allen would give off some hints if I asked about it. He was a sweet person and him being the kind of guy he was I knew I had nothing to worry about.

"Where are we going?" I asked and I think I let too much curiosity drip into my tone.

"It's a surprise." Allen remarked, stopping in his tracks and kissing my head. "It's tomorrow night at seven o'clock, but be ready by six. Can you do that for me?"

I looked deep into Allen's eyes and I could feel my chest swell from angst and excitement, and my love for him, but I was slightly nervous. I mean, I had no idea what he was expecting or what I needed to dress like. What if I don't have the right appearance? I guess my fear showed through because Allen put his hand on top of mine, easing away my skittish feelings quickly.

"It's a formal occasion, Lenalee, so dress a little nicer. You're so beautiful you don't need to dress for te occasion, but I wouldn't want you to feel left out, do I?" Said Allen, rubbing my hand.

I smiled. "So I need to wear a dress?"

"Yes, but can I recommend you don't put much makeup on? I want everyone to see your natural beauty rather than see you hiding behind cosmetic camouflage."

"That won't be a problem. I only want to be myself for you, just like you're yourself when your with me. No secrets, no lies, just us and truth."

Allen's eyes sparkled gloriously. I can't tell if he was scanning me or at a loss for words, but I was leaning closer to him. His hand traveled from my hand to my cheek, his head tilting slightly as he came closer and closer. I ended the space between our lips and gently kissed him. Almost instantly he parted and I looked at him questionably, but smirked as I moved his hand from my cheek to my waist, then wrapping my arms around him. I was mesmerized, but he seemed distracted and unsettled, so I got over my whole romantic dream world that was normal for most teenage girls. Unlike some-not all, but some girls-I wasn't blind and I didn't disregard my boyfriend and his problems just because I wanted my romance or his kiss and sometimes, his simple touch. No, I wasn't that self-absorbed or rude.

"What's the matter, Allen?" I asked.

A timid smile appeared on his face. "Your brother is behind you."

I turned around enough to see Komui glaring at Allen from the porch, tapping his foot impatiently and his arms folded. I bet he was hoping if he glared at Allen long enough he would melt away like his cold, disapproving, venomous gaze was acid or something along those lines. I sighed, sending my own glare towards Komui. I forgot why we had been walking in the first place; Allen was taking me home and it was only going on 5:30! Komui won't let us go out late, so I imagine we'll have difficulties about tomorrow. I don't think Komui even lets us go on our dates alone, I mean, I think he has someone watch us or worse, he watches us. Allen must've jumped to that conclusion before me because he hasn't been kissing or touching me as much. At best I get a brief kiss on the lips and a few rubs. It's like before, when I used to make him nervous, but this time it's Komui and I'm just glad he hasn't ran away or intended to.

"Hello, Komui." Allen said shyly, waving meekly.

"Goodbye, octopus filth." Komui seethed.

"Brother!"

"That's alright. Actually, Lenalee, I want to talk to Komui about tomorrow. Can you go inside?" Allen asked, but I knew it was a silent demand. After all, if I knew Allen well enough, he wanted my surprise to remain a surprise and he'll make sure of it one way or another. "Please, Lenalee."

I nodded, reluctantly leaving the two of them on the porch. Alone. Without my eyes watching them to make sure Komui doesn't kill him. I shut the door all the way and even as I put my ear up to it I can't hear what they're saying. I could go to the window and peek through the curtains, but then I might get caught and Allen will only feel guilty, be smug about it in his own way, or I might make him angry. I have to respect Allen if I want him to respect me. So, I unwantingly sat on the couch, watching their bodies move around, but they looked like shadows because of the curtains blocking the window. It was a little irking, knowing how Komui was and knowing Komui knew Allen was my boyfriend, and they were outside talking for awhile. When Komui came in he looked at me with a frown, but his eyes shined with something... something near pleasure, like he was pleased or something. I couldn't quite tell, but I knew the situation wasn't that grim.

"I'll be going with you and Allen on your date tomorrow to supervise that scoundrel." Komui said slowly.

My mind didn't process what he said at first, but after Komui walked away, my jaw almost hit the floor and my eyes widened in shock. Komui was coming? Then how the hell was it a date? I just have one question though; was it Komui's idea that he came along... or was it Allen's?

I ran my hand down my dress, beginning at my upper abdomen straight down my legs until I couldn't move my hands any further down without bending over. My dress wasn't the most expensive or the cheapest. It wasn't made of silk or fancy cotton. It was a normal dress that was soft, a little fuzzy, and like velvet with its texture, but nowhere near real velvet. Not to mention my dress was pure black and it reached down to my knee on one side, then lengthened on the other side straight to my ankle. However, my dress was strapless and there weren't any sparkles or special designs nor flowers, rimestones, fake gems, glitter. There was nothing but the texture and the beautiful waves the bottom of the dress made. The only other special "decoration" my lovely dress had was the silver stripe that traveled across the front, just a little under my chest. Underneath that shiny silver stripe is where the dress gets wavy and loose. But I guess I lied a little. That white-silvery stripe had sparkles or glitters that made it glimmer, especially under the right lighting. Can't you tell I'm a girl? I take forever describing a simple dress. Guess it's my nerves.

Then there's my jewelry and hair. I curled my hair at ends, but only a little so that it was not completely curled-it was wavy like the dress. I had a simple black rubber band holding my hair up except for my bangs, of course, and a thin strand of hair that caressed my cheeks. Now those were definitely curled. I had a silver bracelet that hung on my wrist loosely and slide up and down my arm when I moved my appendage. The diamonds, well, as you can imagined, they sparkled. The same with my necklace. Silver, a few diamonds, glimmering, sparkling, loose around my neck and moved around easily. The only difference was that there was three small white gems on each side of a green amethyst in the shape of a star, but not the star you draw in kindergarten with five points or eight. It actually looked like the star you would see flickering beautifully in the night sky. Allen said this was a formal occasion so I dress to add more style and matching in a subtle way and I also made sure to keep a lot of fancy designs or decorations out. I've never been to a formal... anything so I just want to wear something subtle, but make sure it also makes me stand out a little. Using the word phrase "formal occasion" I'm assuming there might be other people around and I decided I'll just examine the other girls to see what they wear for next time.

"Lenalee, you forgot your earrings." Miranda said timidly.

I looked away from my mirror, running my hands down my dress again to get rid of as many creases as possible. I smiled at Miranda and took the earrings from her, not forgetting to thank her. Miranda was also dressed up, too. Marie was also taking her on a date to a "formal occasion". Whatever this occasion is I'm guessing it's popular and I just didn't hear about it somehow. I called a lot of my friends and they said they were going to, but Allen must've got to them first because no one would tell me what this occasion was.

Miranda wasn't dressed in black like me though. She wore a mauve dressed. It resembled silk and cotton, but I knew better than that. She nor Marie had the money for an expensive dress made of silk and top notch quality cotton. Like me she wore heals. She had a single piece of jewelry on-a necklace. There was a line of orange, circular jewels running downwards and that charm was on a dark gray chain. Her hair was up with an orange flower on a beret hooked into her hair and there was another flower-same color-on her dress, near her arm. I think I was a little fancier than her, but Miranda looked so pretty and she was smiling. I think she's excited.

I took my earrings from Miranda that matched my bracelet and necklace, and looked like a mini chandelier in a way, and put them on. Again, I tried to get rid of all creases in my dress and that's when I heard the doorbell ring. Marie was already here. If you think about it you can easily infer Kanda, Daisya, and Tiedoll were here too because of their connections with Marie. They were all so close to each other. Komui was already dressed and probably downstairs. So that meant it was either Allen or Lavi at the door, but I don't understand why everybody was gathering at my house.

I carefully trotted down the stairs and made sure to beat everyone else to the door. I inhaled deeply, closing my eyes momentarily, and opened the door to find my handsome man dressed in more formal attire than usual. He was in a white tuxedo that most definitely suited him, but the undercoat, or vest (or was it his shirt?) was a gray color-faded gray. He had a cute bow on and his always present white gloves on were on his hands. He even had dress shoes. Of course, he was smiling and his hair was groomed. I could smell his cologne from where I was and his hair was slightly wet. That means he got out of the shower before he arrived. I could tell seeing how his skin is very clean and his scent so strong. Even so, I paid more attention to his physical form. He came off so mature and seemed a little older than he really was, for once. His tuxedo wasn't snug or tight, but it pressed against his body well enough that I could see his entire frame from head to... er, ankle. The shoes ruin the view of the toes.

"Allen," I breathed, somehow out of breath. "... Allen." I couldn't even think of anything to say or any words. Only his name ran through my mind and I was in my lovey dovey, teenage dream world. "Allen."

Allen chuckled, taking my hand and gently kissing it, but never taking his eyes off me. If I look close enough I could see a faint blush on his cheeks. My face felt really hot. I must be blushing or I have a fever... Allen Fever. God, dare I say, he was so hot!

"Lenalee, you look radiant." Allen remarked, almost seductively as he whispered in my ear, pulling me in for a warm, long, loving embrace. "There are going to be a lot of broken hearts tonight." he added.

"I just hope mine isn't one of them." I mumbled.

"I'd be stupid to leave you."

"You're right about that."

Allen raised an eyebrow questionably, but posed no questions. It wasn't before long when Tyki had to drive us there. I was awfully surprised to find Tyki in the vehicle. I had no idea he was coming. Allen was keeping me in the dark, but I should've known Allen would either walk me there or have someone drive us. Allen had no permit nor license to drive nor did he have a car, so he needed a ride. He did sit in the back with me and he did sit really close. His hand rubbed my knee the entire ride and he was gazing at me the whole time. I wanted so badly to kiss him, but Tyki kept watching us through his rearview mirror, then there was someone else in the passenger seat. He looked exactly like Tyki except for his hair. It was much longer than Tyki's and he had no mole. I swear they're twins, but Allen said Tyki was the younger brother of Sheryl, the other man in the passenger seat. He was also very chirpy and he glanced back at us repeatedly. It was awkward, but Allen did talk to me.

When we arrived, Allen got out first and held out his hand for me, helping me out and I latched my arm with his. The place wasn't crowded, but there were many people. I've never been here before. Allen guided me through the crowd and I noticed Komui was never that far behind us. I'm just glad Komui drove his car here and wasn't in the backseat with us. Now that would be really awkward.

I didn't get a chance to see every hall we went down or read any directions because there were dozens of people, that is, until we reached a specific hall. The place was practically empty and I was sort of glad. I could breathe easy now that I didn't have to worry about bumping into someone, but unfortunately, Komui didn't get lost in the crowd.

"Why so tense, Lenalee?" Allen asked suddenly.

I looked up at him, offering a smile. I may be nervous, because I knew there was more than what meets the eye for this date, but as long as I'm with my man I don't care.

"I'm fine, Allen. Come on, you said it was going to be a special night. Let's go." I nudged Allen forward.

Allen rubbed my arm and finished guiding me through one last hall and through a pair of doors. We were now in an auditorium and apparently, we were one of the first to arrive. I admired the four balconies above us and the seemingly velvet seats. The lights were dim, but the closer we got to the stage, the brighter everything was. Allen never stopped though. He took me to the first row, directly to the center. We sat down and we waited.

It took maybe an hour or so for the auditorium to fill up. It was a full house. I couldn't see an empty seat anywhere. However, my attention was placed back on Allen when I felt his hand on my knee. He leaned over and kissed my cheek.

"Komui's a few rows behind us." he whispered.

Instinctively I peered around until I found Komui three rows back watching us with a sharp eye. I smiled, feeling nothing less than amused by his actions for some reason, as I looked at Allen. "I can't believe you actually invited him."

"I have to gain his trust one way or another. Besides, almost everybody from the city is here." Allen murmured, rubbing my knee. "When that happens, you and I can get some privacy and I can-"

"Allen!"

Both of us jumped at the sudden shout. I saw realization dawn on his face as he looked up and found a petite girl around our age, waving frantically. A lollipop stuck out of her mouth and I noticed she had the same dark skin as Tyki and that Tyki look-alike. Allen waved at her, but then settled his attention back on me with a apologetic expression.

"I'm sorry. That's my friend Road." he told me.

"It's not a problem. So long as you aren't cheating on me with her."

Allen almost choked on air. He was appalled at my little joke, making me feel somewhat guilty... But my entertainment was more enticing and I couldn't help but giggle as Allen's face contorted in disgust.

"Ewwww. Road's my childhood friend. I could never date her. Let alone cheat on a jewel like you, love." Allen interlaced his hand with mine now and I leaned over to return his earlier kiss. The closer I got to him, the more I wanted to be by his side. So I didn't exactly want to sit back in my chair. "I love you."

"I love you, Allen, but you're a kiss up."

Allen smirked as he leaned closer to me again, his breath hitting my face. "If kissing up gets me somewhere with you, then I'd gladly be your teacher's pet."

"In an odd way that was sweet."

Allen sat back as the entire auditorium went lack except for the stage. He looked at the stage and the draping red and gold curtains. Allen went back to rubbing my knee in a tender way that slightly aroused me. I wanted nothing more than to kiss Allen, but in public and when my brother could see us, I needed restraint... But Allen was tempting me to do just that. It was almost as if he was teasing me. And as much as you wouldn't expect that from him, Allen loves to tease. He loves to wait, to make me wait, to have me crave his kiss more and more, to need his warm touch whether it's a hug or holding hands like it was the air I breathe or my beating hard. Now that was unfair.

A man walked onto the stage. As unconventional as it was, he was another man that looked like Tyki, but younger and somehow more mature. His hair was also longer and a shade darker, pulled back in a loose ponytail. His eyes weren't gold either, but his skin was just the same... Maybe lighter in color, but not distinctively. He had no mole either. What I thought was strange was when he looked directly at Allen then me. I couldn't tell if his smile faltered or not, but I tried not to ponder over it as he went to a beautiful grand piano and sat on the bench. His fingers hovered over the keys for a great amount of time and I could almost see him staring at me. Then, his fingers glided over the keys swiftly and quickly. It was without question that this man was a professional and maybe the best there was, because I've never felt so intuned to classical music before.

I was brought out of my trance when Allen handed me a pamphlet. I read it, thinking it was exactly what Allen wanted, and my jaw nearly fell to the ground. Despite my shock my jaw stayed put, mouth firmly closed. On the pamphlet it read: Neah Walker's Finalis Euismod: Aestiva Chorea Nostra. I thought for a moment, just a moment, that it had to be a mere coincidence. Irony. But... somewhere inside i knew it wasn't. This guy on stage was Allen's uncle!

Closing the pamphlet, I looked at the piano and Neah. His music was marvelous. I may not know much about classical music, piano music, or music in general for the most part except how to rock out to it and who sang it and the name of the song... Most of the time. Still, I could tell this performance was amazing! The way Neah portrayed himself and his fluent euphoric music, he made it seem so easy, but watching his fingers glide over the piano, I could tell it was near impossible for any average person or an amateur to play his symphonies. It didn't take a genius to figure that out.

I was more than content listening to Neah's performance. So much so that I didn't know his concert was over until I heard a loud roar erupt, signalling everyone was clapping. Everyone was standing up and I followed suit. I could hear some whistling and I figured it was people that weren't so formal... In other words, I bet Bookman dragged Lavi here tonight. I wouldn't be surprised if Kanda got forced into coming here either.

As everyone began to leave the auditorium, Allen grabbed my hand and guided me up to the stage and waved Komui over. Of course, Komui was here in a heartbeat. And the first words out of his mouth were: "Don't you think you two were a little touchy during the recital?"

"Whatever do you mean, Komui? I merely gave her a kiss on the cheek, to which my sweet darling returned." Allen said, motioning for Komui and me to follow him behind the thick curtains. I could hear some talking and I recognized Tyki's voice, seeing how he seemed to be the only person I know. But I suddenly got very nervous and very tense. "Uncle! They're here just like I promised."

That did not help. Even so, I put on a smile for I did agree to meet his uncle, I just didn't know when and where. This was unexpected to say the least. I mean, I was thinking I'd go to his house for dinner or meet at the park or something normal, but meeting a professional pianist right off the bat like this, well, that made me anxious. Komui, on the other hand, appeared to be getting ready to give the Walkers a long, undeserving, crazy piece of his mind. I hope Neah didn't take it personally.

"Hello, Allen." I blinked, coming to the conclusion we were in front of his uncle now. And I was right because I found a pair of chocolate eyes staring directly at me and I was shaking the elder's hand. His smile was definitely semi-strained. "Good evening, Lenalee. You look beautiful."

I don't know what it was, but his uncle's words made me blush. I was sheepish and nervous and red... He was charming, but Allen was hypnotizing with his charm and more.

"Thank you, sir."

"Please, dear, call me Neah. It's a pleasure to finally meet you, as I've heard a lot about you from my wonderful nephew and even some from your brother." Neah told her, nodding at Komui. "It's been awhile, Komui. I haven't seen you since Cross left."

Komui adjusted his glasses, coughing into his fist. "Yes, it has been a long time indeed. Your performance was truly magnificent, to say the very least." Komui glared at Allen now. "But I'd like to speak with you about your dear nephew and my sister's relationship. I do not approve! I simply cannot allow him to date Lenalee! I understand Mana and you are terrific people and you'd never do anything to hurt any woman, however, he's different! He's a teenager and a boy with desires and wants to try new things."

I resisted the urge to yell and to slap Komui. Looking at Allen I see he's not hurt or disheartened, but rather he appears confident and understanding, almost like he could relate to my lunatic brother. His smile never fell short of happiness. It wasn't strained at all.

"Quite frankly, Komui, I don't agree with the relationship either. For one I fear you will kill my nephew, but I also agree slightly with your disapproval convictions. You see, he is a teenager and I remember being his age with my own girlfriend." Neah said, eyeing Allen with a strange, strange look that I honestly didn't want to know what it meant by that look of fear in his own gray eyes. "Aside from that, there may be a few issues."

"Then you understand that they mustn't be allowed to date." Komui said cheerfully.

"I agree... But I wish I did have say over it. Allen wouldn't listen to me if I said he wasn't allowed to see her. Nor do I believe your sister would listen to you. To save us some complications and time, I will save my sweet breath and let their relationship blossom. Though I will set some ground rules with Allen."

"Neah! How could you think I would do anything? Or that this is wrong? It's normal for teenagers to date!" Allen protested and I thought I saw a flash of anger in his eyes, but it quickly left as he stepped forward and looked up at his uncle. "I thought you of all people would understand. You said you'd trust me all the time, so why is it so different now?"

Neah sighed, exasperated. He patted Allen's shoulder, then kissed my hand. I had no idea how to take all this in. Komui disapproved. Neah disapproved. My friends disapproved. What's next, Allen's friends disapprove too? Oh shit, I hope I didn't jinx that.

"We can talk about this later on, Allen. I would like to speak with Komui in the meantime. You two finish your date." Neah dismissed Allen so easily that I felt pissed off about it. That was just not right. it wasn't fair. It didn't even make sense! What the hell was wrong with our lousy guardians? I just... Oooh, I wanted to hit someone! Anyone! It was just so frustrating.

Once they left us alone I stomped my foot on the ground. I was about to cuss and curse and give the empty space where those two men should be, a piece of my mind. We've heard them, now it's time for them to shut their traps and listen to us. But before I could do anything, Allen spun me around and he kissed me, licking my lips. I saw the heat in his eyes and the sincerity... and his pain. It hurt me to see that small ounce of pain. When he pulled away, obviously reluctant, I embraced him, burying my face in his warm chest.

"I don't understand why no one likes our relationship!" I cried, so emotional and hysterical that I wished I could really cry my eyes out. It broke my heart to think of not being with Allen, but I never imagined how badly it would feel to have no one supporting us. Can you imagine how that felt?

"Look at me Lenalee." Allen said softly, tenderly caressing my cheek. He waited for me to be ready to look up at him. Intense emotions lay in his own eyes; pain, comprehension... love... heartwarming affection... His eyes were as tender as his touch. "I won't leave you, I promise you, I won't. You're mine and I'm yours, I don't care what they say. They can call us fools and me a stupid boy, but they won't get between us."

"You keep saying that." I remarked, sighing. "What do you think they're talking about?"

"They are most likely plotting an evil scheme to tear us apart." Allen admitted, but he smiled. "Don't worry about them. School is starting up very soon, so let's jsut stay focused on us and our education."

"Okay. How come you always know the right things to say?"

"Because I know you."

"So you're not stealing any lines from any romance movies?" I ask playfully.

"Hmmm, no. I don't watch romance movies. Remember?"

"Oh, that's right... Fine, but can you tell me something?" I ask, wrapping an arm around his waist and he followed suit, but he rested his head on top of mine, kissing it. Perhaps Komui was right, we've been a little touchy tonight.

"Hmm?"

"What does finalis euismod: aestiva chorea nostra mean?"

"Final performance: summer our dance." Allen answered, playfully spinning me around like I was a princess. "Neah is a retired pianist. This was his last concert."

"I see." I detached myself from Allen and walked back toward the stage. I could hear Allen trailing behind me and I could feel his smile... But I could also tell he was watching me with great interest. I sashay just to tease him, hearing a small chuckle come from him when I did so. "You're watching my ass, Allen."

"... Yes, I am." he confessed.

I spun around, gawking at him. I could not believe my ears! Allen actually admitted that. I was just joking, but wow, Allen did have some intricate and fascinating secrets. Speaking of which...

"I got one more question for you, Allen Walker."

"And I'll answer honestly."

"Do you have dirty thoughts about me? Like, do you have special fantasies about me?"

I thought the question would make Allen redden, but he didn't. No, he didn't blush at all. He walked up to me so I was barely an inch away and he smirked. "Love, you have no idea just how much I love you."

And somehow he walked away content and smug while I was left stunned and flushed. "Come on, let's go get some ice cream. I said this night would be special."

I love Allen and his honesty, so how can it be our romance is wrong?