Lenalee Li dipped the tip of her pen into the inkbottle. She brought the pen down to the bottom of the sheet of paper, and signed her name with a flourish. Lenalee Li Walker. Lenalee Walker. Mrs. Allen Walker. She had used up a whole piece of paper trying to find the one that sounded just right. In the end, she had simply written "Lenalee Li". She reread the letter while waiting for the ink to dry.

"Dear Yu Kanda; I am pleased to inform you of my upcoming wedding…" That was how it started. Lenalee liked the tone of her letter. It was professional, yet friendly. She had lain awake for several nights, contemplating on just what to say. Now, she held the product of her insomnia in her hands. She wasn't completely satisfied with it, but she really couldn't think of any way to improve it.

At that moment, Lenalee was in her old room at HQ. She and Allen agreed that it was the only appropriate place for their wedding. It was going to take place in about one week. Their closest friends had all shown up to help. Jeryy and Allen were busy planning the menu. Lenalee and Miranda had already taken care of the minor details, such as the decorations, her dress, and so on. Arystar had brought dozens of plants with him from Romania (thankfully, Arystar had enough sense to leave the man-eaters and poison-spewers at home). Reever was very helpful in organizing the event. Komui and Lavi mostly got in the way, but their presences were appreciated just the same.

Lenalee had kept in close contact with her friends throughout the last two years. They'd all come to visit at least once, and, in Komui's case, ten times. Even Cross Marian and Froi Tiedoll had come to see them in England. One person Lenalee hadn't contacted at all was Kanda. Lenalee knew that he was fine. Komui had reported that he still wrote to Kanda regularly. Lavi visited him occasionally. Even Allen wrote to Kanda. He'd invited him to visit, but was politely turned down. Lenalee always read Kanda's replies. His answers were always short, if not somewhat snappish. Lenalee knew Allen had sent Kanda an invitation. Although she didn't particularly want to see him, Lenalee wanted him to be there. She wanted all her friends with her on the supposed happiest day of her life. And she knew Kanda would never come if he didn't confirm her approval.

It had been two years since she'd last seen him. That night, she'd cried herself to sleep on the roof. Needless to say, her back hurt like hell the next morning. But when the physical pain passed a few hours later, so did her emotional pining for Kanda. She'd packed up, said her good-byes to her friends, and moved to London with Allen. Making a living wasn't too hard, since their connections with the Black Church helped them a lot. Allen had become a teacher and Lenalee, a nurse. Now that they were financially stable, Allen and Lenalee had agreed that it was time. Sure, she still missed Kanda, and thought about him everyday. But the morning after he left, Lenalee had moved on. She had moved forward with Allen. And she had grown comfortable in the life she shared with Allen.

But then, where did Kanda stand? Lenalee began to feel doubt as she carefully folded the letter. She paused during the process of tucking it into the envelope. Did she really want him there? She wasn't sure what he meant to her anymore. Her heart beat a little faster when she heard his name, but she hadn't had any contact with him for two years. She was over him, wasn't she? Lenalee couldn't say for sure. And even if she was, would all her feelings come flooding back when she saw him again? He was certainly over her… if he had ever liked her at all. But did she still like him? Would he jeopardize her life with Allen?

"Hey, Lenalee," Lavi knocked on her door.

"Come in," she answered. He entered. At 22-years-old, Lavi's appearance hadn't changed too greatly. Same wild red hair, same eye patch, same quirky grin. He'd barely grown up at all.

"You wanted me to deliver something?" asked Lavi. Lenalee remembered that she'd requested a favour from him earlier.

"Yeah. Sorry if it's too much trouble, but I figured you'd be the fastest option," Lenalee quickly sealed the letter and handed it to Lavi. "I need this delivered to Japan."

"Japan. Kanda, huh?" Lavi didn't look too surprised.

"Yes. Can you do it?"

"Okay, I guess. But it'll be a long trip. I'll crash at Kanda's place, and just travel back with him," decided Lavi.

"Sure."

"Okay. I'll go as soon as I get some food." Lavi looked like he was about to say something else, but seemed to change his mind. "Bye!" Lavi exited the room, shutting the door behind him. Lenalee sat back and sighed. Now, all she had to do was wait. She leaned back in her chair and fell asleep. A few minutes later, a knock door waked her.

"Lenalee, it's Komui. Can I come in?"

"Of course!"

The door opened, and Komui walked into her room. Her brother hadn't changed much either. Even though he was now 33, sometimes he had as much energy as a hyperactive 12-year-old did. Komui had been especially energetic throughout this whole ordeal.

"What's up?" asked Lenalee.

"You and Allen," Komui took a seat on her bed. "It's finally happening, huh?"

"Yes, and I'm glad. Allen and I belong together," Lenalee said quite convincingly.

"Allen's a decent guy. I like him a lot," Komui nodded his approval. "But are you sure about this?"

"What do you mean?" inquired Lenalee.

"You're both so young. You're barely out of the shadow of childhood. Are you sure this is what you want? Are you really happy with this?" Komui looked at his sister with a deep look of concern.

"Yes, brother."

"Then I won't stop you. All I want is for you to be happy."

"I am happy," Lenalee assured him.

Komui gave her a look that said he didn't believe that for one second. But he simply told her: "That's all I wanted to know. I'll let you rest now."

"See you later." Lenalee went to shut the door after him. Before he left, Komui turned around and gave his sister a deadly serious look.

"This is your life, Lenalee. No one else can live it for you. No one else can choose for you." Komui's glasses flashed, catching the light from outside the window. "You should choose whatever makes you happy."

"I know," Lenalee told him, and shut the door. She locked it, and flopped down onto her own bed. She stared up at the ceiling for a long time, just thinking. Was she really happy? She was definitely comfortable. She was quite accustomed to her life. Satisfied, even. But happy… whether she liked it or not, the answer to that was 'no'.

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"Special delivery for Yu-chan!"

Kanda was awoken by a cheery voice from outside his window. He groggily shoved his pillow over his ears, trying to block out the sound. Who could it possibly be, at this hour? It was barely light out!

"Hey, Yu! Wake up!" the voice was much closer now. Something jabbed at his back. Kanda only wrapped his blanket tighter around him. He curled into a tight ball and muttered curses at whoever it was disrupting his sleep.

"Rise and shine! Seize the day! Early bird gets the worm!" the voice sang. A sudden burst of early morning cold hit Kanda. He reached to wrap the blanket even tighter around him… only to realize that his blanket wasn't there. Kanda leapt out of bed with a furious roar.

"Oh, you're up!" the intruder greeted him. Kanda gasped at the person standing in his room. No… it couldn't be… Lavi?

"You… how… where… why!" Kanda sputtered.

"Your landlady let me in, and told me you were still sleeping. Since your bedroom door was locked, I just came in through your window," Lavi smiled. "Good to see you! Wow, you're hair's gotten really long! Nice pajamas!"

"Why are you here!" demanded Kanda. He instinctively reached for a scrunchie that rested on his night table, gathering his jet-black, knee-length locks into a ponytail. He began to retrieve some clothes so he could change out of his pajamas, which were black with little silver K's decorating them.

"Lenalee wanted me to give you a letter. Oh man, you have no idea how long I just flew! I am so tired!" Lavi flopped down onto Kanda's bed.

"What? Lenalee?"

"Yeah. Here." Lavi sat up and began searching inside his pockets. Kanda extended his hand eagerly. Lavi gave him a knowing look before he passed him a crumpled white envelope. After Kanda took it, Lavi proceeded to flop back down onto the bed, seeming to pass out from the exhaustion.

Kanda's hands trembled as he looked at the envelope. His name was clearly printed on it, in Lenalee's handwriting. He carefully broke the seal and took a folded piece of parchment out of the envelope. He opened it. The page was filled with Lenalee's handwriting.

" 'Dear Yu Kanda; I am pleased to inform you of my upcoming wedding…'" Kanda read the letter out loud, very quietly under his breath. When he finished, he sat down and sighed. Kanda closed his eyes wearily.

"Well?" Lavi's voice cut through his thoughts. Kanda's eyes flew back open. He hadn't noticed, but Lavi had sat up while he was reading, and paid close attention to every word.

"Well what?" Kanda tossed his letter aside. It joined a pile of letters and an unopened wedding invitation. "I'm not going."

"Why not? Everyone will be there! It'll be so fun!" protested Lavi.

"She hasn't written to me once for two years." Kanda informed Lavi. "Now, all of a sudden, she just wants me to take the time to go visit her? I'm busy with work! I have no time for leisure!"

"Have you ever thought of writing to her? Or is your job as a weapons instructor working you to the bone?" Lavi glared at Kanda disapprovingly. "I know Allen's written to you plenty of times. It's his wedding too, you know."

"I know," snapped Kanda. "Get out of my room so I can change!" the dangerous expression on Kanda's face prompted Lavi to obey. But he stopped at the door before he exited.

"Why don't you just be a good friend and support her? She wants you to be there. I know you want to see her again." Lavi looked at Kanda seriously. "Lenalee misses you."

"Get out!" Kanda ordered. Lavi gazed at Kanda for a few more moments before he left.

Kanda started to change into his work clothes, deep in thought the whole time. Perhaps it was time to move on. He had somewhat done that when he left her that night. He had tried to put all thoughts of her out of his mind, but it was nearly impossible. Komui and Allen mentioned her every time they wrote. On sleepless nights, Kanda always found his thoughts drifting to her. On nights he did sleep, he often dreamt about Lenalee (either that, or the death of a particularly unruly student). And that idiot Lavi always talked about Lenalee when he visited against Kanda's wishes. Why did his eyes become so keen every time he mentioned Lenalee? Could Lavi be onto him?

Kanda quickly told himself Lavi wasn't that smart. Besides, there wasn't anything for Lavi to know, was there? Kanda was positive that Lenalee was over him. Kanda wasn't sure whether he still liked Lenalee or not, but he figured he'd get over her eventually. Kanda reasoned that if that was the case, then there was no reason for him not to go. He told himself that he should go for Allen, who had been a good friend even though Kanda himself wasn't so pleasant. Besides, Lenalee was also a friend above all else. And friends supported friends, right? Kanda sighed, the kinder side of him winning the debate. He made a change in outfits.

Lavi leaned against the wall across from the door, waiting patiently for his friend. The doorknob finally turned, and the wooden entrance creaked open. Kanda exited, dressed in his old exorcist uniform.

"So you're going?" Lavi regarded him with an expression of gloating. "What about the job you're so busy with?"

"I'll tell them I'll be away," replied Kanda grudgingly. "I might as well be there to support my… friends."

"Good decision," Lavi smiled. "Trust me, Kanda. You'll be glad you came."

------------

Lenalee sat quietly in her room. It had been a long, busy day, and this had been her first opportunity to rest all day. The sky was already dark outside. Lenalee felt very mixed up at the moment. Again, the doubts had resurfaced. Was she really doing the right thing? She knew that all brides got cold feet, but somehow, this felt stronger. Was Allen really the one? Would she really be happy? Other questions like that was drowning all of the pre-marital happiness she was supposed to feel.

Somebody knocked on the door. Lenalee called for them to come in. Miranda entered, and sat beside Lenalee on the bed. The years hadn't changed Miranda too greatly either. The battle with the Earl had made her look a little older and wearier. Miranda had better luck finding a job after regaining her confidence, and earned a living as an English teacher.

"You are to be wed in less than three days," said Miranda. "Congratulations. I know I am not the first to say it."

"Thank you," Lenalee smiled at her friend. "I'm glad all of you have been here to help us with this event."

"So Allen is the one you will be spending the rest of your life with," stated Miranda.

"The rest of my life… I have at least another fifty years to go, if I'm lucky. That's a pretty long time." Lenalee shuddered. She turned to Miranda. "Maybe we're rushing ahead too quickly. What do you think?"

"Oh no, Miss Lenalee! I really don't want to ruin the wedding!" Miranda protested.

"Miranda, tell me the truth. Do you think Allen and I are too young to get married?" For the first time, Lenalee was seriously considering her actions.

"Well… you're 20 and Allen is only 19. I'm already 30, and I am not married yet," Miranda chose her words carefully. "It is the same with Komui, Lavi, Arystar and Kanda. But it shouldn't matter as long as you love each other, right?"

"Kanda…" Lenalee muttered. "That's the problem… I don't love Allen."

She was sure of it now. Lenalee thought that she would grow more and more excited as they approached their wedding, and fall so in love that she'd never stop thinking about Allen. But those feelings never came. Lenalee certainly felt fond of Allen. She finally faced the facts. If all this time together weren't enough to make her fall in love, she would never love him.

Miranda didn't seem too startled by the news. Of course, Miranda didn't look happy about it, but her expression said that those words had confirmed some kind of theory she had. She patted Lenalee kindly on the back. "If that is the case, Miss Lenalee, there's nothing you can do. I'm sorry if anything I said changed your mind."

"No one has benefited from the lies. I guess I really can't force myself to feel a certain way," sighed Lenalee. "Thanks for being there for me, Miranda. Thanks for telling the truth. What should I do about Allen? I don't want to hurt him by breaking up. But I know I'll hurt him even more if I keep pretending. What should I do?"

Someone else knocked on the door. Lenalee bid them to enter. A white-haired exorcist came into the room. Nineteen-year-old Allen Walker had grown enough to avoid the nickname "Beansprout". He usually wore a white glove over his left weapon, which he still used. Allen usually spent his weekends hunting for akuma that hadn't been set free with the death of the Earl.

"Allen," Lenalee nodded in greeting.

"Miranda, I'd like to have a word with Lenalee. Will you give us a moment alone, please?" requested Allen. Miranda complied, and Allen took her place beside Lenalee.

"Well," Lenalee found she didn't have much to say to him. Allen was quiet, too. Their silence was very awkward, unlike when she was with Kanda.

Allen finally spoke. "Lenalee, I'm about to tell you something that might be upsetting. Please don't be angry with me. I'm not trying to hurt you. Please understand that we'll both be hurt even more if this continues," Allen sighed. He took Lenalee's hand. "I'm calling the wedding off."

Lenalee felt like someone had punched a hole through her stomach. At the same time, her back lightened, as if a weight had been lifted off.

"I think we're both too young. We're rushing into this way too fast. I don't want to make any mistakes. I'm not ready to settle down yet. I want to travel, to see the world, to experience more things in life. I'm not ready for this," Allen sounded sincerely apologetic. "Please understand that you will always be dear to me. I think of you as my best friend, and I do love you. Just not like this."

"Then why? Why did you go through with this? Asking me to marry you and everything?" Lenalee was bewildered.

"This is going to sound stupid. It's just that on that day, the Earl nearly killed me. I didn't want to die without ever experiencing this kind of love. I was afraid to die alone," Allen looked sheepish. "I was scared beyond belief. Then, you held me. And I thought I loved you, but I later realized I didn't. Then, you told me that you would be my girlfriend. I thought I would grow to love you if we kept on dating. It didn't happen. I thought maybe if I knew we were going somewhere, I'd grow to love you. So I asked you to marry me and come to England with me. It didn't happen, and I know it's never going to happen. I'm sorry, Lenalee. If there was anyway…"

"No. It's fine. We really are too young. I'm glad we figured it out before it was too late," Lenalee forced herself to smile. "To tell you the truth, I've also had doubts about this wedding. But what will we do now?"

"I'm going to pursue what makes me happy. You should, too," Allen told her, gripping her hand. "I hope we can remain friends."

"Of course. I'd like to be alone now," Lenalee requested. Allen nodded. He got up and left the room. Lenalee lay down on her bed. She remained there for about ten minutes, all her emotions swirling through her. She felt each individual one bubbling up. Anger. Bitterness. Hurt. Fear. She realized she was alone. She wasn't sure what she was going to do. Someone knocked on her door. Lenalee sighed, and told them to come in. This time, Komui was the visitor.

"Lenalee? Are you okay?" asked Komui, sitting down at the foot of her bed.

"Oh, Komui…" Lenalee threw herself in her brother's arms. She suddenly realized that she needed a shoulder to cry on. Komui patted her back comfortingly as she sobbed out her explanation: "Allen dumped me. The wedding's off."

"I know," replied Komui. "Allen told me. I think it's for the best."

"What? Why?" Lenalee looked up at him with a tear-streaked face.

"I know a lot more than you think, Lenalee. I know that you weren't happy with him. I don't want you to suffer for the rest of your life for a mistake you made when you were young. It would be unfair, both for you and Allen," Komui told her. "I want you to do what you want."

"Well, there's someone else…" Lenalee wiped away her tears. "But he doesn't like me. And you won't like him."

"I don't know who he is, but I'll definitely like him if he makes you happy! Also, how do you know he doesn't like you if you don't ask?" Komui regarded her with an older brother's wisdom. "I told you before. It's your life. It's your decisions. You may as well choose what makes you happy."

"But… what if…" Lenalee tried to think up of arguments.

"Life's nothing without risks," said Komui.

Lenalee bit her lip. She realized that her comfortable life with Allen was over. She realized she had nothing to lose.

"If you fall, I'll be there to catch you," Komui assured her. His comforting words made up her mind. Lenalee quickly hugged her brother and rushed out of her room. She rushed down the empty halls, peeking into various rooms. She suddenly realized that he was still in Japan. She mentally kicked herself. Lenalee sighed, and sat down on the floor, leaning against the wall. Reever Wenham and Arystar Krory passed by. Neither of them had changed at all. Both stopped upon seeing her.

"What's wrong?" asked Reever.

"Well, the weddings off," sighed Lenalee.

"We know," answered Arystar.

"Look, we don't know what's up, but we know you and Allen were never in love," Reever told her matter-of-factly.

"What? How?"

"It was just something that was written all over you too. You just seemed to forced," Reever informed her. "You never looked happy."

"Miss Lenalee, I think there is someone else you love. You always have a look in your eyes, as if you are longing for that person. Go find him before it's too late," advised Arystar.

"But it is. I'm here, and he's all the way in Japan," Lenalee told them regretfully.

"You mean…"

"Are you saying…" Reever and Arystar looked at each other in shock. Clearly, this was a peace of information they did not suspect.

"I'm back!" Lavi joined the group. He looked dog-tired, but seemed cheerful just the same. "So, what's going on?"

"The wedding's off," Reever and Arystar explained what had happened. Lenalee stood there, her heart pounding madly. She realized that Kanda was the one that made her happy. He was the one she wanted to be with. And now, nothing stood in the way. She felt free, but also scared. What if this didn't work out? What if Kanda rejected her affections? What if he hadn't even cared enough to come with Lavi?

Lavi knew about the feelings swirling inside her. He was clearly not as stupid as everyone thought, because he was the only one that had known what was going on all along. Lavi didn't say anything in hopes it would work out on its own. But when Lenalee and Kanda stopped speaking, Lavi had decided it was time to nudge them in the right direction. He really only wanted the best for three of his dearest friends. Lavi didn't want Allen to be hurt. And he wanted Kanda and Lenalee to be happy.

"He's waiting for you," Lavi told her. He gave her an encouraging smile. Lenalee knew exactly where to go. She decided that she had to find out, once and for all, whether Kanda still liked her or not. Lenalee knew now was not the time to be afraid. She had nothing to lose. She turned and rushed towards the direction of the roof.

-------------

Kanda stood on the roof of the Headquarters. He and Lavi had traveled for two days, with only one break. Obviously, sitting on a hammer for nearly forty-eight hours was no picnic. Kanda was still wincing in pain. The dark background of the sky accented the full silver moon. The night was clear and cloudless. Kanda closed his eyes and breathed in the fresh air. He heard footsteps approaching. They stopped behind him. He knew who it was, but he didn't turn around. Kanda wasn't sure he was ready to face her yet.

"Kanda. You came." Lenalee's voice sent a warm feeling tingling through him.

"Yeah." Kanda reluctantly turned around.

"You're hair's gotten really long," Lenalee observed. "You look good." She was somewhat jealous of his raven-coloured hair, which were even longer than hers. He still had bangs cut straight across his forehead. Lenalee thought that Kanda's face was colder, and his grey eyes were steelier.

"You too," replied Kanda. And he meant it. Lenalee's ink black locks blew gently in the night wind. Her eyes were now void of the youthful naivety Kanda remembered. But the kindness remained in her face. At that moment, both realized that their emotions had not died. They had simply been locked away. After seeing each other, all of their feelings for each other flooded back.

Lenalee charged at Kanda. She held out her hands, and gripped the front of his exorcist's robes. Kanda didn't push her away. He waited to hear what she'd have to say. She looked fiercely at him.

"No more dodging. You have to tell me the truth. I have to find out right now," she glared at him. "Tell me if you still like me."

Kanda was quite taken back by her forwardness. Clearly, their game of shadows and avoidance was over. He stared back with equal solemnity. "No."

"Oh…" Lenalee let go of his robes. She turned away in embarrassment. Kanda gripped her shoulders, and turned her back towards him.

"I suppose it's too late for the truth, but I'll tell you any way. I might as well get this off my chest," Kanda regarded at her intently. Neither of their gazes faltered. "The truth is… what I feel for you… 'like' is not a strong enough word, okay? Yeah, I liked you back then. I always liked you. But that's not enough to describe my feelings anymore. Love is more appropriate."

"Are you saying…?" Lenalee gasped. She waited for him to say it on his own.

"Yes. I love you, okay?" Now it was Kanda's turned to look away in embarrassment. They turned away from each other. Both stared up at the bright orb of silver while collecting their thoughts.

"Why didn't you ever tell me?" asked Lenalee.

"Maybe the fact that you were engaged to Beansprout had something to do with it," snapped Kanda.

"Well, what about before that happened?"

"I've said a lot already. It's your turn to talk," Kanda looked at Lenalee expectantly.

"I've loved you since I was thirteen. I always thought you'd never return my feelings. That's why I went with Allen." Explained Lenalee.

"I didn't think you liked me back either. Well, our revelations are useless. It's too late now, isn't it?" Kanda's tone was hard, but Lenalee heard a hint of regret. "You're getting married to Beansprout in three days."

"Actually, I'm not. We both realized this was a mistake. The wedding's off." Lenalee waited for Kanda to say something. She scrutinized his face, which was turned away from her. Kanda didn't display any emotion at the news. Lenalee sighed. It had been too long. It was stupid of her to think that things would work out with Kanda. In fact, he probably had some girlfriend back at home that Lavi hadn't told her about. She turned to go.

Without even turned, Kanda reached out and caught her hand. His fingers were cold and his grip was rough. He brusquely pulled her back. Lenalee waited. After quite a while of stargazing, Kanda finally turned his attention towards her.

"Is that true?" he asked.

"Why would I lie?" Lenalee countered. Kanda studied her. Lenalee bit her lip. He was really the one she wanted. She desperately wanted this to work out. She tried to read his thoughts. Lenalee waited for him to say something else. Kanda didn't speak a word. He simply pulled her closer. They kissed.

It didn't feel awkward. They felt that nothing else needed to be said. At that moment, they both knew they had made the right decision. They would have been happy to stay like that forever, but they eventually broke apart.

"In the future, just tell me if you have something to say," Kanda's voice was snappish, but his eyes regarded Lenalee fondly. "Save me the trouble of guessing."

"We wouldn't be having these problems if you weren't such a terrible guesser," Lenalee punched him playfully.

"What are you going to do now?" asked Kanda. "You obviously can't live with Allen anymore."

"I guess I'll have find a place of my own," replied Lenalee. "I don't want to stay in England, though. I never really liked London that much. I don't really want to go back to China, either. I want to go to a new country and experience new things."

"Well… I guess you can come to Japan with me," offered Kanda. "Lavi told me you became a nurse. It won't be that hard to find a job. You can stay with me until you find a home."

"But Lavi told me you lived in a room in some old lady's house," recalled Lenalee. "Do you think there'd be enough room?"

"There's an empty room for rent right now." Kanda recalled Lavi asking the landlady about it. He wondered again if Lavi knew, but he decided Lavi wasn't smart enough. "If you want it, you'll have to hurry. I don't know how much longer it'll be vacant."

"Lavi made me pack up all of my things before we left." For a second, Lenalee also wondered if Lavi knew, but she came to the same conclusion as Kanda. "I don't feel like staying here any longer. Let's get my things and go."

"Right away? Are you sure?" inquired Kanda.

"I'm pretty sure Allen already told everyone. Besides, I don't want to be separated from you any more," Lenalee smiled at Kanda, and nestled close to him. "Let's go."

"Sure," Kanda smiled back and wrapped an arm around Lenalee.

Lenalee was glad she had invited Kanda. Kanda was glad he had come. Lenalee was finally happy, and so was Kanda. Lenalee and Kanda walked together. Together, at last.

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And that's the finish of my first romantic fanfiction ever. It's also the first Lenalee/Kanda fanfiction I've ever seen… well, I hope you liked it. Thanks for reading! Ja ne!