And just to round things off nicely… let's check up on Operation GAKTA…

Chapter 43 Epilogue

Lavi pushed the door again. It moved slightly, but didn't open. He frowned at it. Hardly anyone used this common room, it was too far out of the way, which was why he used it as his own private reading room. This explained why he was trying to get in there now. His most recent favourite book was still in there, and if he didn't get it back to the library soon, old Bookman was going to kick him into the next century.

Right, there was only one thing for it. He removed his hammer from its holster at his thigh and grew it so it was taller than he was. He was about to swing it at the door when Lenalee and Jim turned the corner, talking animatedly.

"Oh, hey Lavi" Jim greeted when he caught sight of him. "Um, what are you doing?" He gestured at the six foot tall hammer.

Lavi scowled moodily. "I can't get in."

"What room is this? I don't think I've ever been in here before." Jim looked around the corridor.

"It's a common room, but nobody uses this one any more. There are nicer ones that are better furnished. As far as I know Lavi's the only one who still uses this dump."

Lenalee frowned. "Are you about to knock the door down?"

"No." Lavi (unsuccessfully) tried to hide the hammer behind him, avoiding Lenalee's sharp-eyed gaze.

"Hmm" was all she said, still staring at him.

"Oh, Okay, I was. But I left a book in there and Panda's going to kill me of I don't get it back to the library before he notices it's missing. But I can't get into the room!"

"Maybe someone's inside and they've locked you out" Jim suggested.

"There's no lock on the door, it must just be stuck." Lavi gave it another experimental push.

"I think…"

What Lenalee thought was forgotten as Komui rounded the corner, followed faithfully by a very unhappy looking Reever and five or six science department nerds. Komui was waxing lyrical about his fantastic robot series that were always a complete success at whatever they were told to do when he spotted his sister.

"Leeeeennnnnnaaaaalllllleeeeeeee!"

Lavi and Jim dove for cover as Komui sprinted up to them, launching himself at Lenalee. The female exorcist neatly side-stepped the assault and Komui landed flat on his face at her feet.

"Really brother, you are so embarrassing. But since you're here, maybe you can help Lavi with his little problem." She pulled her brother to his feet, ignoring the redhead's rant that his problem was by no means little and if he didn't get that book back, Bookman was going to hurt him. Lots.

Komui examined the door, giving it a feeble push. "Well, how very odd. Maybe it swelled. It is rather damp down here." He drew a selection of screwdrivers from somewhere on his person and flipped through them, looking for the right one. "I'm glad you stopped him from breaking the door down," he muttered as he compared two cross-head screwdrivers critically. "The repair bills for this place are bad enough." He cast aside both screwdrivers and began comparing another pair.

"What are you doing down here?" Jim asked, picking one of the screwdrivers from the wall where Komui had imbedded it when he discarded it. Obviously the repair bills weren't a problem if Komui caused the damage himself.

"Showing the newbies around. I love bringing in new scientists, sharing my immense knowledge, ah! This one will do!" He used his selected tool to lever up the hinges of the door, working quickly, while still exclaiming the benefits of showing the newest scientist recruits around. "It's good to let them see the sights; after all, you see some pretty weird things working around the order."

The door creaked as it fell backwards; the gathered people all stepping back to let the heavy slab of wood hit the floor.

"There's a desk behind the door!" exclaimed Lavi, pushing the furniture back so he could get in. He spotted his book lying on the floor next to the chair he had been using when he was in this room a few nights ago. As he reached out for the tome, his hand brushed across an article of clothing. Frowning, he picked it up and immediately recognised Kanda's sleeveless turtleneck. Eyes widening he stood quickly, dropping the top and clutching his book to his chest. He looked around the room fearfully, hoping he hadn't disturbed Kanda doing anything he'd rather not get caught doing. It was the innocent red ribbon draped over the back of the sofa he was standing opposite that made him pause.

He crept over to the sofa and, against his better judgement and knowing he'd probably be skewered by an innocence blade as soon as he was spotted, he peered over the back of it.

Allen was immediately visible, his white hair and skin glowing despite the gloomy light of the room, and it only took a moment to recognise that what he had assumed was a pillow was actually Kanda's bare chest. The blanket that covered them was casually draped across Allen's waist, revealing an expanse of toned back and shoulders, and just covering enough to save Lavi's innocent eye. They both looked rather disordered.

With a muffled squeak, the redhead stumbled backwards, rushing from the room and, with strength that he never knew he possessed, he hefted the solid oak door and slammed it back into place against the door frame.

"I…uh…in there…mess…um…"

Jim raised his eyebrows. "I think he just saw one of those 'pretty weird things' you were talking about supervisor."

"Lavi, what on Earth is going on?" Lenalee grabbed both of Lavi's shoulders, shaking him until he finished mumbling confusedly.

"Allen….Kanda….naked…." He managed to get out.

"Oh, they're in there? What's wrong with…oh." Lenalee blushed. "I guess they made up then."

Jim breathed a sigh of relief. "Thank goodness for that! Isn't that what you wanted though Lavi? What's the matter?"

Lavi was now almost in tears. "It was my favourite blanket!"

Kanda nudged Allen gently. "I think they've gone now. I can't hear anything."

"It's a good job Lavi made so much noise trying to get in, or we'd have really given him a show." Allen chuckled darkly as though he had considered it.

"I don't think he'll be back down here for a while now." Kanda stretched luxuriously before running his hands over Allen's back, feeling the muscles twitch as he found ticklish spots.

"If ever. I think we might have scarred him for life by desecrating his reading room."

"Makes it ours now then, doesn't it?"

Allen laughed again, so content he was almost oozing happiness. "I guess it does."

"Again?"

"That's the second best thing you've said to me today" Allen grinned wickedly, rolling off Kanda's chest in a flowing liquid movement.

"Oh really? What was the first?"

"Oh, um…" Allen blushed a little. "It was: 'I have some lube in my pocket'"

And thus, it ends.

So, that's it, it's done. And now I'm scratching about trying to find inspiration for my next fic. After all, what am I going to do with all my spare time?

I've been reading through ATW and found some time skips and whatnots that might get to have their own story, since I need to do something while I wait for the plot bunnies to attack. If there's anything you want, just message me, and I'll see what I can do. I need things to keep me busy!

Thanks to everyone who has stuck with me and followed this through 'til the end, and even bigger thanks to everyone who's every dropped me a line. I love hearing from you and I do try to pay attention to your views!

LOVAGE TO YOU ALL!!

Aerika-san