midnightstar | A SURPRISE LENALEE APPROACHES; Command?

Despite all of everything the Black Order has been through, it was business as usual for the various teams. Lenalee and Allen were in one team with Miranda and a few Finders. Lucky them, their mission took them to the mountains - beautiful scenery, but cold weather. Fortunately they managed to find a small inn with vacancies, so they could stay indoors. Amazingly, Miranda was actually sleeping more peacefully than Lenalee at the moment.

Although after all of the scenarios and seeing all of the deaths in the war with the Earl and fighting the akuma, (...not to mention what she personally has been through), it really should come as no surprise that Lenalee's sleep was less than restful. While she managed to snatch an hour or two here and there of sleep, worries about her friends, her brother, and one exorcist in particular all contributed to making her nightmare particularly bloody and gruesome. When she jerked awake for the second time that night (or was it third, she wasn't sure), she knew she wouldn't be able to get back to sleep right away, so she silently slipped out of her room, padding down the hall. Maybe a glass of water would settle her nerves.

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"ahahaha I'm sure there's nothing to worry about." Boy did his laughter sound forced even to him. But there was nothing he could really do about this situation. Komui for once was more or less in the right to suspect something was going on. Even so he wasn't going to back down now.

"Good morning, Komui. I um hope you slept well." Allen answered back before he let Lenalee quickly deliver her elder brother's breakfast and tea.

"I did, thank you Allen!" Ah, bliss, steaming hot tea poured from his lovely little sister's lovely little hands. "We've located several potential Innocence locations - of course since we're so shortstaffed right now we'll have to send everyone out on solo missions. But it should be safe! Probably."

Wait a second. "Hold on, you don't usually visit this early in the morning. Is there something I can do for you?" Squinting suspiciously at the silver haired Exorcist, as Lenalee served up his drink with a nervous smile.

Solo missions huh? That actually didn't make him all that happy on the inside. Still his feelings were secondary to his duties as an exorcist. But his feelings were what had him bracing for the storm that was about to hit. Sooner rather than later too as Komui picked up on his unnatural visit.

"Ah well actually there's...a good reason for that." That answer was probably vaguer than he ought to have made it.

Komui raised an eyebrow at Allen, glancing at Lenalee briefly. ... Oh. Wait. Was it .. THAT? "Allen, I'm flattered that you came to me for that sort of thing. Ah, well, with Cross being unavailable I'm not surprised, actually, but all the same, I'm touched. We shouldn't have that kind of conversation with Lenalee around though - I won't have her hearing about lewd things like that, so Lenalee-"

Reever, buried under multiple books reading, suddenly snorted at that misconception, "I don't think..that's the kind of talk he wants.."

Lenalee took a step or two backwards, blushing, "That's right. Actually ...." She glanced at Allen. Deep breath now, we can do it!

Thank you so much Reever for clearing that up. It saved him from freaking out though the concept of him ever having THAT talk with Komui gave him chills. It almost felt like he'd use that to brainwash Allen into never even considering doing that kind of thing with Lenalee. Wait why did his imagination immediately go to that scenario!?

Allen met Lenalee's glance and only nodded before pulling up closer ever so slightly. he would have loved to hold her hand for support but they were already in the middle of the lion's den. Or more accurately he was.

Lenalee would have reached over to hold his hand, partly for support, and partly because she wanted to, but - not a good idea right now. Komui was in a pretty good mood, and she didn't want to change that.

Komui glanced between the two, but his suspicion only heightened, "Well then... what's going on Lenalee? Tell your darling brother!~"

"Well.. you see..." Lenalee hesitated, glancing at Allen.

Komui was immediately on his feet, a drill in his hands, "Did he do something to upset you-!?"

Lenalee shook her head, holding her hands up, "No! NO NO! It's nothing like that!" She hastily said, relaxing when he sat back down. "The thing is, Allen-"

"I KNEW IT!" Komui leapt to his feet again, but this time Reever scrambled off of the couch to interpose himself between Allen and Komui.

"Chief! Let them -finish-!" Thinking the worst of poor Allen!

Allen had been prepared to defend himself, aiming to activate his Innocence just in time to try and grab the drill before it could even reach him. Luckily Reever was on hand to intervene even if he Allen didn't expect him to be able to hold Komui back once they actually gave the older overprotective brother the big news.

Still dragging this out wasn't going to help anyone so putting on his best pokerface yet he stepped up next to Lenalee.

"I have truly...fallen in love with your sister. For long time even." The order would probably resonate from top floor to the basement as reality bended and buckled in the face of someone willingly facing this potential apocalypse.

Yep, there it goes. Lenalee actually was stunned that he came right out and said it like that, her face turning red.

Reever and Komui stopped their struggles to stare incredulously at him. "You're... ... with Lenalee?" Komui repeated, very slowly. He glanced at Lenalee. "Lenalee, you-"

"..." Lenalee nodded tensely, her face getting even more red, "I.. yes. I'm ...I'm in love with Allen.." she answered, holding her breath for the potential explosion.

Silence came, and was broken by an awkward chuckle from Reever, "Yo... YOu're serious? You two ---? Ha! Congratulations!!"

Komui was strangely silent, and just when Lenalee was about to say his name, he let out a very calm sigh. "Ha...hahaha, is that so!" He eased back into his seat. "What a relief, I was worried for a second there..." He grinned, "HA..HAH!"

Huh. He's...taking it awfully well..

The more dragged out this would get, the harder the words would come out. Allen had taken a more straight to the point tactic. He still braced himself for the explosion that was to come. To his credit he didn't look away from Komui either, looking him straight in the eye in case he wanted confirmation of how serious Allen was about this.

The first to react though was Reever and he couldn't help the bashful smile that took over his lips. He expected Reever to be happy for them. The man was the second most caring of the science division when it came to exorcists.

Komui on the other hand was definitely throwing him off. Where were the drills, the shrieking, the wailing. The world shattering FURY?!

"Uhm...really?"

Komui smiled widely, "Of course! The most important thing in the world to me is my sister's happiness." For all the kind and understanding words he was saying, Reever and Lenalee both were staring in disbelief at the other man.

In fact, ther ewasn't even any hypodermic needles in his hand when he stepped around the desk to give Allen a hug! "Welcome to the family, Allen!" Twitch. "I hope you and my sister," Twitch... twitch... "Will be very..." Twitch... "Ha.. ha.. HAHAHAHAHA I CAN'T DO IT!!!" He bellowed, "You think I'll let you just take my little sister away? NEVER; I won't let you or anyone else take her!"

Reever facepalmed, "I had a feeling it would end up like this."
Lenalee also facepalmed, "... ahaha...aha.." Wait, "Komui! Leave Allen alone-!"

"Stay out of this Lenalee! This is between MEN(tm)! KOMURINS!"

BAM! Two golems muscled their way into the office...through the wall of all things. What was that he was saying about this being between men?

Allen on the other hand wasn't getting any closer, narrowing his eyes in suspicion. Three was no way he would...then the first twitch happened and then more before he finally snapped. Once again his poker skills saved his life it seemed.

Allen looked over his shoulders with a determined look on his face before activating his Innocence. "I'm sorry Komui. But I can't afford to let you harm me so I will be defending myself"

Why Komui, Just. Just Why. Okay she knew why, but still, "Komui!" SOMEONE needs a boot to the head!

Komui slams a hand down on his desk again, "I expected as much Allen! Hohoho, but I've planned for just such a contingency with people who think they're worthy of MY Lenalee."

Who is currently facepalming forever. Oh my god Komui. Well this is actually exactly what they were expecting, and Lenalee didn't think it really would be seriously dangerous - for all of his crazy overprotectiveness, he wouldn't REALLY want to hurt Allen. Just scare him off!

After all, who would want to date someone with a lunatic brother right? ..wait...

The two Komurin's that muscled their way into the office were armed with a hammer and a mop respectively - don't ask. Although as the first one started to reel back with its ... uh...weapon, Komui suddenly had a moment of clarify, "WAIT!"

Both Komurin's stopped dead and looked at him. Lenalee almost relaxed because he must have realized how ridiculous this all was.

"We can't battle in here," Komui said. "We have important papers. Lets' move this to a different venue."

Like the training room. Plenty of space in there! Of course Lenalee would like him to just stop being silly, and Reever would have liked him to come to that realization BEFORE the Komurins busted a hole in the wall, buuuuuuut..

Allen was 0.001 seconds away from just unleashing Clown Belt on the two Komurins and reducing them both to scrap metal when Komuis seemed to have a sudden epiphany. Unfortunately it wasn't one that put an end to hostilities.

"Really?" He asked with a deadpan. On second thought maybe he should destroy the Komurins now while they were stopped by their creator's order.

Komui crossed his arms, smirking with the smirk of potential victory. "Of course! HA HAhahaha! If you can defeat my Komurins, then...then I'll allow... you to ....." NOPE, can't even say it. "HA! But you'll never defeat them! HA HAha~"

Reever sighed, "I'm sorry about this you two - we.. haven't gotten much sleep the past few days." Which ...was plenty obvious, really. Though Lenalee couldn't really blame all of it on Sleep deprivation.

"Allen.." Just.. just smash 'em. Komui needs sleep more than anything else, and Lenalee was going to help him with that. ~.~

This was likely not going to earn him any brownie points but honestly it was better to make this clean and quick.

"Is that so? Well then remember those words~" Allen said smiling sweetly as battle intent surged out of him for a split second before the cape at his back suddenly split into blade like tendrils that then proceeded to carve the two Komurin's behind him into a circuit salad without losing that smile for even a moment.

"There. Done."

And while Allen does that, Lenalee marched herself over to her brother, as Komui stared at what remained of his Komurins, his jaw dropped for a moment or two. And how effortlessly Allen did that. Just. Smiling the whole time. ".......t... that.. THAT DOESN'T COUNT. Best two out of three!" Komui no, don't start betting with Allen. "I'll Just -"

Take a nap apparently, since Lenalee whacks him in the head with her leg. "Enough, Komui!" And down he goes.

Although now he was liable to send Komurin's after Allen until he finally accepted the relationship - and he did on some level. But at least Lenalee would patch up any scratches Allen got afterward. "Honestly." Lenalee sighed.

"You know he only means the best for you, Lenalee." Reever chuckled, padding over to pull the unconsious brother up and drag him to the couch.

Lenalee glanced at Allen at that, with a faint smile. Clearly she knows what the 'best' option for her is. "Come on, let's let him sleep."

And if he tried the blowdart he would find that Allen's cape was already protecting his neck as well. He learned from last time, Komui. You wouldn't get him again with that trick dammit.

He did watch the man's lights go out as Lenalee put him to sleep. "How much are you going to bet he's going to think this was all just a nightmare he had?" Allen asked with a suffering sigh. He knew he was destined for a good while to be attacked and ambushed by Komurins from now on but he would weather through it. He didn't think KOmui would be able to outlast him in terms of resolve.

"Do you want us to clean up this mess too?" he said pointing over his shoulder at the scrap metal. Though he would like to leave with Lenalee he felt guilty about giving the science division more work.

"I'd lose that bet," Reever coughed. Komui was definitely going to think that. Lenalee sighed, "Well... the important thing is that we did tell him." He'll remember the facts when he saw them later she was sure.

"Or I'll just have to remind him." But that aside, it was a huge weight off of her shoulders, and she didn't feel guilty about being with Allen, when they were hiding it from Komui and everyone for those first few days.

Also, Lenalee nodded, about to chime in to offer help with clean up, but Reever waved a hand, "Nah, this bit of a mess is nothing compared to the usual. ... that makes me sad to even say that." He sighed the sigh of the long suffering.

"Yeah You're right of course." Allen said with a small sigh. Still now that they'd come clean it meant Allen could actually act a little more like a boyfriend with her in front of the rest of the Order. So naturally the first thing he did was skillfully take hold of Lenalee's hand.

"Ahahaha well if you're sure. If you need us for anything you know how to reach us." Allen nodded before giving Lenalee's hand a brief squeeze. It was true having told the main person about their feelings for each other was quite the trial to get past.

Reever grinned as he watched the pair. Somehow he felt like this was the way things were supposed to be. "Of course I do. I only wish that your upcoming mission wouldn't separate you.

Tell you what - I'll do what I can to see that you guys will be able to go out on the same team going forward." His hands might be tied sometimes, but at least he's going to try.

Lenalee, feeling Allen hold her hand, blushes intensely as she curled her fingers around his, giving him a happy, warm smile. "We appreciate it Reever, thank you. We'll see you later."

That was more than he dared hope for so knowing they had at least someone there trying to set things up that way meant a lot to Allen. "Yes thank you." He said echoing Lenalee's own words before tugging the girl closer with a smile. No more hiding behind people's backs.

"I think we should go tell Jerry too. Though knowing him he probably already knew by now." Allen proposed as he led Lenalee out of the science division wing back into the main corridors past a set of guards who did a double take seeing him hold the hand of the person whose brother could cause hell just at the mere notion of her finding a lover.

Lenalee's smile brightened, gently curling her arm around him when he pulled her closer. "Good idea. Though you're probably right, he probably already guessed it from the way he was looking at me when I came back the other day." When they had gone out to get fish and things for him.

"Still I think he'd like to hear it from us anyway." That and see them being openly happy with each other. He was after all a kind of mother figure to both of them as strange as that might have sounded to some people. It felt so right having Lenalee against his arm though. Allen couldn't help the smile on his face as they chatted and headed to the cafeteria.

"Yeah; he deserves to hear it from us, and not rumormill and gossip. And I want to tell Miranda also." Lavi, Kanda and the rest can go hang. .. Oh wait, that's kinda rude. The smile stayed on her face as well, finally being able to walk with him arm in arm like this.

The moment they stepped through the doors to the cafeteria, Jerry glanced up, "Ah, Allen, Lenalee, how-" He stopped short, and then grinned widely. "Ahahah!~ I knew it! Look at you two~! You're adorable!" Cutest pair he's ever seen.

"We can tell anyone you want." Allen nodded with a bright smile. In his case the only one he definitely wanted to tell was Jerry. Everyone else would learn of it. It was fine to let Miranda know though.

Hearing Jerry's first reaction, Allen couldn't help but smile bashfully with slightly reddened cheeks.

"Thank you. Sorry for keeping it a secret for so long but we didn't want to risk it until we told Komui."