Enigma (Kanda x OC/ Lavi x OC)

E Rua Tekau

Almost a month later, the four Exorcists arrived at the train station that was fifteen minutes from the European Branch Headquarters. The couples enjoyed their vacation-like trip over the Pacific on a ship exactly like the one that took them to New Zealand.

As Lavi grew to accept his newfound freedom, despite the war that they would face when they got home. He was very aware that he wasn't supposed to be with Xael, or anyone at that, but he couldn't help falling for her.

So, while they still could, he cherished every single moment he could with her. He treated her like a Goddess; His Goddess. He wanted her to know that no matter what happened in the future, he wanted to stay at her side.

Zion and Kanda were attached at the hip. They had gotten to the point that they were more comfortable together than they were apart, and for Kanda, that was an extreme change of character. But he was happier than he ever had been before. Although it was hard for him to visibly show it, Zion could see and feel it.

It was the little things, like how he would be the first to finger her hand, asking for her to grab his. He wouldn't go a single morning without giving her a kiss, short and sweet or long and passionate. He would hug her for a few moments longer than usual, and make sure he would go to sleep and wake up by her side. It only felt wrong when they weren't together.

However, the four were finally back to the Headquarters. Even though they were on a long mission, it felt more like an extended vacation. But now, they had to return to reality.

Zion and Kanda eagerly went back to their rooms to unpack, but Lavi paused outside of Xael's room with her. The hallway was vacant, so there was no immediate danger. He cupped her round cheek and stroked it with her thumb. He took a deep breath and said, "Are you nervous?"

"I'm not sure." She hummed. "You?"

"A little."

Xael smiled to assure him. "We'll make it."

"Yeah." Because of her grin, he was able to smile confidently. "We will." He leaned down and kissed her.

"Lavi?" A squeaky voice released a sharp gasp.

The boy parted from the dark-haired girl and froze. They hadn't even been back for ten minutes and the second war had already begun.

Xael blinked. "Lenalee?"

"I see... a lot must have happened on the two and a half month mission..." The tall, bubbly girl muttered, not completely sure what to make of the situation.

Lavi was stiff as he struggled to swallow. He couldn't bear to meet anyone's eyes.

"I guess you could say that." She shorter girl shrugged, but tried to be aware of the young man's insecurity. Although he had committed to her and said it was okay to be open about them being together, it was obviously a challenge for him.

"I won't tell anyone." Lenalee declared. "I know that you're not really supposed to... you know, Lavi. But for you to actually be someone, despite your personality, you must really love her."

A small smile curved on the said young man's lips. "I do. You could say that she saved me."

"I'm glad." The taller girl beamed. "If you need anything -- support or whatnot -- I've got your back."

"Thank you, Lenalee." Xael hummed.

With that, the girl returned to her business and disappeared down the hall.

Lavi released a heavy sigh of relief as she left.

The shorter girl's heart churned slightly, seeing his expression change so drastically. "Hey..." She trailed until he looked at her. "We don't have to tell people if you don't want to."

He shook his head and grinned gently. "No. I don't want to hide it -- us. It's going to be hard for me, but no matter what, I don't want to hide us."

She grinned giddily as butterflies fluttered in her chest. "You're too sweet."

"I mean, I 'really like you.'" He mimicked Lenalee's words.

"Lucky for you, I 'really like you,' too." She teased.

"You're too damn cute." He huffed and gave her a quick kiss. "I'm gonna go take a nap. I'll see you later... Unless, you wanna join me." He wriggled his brows as he walked backwards in the direction of his room.

She scoffed. "Go take a nap." She rolled her eyes and opened the door to her room. "See you later."

He laughed and disappeared down the long hall.

A few hours later, Zion and Kanda met up again in the cafeteria during normal dinner hours. It was busy, which unsettled the tall boy, but he was fine as long as he was with the brunette. Lavi stopped by to get two plates of food, but left with both in hand. The two really knew he'd be taking his and another portion to Xael.

Zion and Kanda ate quietly and didn't speak much to each other. It wasn't uncomfortable, it was normal for them. The girl chattered with other Exorcists, Scientists, and Finders as they walked by.

Lenalee crossed through the back of the room, catching the corners of the couple's eyes. The boy seemed to be overcome with a sense of purpose. He quickly dropped his chopsticks on his tray and stood. "I need to go. I'll come to your room later." Without waiting to listen to her, he left, following the tall, bubbly girl.

"Huh?"

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Xael ate dinner with Lavi in his room. They joked casually and talked about mindless things until the boy -- oh-so-gentlemanly -- flicked a noodle at the girl.

She squealed and laughed as it stuck to her collarbone. "Seriously, Lavi? You're such a child."

"You laughed." He chuckled.

"Well, yeah. You act like a silly ten-year-old." She peeled the noodle off of her skin and dropped it on her empty plate.

"Silly ten-year-old? Really?"

"Yeah, really." She laughed.

"Silly, I'll take. But I'm not a child." Even though he stated his words seriously, he smirked.

"You're acting like one."

"Yeah? I'll prove to you..." He slowly approached her and crawled over her. "... that I'm not a childish little boy..." His white smirk was dazzling as he pushed her on her back, his visible emerald eye half-lidded with an alluring expression. The girl's heart pounded as blood rushed to her cheeks.

Lavi kissed her passionately, immediately dominating her mouth in a very mature manner. Xael easily succumbed to him, melting under his gentle, yet strong grasp and overwhelmingly loving kiss.

The door to the room suddenly flung open, snapping through the lock.

The red-haired boy froze once he saw the short old man with black orbs around his eyes. He looked infuriated, and Lavi seemed terrified.

The old man growled. "Lavi..."

"Old Panda..." Heresponded in an inappropriate manner regarding the situation. "You caughtme..." He trailed, his voice cracking, fearing for what was to come.