A new way of life

Bus ride

There was a multitude of mismatched vehicles lining the drive the first day of classes. Allen took a look at all of them. He snorted. He was off to take the bus. Not once did it cross his mind for him to ask anyone else for a ride. That was why he was up so early. He walked past Lavi's beat up Toyota, Kanda's motorcycle, Krory's hearse, Lenalee's Prius, Johnny's moped (come to find out he was in his third year) Daisya's F150, Alma's Aztec and Bak's black impala, Howard's town car and last Foe's bright pink Volkswagen beetle. He smirked as he thought of the owners.

He knew Krory would ride with Lavi, Miranda would go with Lenalee and Noise with Daisya. They had all managed to get together and set up house rules. Pretty standard things like no going in a person's room without invitation. If you want separate food keep a fridge in your room, no taking others things and of course clean up common areas after yourself.

The smile was still on Allen's face as he reached the sidewalk. He turned to walk to the bus stop a block and a half away. He wasn't thinking about where he was going or about the people he should be avoiding. The last week had been busy for him. Cleaning up after everyone, making sure he had everything for school and keeping up with his self defense training with Kanda. The classes he paid for had ended but his roommate was teaching him even more things. Allen was grateful for it.

The scuff of a boot heel on the cement was his first indication he wasn't alone. Growing up with the abusive Marion Cross, Allen was instantly in high alert. His brain told him it was most likely just someone heading to the bus stop the same as him, but his body was preparing for a beating. Being small and disfigured, beatings were a way of life for him. He glanced back to see who was behind him. He froze.

"What do you want?" He demanded.

"You didn't come out." Tyki purred.

"I'm not going to help you defeat Cross. I can't." Allen told him.

"You're the best card player I've ever seen." Tyki pouted lighting a cigarette.

"I'm not better than Cross." Allen stated. He had reached the bus stop. He sat down on the wooden bench.

"How do you know unless you play him?" Tyki pressed blowing smoke rings.

"Who do you think taught me?" Allen asked. Tyki's eyes grew round.

"Seriously? You're like his prodigy, or something?" Tyki asked.

"More like his servant and punching bag. I'm not going anywhere near him." Allen insisted. "I got away, I'm staying away." He muttered to himself.

"Are you like a runaway? Like you belong to him?" Tyki asked.

"Don't get any stupid ideas. I paid for my freedom. He has nothing to do with my life." Allen glared up at the handsome man.

"Teach me?" Tyki insisted.

"It won't be enough." Allen shook his white head. "You don't have enough time for me to unteach you your bad habits and research you what you need to know to be good." Allen smirked.

"You're a jerk." Tyki flicked his cigarette butt into the street. Allen glared but said nothing. He was glad for not getting beat up by the guy.

"No, I'm honest. You don't have the time. Cross taught me from a very young age. He's been learning from masters all around the world since before either of us were born." Allen shook his head. "But he is also very lazy. He will only play cards until he attracts the attention of some beautiful rich lady. That's when the real fun begins." He hissed.

"Like what?" Tyki asked. He was leaning against the plastic bus shield.

"Like the boozing, the parties, the debts he racks up all over town. Then, right before people begin to get pissed that he's not paying for things, he leaves. Moves on to the next town. He's been doing this since he was our age." Allen informed him.