Kept on Walking

~three~

Weeks pass with no news from the two sent to investigate the rumors. Komui is getting anxious as Leverrier paces about the messy office.

Komui could never understand why the man was sent, but he had known better than to question Central. Marian Cross steps in, shooting Leverrier a glare.

"What do you want?" Came the exacerbated question.

"Well... It's been a while, and there's no word from Tiedoll and Kanda. So there's no clue if anything happened or if they're..." Komui trails off.

"Let me guess; you want me to go check on them." Marian Cross sighs.

"Exactly. Please, take Lenalee and Lavi along." Komui states.

Cross was by no means stupid. He knows why he was told to have Lenalee and Lavi go along. Cross turns and starts walking out. Lighting a cigarette, he goes hunting the pair down so they can leave and get it over with as fast as possible. Finding the two, he drags them along to set out. He hates to admit it, but the whole thing has him very curious.

After all, it wasn't often that he hears that Tiedol and his pupil practically drop off the Order's radar. And Cross is curious to find out why.

~

Allen was helping put things away after another day's hard work. Miranda had tagged along and helped them with unpacking. However, even with her klutzy nature, she'd gained confidence because of the teen and man who had kindly allowed her to help them regardless of the simple task.

Miranda found that Allen's left arm often had difficulties moving and almost no feeling. After that, she stated she would accept a small job from Mana to aid her young friend. And Allen thanked her for it. She'd also taken up the arduous task of helping Allen with his left arm in any way she could.

When Allen heard that, he could only stare in disbelief at the older woman. Never has anyone ever looked at his deformed arm and not run away or insult him, with Mana being the only exception. Mana only smiles as he inwardly states that it will make his outlook on his fellow human beings less bleak.

"I hope you're both hungry because I made dinner!" Mana calls with a happy ring in his voice.

"Yes! Food!" Allen cheers.

Miranda giggles softly and follows Allen, thanking Mana for allowing her to join them. Mana replies by setting a steaming plate before both, one being a larger portion. This time Mana did not eat but instead cleaned the pot and pan he used.

Eventually, Miranda had to head home, wishing the duo a good night. The pair return it before preparing to settle down for the night.

~

Cross looks at Tiedol with an unimpressed look. Tiedol was at a loss on how to see the boy suspected of having Innocence. Cross had stated to take the boy whether they liked it or not. It would have happened either way.

But instantly, Cross recognized Mana and the errand boy he'd accepted into his life. And he noticed how human, how much more stable the man seemed in contrast to his past self. He realizes that Taking the teen with him wouldn't be so simple.