Blinding Youth

Part of the Job

Means back-to-back missions, especially when there's very few Exorcists available to take them, but Allen hadn't minded at first. In a way, he figured that this would be a way to prove to his doubters that he wasn't the Fourteenth and was still the same Exorcist, if not a teeny less polite, they've known for months now.

However, Leverrier seemed to take this to a whole new level. Before their mission had even started, he'd alert Allen and his 'watchdog' of their next assignment. All of these had been 'urgent', meaning there was no time to rest. (All of these missions were conveniently in places the Brit had been to before, so naturally they used the Ark.)

In between these missions, all of them were to hunt Akuma, the white haired teen had barely any time to sleep, let alone eat. He'd sneak a few bites to eat here and there, but he was a Parasitic-type and needed a lot more than a bite or two. His energy levels were severely lacking by the time he and Link, who seemed to be faring just fine, had joined up with Kanda and company.

--x--

"Whoa, Moyashi, what happened to you?" Lavi exclaimed as the duo stepped out of the Gate.

It hadn't even been an hour after their last mission when they met up, and Allen, for once, didn't look the least bit presentable.

"We just finished a mission." The albino sighed as he ran a hand through his messy hair. "The fourth one in a row."

"Allen, that isn't healthy," Lenalee scolded out of worry, "you need to take a break!"

"I know, I know." He cringed when he felt how greasy his hair had become. Master would definitely scold him if he saw him now. "But Leverrier has been assigning me missions left and right. I don't have time for a break."

"Have you been eating?" Lavi piped in, worry concealed in his one visible eye.

To this, Kanda simply grumbled, "Tch. This is Moyashi we're talking about. Of course he's eaten,"

"Actually...." A nervous laugh escaped the youth and he could immediately feel three - technically four, but Link no longer counted - sets of eyes stare at him. "I haven't had the time to eat as much as I should. Or sleep... I doubt I'll be much use on this mission, honestly."

"You're sitting this one out." Commanded the only female of the group. She had placed her hands on her hips and had a determined look on her face; a sight that reminded Allen of a worrying mother.

"I'm afraid Master Walker can't." Link finally spoke up, spooking Lavi in the process. "He was put on this mission for a reason."

After collecting himself, the redhead raised a brow. "That reason being...?"

In response to his friend's question, Allen simply pointed to his curse mark. "The Earl's been getting clever at hiding his Akuma recently, so I've been on cleanup."

Before another question could be thrown his way, Link held up a hand and shook his head. "We must get started. I've already put in the case of Allen's health with Headquarters and they've agreed that after this mission, he'd have a few days of rest before he becomes active again."

Just as Lenalee was about to speak, the blonde male interrupted her by adding, "Yes, I know a few days isn't enough considering his condition and the amount of work he's done. The sooner we finish the mission, the quicker Master Walker can rest."

With that, all arguments were pushed aside for the time being and saved for the one person who needed to hear it most. An explosion from the opposite end of the city gained their attention; all of them immediately started to head to the cause.

--x--

A/N: Normally, I don't write these but I just wanted to let any returning readers know that I have not abandoned my other stories. If it wasn't for the fact that I had promised this (I'm late posting it as it is) I wouldn't be posting at all. College has me all messed up, but I do plan on updating them!!! I'll work on a schedule for myself and keep y'all in the loop as I do so. Until next time, lovelies.~ ♡