Time Flies When You Are Having Fun...(D.Gray-man x Reader)

Chapter 14 - If You Can't Stand the Heat...

Authors Note: I want to explain why I have gone MIA for a month or so, many things have happened quite recently with my health. I'm not dying so there are no worries there. In fact, I will have a lot more time to write in the next few months as I will be bedridden after surgery for my ankle. If you are curious to know more just let me know in the comments I guess and I can explain more since there are more things than just my ankle. I hope you enjoy!

I walk through the door and find myself not at the fighting ground for Skinn and Kanda's fight, but a huge kitchen, similar to what you would find on a competitive cooking show. Metal tables with a sink, stove, and oven in every aisle. What the hell are these guys up to? I search for any sign of Skinn but my attention drifts as I come face to face with a gold-eyed, dark and curly-haired individual that is way too close. I let out a startled shriek as none other than Tyki Mikk stands before me. I quickly compose myself and glare at him as he laughs at my expense.

"My, my, a little jumpy are we?" A Cheshire grin fills Tyki's face from ear to ear. I merely scoff as I turn my back to him.

"You just surprised me that's all, I was looking for Skinn as this is his door. Where is he?" I throw a look over my shoulder to see Tyki has finally calmed his laughing fit. It was his turn to scoff as he got even closer to me.

"I'm hurt, you weren't looking for me? What has that big guy got that I don't? Other than a sweet tooth I can beat him in anything." Turning around, Tyki marches over to a big black office chair at the very back of the room and spins it around to reveal a fairly bored-looking Skinn. "Look I am taller, more handsome, and definitely have more brains than this guy." Skinn doesn't look the least offended and continues to look as if he were watching paint dry. I giggle a little bit but try to remain firm.

"Look I didn't expect to find you here, you weren't here normally. That is beside the point. What is the challenge for the Exorcists?" I cross my arms over my chest and await Tyki's answer. Tyki's smile tightens before answering.

"I know you don't want us to harm the exorcists but the only thing Skinn here is good for is fighting and sugar. With that in mind, I decided to implement that sweet tooth of his. Each exorcist has to prepare something sweet for the big guy in this kitchen." As he states this, he sweeps his arm generally motioning to all of the room. "If he likes it, then they are able to move onto the next door and if not, they have to stay behind and wait. If no one makes it to the final door, the person waiting will hand over their innocence and then they will be released. But if one of them reaches the final door, everyone is to be released, innocence and all. This will be the same at every door, just different challenges and such." Tyki finishes his monologue and slinks his way over to me. "Everyone except for ____ has to prepare something for Skinn. Since she has nothing to risk there is no point to compete, unless..." Tyki abruptly stops in front of me and leans down to look at me eye to eye. "There is something you would like to wager?" His eyes narrow like cats with the smirk to match. I quickly look down to hide my telling eyes from showing my thoughts.

Hmm... it would make things more, as Tyki would say, interesting. I think I have an idea, but you might not like it. Then tell me, better out than in. What if we bet our companionship, it seems that Tyki was rather jealous when you chose to go with the exorcists, so use that to your advantage. As long as one of your group, including you, beats this tower, you can continue for however long you want to with the exorcists; but if only you make it or if no one makes it through this tower, you can never associate with the exorcists again. That seems like a little too much to risk, what about Nea? If we lose we won't be able to see him again? If we do this, he will know as well and he then will do whatever it takes to win. I want to do this to get lover boy off of our backs for the time being so we can speak more with Nea. Fine, I see what you mean. And he isn't a lover boy, he just is worried about the exorcists! I grumble inwardly at Chronea but reluctantly look up into Tyki's eyes once again. "My offer is this, If one of our group makes it through all the challenges along with me, I don't have any restrictions on seeing them, If no one makes it through or only me, I can never see them again. Do we have a deal?" I outstretch my hand to Tyki as his eyes go wide with surprise. Most of the exorcists start to pour into the room from behind me as they missed me and Tyki's bet. Only Allen heard everything as he came in right after I did. I quickly see his eyes flash greenish-gold and I chuckle. Nea definitely won't let us lose this now. Tyki quickly shakes his head to rid his stumped look and plasters on his typical smirk.

"What a bet! One that I simply cannot refuse." He grasps my hand and yanks my arm, pulling me into his chest. He whispers in my ear, "Let's hope for your sake, you do lose. I don't want to have to get physical with the exorcists again."What did he just say... and to believe that I just defended you from Chronea! I push him away and yell,

"If you do I will never forgive you!" My eyes bore through his. He is again shocked by my words, this time he doesn't try to hide his bewilderment, in fact, concern was the most prominent on his features. I guess he does have a weakness. Yeah, you. I don't think so, I'm just a family member to him because of you. Perhaps. "Don't ever say something like that again unless you mean it. Those exorcists are kind people and ones I consider friends; if you lay a hand on them I will never come back to the Noah." My eyes that were normally soft were as sharp as razor blades digging themselves into him. Tears began to well as the corners of my eyes. No, don't show weakness in front of him. I turn my back on him and walk back towards the group. "Start the stupid challenge Skinn." Tyki remains frozen in place as he begins to stare holes into the ground. Skinn looks slightly amused by the altercation but refrains from commenting. He stands up from his black chair with what can be described as an excited grin.

"Time to bake. Make me anything sweet. I will eat after everyone has finished." He sits back down and resumes his bored expression. Tyki takes over the explanation after finally composing himself.

"Yes, make whatever you would like. As long as it is sweet, Skinn will most likely enjoy it." He again gestures to the room. "If everyone would get to positions, we will start." We all walk to different stations, each row had two work stations, and so everyone pairs up, Allen and me, Lenalee and Lavi, Chaoji and Krory, and Kanda is all by himself. " Alright, Three..." I look up and Tyki is watching me as he counts down. "Two..." He does look sorry. Not until he says it should it mean anything to you. I get it, but it doesn't mean that he isn't regretful now. "One..." He will say it to me, he is saying now with his eyes. It's obvious he feels bad and so I give him a small smile to let him know I forgive him. With this, his face brightens as he shouts, "GO!" Here we go! Do you even know how to bake?