Allen still wasn’t happy with the outcome. The Akuma kept coming and without help, they’d soon start to be overwhelmed. There were coming more and more each day and soon they’d be outdumbered. But this was exactly why Allen refused to give up the plan. Lenalee still thought that Lavi would help them sooner or later. She always saw the good in everyone. And she was also the one who helped Allen get into the same mindset. He too believed in the good first and then everything else. This was why he managed to get into Lavis kingdom on the day of the fest.

Allen watched from a safe distance. He didn’t want to risk Lavi recognising him after all. So this was the festival of Children he’d heard so much about. So much but very different things as well. He still didn’t really know which of these informations were true but Allen was sure he was about to find out if everything turned out well. But for now he just wanted to stand and observe the scenery in front of him. Around him the people started cheering after Lavi finished greeting the crowd. And the boy on his lap stood up, happily running down to vanish in the crowd amongst the other children. This was something he wasn’t sure about. Children of the Crown. There were so many interpretations about who they were. Royal blood? Were they part of Lavi’s family? Or were they all compatible? 

“Well I guess I’ll se how much of an asshole you really are then.” Allen replied with a chuckle and briefly looked up again before focusing on tying Lavi’s shoes. He already realised that the next weeks would be hard because of the lack of feeling in his left arm. But he wouldn’t complain and just do hist best. “I’ll help you whenever I can then. That means when we work together probably.” After all he’d never really seen him on campus. From far away yes, but this was the first time he dealt with him in person.

Allen watched the short scene before him and waited patiently before greeting Suman politely. He smiled and shook his hand as he introduced himself and briefly talked to Lavi once more  and was told that he should watch over Allen’s injuries as well. “You really don’t need to worry. I don’t want to cause any trouble or circumstances.” Allen assured them and shook his head. Besides, Suman mentioned that Lavi’s health was not the best. And he was half blind now so this was more important.

Allen watched carefully while Lavi tried to put his shoes back on. Or rather grab them in the first place. But due to his injury it was quite uncoordinated, which led Allen to bite down his lips so he wouldn’t chuckle at the sight. It wasn’t funny because of the injury, but he couldn’t help but find it funny still. “The people I talked to really didn’t know what they were talking about when they said you’re an asshole.” Allen said with a raised eyebrow. “Lenalee must be lucky then.” Though she never really seemed like she needed any sort or protection, Allen could imagine it must be good to have someone like that on your side.

This whole situation was not because he didn’t get what he wanted. But Lavi didn’t seem to realise this. It was because all of their lifes were at stake here and without reinforcement this war wouldn’t go well for them. Still, Allen hoped that things wouldn’t get that far, but he feared they might. But arguing about that right now wouldn’t get them anywhere. Lavi was too stubborn to work through that and if he was honest, Allen was not in the mood to continue this. It was exhausting to try and get his point through to Lavi. He didn’t see the whole picture and until he did, it would be next to impossible to convince him.

Allen still wasn’t happy with the outcome. The Akuma kept coming and without help, they’d soon start to be overwhelmed. There were coming more and more each day and soon they’d be outdumbered. But this was exactly why Allen refused to give up the plan. Lenalee still thought that Lavi would help them sooner or later. She always saw the good in everyone. And she was also the one who helped Allen get into the same mindset. He too believed in the good first and then everything else. This was why he managed to get into Lavis kingdom on the day of the fest. 

“Mh… that’s an hour away from my home. That’s alright. If the left half of my body cooperates, I’ll be able to work as long as you need help today.” He sahd with a shrug and started an attempt to put on his shoes, which wasn’t too easy because of his still numb and bound hands. “Not really. I didn’t have much time yet. And she’s not in my year so we don’t share the same courses. Besides, how come you live with her, if her boyfriend isn’t even happy about other men talking to her?”

Allen watched carefully while Lavi tried to put his shoes back on. Or rather grab them in the first place. But due to his injury it was quite uncoordinated, which led Allen to bite down his lips so he wouldn’t chuckle at the sight. It wasn’t funny because of the injury, but he couldn’t help but find it funny still. “The people I talked to really didn’t know what they were talking about when they said you’re an asshole.” Allen said with a raised eyebrow. “Lenalee must be lucky then.” Though she never really seemed like she needed any sort or protection, Allen could imagine it must be good to have someone like that on your side. 

“Showing you the consequences of staying on your own is what you’d consider bullying? God you need to stop being so sensitive.” Allen almost hissed, obviously annoyed about the situation. “And I am not going to uselessly throw the lives of Exorcists away! Do you really think I’ll do that? You clearly don’t know anything about me at all.”

This whole situation was not because he didn’t get what he wanted. But Lavi didn’t seem to realise this. It was because all of their lifes were at stake here and without reinforcement this war wouldn’t go well for them. Still, Allen hoped that things wouldn’t get that far, but he feared they might. But arguing about that right now wouldn’t get them anywhere. Lavi was too stubborn to work through that and if he was honest, Allen was not in the mood to continue this. It was exhausting to try and get his point through to Lavi. He didn’t see the whole picture and until he did, it would be next to impossible to convince him. 

For Allen, this situation was utterly weird. He hated charity. But maybe, with this new job he’d be able to pay Lavi something back for this. Or get him something. He still couldn’t believe that Lavi did all this for him just because he could. No one could be this nice. “Bless your doctor.” Allen sighed with utter relief, already trying to push himself off even if there was an obvious headache pounding behind his forehead. “Do you live far away from Peckham? Just so I know how long it’ll take me to get back tonight.”

Allen waited patiently, seeminlgy only waiting for Lavi to finally snap. He looked like he was just about to and could barely hold himself together. But Allen was sure that - sooner or later - Lavi would see why they had to work together to win this war. Even if he thought that his kingdom and his people weren’t involved in this. They were. Lavi was simply too stuboorn to see it and instead decided to behave like a child in a man’s body. At least this was all that Allen saw at the moment.

“Showing you the consequences of staying on your own is what you’d consider bullying? God you need to stop being so sensitive.” Allen almost hissed, obviously annoyed about the situation. “And I am not going to uselessly throw the lives of Exorcists away! Do you really think I’ll do that? You clearly don’t know anything about me at all.”

“I don’t need to know anything at all if that’s what this is all about. The only thing we all need is the Innocence of your people. You have no idea what is best for your people and will soon realise that you’re making a mistake. The Akuma will run you over” Allen replied, slowly starting to get way too frustrated. Though he still kept calm on the outside after Lavi started yelling and slamming his hand on the table. Even Allen could hear his knuckles crack.

Allen waited patiently, seeminlgy only waiting for Lavi to finally snap. He looked like he was just about to and could barely hold himself together. But Allen was sure that - sooner or later - Lavi would see why they had to work together to win this war. Even if he thought that his kingdom and his people weren’t involved in this. They were. Lavi was simply too stuboorn to see it and instead decided to behave like a child in a man’s body. At least this was all that Allen saw at the moment.

“Too late. I’m already in.” Allen teased and carefully pushed himself up into a sitting position. 3rd degree burns were weird. Allen knew he should be in pain but because the nerve endings were completely destroyed, he couldn’t feel anything at all on his left arm and the left side of his face. “Lucky you, I don’t care for parents.” He shrugged and then kept quiet for know, waiting for Lavi to finish the talk with whoever he was currently trying to reach with his cellphone.

“To be honest, I’m a mind-reader. That’s how I knew about it.” Allen replied with a grin, tapping his finger against his own temple. Though Allen didn’t expect Lavi’s answer it was kind of nice to hear him say something like that. Weird, but nice. He was impressed because Allen didn’t like him? “Why would I like you just because of your parents?” He asked with a shrug. Allen didn’t understand why people would like someone just because of their parent’s reputation. “No, I won’t. Why would I quit immediately? Don’t tell me there’s a bad secret now.” He teased with a short laugh before Lavi started the call.

“Well it is certainly not my fault that no one knows shit about your kingdom. If anything, it’s your own fault for keeping everything to yourself.” Allen replied, a bit louder than intended. He wanted to stay diplomatic, but Lavi’s words made it almost impossible. How could anyone be so closed-minded and difficult? It was frustrating to say the least and if there was another solution to deal with the situation, Allen would gladly take it. But there was none. They needed more people who could fight on their side. What did irritate him though was how different Lavi’s tone and posture was now that he turned to look at Lenalee. People talked about the weird king of the Equipments… but Allen never got a chance to actually look into this.

“I don’t need to know anything at all if that’s what this is all about. The only thing we all need is the Innocence of your people. You have no idea what is best for your people and will soon realise that you’re making a mistake. The Akuma will run you over” Allen replied, slowly starting to get way too frustrated. Though he still kept calm on the outside after Lavi started yelling and slamming his hand on the table. Even Allen could hear his knuckles crack.

“If this is the case then you shouldn’t expect any respect from me either.” Allen answered with a shrug and finally sat down. He calmed himself down again, trying to remember what his father had taught him about these situations and folded his hands on the table, slightly leaning towards Lavi. If he wanted this man’s help, he needed to get the upper hand.

“Well it is certainly not my fault that no one knows shit about your kingdom. If anything, it’s your own fault for keeping everything to yourself.” Allen replied, a bit louder than intended. He wanted to stay diplomatic, but Lavi’s words made it almost impossible. How could anyone be so closed-minded and difficult? It was frustrating to say the least and if there was another solution to deal with the situation, Allen would gladly take it. But there was none. They needed more people who could fight on their side. What did irritate him though was how different Lavi’s tone and posture was now that he turned to look at Lenalee. People talked about the weird king of the Equipments... but Allen never got a chance to actually look into this.

“Oh then what did I do to earn your generosity, then?” Allen asked with a jolly grin. “Is it my looks? I know, I’m irresistible, you can admit it already.” He teased with another laugh and shook his head before Lavi continued. Then his face got more serious again. “Uh- okay then. I guess?” That was definitely something he wouldn’t have expected in his wildest dreams. “I actually don’t really know what to say to be completely honest.”

“Judging by what’s said about you at campus, it must be a secret.” Allen quipped back with a raised eyebrow, still grinning at the redhead. “Oh I already work for you? So I don’t have to talk to your grandfather in the end?” Of course Allen knew he’d have to, but it was just the way Lavi addressed the subject at the moment. “But it’s fine though, I’ll pay the doctor if he’ll look after me. I don’t want any charity.”

“Be sure that I won’t forget who I’m talking to, other than someone else in this room who clearly knows nothing about respect.” Allen replied harshly but still with a polite smile on his lips as the grin spread across Lavi’s features. Lavi wouldn’t intimidate him. The redheaded king probably underestimated Allen. But maybe it was good like that. Allen would sooner or later make sure that he wouldn’t do that again, this was for sure.

“If this is the case then you shouldn’t expect any respect from me either.” Allen answered with a shrug and finally sat down. He calmed himself down again, trying to remember what his father had taught him about these situations and folded his hands on the table, slightly leaning towards Lavi. If he wanted this man’s help, he needed to get the upper hand.