A/N: Emm...I just had the urge to write something very typical and sappy and...ugh...I don't care anymore!! This is what came to my mind when 'Marriage' was mention to me again by FireNose. I hope it won't scar any of you with my crappy storyline for this one. ((shrugs))

Behind the Sweetness

Chapter 16: I’m getting married

“What!?”

Two surprised people exclaimed, and the younger one immediately flushed at their loud voices, which attracted a few looks from the Finders and exorcists in the cafeteria. Lenalee smiled nervously, and the people went back to whatever they were doing. Lavi however, continued staring at the white haired girl in front of him, mouth gaping open like a goldfish.

“S-Sorry.” Lavi said, digging his ears with his left hand. “I think my ears need cleaning, can you repeat that?”

“I said…” Allen started slowly. “I’m getting married.”

Before Lavi could let out another shout, Lenalee clamped a hand over his mouth, silencing him effectively.

“But…to who?” Lenalee asked, bewildered. “And why the sudden decision?”

Allen plastered a smile on her face as she set her utensils down, pushing aside all the plates and bowls. “I don’t know.”

Lavi and Lenalee stared at her. Ever since the defeat of the Earl, Allen had been acting weird. Well, weirder than usual that is, or maybe it was because she had not stopped fighting for five years? That would make her twenty right now. Most of the exorcists had decided to remain in the Black Order to collect the remaining Innocence that were scattered throughout the world. It seems that the Pope still saw some use in the exorcists, so he let them go on with it.

“I only know its some important person the Elders say, and they said he was suited for me, hence the proposal.” Allen replied after a while, shooting a glare at the Elders sitting at another table.

“They can’t do it!” Lavi hissed. “Even after the war, they want to tie you down?!”

“Can’t you decline it?” Lenalee said, concern in her voice. “I mean, this is more to an arranged marriage, and I’m pretty sure it’s just because you’re the hero who defeated the Earl…”

“I know it is.” Allen said bitterly. “But if I don’t agree, they’d close down the Black Order.”

“That’s low!” Lenalee snapped, her eyes blazing with anger. “How dare they use that threat against you?! Everyone knows how much you love the Black Order!” she said, clenching her fists. “I should-”

“Lenalee…” Allen said, putting a hand on her arm. “Thank you, but it’s okay.” She smiled softly. “I don’t have anything else to lose except the Black Order now.”

“But Allen, what about your own feelings?” Lavi said sadly, shaking his head. “I know you like-”

He didn’t get any further, because Allen’s eyes trailed off somewhere else as they heard the cafeteria doors opening, and another exorcist came in. His piercing glare scared off anybody who looked his way, as he grumpily went to order his food from Jeery. Kanda looked more tired than he did when he left, Allen noted, as he made his way to their table.

“Welcome back.” Allen greeted.

“How was the mission?” Lenalee asked, slapping a palm on Lavi’s mouth again when she sensed he was going to say something stupid. She was too tired to oversee another verbal fight between the two best friends.

Kanda grunted. “The same. Not many Akuma, just weird events.”

“Were you injured?” the girl sitting beside him asked, and he shook his head.

“Unlike you, I like to remain unscathed after a mission.” He said, smirking. Allen pouted.

As they were eating, Miranda, who had recently been discharged from the infirmary, came to sit with them. Lenalee smiled at the elder woman. “Hello Miranda, how are you feeling?” she asked.

Miranda smiled warmly back. Her negative attitude and apologies had toned down a lot since the defeat of the Earl, and she acted more mature now, though she was still a bit shy. “I’m fine, Lenalee-chan. Thank you for asking.”

“Allen Walker.”

All heads turned to the new and unfamiliar voice, finding a young man, no older than twenty five, standing beside where Allen sat. His lip was set in a thin line, and he looked unhappy, standing there. Allen nodded at him, tilting her head to one side.

“May I ask, who are you?”

“I am Frey, your fiancé.”

--

Kanda was pissed, scratch that, he was beyond pissed. When he saw the man extend his hand towards Allen, he had a strange urge to just cut off that arm that was connected to his body. He resisted an angry retort, and settled for just glaring at Frey, who looked as though this was the last place on earth he’d rather be.

“Oh…” Allen said, looking at her friends, who seemed more than surprised. “Okay…”

“Shall we take a walk?” Frey said coolly, ignoring the others. “I would like to talk to you, alone.”

Allen nodded awkwardly, getting up. “I’ll see you guys later…” she muttered, following the chestnut haired man out.

As soon as they were out of sight, Kanda turned to Lavi and Lenalee. “What the fuck was that about? When did beansprout get engaged?!”

Lavi sighed, knowing that deep down in that cold heart, Yuu Kanda cared a lot for Allen Walker, more than he knew it. “It was forced on her.” He explained, looking over to where the Elders sat. “Their way of tying her down, I guess.”

“You guess!?” Kanda hissed. “Fuck those morons, god damn…” he said tiredly, clenching his fist. Years of war had taken its toll on all of them, and they were just so tired now, even though they only had to focus on collecting the Innocence. Many of them had left to go home to their families, and some others left to travel, and would drop off any Innocence they found at the branches of the Black Order.

“Forget it.” Kanda said, getting up. “I’m going to train.”

Miranda shook her head, getting up too. “I need to go, I have a checkup.”

And the two remaining ones watched as the other two left, somehow it left a depressing atmosphere, the thought of Allen Walker getting married to someone they didn’t know.

--

Frey laughed as he racked a hand through his hair, and Allen found it surprisingly nice that he wasn’t as stern as he looked to be. She smiled as he stopped laughing, and he smiled back.

“I must apologize, Allen.” Frey said, sitting down on the bench. They had been taking a walk in the garden when Allen started talking about random things, and Frey had laughed when she told him about all the stories of her journey.

“What for?” Allen asked, confused.

“Actually, I didn’t agree to this marriage proposal.” Frey admitted, his expression darkening. “My grandfather, one of the Elders, said that you were a selfish girl, sacrificing almost all your friends just for the sake of protecting yourself.” He said, and she looked shocked. “And they said it was a coincidence that you managed to defeat the Earl…”

“I…They…” Allen was furious, but she could not form the words to express herself, and Frey chuckled.

“I know how you feel.” Frey said. “But I got used to it, being lied to and all.”

“But a marriage…!” Allen choked. “It’s outrageous!”

Without another word, she stormed back into the castle, fully intending to give the Elders a piece of her mind. Frey watched in amusement as the young girl shoved everyone out of the way, before turning his head towards a tree behind him.

“I suggest one of you stop her before she does something rash.” He said, shaking his head.

Lavi and Lenalee jumped down from their hiding place, a bit surprised they were spotted, but wasted no time in running after the girl, worrying for her safety now. Kanda merely stood where he was, glaring at Frey, who smirked.

“So…you must be Kanda, the one Allen talked about.” Frey said, leaning against the wall behind him. “I must say, she really is easy to read.”

“What the hell are you saying?” Kanda shot back.

“I guess you never noticed?” Frey asked, smiling softly. “The way her eyes light up just at the mention of your name?”

Kanda stood silent, still glaring at Frey. “And the way she fussed about you when you entered the cafeteria just now…”he continued. “And how you’re so protective over her, right now.”

Frey watched as realization dawned on Kanda, and his eyes widened at it. He made to turn towards the castle, but Frey grabbed his hand, pulling it back just as quickly when Kanda unsheathed Mugen.

“The wedding is tomorrow.” Frey stated, ignoring the anger burning in Kanda’s eyes at the mention of it. “And I need you to help me…”

--

Allen sat in front of the mirror, while Lenalee and Miranda fussed over her dress. It was going to be a simple wedding, where everyone available in the Order was attending, and it was held in the main hall, the church. She sighed as she adjusted her veil, noticing that her eyes were still slightly red. Lenalee and Lavi had dragged her away from the cafeteria yesterday, and to her room. She locked herself in and cried to sleep that night, wishing the events weren’t played out like this.

“I love you…” Allen whispered. “I love you so much…”

Lenalee stopped her work, gazing sadly at the girl. Knowing who she was talking about, she stood up and gave Allen a hug. “It’ll be alright, Allen…” Lenalee tried to comfort the poor girl. “I know it’ll be alright.”

Allen nodded, smiling at Lenalee and Miranda, who held the flowers. “It’s time, Allen.”

Allen took the flowers, smiling. “Thanks. Let’s go.”

--

“Is everything in place?” Lavi asked, looking at Frey. He nodded, smirking.

“They wouldn’t expect this, so screw them.” Frey said, straightening his suit.

“For a man who’s supposed to be holy and all, you sure curse a lot.” Lavi laughed, patting Frey on the back. “You ain’t so bad after all.”

Frey smirked. “Glad to know I have your approval.”

Looking at the time, Lavi yelped. “I’m gonna be late! I’m supposed to be escorting Lenalee down the aisle!”

Frey laughed as the redhead ran off. “It’s not like it’s your wedding.” He said to the air, laughing. He pushed the curtains aside to peek out, noticing that everyone had been seated, and the priest, Bookman, was waiting for him. Frey smiled and nodded, to which Bookman nodded back. He knew what to do.

Everyone was curios as to who the groom was, no one had met him, so it seemed. Some who saw the chestnut haired man suspected it was him, and the hall was filled with chatter. He wasn’t even standing at the front, where the groom was supposed to be. Bookman had told them he would walk out once Allen was there.

--

“M-Master!” Allen exclaimed, stopping. “What are you doing here?”

Cross snorted, throwing the cigarette on the ground when he saw her. He stepped on it, putting it out. “Stupid disciple, I came to give you away.”

Lenalee giggled, whispering in Allen’s ear. “He was actually quite frantic and surprised when we told him you were getting married. He rushed back from wherever he was and arrived just this morning.”

Allen smiled, nodding. “Thank you.”

If Cross had heard anything Lenalee said, he didn’t give any indication, instead, he held his hand out for her to take. “Let’s get this over with then.” He said, swatting Timcanpy away from his face. Allen smiled and nodded, knowing it was his way of showing he cared.

--

“Are you sure?” Kanda muttered, looking outside. The wedding melody had started playing, Allen was walking down soon.

“Hey, the least I can do.” Frey said. “Being the best man ain’t that bad, is it? And Lavi’s busy escorting Lenalee-san after all.”

“Che.” Kanda said, fingering his tie. He hated formal occasions like this. Frey grinned, patting his back.

“Thanks.”

Kanda glared at Frey, who smirked in return. “Here she comes. It’s time.”

--

Allen shut her eyes the moment she reached Bookman, fully contented to just get the whole wedding over with. She didn’t even want to look at her future husband as he walked out from behind, but she did hear a lot of surprised gasp and squeals, to which she ignored both. She did know that Frey was attractive, and the people were probably surprised when they saw it was someone they didn’t know.

She felt him take her hand in his, and she stiffened, but tried to relax as Bookman skipped to the important part of the ceremony as though he was in a hurry. “Do you take Allen Walker to be your wife, through sickness and health, till death do you apart?”

“…I do.”

The voice sounded soothing to her ears, though she could not pinpoint why, and she didn’t have time to think, as his hands came up to cup her face. Her eyes remained shut stubbornly, refusing to look at him.

“Allen.”

She could hear shouts, angry ones, from the front row of the guests. She didn’t know why though.

“Che. Open your eyes, moron.”

Allen snapped her eyes open, hoping it wasn’t a dream when she gazed into the deep ebony eyes of Yuu Kanda, his smirk present on his face. Tears gathered in her eyes as she looked behind him to find Frey standing there, waving at her.

“Why…?” she asked, watching Kanda’s smirk fade, replaced by a small smile.

“And do you take Yuu Kanda to be your husband, through sickness and health, till death do you apart?” Bookman continued, watching as the Elders struggled against the hold of Cross’s puppet, Maria. Their body might not move according to their will, but their mouths sure did.

Allen smiled through her tears as she hugged Kanda, who awkwardly placed his arms around her. “I do…!”

Bookman smiled at the two, nodding. “I now pronounce you man and wife, you may kiss the bride.”

Lavi whistled and laughed as Kanda shot a glare at him, while Lenalee giggled at the sight. The crowd cheered, ignoring the angry protests and shouts from the Elders. Allen laughed along with them, smiling as she waved at Lenalee, who winked at her. Kanda took the opportunity when Allen was distracted, and dipped down to capture her lips with his.

When they parted, Allen was blushing seven layers of red, while Kanda was smirking and he placed a kiss on her forehead. She smiled, hugging him.

“Get a room!” Lavi yelled, hiding behind Lenalee when Kanda shot him another glare.

“We don’t approve of this!” One of the Elders shouted, and Frey walked down to them, a smile plastered on his face.

“I didn’t agree to marry Allen Walker.” Frey said calmly. “I merely said, I agree to attend the wedding.” He smirked. “But I didn’t say as the groom.” And he walked off, leaving the Elders to fume at his back as he gave Lavi a high-five.

“I love you…” Allen whispered as Kanda held her. “I love you so much…I wish I told you earlier.”

Kanda grunted. “I…love you…too…” he bit out, and she laughed at him.

“Yuu-chan is so embarrassed!” Lavi chuckled as more people came up to the newly weds to congratulate them.

“Wait till it’s your wedding…” Kanda grumbled.

Lenalee blushed, but giggled as Lavi nodded. “We’ll have it like yours! The groom coming out in the last minute and all!”

“Baka, they would already know you’re going to be the one marrying Lenalee…” Kanda muttered, hitting Lavi on the head.

--

“Thank you, Frey.” Allen said as she hugged him. “Are you leaving already?”

Frey nodded. “I just came for the wedding.” He joked, winking at her. “But seriously, I’m glad we didn’t get married.” He gave her a warm smile. “We wouldn’t have worked out.”

Allen giggled, nodding. “We’ll see you around, won’t we?”

“Depends.” He replied, looking thoughtful. “When will the kid be arriving?”

Allen blushed and Kanda swung Mugen at Frey, who ducked skillfully. “I’ll definitely come when the kid does.” Another swing.

“Those were my lines!” Lavi wailed and he ducked a swing from Kanda. “Anyway, it’s your wedding night, and Komui has already relocated your room to the top floor, where you’ll be left alone…you know.” He barely avoided another swing. “Yuu-chan! It’s a happy day! No killing!”

“Che.” Kanda said, grabbing Allen’s hand. “I’ve had enough of your noise.”

“He’s so eager to get back to the room.” Frey whispered loudly to Lavi, who nodded in agreement. Kanda glared at them, but he continued pulling Allen into the tower.

--

“I love you.” Allen repeated when they reached the room. Kanda resisted the urge to tear off the stupid pink decorations that were hanging on the door, where the words ‘Newly Weds’ were imprinted. He turned his attention towards her, his wife, Allen Walker, and smiled. Not smirk.

“Che.”

He pulled her against him as he closed the distance between them, kissing her hungrily as he fumbled with the doorknob. Allen wrapped her arms around his neck and giggled into the kiss when he almost lost his balance as the door opened.

Needless to say, they weren’t seen until the next afternoon, and the Elders could only sulk like little kids at Allen’s marriage life.

dark: Umm...Frey was supposed to be the serious kind...but Lavi musta rubbed off me when I was writing...

Allen: Uh huh. I think we can see that.

Kanda: Che. One idiot was enough.

dark: And there's no lemon, cause...well there just isn't.

Kanda: Just say you suck.

dark: Rawr. What he said. XD

Allen: ...Please review.

dark: And happy belated birthday Kanda!!