A/N: So as already pointed out here comes the first interlude in two parts to let some time pass and to get Kanda in…

V. Interlude I.: Soft petals part I.

After giving the Innocence over to Havleska was Komui held back for a second round of scolding, leaving Allen to go back with Kanda. To say that the situation felt awkward would be an understatement. How would you feel to suddenly walk through a long hallway with the future self of the person who wanted to slice you up with a katana upon your first meeting? The white haired Exorcist was so consumed in his thoughts that he failed to notice that the older man was also struggling with his own thought. Kanda had known that it would be hard, but now that he is again near Allen it was nearly unbearable. He cursed himself for the wish to wrap his arms around the boy and never let him go. Yes boy he needed to mentally chide himself, the Allen Walker he loved was death, this person now walking beside him would become the man he cared for a well respected and feared General, but only after painful trials. And even then, he didn't belong in to this time. The only thing he could do was make sure that Allen lived. He would have never known that after so many years of pushing everyone away, that when he finally lets them inside his barrier that his new attachments would be so strong. Biting back a frustrated sigh, really did he change that much, did he notice that they had finally made it back to the others. Great, now he can play carpenter what a joy. Bookman would have never let him live that one down... that is if things would be still the same.

"I used to manage to get out of such situations, so why exactly am I doing this now?" Kanda asked himself while looking at the hammer in his right hand and the board he was currently pressing to the wall with a lightly dumbfoulted look before sighing.

At the same time was a figure standing on one of the half destroyed balconies, hidden from the views of those working below. Golden eyes stared with amusement at the still pouting samurai, it was fun to see him like that. There weren't many things to feel amused about in the past six years so this was a pleasing change. It felt somewhat pleasant here without all the constant worrying to find both Innocence and the members of her family before the Earl, all the mistrust, hate and fear they felt when on missions. No, this time was different…

…this time possessed hope.

Her eyes soon fell on a familiar white haired figure helping to clean away the rumble with his Innocence hand. A melancholic smile crossed pale lips while watching him. It gave her a bittersweet feeling on one side warmth and joy to see her beloved brother again, healthy and happy, but also painful sorrow because she knew what trials will come and how it all ended. She hadn't told Kanda his, but he wasn't the only one blaming himself for Allen's loss. When alone in her room or in the Ark she had often asked herself why she hadn't listened to that faint voice inside her mind each time she saw her lost brother. The little voice which told her that the happy family picture was only an illusion, a cruel illusion created by the Earl. She was right back then as she referred to them a "sacrificial lambs" to Tyki as they waited for Allen in the crumbling Ark. Wisely was the only one who realized the truth and asked the 14th to kill him so that at least one other Noah knows the truth and he could help. But the blocked memories returned to late. Biting back the bitter thoughts Road pushed herself away from the railing she still had some plans for tonight. Walking back in to her shared room with Yuu using her powers to create a door and went through.

After nearly a whole day of getting rumble out of the way, patching holes up, carpeting and repairs was everyone exhausted. Jerry had long since given up on his threat to not make food so was everyone well feed. Calling it a day when the sun started setting went first everyone to wash down the dust and sweat from they bodies went the Order to bed. Well not everyone went to bed immediately. Allen was currently sitting on the makeshift bed inside Kanda's room fidgeting with his hands nervously. He was nervous to say at best, well could you blame him? He would be sleeping in the same room as Kanda. Soon said man walked inside the room his face tired.

"I'm. An. Exorcist. Not a fucking carpenter." he said tiredly before onyx eyes fell on silver ones. "Go clean yourself." he ordered before tossing a towel at Allen.

The white haired boy caught the fluffy clothe before hurrying out of the room, the fresh scent of lavender hitting his nose as he did so.

At the same time was a young girl was sitting on the roof of one of the older looking Victorian houses which stood around the street. It was already dark and the streetlamps brightened the way for the few carriages still making they work or the people heading home from work. She wasn't interested in either of them. The night air was warm so it wasn't bothersome to be sitting outside, not that the cold ever mattered. Soon the people started disappearing in to they houses, the street grew less crowded with each passing minute. After some time a little group of four made they way through the now nearly empty street. Spotting them Road stood up, her eyes fixed on the man walking in the middle. A little smile grazed her thin lips when the figure with messy black hair and large glasses laughed in amusement about a joke which probably one of his companions had told him. She missed that laugh, that smile so much. "Road! Get out of the way!" Shaking her head to get the memories away which threatened to overflow her fixed the young girl her gaze again on the man. She would stay for a little while to watch him some more, to see him happy.

"Tyki, I promise you that this time I will be the one protecting you." she whispered to the night wind as the full moon shone brightly above them.

To be continued...