Bloodstains End

Epilogue

By the time we reached Wammy's House, the clock was striking so loudly my ears burned. The orphans, to my surprise, were playing and exchanging gifts in the living room. A boom box and a Christmas tree twice my height was there, too, giving the room a look of joy. Matt was leaning against a wall with his Nintendo DS in his hand, but when he saw us, his dark blue eyes glinted with concern.

He put down his game and walked towards us, "Hey, where have you guys been?"

"Battling the darkness within our souls, why do you ask?" L said this in a completely normal voice, like it was something completely natural. Matt's eyes widened, and he looked us all from head to toe, "You OK? Do I have to call Roger?"
"Roger?" Sammy asked.
"The manager." L filled in, "And no, that will not be necessary. All we need is a shower and we will be fine."

"Anyway," I asked, "What's with the decorations?"

Matt blinked in surprise, "Damn, how many times are you gonna surprise me tonight?"
"Probably a lot," Jo-Jo piped up.
"Well, it's the New Year." Matt pointed to the clock. I looked, and it was my turn to be surprised.

It was 12:30 p.m. L had defeated his inner malevolence at the beginning of 2004. Perfect way to start a new year, wouldn't you agree?

"Well, I hope it's not too late to join the party." Jo-Jo grinned. Matt smiled in return and said, "It ain't ever too late. And, Harper?" He grinned devilishly, "Mello's been waiting for you."
Harper's face reddened. L blinked and leaned forward before holding up a strawberry, "Hmm. Perfect match."
Harper growled and touched the fruit with her fingers. It instantly became a little stone strawberry.

L looked ready to pass out, "...You petrified my strawberry."
"Thanks for noticing." Harper said drily.

"MELLO!" I gasped and turned to Sammy, who was holding up an empty chocolate container on the other side of the room. Funny; I hadn't even noticed she'd left my side.
"YOU ATE 'EM! THE CHOCOLATE-COVERED COFFEE BEANS!" She bellowed, looking wildly about for the blonde-haired boy.

I caught sight of him hiding under the table, "There!" Mello gasped as Sammy raced across the room and pulled him out.
"911!" Mello screamed as Sammy dragged him in the other room, "DOUGHNUT-MUNCHING MORONS! HELP ME!"
We all exploded into laughter at that, but L took my hand and whispered, "Alice, may I speak to you for a moment, please?"
"Of course she would," Jo-Jo grinned, gripping my shoulders. I huffed and nodded in agreement.

He led me out of the building and into the playground. The night air suddenly seemed milder and quieter. My guess was that the atmosphere had eased up since BB re-entered L. "Alice," He held my hand, but he was looking at the ground, "I have done the research of your kind. Were-cats mate for life. Already a kiss is binding. What I do not understand is why you chose me."
I felt a little hurt, "You mean--"
"No, I did not mean it like that," L's alabaster face was reddening, "It's just...you could have any male you wanted. Why me?"
"Well, you're smart, charming...cute." I felt beyond exposed, but all my awkwardness melted the second he kissed me gently.

"That is good," He said, "For there is a 110% chance that I feel the same way."

"WELL IT'S ABOUT BLOODY TIME!" Jo-Jo screamed from the doorway. We both turned neon-red and glared at my vampire sister, who was watching us...along with the entire orphanage. Hell, even Sammy was watching (with Mello thrown over her shoulder like a sack of potatoes).
I chuckled nervously and said, "Well...maybe we should go join the party."
"Agreed." L took my hand, and we went to the party.