likethelight | IC Contact @ Deer Country

[ He never said it was a rational fear!

Allen, I hope you know when prompted, he will always choose a restaurant over his own cooking. He knows he's no good at it. Besides, Japan has a culture of eating out. It's easy to find healthy meals prepared with love and care. One day, he will show you the wonders of modern technology in the form of fully stocked vending machines with ready-made restaurant-quality sandwiches ready to eat with a press of a button and a few thousand yen.

Though... He will admit, nothing ever compared to his sister's cooking. He learned to expect little from his family early on, except Fuyumi. She was always there to give him a semblance of family, even if she couldn't always be there for him. He appreciated her efforts on a level he could never express. It's the same with Allen when he makes soba from scratch. He'll find Shouto lured in by the noise and staying for the pure fascination of watching him go through the process of making the noddles. He's always ready to offer any assistance, cleaning up after him and setting up the table without being prompted. The meals Fuyumi made back home were always prepared while he was at school, doing school work, or training. He often had to eat them alone, his only condolence was knowing it was made by her hand.

His brows crease when Allen sags against him and he sets a hand on his back, rubbing light circles to make his presence known. What's wrong? He wants to ask but keeps the question to himself, letting Allen come around to it at his own pace. When he tenses in his arms, Shouto wraps his arms around him instead, warming up to chase off the cold. He kisses the top of his head, while Allen threads their fingers together. His answer is a little vague for Shouto to fully grasp, and some parts of it get lost in translation, but he manages to decipher enough of it to understand his meaning.

Do you want to stay here?

He runs a hand through his hair in an affectionate manner, while he tries to recall the list of food they have on hand. ]

I can make something. [ He offers after a moment. ] Do you want something cold or hot?

Edited 2023-02-09 07:29 (UTC)

[ Who said it was going to be Shouto's cooking!! Allen knows better by this point than to risk that. But it's also the difference in their backgrounds and era. Even when an exorcist with the Order paying their bills, they'd usually get simple groceries like breads and cheese and fruit and live off that once setting up in a city for a mission, or to carry with them when traveling. Also Allen is frugal. It's changed in Trench a good deal with the different economy and taking a lot of his payment in the form of free food from various places he's earned goodwill, and making it a habit with Shouto, but... it's still pretty ingrained.

But mostly... it's Christmas. If there was ever a day with the idea cemented in his head that you stay in with your family and make something together, it's this one.

Allen leans quietly into the contact though, appreciative for the little gestures like the hand at his back. Though he blinks softly at the increasingly affectionate attention, expression flickering for a moment as his features soften. The rest of the tension bleeds off him before Shouto even answers, and he shifts closer and turns in to him when he wraps his arms around him. Loops an arm around to let his free hand find a familiar rest at the small of his back.

Haha, he isn't that cold you know? But he also always welcomes that gentle heat, and it's part of why he smiles to himself when Shouto says he'll make something. Leaning in to kiss his temple lightly, just shy of his ear and lingering there to smile more broadly against his skin. Warm and at ease. ]

We can both make something. ♥ [ It's what he had in mind all along. What, do you think he wants food poisoning again? There's a decent amount of basic groceries to be had as well, even some baking things since... well, he does make the soba noodles from scratch. And had the failed attempt at baking. And has midnight snacking habits to enable. His habits around the house changed noticeably after he came back—he does things like actual shopping like that without being so hesitant about talking to Shouto first or trying to keep his presence within some contained, measured space he was always very conscious of in his head.

Like he actually lives there too now, in his own right. ]

And I like both. Do you have a preference?

[ It's a bit of a white lie, hot is just traditional and sounds nice with the snow and cold, but... Shouto noticeably only ever wants cold soba. Maybe he prefers cold food in general? ]

Edited 2023-02-11 01:43 (UTC)

[ They end up tangled up together more often these days. His form of showing affection lies with the circles he presses into his back. The kisses to presses against his cheek and the top of his head. The way he holds him when he grows anxious from the effects of his patron. His presence isn't domineering but subtle, careful not to hold on too long, always aware of his penchant for holding on too tightly. ]

Both of us?

[ He asks, blinking in a bit of surprise at the kiss to his ear. He's not used to his affectionate gestures anymore. It's distracting and he finds himself playing catch-up with the conversation. ]

I like cold.

[ No surprise there. It makes his other preferred dishes make a little more sense, and Allen notes that for later. For now he just pulls back to smile at Shouto, soft and knowing. Entirely comfortable with where he is in absolutely every sense of the word. ]

It's more fun to do together, isn't it?

[ He reaches to brush back some of the hair from his eyes, his own grey ones softening as he touches Shouto's cheek fondly. ]

I can make soba. Christmas should be about having the foods we look forward to the most, right? And then something else for later.

[ Stew, maybe... for some reason, that's the nostalgic thing that's lodged in his head. Well, that he can actually make and there's ingredients for. Trench in winter isn't all that known for its variety of produce. Or even meats.

His lips quirk in a small smile though, bright-eyed as he leans in to very nearly touch his nose to Shouto's, smiling almost against his lips but not quite, and looking so subtly pleased with himself. ]

And maybe make those cookies after all.

[ It will probably end in flat, burnt disaster but it could be fun. ]

[ His face goes blank, almost befuddled. It's such a simple concept. Together. His eyes slowly dissolve into something soft and warm, falling for the image of Allen's Christmas. ]

I'd like that.

[ He smiles to himself. From behind him, Kizu pounces on Tim, trapping him beneath her weight for half a second before she disappears in a golden light. She reappears across the room a second later, lazily walking across the sofa, fluffy tail flicking back and forth without a care in the world.

Sbhouto slips his larger hand over Allen's, turning it over to trace a delicate line down his wrist. ]

I'll make the cookies.

[ He offers, bending down to press a kiss against the edge of his palm, leaving behind a hint of heat. ]

Edited 2023-02-14 05:50 (UTC)

[ All he could ever want for a Christmas would be to see you smile like that, you know? Looking at him with such a soft and content expression.

Allen's own brightened smile slips into a more thoughtful one when Shouto's thumb runs down his wrist, watching as he bends to press his lips to his palm in a way that makes his eyes soften and hood lightly with sentimentality. Taking a moment to appreciate it and—all of this. The entirety of the moment.

His own hands are large for his frame too, befitting them being the most definitive part of his being and how he fights, but extremely slender and with long, thin but strong fingers. One of the few times they look smaller to his own eyes is when Shouto takes them, something that surprises him a little every time, and he's warmed by more than just the gesture.

If Allen notices Kizu tussling with Timcanpy he doesn't show it, even if Tim rolls around underneath her in a bit of a panic when he's suddenly pinned. When she releases him and then reappears he rights himself and glares judgmentally in her direction, tail lashing back and forth. How dare! That's cheating!

Clearly he needs to respond in kind. ♥ And he merrily jumps off the mattress, dissipating into white smoke and then reappearing a second later behind her to pounce at her tail like someone playing tag. ]

You bake cookies now? [ He says it gently, with a fond sort of tone that might have been teasing if he weren't so touched and his chest feeling so tight with something sweet. He reaches with his other hand to caress Shouto's cheek. ]

I like the sound of that too.

[ Are those cookies likely going to be an utter disaster? Probably, and while maybe if he helps taste-test along the way they might not be too bad... he also doesn't care at all how they turn out. Maybe he's just smitten, but it sounds fun and what Christmas should be.

He lets his fingers trace down his cheek again, to jaw, and towards his chin; eyes becoming warmer than they even usually are. Relaxed, and his fingertips brush lightly over his mouth. Mapping out the contour of his lips softly and slowly in a very mindful and gentle caress that still tingles to do. ]

After, we can put the pictures up.

Edited 2023-02-24 04:38 (UTC)

[ The glare goes ignored along with the attack that sails Tim through smoke. The second attempt will land with Kizu flicking her tail. Once, then twice. Better hold on! His weight is inconsequential to her while her Sleeper sits up, letting go of Allen's hand. ]

No, but I have a book.

[ A pastry book that was part of a 'deal'. Two for the price of one, the vendor had told him, but it turned out it was more like two for the price of four. ]

I'll follow the directions.

[ He says matter of factly as his thoughts trail off at the close examination. He's silent throughout it, mismatched eyes on Allen not in question. Waiting to see what comes next before he decides how to address it. ]

Where do you want to put them up?

[ Timcanpy seems both surprised and delighted to latch onto her tail, doing so instead with his very tiny hands. Hold on he will, gleefully, and while he doesn't make a sound looks very much like a little kid squealing with delight.

A recipe book? Allen blinks and tilts his head slightly in piqued interest at that. Shouto didn't seem to like cooking beyond the fact he was bad at it-- could it have had something to do with Allen's own very failed attempt at baking? Actually, he kind of really wants to see now.

Also it shaves years off his life whenever he hears about your "deals", you know. Just a stab right into his tightwad heart. ]

Mmm... [ It's a thoughtful hum, letting his eyes close as if he's visualizing it. A gentle smile still on his face, as his fingers ghost across the corner of his mouth where once he had kissed him for the first time. ]

Maybe a couple here... and a few in the bedroom. Especially Kizu and Tim.

[ Eyes opening again, he tips his head to the side and smiles wide. Grateful, and he withdraws his hand after brushing some of Shouto's hair to the side. Curls his fingers and presses them together lightly as if to remind himself not to reach again. ]

I want a couple for Sanctuary too. [ Even if his room there is very nearly as abandoned as his master's had been at the Order, but he still uses it to store things that are related to his being an exorcist. And to sneak off to to nap in from time to time when it's been especially exhausting. Or overbearing and he needs a moment. And having pictures of them to keep there and hang in such a way where it's for him and him alone... ]

So that I can see and think of you there too.

Edited 2023-02-25 02:31 (UTC)

[ Enchanted by the spree of delight, she leaps off the sofa, hitting the floor running and takes Tim on a ride straight through the house, scaring the koi when furry footsteps splash across the water without sinking, a ball of sunshine at the end of her long tail. The koi scurry into the deeper part of the bath, away from the footfalls that dash straight through the house and into the great outdoors for some fresh air. She always was an unruly one at heart.

Would it make you feel better that he doesn't actually listen to these 'deals' too busy contemplating whether he wants it or not. The cost is really inconsequential so long as it's not egregious, though he and Allen may have a difference of opinion on what constitutes that definition. Oh, well. This is why he shops alone.

His mouth parts slightly, lips tingling, hyperaware of that hand on his mouth as the seconds tick on. Few people ever touched him this long. A grab of his arm to drag him somewhere. A press of shoulders during lunch rush. A friend holding his hand to convey heartfelt words. One of the guys clapping a hand on his chest in the baths during winter when it got too cold and he was the only thing keeping it at bay. None of those ever lingered. He knew those. He grows warm. He was starting to know this too.

Allen tips his head, smiling before withdrawing and he's left feeling out of sorts. His breathing feels a little off, and he sucks in a breath when he catches that last line. He wanted to think about him there, too? Utterly confounded, he stares, feeling a little bare and exposed in a rare bout of self-awareness. ]

... Why?

Edited 2023-02-25 03:11 (UTC)

[ Rides!! Timcanpy's favorite. He spreads his wings to catch the wind and bobbles along with her like a kite on a string, chattering happily with mechanical squeaking noises. More, more!

Ignorance truly is bliss though... Allen knows better than to ask how much he pays for anything, or try to convince him that haggling is important!! Instead he just tries to slyly pick up basic expenses on his own, like food. With charm and some convincing truth-but-not-the-whole-truth reason like that he likes to pick out things himself. He'd rather pay himself than let someone get swindled. Also he worries...

He blinks at that question though, his attention pulled from noticing those small reactions in Shouto that pull a small, gentle sort of smile from him and touch something restless inside of him. Why?

Allen's eyes flick up to meet his, both surprised and a little amazed. Even after all of these months you still ask why...? But he smiles gently a moment later, softly, before laughing a little sheepishly and scratching at his cheek. ]

Ehhh? "Why"...? [ Because you know, the funny thing...

He has to think about "why" too.

But he smiles after a moment of considering it, his eyes hooding thoughtfully as his expression becomes more certain. And he reaches up to touch the paleblood cuff on his ear. ]

I think for the same reason as these...

[ It's serene, his expression, before his eyes flick back up to Shouto. A pale but soft warm grey, even if he tips his head to the side a moment later a little sheepishly. Taps a finger against his cheek again to be so open about it, with slightly awkward but light-hearted sort of laugh in his tone. Ehe. ]

Even when apart it makes me feel like smiling.

[ Leaping over large rocks, Kizu takes Tim on a wild ride. Zipping past wildlife that darts out of the way when they hear Tim's squeaking. They send the birds flying over the canopy as Kizu makes a round of the forest surrounding the house nestled in the woods.

Allen may try but he'll never be able to get him to haggle on anything but training schedules and petting privileges.

Why? Because keepsakes are only necessary when someone isn't there. That's why he keeps a picture of his family in a stainless steel box inside his dresser and a digital copy on his omni. Why he'll never understand Allen's obsession with taking pictures, but accepting it as a part of him.

He mirrors his movement, quietly skimming his fingers over the earring pierced through his left ear. The explanation draws his mouth down taking a moment to follow his line of thought.

It makes you smile more?

Truth be told, Allen smiles quite a bit. It's one of the first thing he noticed about him. However, this is the first time he's ever realized that he might need an active, physical reason for it. Is that why he never stays still? He looks at him, really looks at him, quiet and thoughtful. Taking time to turn his words over in his head one more time to make sense of it. ]

Because... it was a gift?

[ He asks, trying to decipher his reasoning in a way that makes sense to him. ]

[ Shouto...

Allen blinks again at that, before he smiles a bit more thoughtfully. And he extracts himself carefully from his spot on the nook then, mindful of the wrapping paper and presents, to stand in front of Shouto. Reaching for his hands with both of his and giving them a gentle squeeze; to help him up if he wants to stand, and just to hold if he doesn't. No sheepishness, just a gentle and steady kind of certainty. ]

Because it lets me feel closer to someone I care about.

[ He follows his movements, staying seated until he understands what he means to do or say, extending a hand out to him only after Allen reaches for his. He stands then, following in his stead, standing across from him, a bit taller even after a year.

He understands the why now, but the how has become distorted in the process. This time, it's him who reaches for Allen, brushing his hair behind his ear to consider the gemstone that always seemed so unobtrusive against the color of his hair. ]

How much closer?

[ How much? ]

[ Haha--

He laughs in genuine good-natured fondness after staring for a moment, head canting to the side and against Shouto's hand. ]

I'm not sure if it's something that can really be measured.

[ The laugh draws his eyes down to meet his, always so easily caught by the sound that had become familiar in his world. ]

You're measuring it.

[ He remembers to add after a moment, brushing his hair back to better glimpse the paleblood stone. ]

Not the exact amount but it's enough to mean something to you.

[ Enough to make want to put pictures up on the wall, something he would never think of doing himself. ]

Edited 2023-02-26 01:43 (UTC)

[ Oh--

His expression quiets a little, considering that, before he rubs his cheek lightly against his hand and lets his eyes close. Taking comfort from it, and the feel of human, affectionate contact. ]

Because you mean something to me. And Kizu, and Tim.

[ Said so simply, so plainly. And he brings a hand up to cage Shouto's wrist lightly, slender fingers brushing along his hand. ]

I'll always feel happier to have something that's a part of you or that reminds me of you with me.

[ Strange. It doesn't feel like a cage, more like a bracelet made of delicate twine, harder than steel. The complete opposite of his calloused hands, marked by a few thin scars.

The 'why' and the 'how' fall into place and he begins to understand him a little more than he had before today. His eyes warm in a subtle manner, viewing him in a new light that illuminates some of the oddities he'd observed. ]

Is that why you take my clothes?

[ Erk, caught!! Wait, is that why he likes to borrow them? Ehehe...

He grins nervously, feeling rather exposed. And yet still relaxed. ]

They're very comfortable.

[ Curious. ]

You didn't answer the question.

[ Wrinkling his nose at him!!! But... he does blush ever so lightly too. Sulkily, but he lets go of his hand then to let both of his settle lightly against his arms, hands on biceps. ]

So what if it is why?

[ Why is he being so squirmy?

Because guess what, he went to sleep in one of his shirts and is still wearing it. Like someone might with an oversize t-shirt. Caught literally red-handed. ]

[ His eyes drift to his shirt, wrinkled from having been slept in, and clearly oversized on Allen. ]

You should have said something.

[ Maybe then, he wouldn't have bought him so many sweaters and shirts over the span of a few months, thinking he didn't have enough. ]

I could have set some aside for you.

[ Well, he does love and appreciate the sweaters he got him because they are gifts that make him think of him (and it's true, he had Very Few clothes because that's just how he's used to living). They definitely aren't going to go to waste or sit unused: they're what he can wear outside of the house.

But Allen smiles, with that ever so subtle cheeky quirk of the lips, and pats his chest lightly. ]

It's more fun this way.

[ You are very odd, you know that. He looks at him, clearly trying to find common ground with that statement when Kizu returns the two frolicking omens from the great outdoors and dashes right past them into the kitchen, reminding him of their plans. ]

I'll go find the recipe book.

[ And off he goes in search of it not minding at all how much noise is coming from the kitchen with Kizu doing her best to spin the golden bauble around and around. ]

[ Takes one to know one. ☆ And Allen isn't odd, he's delightful.

He's momentarily distracted by the crashing reappearance of Kizu and Tim as well, blinking for a moment at them, before laughing rather helplessly in response and shrugging his shoulders to Shouto. He composes himself quickly though, with a brightened smile. ]

I'll start the noodles. ♥ [ He follows, methodically beginning to pull out what he needs for soba out of memorized habit. Equally naturally is how steps around the two omens as he does so while admonishing them very gently to not knock anything over...

Timcanpy, however, is having a blast if the mechanical squeaky giggles are anything to go by. And he whips his tail back and forth in a way that might be teasing Kizu to try and catch it. ]

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