likethelight | IC Contact @ Deer Country

[ The odd feeling that he's right at the cusp of something he can't quite put his finger on leaves him staring down at him. ]

Do you like what you make?

[ You're trying to figure something out, aren't you. Probing and looking at him like that. ]

I like being able to make it more. [ Pleasantly matter-of-fact, and he dusts some flour off his collar. It kind of just makes it worse. ]

Why are you asking?

Because you aren't answering the question.

I did!! [ He wrinkles his nose up. How rude! ]

I only learned how to make soba because it's your favorite in the first place, so the part I like is the being able to make things like this. For both of us! [ also it's more frugal this way tbh. but also the sentimental thing. ]

There isn't any "liking" or "disliking" it beyond that!

[ You answered your own question. Not his. Not what he asked. He would prod at that more, if not for the two-hit combo Allen delivers in one breath. It hits him squarely in the chest leaving him in a tangled mess of shock and disbelief for entirely different reasons. ]

Soba isn't my favorite.

[ Standing a foot from each other with their omens watching from the sidelines they begin to unravel the little mysteries that bind them still. ]

You don't like... cooking?

Edited 2023-03-15 03:03 (UTC)

[ That's the opposite of what he said!! ]

I do like it now! [ a whole lot more than he ever would have thought!! ] That's what I said! I like being able to do this together a whole lot, that's the whole point!! [ hUFFs

--hold on. He blinks. ]

Wait. It's not your favorite? [ ...BUT YOU TOLD HIM-- ]

Edited 2023-03-15 03:37 (UTC)

You said you don't like or dislike it.

[ Hence, his confusion. ]

The point?

[ Shouto has never understood a point less in his life. He blinks, completely out of his element, trying to find solid ground. ]

But we don't do it together. We eat together.

... Isn't that the point?

I don't have any feelings about what I make. [ He amends more gently, expression softening as he realizes maybe he misunderstood what he was asking before. ] Just the process of making it. Who I'm making it for. [ And he reaches out then to touch the side of his head very lightly, brushing a few strands of red back in a quiet gesture. ]

Making something you especially like makes me happy because I want to do things for you, even more than making something I really like for myself like mitarashi dango. Just like I think you probably like being able to do things for me too.

[ Isn't that part of what it means to be together? ]

It's meaningful, making food for someone you care about. And when I think of "home" I think about people making and eating good food together.

[ He repeats the light brushing motion of his hair again, fondly, and smiles gently. ]

That's why I'm so happy when you say "it's good."

[ Standing so very still, feeling flustered for the second time that day, he begins to suspect that Allen may have learned to make soba on his behalf, and feels his throat close up at the prospect. It's far more than he ever expected. Leaves him feeling tongue-tied and a little on edge. Flustered, yes, but also, touched in a way he's rarely felt growing up separate from everyone he ever wanted to be near.

Allen was near, and he wanted what he was offering, at least, what he thought he was offering. Wanted it very badly it made his heart swell as his fingers brush back his hair in that manner of his that left him feeling whole. Complete. Like he wasn't broken. ]

I...

[ He looks at him with a sort of awe that comes with uncovering a lost treasure. ]

I think of you. [ He tries again. ] When I think of home, I think of eating with you. That's why it's good. You made it. It's you that I want. You that I...

[ He swallows thickly, feeling his heart in his throat. ]

That I treasure more than anyone else.

Edited 2023-03-15 05:18 (UTC)

[ The softer and gently touched expression Allen had as Shouto kept talking, that had a response on the tip of his tongue and a swell of affection in his chest-- he stops at that last admission and finds his breath suddenly not there. Everything else... everything else, they're words of affirmation and love they've said to each other before. As special as the first time every time and touching some part deep inside that aches but is healing, but that last admission--

He stops, utterly stunned. Utterly breathless and utterly tongue-tied again. And his fingers twitch for a moment, trying to find the words to say but coming up short, but finding action comes naturally as he sweeps in to softly kiss his cheek, right at the corner of his mouth. Both hands coming up and sliding back along his jaw and neck to cradle the back of his head as he leans his whole body into that kiss, long and sweet.

I love you too. ]

I treasure you too. [ It's admitted quietly against his skin in a gentle murmur, voice softer and more breathy than usual. Before kisses him again higher up on the cheek, just under his scarred eye, and holds it for another meaningful moment. Then leans up slightly to kiss his forehead. ]

Every part. [ His lips trail to the side, kissing first his temple, then following along the line of his jaw while encouraging him to tip his head back a little. Slowly and meaningfully, not in the gentle flurry he would in the past. Cascades of kisses like he would trip over himself if he didn't express himself fast enough he takes his time with now, steadier, and with a slower and more purposeful kind of passion.

I want you to feel treasured too. ]

Somehow... [ He lingers at the apex of his throat to murmur softly a final time, before he begins to follow the line of his neck down, paying attention in a reverent manner as his fingers slide a little deeper into his hair. ]

...more and more I think.

Allen...

[ He whispers between breaths as his fingers graze the bare skin of his jaw and neck. His own contract against the plane of his lower back and he tugs him closer, warmth seeping in between them. He leans into him, accepting the spread of kisses across his face, closing his eyes when they land against his scar, and press against his forehead as if following some invisible marker he's not aware of. ]

Allen.

[ He says again, not in question, but simply as if he needs to say it. Holds it on his tongue when Allen tilts his head back. His breath catches when he starts to slow down, and he grows hotter under the attention. Grows colder, too. Right and left gaining traction. His fingers dig into his back, holding onto him as he tries to cool off. No, heat up. He forgets. Forgets a lot of things. ]

More...

[ He repeats trying to follow his words, and failing spectacuarly. ]

I... want that too.

[ His temperature rises. Plummets. Right and left heading in opposite directions, but not too far. He's still in control, still holds him close, letting Allen take center stage as those fingers slide into his hair. ]

I want that with you.

[ Hot and cold, hot and cold. Allen hesitates and almost stops with a final kiss to his throat because of how Shouto's temperature had fluctuated before and he seemed overwhelmed, but blinks has his breath catch when he says that. More.

I want that with you.

Oh. ]

Shouto...

[ It isn't what Allen had meant, he doesn't think? But that doesn't matter and he says it in a sudden shaky exhale, breath warm against his skin, as he drops his hands and wraps his arms around Shouto tight instead. So desperately, like he needs to. Drops his head to kiss to his shoulder where it meets his neck too, fingers splayed along shoulder blades. Waiting for a long moment and holding that kiss sweetly as he lets his own racing heart and sudden spike of nervousness down, and becoming very aware of their surroundings. The forgotten breakfast-lunch he isn't even hungry for somehow, the thin and slightly cool winter air even inside-- and Shouto. Solid and fluctuating hot and cold. Grounding and the only part that feels real.

He shudders lightly, even if he isn't cold, and buries his face against his neck then. Floured apron pressed up against his still somewhat eggy one. ]

Do... [ He tries to keep from fidgeting, or his thoughts to skip around too much, and nuzzles against his neck a little instead. Preses a small kiss at the hollow along his collarbone that's barely visible. ] ...you want me to keep kissing you?

[ Goosebumps break across his skin feeling like a cold snap racing up his collar where Allen's mouth meets his sensitive skin. He gasps, a cloud of heat and ice hanging between them as his world narrows to the arms that wrap around him. The way his fingers splay across his shoulder blades in a manner that leaves his stomach tied in knots.

He forces air into his lungs when Allen buries his face against his neck. His temperature spikes and he shivers, sucking in another lungful of air, feeling dizzy. Not from a lack of oxygen but his growing understanding of what they're doing. ]

Yes.

[ He answers deftly, then adds - ]

Can I kiss you too?

[ Oh.

He gasped. That makes Allen blink, stomach turning in a sudden burst of flutters, and forget what he was doing for a moment. It's not the same kind of thing at all but his temperature spikes, feeling a bit flushed, and he quickly presses another open-mouthed kiss along his collar like it might help him clear his own head too. Thoughts both racing and going everywhere at once in realization—and being prompted lidded before he can actually think about it that much.

But maybe a little because of wanting to if he can make him gasp again too.

He can't reach much else with his shirt in the way, so he sucks lightly on his skin instead. Gently and in a very slow, loving sort of way where he delays in answering him and collects his own nerves, one hand running up his back to rest warmly against the back of his neck and hold him there. Even with the fabric in the way he kisses his shoulder lightly then, eyes lifting up, and starts to straighten to meet him halfway. Lips skimming up the other side of his neck as he continues to press steady, gentle kisses to every part of him he can. ]

Yes. [ He says it so calmly, so soft-spoken and certain. ]

Edited (the icon and phrasing kept bothering me...............) 2023-03-17 07:25 (UTC)

[ The trail of slow kisses has his heart palpitating, working overtime to mix two extremes running rampant inside him. It's a challenge to catch his breath. He finds himself clenching and unclenching his fingers without imparting a spike of heat or ice.

He stays in control.

Draws back enough to let his fingers, skim across his cheek, and tilts his head back enough to peer down at Allen to confirm his answer with his own eyes. The awareness of handling someone precious within his grasp grounds him enough to even out his temperature.

Yes.

A simple nod is all the confirmation he gives him. Hyperaware of his actions, he leans down at a slow and even pace, capturing his mouth. Softly at first, in a familiar and cordial manner before pressing closer, deepening the kiss. The heat and chill have yet to dissipate from his mouth and as he licks his bottom lip the extremes of his quirk are ever present, not enough to hurt him but enough to give anyone a second thought. ]

[ The way his fingers twitch and clench at his back for a moment, Allen has an idea of how difficult it might be and how close to being overwhelmed Shouto is. Even without the fluctuation of temperatures, hot and then cold, and it's part of why his demeanor is so gentle and steady, so mindful.

So his expression warms when he feels his fingers graze his cheek and looks up to catch his eye, smiling so very softly when he leans to meet the kiss halfway. Letting Shouto lead it this time, and pressing close in welcoming embrace to let his body contour against his. The swipe of his tongue in a sudden spike of intense heat and cold together though--

He doesn't freeze but blinks for a moment, both in slight hesitation and the unexpected small thrill of it, but when he realizes he isn't burned by either leans back into it with more vigor than before, one hand sliding up once again into his hair and the other tightening at his back. Letting his head tilt back to let Shouto kiss him more openly, and chasing in response instead. Brushing his tongue against his in a slightly cheeky counter-lick of his own, in absolute trust.

Every part of him he'd said. Love and treasure every part. ]

[ His lungs fill with the scent of him, and if he bumps their noses once or twice, it has everything to do with his own inexperience and the growing buzz in his ear where the bloodstone hums with power. It sends a small thrill running through him and his stomach clenches. He doesn't know whether it's the churning of magma meeting glacial cold or his own nerves starting to fray at the edges at the cheeky response that feels more like a challenge, and like any challenge, he meets it head-on, running his fingers through Allen's hair less gently more avid with an edge of possessiveness he's always tried to curb. ]

[ When their noses bump in inexperience he might feel Allen's lips curve against his in a smile at first, then when it happens again a small breathy laugh before their mouths meet again. Light and carefree. A quietly joyous little sound.

He meets him more eagerly and sweetly because of it, clutching at him, and when Shouto runs his hands more forcefully through his hair he shivers because of it. With a soft and appreciative hum that vibrates the kiss, and he relaxes against him to let him move his head as he wants. Slides his hand up along his back.

Not daring or dueling this time, but yielding. ]

Edited 2023-03-18 00:23 (UTC)

[ Shouto's own smile greets Allen's lips when he hears the small laugh caught between them like a secret said aloud. It sends his heart skittering, and off he goes, bumping his nose a third time, intentionally, with pure adoration in his eyes.

He kisses him with more fervor, his heart in his throat, breathing running ragged, following a feeling he rarely lets himself touch. This time, it's Shouto who teases, nipping at Allen's bottom lip in a playful manner, unable to help himself as a smile quirks at the corner of his mouth. His chest rises and falls with the ebb and flow of his quirk still running rampant inside him, kept at bay by the feeling flowing from the bloodstone, white like Allen's hair. He loosens his grip on the fine strands sprinkled with dust that now coats his hand. They'll both need a bath after this.

He kisses him one last time, on the lips, then his scar from cheek to temple in a loving sweet manner that calms the rapid beating of his heart. ]

Thank you.

[ Another kiss, this time on his other cheek. ]

You have flour in your hair.

Edited 2023-03-18 01:14 (UTC)

[ --did? Did he just, a soft little nip like that, the curve of lips pressed against his own that feels like a smile... was that playfulness?

His heart squeezes in his chest with such a crushing sort of joy at that it leaves Allen more breathless than the kiss. Makes the corners of his eyes dampen even while closed with a prick of tears, too overwhelmed by emotion, and he wraps his arms around him so tight like he outright needs to. Pours it back into the kiss, with the band of bloodstone on his ear humming with a swell of warmth he doesn't even notice.

It takes him a moment to get his breath when finally they pull back, and a few more to let his blood start to cool. ]

Haha.. [ The comment on the state of his hair, also loosened from its ponytail and mussed now, gets a small laugh from Allen. He smiles more softly when Shouto kisses his cheek, eyes warm, and exhales quietly with a harder to read but accepting expression as he traces his scar up. He cranes his head to lean into it ever so slightly, fingers tightening into his shirt.

In response he his hands drop to settle at his hips where the apron is tied, and his heels leave the floor as he leans up to kiss first just to the side of his eye, then the edge of his brow. Heart still thumping in his chest harder than it should, but his movements are gentle and loving as he lingers. ]

So do you now I think. [ It was on his hands. ]

Edited 2023-03-18 01:47 (UTC)

[ A whisper of love and devotion passes through the link, lost in the aftermath of sweet and gentle kisses that hold as much sway as the heated exchange. Shouto closes his eyes at the press of lips at the corner of his eye and the edge of his brow, feeling a sort of enchantment at the whole exchange. He swallows his heart, feeling it swelling with a delightful breeziness he's never felt before. It leaves his hands buzzing with anticipation. ]

I liked that.

[ He admits without an ounce of shyness. ]

I think I got carried away.

[ Not an apology, but an admission for Allen to do with as he will. He doesn't wait for a reply, doesn't expect one, and dips down to press one last kiss on his lips. ]

We should finish so you and Timcanpy can eat.

Edited 2023-03-18 02:11 (UTC)

[ There isn't a reply Allen tries to say with words, just a way that he leans in to hold that last kiss for a meaningful moment. A solid way his hands grip Shouto's hips with a promise that it isn't the last either. No shyness either, just gentle and forthright acceptance. It smooths out the still slightly livewire feeling he has in his hands, his fluttering heart, and grounds him back in sweet feeling and admission that started everything.

I treasure you more than anyone else.

But in drawing back, unfortunately-- ]

[ ...There is a sudden piercing growl. No small one but a long, surprisingly loud rumbling squeal that draws out and whines like the angry gnashing of a quivering blob.

It's his stomach. And Allen draws back, looking slightly sheepish. ]

We probably should. [ ehe... ]

Edited 2023-03-18 02:59 (UTC)

[ He chuckles softly, a muted sort of sound further buffered by the way he lifts a hand to hide the sudden burst of jubilation coursing through him at the god-awful sound of his stomach protesting their dalliance.

I knew it.

His shoulders shake lightly even as he tries to hold himself still. ]

Edited 2023-03-18 03:13 (UTC)

[ When the sound runs its course, he pats his shoulder as if consoling him for the hold-up. ]

I'll set the table.

[ He offers, eyes still creased with humor even if the smile has already faded. ]

Edited 2023-03-18 03:13 (UTC)

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