likethelight | IC Contact @ Deer Country

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)

[ ... what.

Was that... did he laugh?

Allen flushes at that, staring a little as his heart beats faster. Somewhat dumbfounded and utterly amazed at the same time. Such a soft sound it would be so easy to miss or dismiss coming from someone else, but that's really unmistakable coming from Shouto. And... ]

[ ...and there aren't words to describe how happy that makes him. And he finds it impossible to swallow for a moment as his heart has lodged in his throat. Suddenly, he thinks, maybe he understands why Shouto says he likes his laugh so much.

It takes him a moment to snap out of it, blinking as he half-catches what he said. He breathes. ]

Alright. [ It takes him a moment, mind jogging to catch up. ] It'll only take me a moment to finish.

[ But Allen reaches out to snag the corner of his apron when he turns to go, leaning in to kiss his cheek quickly as he gives a small tug. ]

Don't forget to take this off or you'll get egg everywhere. [ A pause. ]

And flour. [ You can thank Allen for that. ]

[ He'll thank him for more than that later. For now, he takes his word and turns toward the table, already mapping where to place each dish when he feels a tug at his apron, and turns to check what's wrong. Did he forget something?

No. Instead, he's met with an unexpected kiss that leaves him staring at Allen for a moment, dumbfounded.

What was... that for?

He asks in that silent way of his, the words jumbled in his head and before he can make sense of them, he's given an order and automatically starts to undo the knot at the back of the apron Allen insisted he wear before they started. In the end, he says nothing, returning to his task, and if his eyes wander to Allen now and then, at least he has the decency not to look away when caught. ]

[ He'll take the apron from him with a smile that comes very softly to him, removing his own a moment later and setting them both at a corner of the counter as... he probably shouldn't get flour all over the finished product. He busies himself with the final assembly then as Shouto sets the table, occasionally feeling him looking at him and glancing over.

It's a little surprising and makes him blink, catching him looking at him in a way that makes him half want to ask what he's thinking of, but he just smiles to him gently after a moment instead before turning back to what he was doing. It leaves a peaceful sort of feeling in his heart, and the feeling of Christmas and some of the fantasy he'd had about it returning. A more intimate setting than he'd always envisioned, and that also touches on some warm sort of ember in his heart where he decides he might like this version better.

A Christmas also with definitely a very unorthodox menu, but Allen hasn't the tiniest regret. He finishes pouring the mitarashi syrup over the dango with a small flourish, exactly as if they were a platter of pancakes. Actually, they're higher than a stack of pancakes, and he surveys them and the soba that's been set in a serving bowl with the dipping sauce to the side. There's the oddly cut fruit as well.

He might have re-chopped the rest of the scallions though. Just so they weren't all in... one mangled piece. ]

Done!

[ he sounds so proud of himself. christmas lunchy-breakfast accomplished. ]

[ As if called by a bell, Shouto treks into the kitchen a moment later. He makes sure to thank him for his hard work, before picking up each dish, one at a time, and placing it in its assigned spot. The cutlery is already distributed by the time he sets them down. He even made tea while he waited. A warm cup waits for them at the table, all that's missing is the guest of honor.

Kizu lays curled up on one side of the low table in that quiet manner of hers. She never eats but she likes to watch Tim eat twice his weight in food, while Shouto does the same with Allen, wondering if three portions are really enough. The koi are there too. Swimming in the large aquarium he used to transport them to the bath. He's letting it refill with fresh water, probably why he was absent for a while there. In the meantime, he brought them in to join them for Christmas celebrations. There's even a dish with their food on the side closest to where he set the aquarium which takes up exactly one length of the table. ]

They're waiting on you.

[ He says when he walks into the kitchen to pick up the last item of business, taking Allen's hand in his and leading him out. ]

Let's go eat.

[ "They're waiting on you." It's something that catches Allen offguard, wondering who "they" are but also hitting something that feels like an old, old ache. Hearing something you desperately needed to hear for so long but had long-buried that desire and kept it hidden from even yourself. It's why it feels a bit like a dream when Shouto takes his hand and leads him out, feeling like a cloud on a tether. Why it feels more like a dream and hits that ache carved into his soul even harder when he sees everything set out, even Kizu waiting on one side of the table. Timcanpy moves even if Allen doesn't at first, flying over to sit on the table on the side near Kizu before turning to look back expectantly at him.

With the aquarium across from them. ]

Oh! [ He breaks away, immediately distracted by the presence of the koi and kneeling beside their aquarium and pressing his face up next to it. ] You brought them out too! [ !! Amazing. He wiggles his fingers at them and watches as they glug and cloister near to see if he has food. He wiggles them again, clearly enthralled. _Hello.

He looks back to Shouto then, his expression hard to read. Awe-touched but also a little hesitant. Like he might be asking is this real? It doesn't feel like it but it also does, and it keeps hitting that strange ache in his chest over and over. ]

Shouto..

[ He stops, trying to find the right words to convey what he wants to say. Staring with such a delicate and amazed sort of expression and makes his pale grey eyes shimmer and seem a more wet silver than usual. ]

Merry Christmas.

[ Ready and waiting, their unique little brood of omens and companions of the aqueous-dwelling variety. Shouto would never consider them pets, in the same way, he'd never consider Tim anything less than Allen's soul given tangible form and, therefore precious, and absolutely off limits. The little omen flaps his wings next to Kizu, who sits up to acknowledge his presence. She, too, sets her eyes on Allen, tilting her head slightly in that familiar way Shouto sometimes did. The koi, twice their size since Shouto first brought them home from the market where he was undoubtedly fleeced for the pair of them, turn toward the tapping sound coming from a familiar face. They scuttle closer, knowing they can usually get more food from Allen, and open their round little mouths, maybe not so little anymore, in search of food. ]

It's their first Christmas, too.

[ Is all he says, pointing to the dish crawling with frozen shrimp and crayfish. Ready to eat and one of their favorite foods if you don't count the live ones.

It's his and Kizu's second, and given how their little abode has grown three times its original size, they're practically ecstatic. It's in the way Kizu sits primly next to Tim, tail swishing back and forth. The way Shouto sets his hand on the small of Allen's back and leans down to press a kiss to his lips as if it's the most natural thing in the world. ]

Merry Christmas, Allen.

Edited 2023-03-18 15:59 (UTC)

[ Tim arches his wings slightly both in curiosity and greeting when Kizu sits up to greet him in her own way, thoughtful and playful both as he assesses whether she's still offended from earlier. When she doesn't appear to be, he settles in next to her like a content little golden blob. Rosy-cheeked and festive.

It should say a lot about Allen too that while he's surprised and delighted that the koi are present too, he doesn't question it either. For the same reasons that he's always seen Tim as his best friend and like a little brother to him, and not just an arcane construct programmed to follow him because Cross bequeathed him so. Sure, he's self-aware and savvy enough to know most people would probably find it a little weird, but he finds it delightful and normal.

So hearing Shouto say it's because it's their first Christmas too— he just turns and his eyes crinkle lightly as he smiles in a very soft, warm way at him. Accepts the kiss in that manner too, meeting him partway softly and briefly like he finds it as natural as breathing, and lets his fingers rest delicately along his cheek. It's an easy half-embrace to lean in to, surrounded by omens and koi and feeling his chest tighten at just how full his heart feels.

So he breathes out when it ends but lingers in that loose embrace, wavering slightly in responding only for weighing a realization against a guilty pang and wondering if he shouldn't curb himself— but letting it go when he thinks about what the person he felt guilty over would have said about it.

That they'd forgive him for it.

He cups Shouto's cheek then and smiles, soft and a little mysterious, and brushes his nose lightly against his in a quiet and infinitely fond manner. Like inviting him close to share in a secret. ]

I think it's already my favorite.

Edited 2023-03-18 17:06 (UTC)

[ Not offended, simply not as playful as Tim. Her bouts of playfulness come and go, and if her fluffy tail brushes against his wings, it's entirely on purpose.

The presence of the koi might sound odd to some people, but Shouto operates on his own terms. He ascribes value to what he cares for, not what others consider important. It's one of the reasons Endeavor found him so difficult to deal with, unable to instill his values by any means. Maybe that's why he's so headstrong about these things. Why kissing Allen is something he no longer has to second guess.

He made up his mind.

Shouto greets the lingering kiss with eloquent grace handing over the reins to Allen and smiling fondly in return at the shared secret. ]

It's one of mine, too.

[ He says, brushing his thumb over his hand. ]

Let's join them.

[ He leads him to the table and sits beside him instead of opposite. ]

Itadakimasu.

[ He tells him and starts plating Tim's plate with a bit of everything with Kizu directing him to add one or two scoops of one thing or another. 'More of this one?' he asks her, making it obvious who he's taking directions from. Kizu's words are for him alone, but it's easy to see her approval by the way her fluffy tail swishes with more bounce to it when he gets it right. With Tim's plate full, he pours him a cup of tea and does the same for Allen, sencha, nothing extravagant.

Kizu gets up to help him feed the koi. She stands on her hind legs, stretching herself to her full height, to peer over the water as Shouto drops a few of the crayfish and crab into the aquarium with a pair of chopsticks he set aside for the task. When they're done, Kizu opts to watch the koi zip around in search of the food, munching happily on the crustacean. She slips back to Tim's side when they stop chasing the crayfish and opts to watch Tim instead, taking care to watch what he eats with more gusto.

Shouto, too, returns to Allen's side, smiling fondly at him as he serves himself a healthy helping of cold soba with a generous amount of dipping sauce, and slurps the noodles, looking positively pleased with the taste. If he hums lightly for a second that's only because he's happy. ]

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

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