likethelight | IC Contact @ Deer Country

[ There's such a warmth and fondness in how Allen watches him as Shouto works though and regains his confidence. Some bright-eyed excitement that he made him a dozen cakes—and Tim too!—but even that doesn't touch him as much as the quietly eager way Shouto seems to brighten as he centers himself, all for having a plan to pick flowers for him. A gladness akin to pure joy that it stirs in him.

It makes him want to kiss him so very much-- but he doesn't for now. And there's such an easygoing, contented feeling to be had in realizing there is so much time for so many kisses that there's no need to hurry at all. Like the way he likes to take his meals -- to savor and enjoy them, the time they have to spend together. ]

I like that. [ It's so infinitely affectionate in such a quiet way, the way he looks at him then and smiles as he picks his fork back up. Sometimes it's chopsticks, sometimes it's forks. It depends what they're eating and what's put in front of him; Allen uses both with the near-equal deftness of someone extremely multicultural, at least when it comes to food.

Heart full of more affection than even he used to know how to bear but is learning instead to let it blossom in his chest, Allen has more eyes for him than he does for his own food at first. ]

I'll have a surprise for you later too. [ And that's all he'll give as a hint about it, giving a mysterious wag of his fork with a smile before beginning to eat.

But he stays close, his shoulder or knee sometimes brushing against Shouto's during the meal in a quiet sort of unspoken, affectionate exchange of its own. ]

Do you have any preferences?

[ He asks, unaware of the depth of feeling Allen is uncovering beside him. Maybe because he's barely starting to scratch the surface of what he feels too. He's not always aware of the depth of it, but it stays with him long after the moment has passed, filling his world with just a little bit more light.

He eats beside him, taking care not to bump elbows, while crowding his space a little more than he used to, no longer feeling the need to keep to himself, wanting to hold but afraid of crowding him.

Color? Type of flower?

[ He asks, after he finishes chewing his food and taking a drink of his tea. He fills Allen's cup up while he waits for an answer, participating a little more in the conversation than he did a year ago. That too has changed. Just like the look and feel of the place, no longer suited to the minimalistic style he etched into every room, but filled with little details of color and splendor. Bath bombs of every type filled the cupboards of the bath and the kitchen was filled to the brim with equipment and dishes, and food of every kind, when it lay barren and entirely unused before Allen's arrival with Shouto eating out for almost every meal.

After he's gained perspective on the flowers he wants to pick after dessert, he asks about his day, curious about the new ties Sanctuary seems to be forming. They speak of small insignificant things alongside detrimental topics that could change the course of their lives with upheaval in the possible future, yet neither stays with him as much as the feeling of sharing a meal with someone he loves.

So, when he brings up a surprise, Shouto is immediately curious, not for the actual surprise but the thought behind it, remembering then, that he made plans all on his own without consulting him about it. Did he... ]

Did you want to celebrate something else tonight?

Edited 2023-05-30 04:38 (UTC)

[ Color preference? Type of flower? Allen gives it some thought when he asks, mulling it over as he chews, before he finally says he's always liked white or yellow flowers. But it isn't like he's really considered it enough before to have a strong preference? ]

You said you saw some you liked earlier, right? [ It's a gentle comment as he leans over to very openly steal a dumpling of some sort off of Shouto's plate like that's just a very normal part of how one does dinner. Which it is with Allen. He offers things from his plate as well! That speaks to how much he likes and is comfortable with you! ]

I'd like to see those.

[ As always, Allen is animated and happy to talk about the people from his day. So long as it's been a day not marked by tragedy, and even those he'll still find some small silver lining or hopeful element of to focus on. But his demeanor is bright and lighthearted, carried along by his eagerness to see what Shouto baked and that they're celebrating tonight, and he peppers his conversation by asking about Shouto's as well. He tries to avoid ever actually prying, noticing he generally seems to be more relaxed and at ease when Allen is talking, and he is fine to carry the conversation at those times.

He feeds Timcanpy as he chats too, even if Tim has his own plate, and Tim steals bits from Allen's as well. It's part of their routine, the same as how Allen considers Shouto's plate open to him and his open to Shouto. It's what he's doing when Shouto pins that curious look on him and asks that, which makes Allen tip his head curiously in response as he follows that train of thought. Oh. ]

No. [ He waves his fork lightly at Shouto in mock-admonishment. ]

Thankfully I was already ready for whenever we did decide to celebrate. [ Unlike some people who decided on their own when that would be.

Which means no he did not sneak around setting anything up earlier ~~because I was distracted and forgot he didn't know in advance~~, but he had been accumulating what he needed for whenever they did. ]

[ What he likes isn't necessarily what Allen likes, yet he nods nonetheless, taking his words at face value. Tomorrow he'd get him a better arrangement. Tonight he'll make do with what the forest has to offer. He patrolled large swaths of it, he knew it better than the city proper.

As for his dumpling, he barely makes a note of the stolen bite, all too used to his little thief's tendencies. It was strange at first. Making him ponder on the reason behind it. He even started buying more dishes until he realized it didn't matter how much food there was, it was a matter of etiquette for Allen. He needed to steal his food, or so he reasoned, tagging it as some sort of rite from his world. So, the moment the dumpling is stolen, Shouto picks up another dumpling from the stack, placing it on his plate without missing a beat, while thinking of the flower he saw in the forest a while back.

Do you think it's still there? He asks Kizu who rises from her perch and heads out to look without uttering a response. She doesn't need to. Shouto can sense what she's up to and look towards the kitchen door as a part of his soul wanders off into the night. ]

I'll check if it's still there.

[ He answers in turn, turning away from the door to get back to their meal and light conversation. While Allen and Tim steal food, Shouto keeps picking up more and setting it on his plate which travels to Allen's which ends up on Tim's. Somehow, it works, and Shouto considers his plate nothing more than the starting point, taking his fill without any idea how many times he picks up more food he's not going to eat. ]

You were ready?

[ He asks, slightly astounded by that fact, though it comes off more like a curious incident from his expression. ]

Were you waiting for me this whole time?

Edited 2023-05-31 02:08 (UTC)

[ Just like Shouto is more comfortable with being in his space, Allen's become more comfortable being in his and that is why the communal sharing of food. It's why he doesn't notice when Kizu gets up and silently leaves, busy fussing with Tim as he feeds him a slice of apple.

It's also why in addition to the kitchen being full of food and the bath stocked with the curious bathbombs and the like he was introduced to as now that's also a shared activity for bonding with someone other than Timcanpy, gradually there have been more signs of Allen in each of the rooms. Some mess as he doesn't always pick up his nightclothes right away anymore, books for research that get left out open and face down wherever he was reading last, but a few of the knickknacks and items he's gotten as gifts that are placed with care. More warm blankets in the reading nook—and the pictures on the walls, grown from the photos they exchanged as presents for Christmas. ]

Mm, not waiting. [ Though he does seem to consider the difference, chewing thoughtfully around a mouthful of rice. As usual, it seems like a third of it ends up on his face. ]

Just ready.

[ The only mess Shouto is opposed to is crumbs in bed. The piles of open research books and nightclothes haphazardly strewn around the room he walks around. He doesn't mind it. Feels familiar even, though Allen may notice that Shouto tends to clean up after himself more often than not. He's not a maniac about it. It's simply a part of his routine. If he forgets here and there, it doesn't bother him.

He enjoys seeing the little signs of Allen's passing, whether in the form of new photographs that frame more of the walls or a few new oddities displayed in prominent areas. He even enjoys the mess Allen makes of himself, from disheveled hair to the rice that sticks to the corner of his mouth. ]

What did you get ready?

[ He asks, light curiosity in his tone as he steals a few rice grains with his thumb, swiping them on the tip of his tongue to chew on without missing a beat. ]

Edited 2023-05-31 03:24 (UTC)

[ The casual and familiar way in which he wipes some of the rice from his face has Allen smile over to him, light-hearted and content, though still cheeky. It's part and parcel with his good mood. ]

You'll see after cake. ♥ [ He looks so terribly pleased with himself, holding up a mysterious finger to his lips in high spirits. ]

It isn't much. Just something we can both enjoy.

[ Something they can both enjoy? ]

Is it cold soba?

[ Shouto.

Allen pats his cheek lightly, with the easygoing patience of a saint. ]

If it was I'd have brought it out for dinner. [ though yes he would have if he knew you were going to pick tonight!! ]

[ There's a very slight semi-disappointed pout at that answer. Though it's wiped away with the light pat of his cheek. ]

I'll let you know next time.

[ Is all says, picking up a gyoza this time, and setting it on his plate, closer to Allen for him to steal.

Sorry. ]

[ The impishness in Allen's expression softens at that, becoming thoughtful, and he leans in to kiss his cheek then very gently and with great affection. He smiles for a moment against his skin, broad and content. ]

Then I'll make cold soba next time too.

[ And with that, yes, he swipes the gyoza and pops it in his mouth after a quick pitstop into the dipping sauce. All's forgiven. ]

[ He leans into the kiss, happy and content once more, pout completely gone, not at all minding the few grains of rice that fall between them when Allen smiles against his cheek. ]

Next time? What are we celebrating?

[ You were the one who said "next time" first, so what did you mean? ]

Aah, next year? [ Allen answers offhand without really thinking about it, wiping a couple grains of rice from Shouto's cheek where they got stuck and taking the time to clean his own face finally too. ]

And maybe when I kissed you and you flooded the house. [ He licks his thumb to clean the grains from it, meticulously not letting a single one go to waste. ] Or after we cleaned everything up... And then not long after that is when I met you--

[ His pale eyes flick back up to Shouto then, and he smiles softly. No teasing or cheekiness, just the quiet sort of affection that comes from having a heart so full of devotion. Good meals and a full belly will put him in high spirits any day, but that's only the icing on top of the warm sense of fulfillment he has now.

Of belonging. ]

I can think of a lot of things to celebrate.

Edited 2023-05-31 04:39 (UTC)

[ You can't blame him for being distracted when you kiss him and offer him soba. Even the bits of rice get forgotten as he thinks about next year and what it might offer.

That list of descriptions though... was he that affected by him back then? Yes. He thinks, perfectly content with the knowledge. This he understands. Filled his dreams late at night. Not the ones that left him restless and wanting but the ones that blanketed his heart in a field of flowers blooming under the moonlight. This time, it's him who leans forward. Who gently cups his cheek, and kisses him on the lips, sweetly and unhurried, letting the moment wash over him. ]

I can think of two.

[ Ah, that sets something beautiful at peace in his heart when he kisses him so gently like that, and Allen softens under the kiss as it lingers. Leaning into Shouto and letting his arm curl lightly around his waist as the affection in his chest blooms with the sweetness of the gesture. Always a timeless moment that never gets old no matter how many times they kiss, or any less special.

Unhurried kisses and touches are always his favorite, because it means there's time for so many more. That for once it doesn't feel like there's a timer counting down on the good in his life. ]

Two? [ It's an affectionate murmur, eyes hooding as he bumps Shouto's nose lightly with a quiet sort of playfulness and intimacy. ]

Edited 2023-05-31 05:36 (UTC)

[ His eyes close briefly, still caught off guard by that playful bump, and smiles gently into the second kiss, placed artfully at the corner of his mouth. ]

You and Tim.

[ Him and Tim—

Heart swelling as Shouto kisses the corner of his mouth, there's a soft laugh that gets caught between them and such a sparkling mirth in Allen's silvered eyes as he recognizes that exactly for what it is. Looking at him then with such warmth and fondness as he touches his cheek too and begins to draw him in. ]

You missed—

[ Said softly against his mouth, it's all Allen says as he lets his lips slide over Shouto's. Kissing him slowly and purposefully, with a sweet and easygoing kind of thoroughness that's full of promise. ]

[ A revelry begins to take shape behind the hue of his eyes, stemming from the same source as Allen's teasing glint, fostered by a tinkering laugh that begins to melt a frozen ache he left encased in ice a long time ago. ]

On purpose.

[ He teases, smiling into the kiss with the same genial indulgence, he's learned to embrace. A year ago, he couldn't imagine kissing Allen like this. Now, he can't remember a time he wasn't caught in his orbit. ]

Edited 2023-05-31 06:38 (UTC)

[ "On purpose" — he laughs again at that, chasing that teasing smile with more eager kisses. To his lips, the corner of his mouth too, and then finally his nose as Allen recognizes at least parts of that gradual change and it makes his heart feel impossibly light. No, it isn't that he feels like you've changed in the last year, but...

It feels like he's been able to see more and more of the you who's buried deep within. ]

Is it time for cake yet? [ But he nuzzles at Shouto in an easygoing manner, his expression relaxed and unhurried. ]

[ Always on purpose. Meaning behind his every word and look. The way he runs his fingers through his hair. Brushes his lips against the cool stone of his earring. The turn of his head when he hears his laugh, entranced by the hearty sound. It sparks a fire that has nothing to do with his quirk, spreading to every part of him. The languid look behind those heterochromic eyes, an indulgent smile full of promise that subsumes a promise of more to come. ]

If you're done with dinner.

[ He brushes his cheek with his thumb, entirely absorbed by his presence that looms larger than his slighter frame suggests. ]

[ Ahaha, making him choose dinner or cake? Well, he was done enough, or can soon be. His plate was almost fully clea—

Timcanpy has been busy while they were distracted, and meets Allen's gaze as he looks back to him. Solidly in the middle of Allen's plate and clearing it of the last of the gyoza. He grins, toothily and covered in soy sauce, and Allen blinks for a moment before laughing quietly. ]

Yes. [ He leans his cheek into Shouto's hand, a soft smile curving his lips as he considers that. ]

I'll get my surprise while you get that.

[ Somehow he’s not surprised to find Tim finishing off Allen’s portion while he’s distracted. What leaves him staring though was how he hadn’t noticed him until now. You’re very quiet when you want to be.

Allen’s easy laugh pulls him from his thoughts and he nods in confirmation, letting his thumb skim his cheek, distracted by the present to think further than this moment. He misstepped in the planning, forgetting to include Allen in the details. When he promised to make him a cake to celebrate, he didn’t think anything else was necessary. Just a cake and Allen. Tim, too, of course, but that was a given. His limited experience was no more obvious than how long it took him to realize his mistake.

You wanted to celebrate and were waiting on me.

With his thoughts in flux, it takes him longer to answer than usual, distracted by his growing understanding of what it means to share a life.

He blinks and awareness returns to his eyes. It takes him another moment to process his words and nods, taking note of their surroundings. ]

I’ll clear the table.

[ Timcanpy is ninja. ♥ This is how he lulls you into a false sense of security. Then he pounces on your leftovers.

And it wasn't entirely on Shouto. Allen could have asked if he had a day in mind in particular, and the thought did occur to him sometimes. Every time he found him hard at work baking. But... it felt like it would have been hurrying Shouto, and he didn't want to pressure him when he was already obviously trying so hard. So it was fine regardless of how long it took.

He watches the subtle flicker of expression when Shouto doesn't answer at first, seemingly lost in thought in a way that makes Allen wonder what he's thinking. And he smiles very gently at it, patient and seemingly warmed by the time it takes him. With a final kiss on the cheek, he pulls back before he starts to stand. ]

Mm. No peeking. [ It's a gentle tease, leaning over to wipe Timcanpy's face clean before he quickly swipes the last couple gyoza Shouto had left on his place, casually popping them in his mouth in sequence like a chipmunk. ]

It'll be for after cake.

[ "ibf b'for af'er kaek" ]

[ Feeling a renewed sense of purpose, he stands with him, smiling faintly at the obvious taunt as Allen pops dumplings in his mouth like popcorn. ]

You’re the impatient one.

[ Slander! ]

I'm nothing of the sort. [ Except it's more like "imb nuffin'a th'sort" with a dignified look of mock scandal. He's far too refined and mannered to be like that, excuse. Extremely mature. Years beyond his age—whatever that actually is. A gentleman.

Allen swallows then, an impressive feat, and steps close to slip an arm around Shouto's waist to draw him close enough to kiss a final time on the cheek with a gentle sort of gratitude. More affectionate than he would normally be in cleaning up after dinner—that he'd normally help with too, but he has to go set up for later now—which is in part to make sure Shouto knows he's not actually scandalized, but more because of the lighthearted feeling of celebration and anticipation that flutters in his heart. Of gratitude and love.

Sometimes it doesn't feel real, how happy I am, that you might be this happy too-- and I have to kiss you to remind myself it is. ]

I won't be long. [ But he hesitates for a moment then, smiling softly as something occurs to him. ]

Do you think we could we eat it outside, on the porch? [ He calls the engawa a "porch" still, he's a heathen. But he'll get better as he's corrected. ] It's so nice and warm at night now.

[ And by the koi, who he also fed out there when he first came home with him. ]

Edited 2023-06-01 04:05 (UTC)

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