likethelight | IC Contact @ Deer Country

[ 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)

[ An odd look follows that statement. No he did not get the sarcasm, so it's a good thing Allen smoothes it over with a kiss. It's another thing that's changed between them. The miscommunication that often had him taking a step back, questioning his ability to read Allen, was easily swept aside with an affection word or gesture.

Catching on, a little late, that he's being teased, a knowing look settles in his eyes intrigued by the prospect. ]

You are.

[ Not a snappy comeback, or a tease of his own, but an acknowledgment of it. He may never be able to banter with Allen as most people do, but this is banter for him. Calling him out without a qualm with an amused look in his eyes. That feeling of knowing they're on the same page, and running with it.

Intrigue turns to such fondness at the question that he'd include the koi, it transforms his entire face, and although his mouth never moves it looks like he's smiling from the heart. ]

I'd like that.

[ He leans down to kiss his cheek, the thought of correcting him never once entering his mind. It doesn't matter what Allen calls it, so long as they can share it together. That's what matters to him. If he wants to call it a porch, Shouto has no problem with it, though he'll keep calling it the engawa. ].

I'll set it up.

[ He promises, kissing him straight on the mouth with the same affection before picking up their plates and heading to the kitchen. It'll take him ten minutes to clear up the plates and have them washed and drying on a rack, and another ten to set out two trays with a dozen lemon-shaped sweet sponge cakes made with lemon juice and peel, finely cut, and marinated with sugar. The peels give the cakes a subtle bittersweet flavor. Oddly, only half are coated with a thin layer of white chocolate. Having failed to temper the chocolate properly the first time, he only had enough to coat a little less than half. The cakes are cool, and the ones coated in chocolate have a nice snap when you bite into them.

On a small table, a Japanese tea set is neatly laid out with a metal tin of earl grey next to it, but no Shouto in sight. A few minutes later, he comes out carrying a watermelon under his arm, half hidden by the sleeping yukata he wore to dinner. He regards Allen with a fond look, mouth curving up in a warm smile. Setting the watermelon down, he seats himself next to him, pressing his lips against his cheek that's more smile than kiss. ]

Welcome home.

Edited 2023-06-01 19:25 (UTC)

[ Maybe it's not banter like Allen might with his snappier friends, but the low key way Shouto calls him out anyway with an affectionate look in his eye now is something he thinks he might like better. Soothed by it, but maybe that's also just from recognizing the shift and that it seems like he understands what he means a little better.

Twenty minutes is almost exactly what Allen will need with Timcanpy's help, who might usually tag along with Shouto and watch him wash dishes (while helpfully holding a towel) but goes with Allen this time as he whisks away into the bedroom. There's occasionally the sound of clinking glass and some thumping as he digs through his things and what's probably the back of the dresser—or a mystery pile he had covered up with a blanket in the back of the closet that earlier in the month he warned Shouto very seriously not to touch. After furtively checking to make sure Shouto isn't in sight, Allen (with Tim in tow) darts with a bulk armful of something into the bath as well for a shorter amount of time, where there's odd sounds of jars being moved around as well as what sounds like the bath being drawn.

It still means he has to move very quick—!, but he does. He was running late today and didn't have time to change before dinner, but has by the time he comes out on the engawa. Opting for a dark charcoal grey yukata to match Shouto, as he is ever an adaptive creature who adopts many of the styles and customs of those who are around him at the time. Also, it's very comfortable, and he has rarely had the option to wear loose robe-like things in his life. There's a reason his favorite uniform when he was with the Order was the one most like priest robes—and it wasn't because of the priest thing.

And with no Shouto in sight, he beelines straight for the trays of cakes. ]

Ahhh, they look so good Tim! Look, look— [ As enchanted as a kid in a candy store and fawning over the shape and size of the little lemon cakes as he sits to let his toes dip into the water, wiggling them as the koi circle close. It's like you knew he's a gremlin who enjoys food he can eat with his hands best.

Hearing Shouto come up behind him, he turns around with a brilliantly bright and happy smile that makes his eyes dance in excitement. Always one to wear a bright smile, but this smile... There's a such a pure and intense sort of light-hearted joy that he rarely gets. Even the sight of the watermelon is secondary even though that's the perfect icing on the cake so to speak, eyes only for Shouto as he sits next to him. Smiling at the whimsical press of lips to his cheek, he sets a scarlet hand against his cheek and turns to seal their mouths together in a kiss. Sweet and with his whole heart as Shouto's words echo in his head and the night air smells like the beginnings of summer, cool from the river and warm from the notes of sun-dried grass. Dragonflies hum by low to the water and under the deep rose color of the Flushed Moon and Timcanpy wings off to play tag with them, the soft sounds of life awake and alert in the forest the only thing to be heard, to remind them that it's just them here. ]

Thank you.

[ Allen says it more softly, voice barely a breathy whisper, and eyes glimmering when they reluctantly part. He strokes his cheek gently, staying near as he nuzzles their noses together fondly and lets his forehead press against Shouto's. A portrait of young love painted in shades of such deeply rooted devotion and belonging. ]

Welcome home, too.

[ He's come to enjoy the contrast of the rough carapace against his cheek, the same way he enjoys kissing his chest from right to left. Soon, his cheeks start to hurt from keeping up the little-used muscles of his smile, but it's impossible to stop when Allen looks so blithely happy and content. The kiss feels like a reprieve, one he meets with the same intensity, clutching lightly at the nape of his neck to draw him closer.

Under the moonlit forest, life hums around them, and one of the koi, red with white spots, snaps at the fireflies zipping over the water, missing it and splashing back down where his mate, white with red stripes, swims around him before recognizing familiar faces on the other side of the world and trespasses through the divide, mouth breaking through the surface of the water to regard them with curiosity. Completely enchanted with his companion, Shouto misses her arrival and quick departure, beneath the surface of the water where the moon glimmers across the shifting surface. ]

Not yet.

[ He kisses his ear, drawn to the paleblood stone ever since awakening from Allen's nightmare. ]

Kizu's on her way back.

[ His omen purrs in approval. Affected by the same overwhelming joy that thrums through him, she opted to bring the flowers back with her so he could stay by his side. ]

I'll make tea while we wait.

[ He offers, cheeks burning from untrained muscles, but he can't help himself. ]

Are you okay with Earl Grey? It pairs well with citrus desserts.

[ He adds, filling the pot with ice. He works at an even pace, with a subtle grace to his movements. Melting the ice is easy. Hitting the proper temperature comes with practice and years of experience. Quietly, he quickly washes the loose leaves once, letting the murky water drain between the slotted wooden panels of the one inch tray, then lets the leaves step for four minutes.

He settles next to Allen, pressing his shoulder to his and looking up into the night sky. ]

The moon looks different tonight.

[ Not yet? Oh, Allen glances for a second back at the lemon cakes and would normally be a touch mournful to be told to wait, but is too blissfully content to mind for once in his life.

He tips his head lightly to the side at hearing about Kizu. She is? It's lightly curious as he was too distracted to notice her leave before, but realizes now he hasn't seen her since before dinner. It piques his interest, but he keeps it to himself and sidles a little closer to watch as Shouto has begun to brew the tea. ]

Ehhh, Earl Grey does? [ His voice pitches up, somewhat amazed. When did you learn about tea and dessert pairings? Though, Shouto has always had a way with tea so it isn't all that surprising. ] Mn! It was always a treat to have.

[ One he rarely could afford, Mr. Orders Hot Water Because It's Free. But he settles in next to Shouto with familiarity, never getting tired of watching him less because Allen is interested in the brewing of tea, but enjoying seeing him work with such natural precision and dedication. Does he find it relaxing? It's something he's probably asked him in passing when watching him.

When he turns back and presses his shoulder to Allen's, he smiles and leans against him. Peaceable and content to watch the fireflies at play along the water's edge, bare feet swishing gently in the cool water as he plays with the more daring one of the koi. The moon touches on the pale, vaguely luminescent glow of lunar flowers that had began to blossom in the last few weeks around the house as well. Wardens against corruption and supposedly a blessing of Moon Presence.

The night feels softer, possibly because of the faint pink hue of the moonlight, and at Shouto's observation Allen has to blink what feels like a lull away before he looks up too. Even the silvery hue of his hair catching the warmer light and reflecting a rosier glow as his expression becomes softer. Contemplative. ]

When it's like this, I can't help but feel like she's a little happier.

[ He smiles, eyes hooding as his expression becomes faraway, gentle and a little bittersweet. ]

At least, I'd like to believe that.

Edited 2023-06-01 22:48 (UTC)

Why do you think she's happy?

[ He asks, watching his foot swash through the water, catching glimpses of a shimmering white koi swimming aimlessly through the water alongside a slightly darker hue of red, and remembers the watermelon. He sets it between his legs wondering if he should smash it or use a knife. ]

[ Why? He tips his head back, throat bared to the sky and looking askance at Shouto with a quietly thoughtful expression. Long hair pulled back in its customary ponytail and hanging down his back, more than two years now since he's cut it any more than trimming around his face. As gentle and enigmatic in profile as the moon. ]

Because the moon feels like it's celebrating something special too.

[ Oh. He never thought of it like that. Looking up, he catches Allen's profile and finds himself captivated by the sight. ]

You remind me of her. [ He says, reaching for his hand to attune himself to him. ] You feel similar. Like you came from the same source.

[ He looks up, finding the moon the distant sky, so far away where Allen felt so close. ]

But you were allowed to explore.

[ Free to live out his life, while she looked on, always present but separate. ]

[ Reminded him of her? Allen blinks, expression coming alive and out of his thoughts at that a little comically for a moment before settling into a quiet, thoughtful surprise. Same source...

He threads his long, slender fingers with Shouto's when he reaches for him, moving their hands delicately together in a slow and tender sort of intimate dance of just feeling each other, one that's long since become familiar to them both. ]

I'm grateful. [ It's all he says, voice soft. Reflective, his gaze resting on the earring made of his own blood on Shouto's ear. He's quiet for a moment, before he leans in and kisses it—and his ear—gently. Sweetly and meaningfully. ]

I know a lot of people might find it strange given the situation, but I'm grateful for a lot in this world.

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