But that sort of question gets a blink from Allen, the surprise and realization that Shouto might have interpreted something he did as something being wrong a quick proverbial ice bath that clears his mind in a flash. ]
Eh? [ He pulls back lightly to look at him, pale eyes wide and quizzical. Did he give him the wrong impression? Or...
...what was it I was trying to say anyway? ]
No, nothing's wrong. [ He's quick to say it, his own voice soft but adamant as he leans in to kiss the corner of his mouth reassuringly, a gesture that comes so easily and naturally now. Please don't misunderstand.
He reaches to brush some of the longer hair from his face, a completely ineffectual gesture but one he does with a gentle reverence anyway. Appreciating the way the thin strands of red and white immediately fall back into place and watching him with a quiet sort of marvel. The hazy but soft look in his mismatched eyes. ]
[ Sounder in mind than he was a few seconds ago, Shouto catches the wide-eyed look which only reinforces his original thought.
What's wrong?
It's the reassuring kiss at the corner of his mouth that eases any further misgivings. He tilts his head, not quite staring, but observing him in an attempt to read him. Not his thoughts but his feelings.
[ ...You always manage to ask things a certain way or say something in such a simple and obvious sort of way that he wasn't quite expecting. That make him stop and have to actually take stock of himself and how he looks at things, and that's no different.
It makes Allen blink for a moment, his expression gentling and becoming thoughtful as he lets himself become aware of himself again. Of Shouto. The gentle pull he feels in his chest that makes him want to press close even when they already are, that makes him feel so at ease to hold him and be held. The warmth and solidity of Shouto's larger frame that's so real and present; how comfortable and natural over time his hips have come to feel fit between his thighs. How unthinkable a time whenever that wasn't true seems now.
...and his own anxiety and uncertainty, that winds itself up whenever Shouto does the same with him. Stirred up and nowhere to go except to circle in tighter on itself. It sits like an obnoxious ball in his stomach; an elephant in the room he's persistent on ignoring because he doesn't want to be anxious and knows he has no reason to be.
But his expression softens with an answer that becomes so very obvious the moment he comes to him, and he rests his palm against Shouto's cheek so gently. ]
[ Elusive to his eyes, Allen's subtle expressions are lost amid his changing demeanor. His skills are barely sharp enough to make out the gentling of his eyes or the way he grows lax around him, no longer holding onto him so tightly. It's enough to infer a change, even if the reason for it remains a mystery. His words too, feel like a puzzle piece he's meant to solve. Only he already has so many pieces that don't seem fit at all. ]
I am what?
[ He feels like he should know. The pieces are there for him to figure out, but he's always been better at asking directly than waiting for answers to reveal themselves. Sometimes, he wasn't a patient guy. ]
[ He halfway expected it to be honest, and just smiles very gently at the question. Demure, and his eyes slide a titch to the side to somewhere just over Shouto's shoulder. ]
Right. [ So no, nothing is wrong. And he sets both hands to either side of his face to gently pull him in to seal his lips to his. A kiss begun so simply and sweetly as his fingers slide back into his hair as he lingers; presses close. Deepening and getting lost in it slow, sweet, purposeful kind of way until they're both breathless again. ]
Sometimes... [ He murmurs it against against his mouth, not breaking contact anymore than he has to. Eyes lidded as he nuzzles very gently at him in a conscious, controlled manner. ]
...it's just so much that I don't know what to do.
[ He's right... about what? His brows crease in concentration, clearly not understanding. He starts turning the conversation over again, trying to figure out where he lost track of what they were saying when he's pulled into a kiss and then he forgets the question altogether.
His arms wrap around him, enclosing him in the heat, and explores his mouth without any second guessing. I don't get you sometimes, but this... His eyes fall shut, swept up by the kiss and he warms under his touch, enamored by the gentle caress he's come to associate with Allen. ]
It's fine like this.
[ He presses his cheek to his. ]
You can hold me like this. Or I can hold you until it passes.
[ He sets a hand on top of his head, holding him to him in the most precious manner he knows. ]
[ Then it's a good thing Allen prefers leading with action instead of words when it comes to some things. ♥
But he blinks slightly at such a sweet and plain offer, the hand cradling his head down and to his chest so delicately. His expression becomes a little caught, marveled, and his hands settle around Shouto's waist. Fingers curling into the fabric before he relents and lets something go, relaxing fully against him then as he lets his eyes close. Ah. Even without really understanding it you said something that helps. Even if...
Even if part of him feels rather bad about it. He owes you a better explanation but he doesn't even really have one for himself. Sometimes... he feels like he can be rather bad at this.
So he noses distractedly at his open collar and presses an absent kiss there, grateful, but quiets as his thoughts drift. As the tension unwinds. ]
Shouto— [ He begins softly, keeping his face pressed where it is and his arms around his waist. ]
...do you think about what happens in the next year sometimes? Where you'll be.
[ There were always preambles to talks like this. Soft words and touches somehow eased them into what could end up bringing them closer or hurting them both.
Shouto finds calm in the tender embrace, letting out a quiet sigh at the distracting manner Allen noses at his collar. He stretches his neck to give him more room as he runs his fingers through his hair. It got longer, didn't it? He takes in his question with a distracted mind. Since we first met. ]
I'll be here. With you.
[ He lets his fingers run the length of his hair counting the seconds it takes to get to the end, noticing a few nicks in his count. ]
His breath catches quietly at that. Even if what... even if what Allen realized he wanted included that-- for him the biggest stumbling block was admitting to the possibility of seeing a future self -- one that could be something other than what he is now, if he wanted that. After all, they've been here a year and he's probably technically an adult now, right? or nearly, so... shouldn't they be thinking about these things. What to be when the world around you and everything you knew changes. When the reality of this is your life sets in.
And Shouto responded with that, like it was so very obvious.
Allen lets out a shaky breath against his neck, exhaling quietly and finding a place to rest his head against his collar as he hugs him a little tighter in a wordless, grateful squeeze. Fit together like that, comfortably, as he takes in Shouto's soft sort of sigh and feels his fingers in his hair; long and almost halfway down his back even tied back when a year ago it was just past his shoulders. A reminder itself of the very thing he'd asked. I want that too. For there to always be more days like this.
That's okay now, isn't it...?
He almost misses the question, too distracted, and blinks softly for a moment. Brush? ]
In the other room. [ He turns his head to press a soft kiss along his jaw, only half paying attention. Lingers there as his fingers bunch the fabric at the small of his back. ]
[ There's nothing complicated about the way he views the world. It's the world that tangles up his connections with others. Allen's thoughts on the future aren't Shouto's. He doesn't think in terms of what he can or should reach for. He goes for what he wants without asking permission. He's not someone who will let the world dictate to him and despite his impassive demeanor, there's a passion burning inside him that will find happiness. The only question worth asking is what form it will take.
Had he an inkling of Allen's thoughts, he would question him about it, but unaware of them, he can only contemplate the words he speaks which isn't enough for him to decipher his thoughts. So, he holds him, letting his fingers curl around the back of his neck.
Heterochromic eyes settle on him in a quiet, loving manner that's become a staple when he gets lost in the feeling brewing in his chest. ]
You should use it. [ His fingers grip the back of his neck in a steady manner. ] After dinner.
[ Did you just, right now, totally out of the blue in an otherwise perfectly fine and kind of important moment... say he needs to brush his hair??? Shouto.
Well it wasn't like he planned to get long hair you know!! Or even wanted it!! And how can you say that while still being so affectionate?! Absolutely unfair play.
Excuse him as he sorts out his confused outrage by just. setting his hands against Shouto's chest and pushing lightly until he gets the idea and there's enough space for Allen to scoot off the counter back down to his feet. Sliding down while still staying flush up against the other though; he's very conscious of that. ]
It's already cold, remember. [ Because you like cold soba. He says it softly, almost kind of direly, as he leans with flatly hooded eyes and taps him very lightly on the nose. It'd be almost coy if it wasn't... kind of dark?
[ The push gets his point across alright. Shouto lets go of him almost immediately, stepping back to give him room, and looking rather confused; a common look these days to be honest.
Is something wrong?
He's about to ask when his nose gets tapped out of the blue making him blink. He stares at him then, not quite sure what to do from there, so he latches onto the one thing that makes sense. ]
[ Well he needed to get down anyway if they were going to eat. But honestly that just gets a small, exhaled sigh from him, the wind leaving his sails. He tips his head slightly to the side, his expression clearing as he draws back. Contemplative.
Deciding something, he reaches out to brush the side of Shouto's cheek, fingers curled lightly. An offer of apology. ]
I can do that if you wanted to make tea?
[ He can make it well -- Allen cannot. He is a terrible Brit. ]
[ Tea is the one thing he can make as well as a trained professional. Maybe that's why he uses a traditional Japanese set meant for tea ceremonies, not that he's disclosed that information. Given his propensity for green tea, Allen may or may not be tired of it. He drinks it as much as he eats cold soba. Thankfully, he does drink other teas. Mostly herbal ones, since he doesn't like milk in his tea. If Allen mentioned English teas to him, Shouto would have acquired a few staples, even going as far as adding milk to make it authentic if he seemed to like it. Tonight though, he goes for tradition. ]
Green tea?
[ But he still asks.
His turmoil settles with the gentle caress of his cheek, settling any hesitation on his part. He even leans into his hand accepting the apology without realizing there was ever a need for one. He would have gotten over the bout of confusion.
[ Honestly Allen is fine with any and all teas. He's a simple (and frugal) boy; his favorite drink is hot water after all (as it is both warming and free). Despite being from Britain he actually traveled with Cross as far away as the Middle East and India for much of his childhood and he had been too poor before then to really experience a lot of what there was to be had in the supposed mother country. He might technically prefer stronger and more flavorful teas like black and fruity herbals, but green is fine. It's still more than he was used to outside the Order.
Also, he'll put the same amount of sugar in all of them. (And yes, he did enjoy it with milk too. Would have brightened right up in some surprise and delight.)
But honestly he just enjoys watching Shouto make it and the care he puts into it. It's both very different from how Lenalee would go about it when she was preparing English-style tea for everyone—and yet also similar. He won't get tired of that. ]
Mm, green tea is good. [ Because it's what he associates with Shouto.
—but asking gets him a small kiss on the cheek anyway. ]
[ Tea is a process. Every cup tells a different story. It's a rare glimpse into his mind. A different day experienced in a cup of tea. Stressful days tend to have him leaning toward more bitter teas, ones where Allen may need to add another spoonful of sugar for his palette. Days where he's 'animated' have him choosing more fruity ones. Days when his thoughts linger on Allen a little more than usual, bring forth an assortment of different British teas with pastries to match his mood. Green tea... green tea is home. Just like cold soba. Like Allen.
His eyes warm in answer, but it's the kiss, so easily perched on his cheek that has the corner of his mouth tugging up. He smiles warmly at Allen. ]
I'll set up in the living room.
[ Tea was a process. From beginning to end, where attention to detail shines through every sip, and today... today felt like home. ]
[ Easy and natural, like it's become second nature which it basically has. A soft kiss on the cheek, brushing fingers together, slipping an arm around the waist; tiny gestures that add up are a lot are something that already come naturally to Allen but have also become increasingly easily. Gestures that reflect the heart and reinforce a person's feelings. Those kinds of things are ones he'd never repress. He wouldn't have guessed it of himself in a relationship like this, but then... he'd never been able to picture that kind of thing for himself at all, either.
His own eyes soften at that though; Shouto's smile. It doesn't matter if that's become a less rare thing; it still touches something in Allen's chest that swells and warms in such a painfully sweet manner.
He lingers for a moment, smiling in kind, so he can commit it to memory. ]
Alright. [ He'll leave him to it then. Allen had already taken the plated soba out to the living room on a tray prior to Shouto coming home, but had gotten distracted before actually setting it out with his own failed attempt at tea. While Shouto sets up he busies himself with that, being rejoined by Timcanpy in the process who had taken a quiet place in the background while they caught up.
This time, the cut of the noodles even looks mostly even if still a little too thick and probably are a bit tough. He's getting better at it—at least when he's really focusing—and the dipping sauce is impeccable because if there's one thing he knows, it's taste. Though his idea of setting a table is limited to simply that their plates are there and in the correct spot and there are chopsticks set to the side. (Allen is actually quite adept, and has been for a long time.)
Tim helps though; of course he does. Nosing at a plate until he thinks it's centered on some sort of invisible grid that only Timcanpy knows. ]
[ Harmony. The tea caddie is perfectly balanced as it's placed a few feet from Allen's setup. Respect. Shouto sits down, seiza style, pulling up his sleeves to expose his forearms. Purity. Fire runs across his hands burning any contaminants before he sets to work. Tranquility. The act itself is a focused affair. His movements flow into one another from one task to the other, unhurried. A touch of the clay pot and the water steams briskly, never boiling. With his mind at rest, the tea is whisked with the delicate addition of steaming water to thin out the bitter taste.
They work in unison. Side-by-side. Absorbed in their own tasks, at least for his part. Unlike Tim, Kizu is absent as she has been lately. Shouto hasn't noticed when he can feel her, pulsing with life inside of him. She's started to wander on her own more, further and further away, learning to track. It's given her a different presence when she makes herself known. More focused, less playful.
When he's done, he passes Allen a cup and sets down a small bowl of sugar near him. Despite his outward appearance, he's not a stickler for tradition. He takes what he likes and discards what he doesn't, reserving his judgment of others based on what they do, not how they do it.
He settles down with his own cup, watching Allen from behind it before his eyes drift to his omen. ]
[ Allen's noticed that Kizu hasn't appeared as much lately—possibly because of his boots not being chewed on like they had been. Possibly because it's something Timcanpy pays very close attention to, and how the golem would enjoy playing with her. He hasn't said anything about it yet, just filed it away with the quiet concern he's had since he spoke to Shouto about it at Ochako's birthday party, but will soon. If he thinks that means she's becoming who she was before.
Truth be told Allen is a touch distracted; he likes to watch Shouto and the flicker of flame at his periphery snags it fully and settles on his hands as he works. Just in a quietly curious, reflective manner he tends to get whenever he uses his quirk so easily and normally for everyday things. Though maybe it's also for the almost melodic way that he moves when he's doing this.
Lenalee was always so elegant and precise when she made tea too. Perhaps that's part of being very good at tea—or something shared by those who like to brew it. ]
Eh? [ He blinks slightly at that and looks up from, yes, his fourth spoonful of sugar he's ladled into his cup. Tim looks up directly at Shouto too, like that surprised him a little as well, though he grins widely a moment later as if approving of the question. It takes Allen a moment, unsure what he means, until he recalls.
[ Little by little, she's withdrawn. Coming out less and less. Playful still but in a more muted manner and becoming more so every passing month. In turn, Shouto has become more distracted, lost in thought, when around Allen. More affectionate too. While one retreats, the other casts a larger shadow in direct opposition.
He nods at the question, focused on the way his mouth moves. ]
[ Oh. You really want to know how to say his full name properly? That's...
Eyes brightening quietly at the realization, Allen gives a nod and draws his ankles up to sit and face Shouto in a more attentive manner; quite serious. Tim shuffles a bit on the table, watching them both, and seems excited by the turn of events. ]
[ Oh, so close. Allen's patient and watches his attempts with an encouraging, mildly curious sort of smile as he works through each attempt. He's Into this, okay; he loves all things Timcanpy and it isn't a joy he gets to share much. No one ever tried that hard to get his name right, after all.
...Then again, most people he knew didn't struggle with it, but that's besides the point. Or actually—makes it that much more meaningful. It's very endearing. ]
Mn! [ There's a sparkle in his eyes when he gets it though, and Timcanpy signals success by wagging his wings repeatedly in a pleased manner. Allen gives a small singular clap. ] Like that!
[ His smile gentles though the sparkle remains, warm with intrigue, and Timcanpy takes flight to drift near Shouto. Circling around him in a very inquisitive manner. ]
[ Shouto still tries to sound it out. He keeps going, not stopping at one but says it again. Over and over as if afraid he'll forget if he doesn't memorize it now. With a serious face, he sounds out a fourth 'Tim-canpee'. A little faster in his pronunciation. ]
Tim-canpee.
[ He looks at Tim, the sound of his voice growing stronger; surer. ]
Timcanpee.
[ Is that better? He asks without uttering a word, eyes focused on Tim with the sort of single-minded focus that's familiar to anyone who's watched him long enough. ]
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no subject
But that sort of question gets a blink from Allen, the surprise and realization that Shouto might have interpreted something he did as something being wrong a quick proverbial ice bath that clears his mind in a flash. ]
Eh? [ He pulls back lightly to look at him, pale eyes wide and quizzical. Did he give him the wrong impression? Or...
...what was it I was trying to say anyway? ]
No, nothing's wrong. [ He's quick to say it, his own voice soft but adamant as he leans in to kiss the corner of his mouth reassuringly, a gesture that comes so easily and naturally now. Please don't misunderstand.
He reaches to brush some of the longer hair from his face, a completely ineffectual gesture but one he does with a gentle reverence anyway. Appreciating the way the thin strands of red and white immediately fall back into place and watching him with a quiet sort of marvel. The hazy but soft look in his mismatched eyes. ]
The opposite...
no subject
What's wrong?
It's the reassuring kiss at the corner of his mouth that eases any further misgivings. He tilts his head, not quite staring, but observing him in an attempt to read him. Not his thoughts but his feelings.
The opposite... ]
What's right?
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It makes Allen blink for a moment, his expression gentling and becoming thoughtful as he lets himself become aware of himself again. Of Shouto. The gentle pull he feels in his chest that makes him want to press close even when they already are, that makes him feel so at ease to hold him and be held. The warmth and solidity of Shouto's larger frame that's so real and present; how comfortable and natural over time his hips have come to feel fit between his thighs. How unthinkable a time whenever that wasn't true seems now.
...and his own anxiety and uncertainty, that winds itself up whenever Shouto does the same with him. Stirred up and nowhere to go except to circle in tighter on itself. It sits like an obnoxious ball in his stomach; an elephant in the room he's persistent on ignoring because he doesn't want to be anxious and knows he has no reason to be.
But his expression softens with an answer that becomes so very obvious the moment he comes to him, and he rests his palm against Shouto's cheek so gently. ]
You are.
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I am what?
[ He feels like he should know. The pieces are there for him to figure out, but he's always been better at asking directly than waiting for answers to reveal themselves. Sometimes, he wasn't a patient guy. ]
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Right. [ So no, nothing is wrong. And he sets both hands to either side of his face to gently pull him in to seal his lips to his. A kiss begun so simply and sweetly as his fingers slide back into his hair as he lingers; presses close. Deepening and getting lost in it slow, sweet, purposeful kind of way until they're both breathless again. ]
Sometimes... [ He murmurs it against against his mouth, not breaking contact anymore than he has to. Eyes lidded as he nuzzles very gently at him in a conscious, controlled manner. ]
...it's just so much that I don't know what to do.
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His arms wrap around him, enclosing him in the heat, and explores his mouth without any second guessing. I don't get you sometimes, but this... His eyes fall shut, swept up by the kiss and he warms under his touch, enamored by the gentle caress he's come to associate with Allen. ]
It's fine like this.
[ He presses his cheek to his. ]
You can hold me like this. Or I can hold you until it passes.
[ He sets a hand on top of his head, holding him to him in the most precious manner he knows. ]
no subject
But he blinks slightly at such a sweet and plain offer, the hand cradling his head down and to his chest so delicately. His expression becomes a little caught, marveled, and his hands settle around Shouto's waist. Fingers curling into the fabric before he relents and lets something go, relaxing fully against him then as he lets his eyes close. Ah. Even without really understanding it you said something that helps. Even if...
Even if part of him feels rather bad about it. He owes you a better explanation but he doesn't even really have one for himself. Sometimes... he feels like he can be rather bad at this.
So he noses distractedly at his open collar and presses an absent kiss there, grateful, but quiets as his thoughts drift. As the tension unwinds. ]
Shouto— [ He begins softly, keeping his face pressed where it is and his arms around his waist. ]
...do you think about what happens in the next year sometimes? Where you'll be.
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Shouto finds calm in the tender embrace, letting out a quiet sigh at the distracting manner Allen noses at his collar. He stretches his neck to give him more room as he runs his fingers through his hair. It got longer, didn't it? He takes in his question with a distracted mind. Since we first met. ]
I'll be here. With you.
[ He lets his fingers run the length of his hair counting the seconds it takes to get to the end, noticing a few nicks in his count. ]
Do you have a brush?
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His breath catches quietly at that. Even if what... even if what Allen realized he wanted included that-- for him the biggest stumbling block was admitting to the possibility of seeing a future self -- one that could be something other than what he is now, if he wanted that. After all, they've been here a year and he's probably technically an adult now, right? or nearly, so... shouldn't they be thinking about these things. What to be when the world around you and everything you knew changes. When the reality of this is your life sets in.
And Shouto responded with that, like it was so very obvious.
Allen lets out a shaky breath against his neck, exhaling quietly and finding a place to rest his head against his collar as he hugs him a little tighter in a wordless, grateful squeeze. Fit together like that, comfortably, as he takes in Shouto's soft sort of sigh and feels his fingers in his hair; long and almost halfway down his back even tied back when a year ago it was just past his shoulders. A reminder itself of the very thing he'd asked. I want that too. For there to always be more days like this.
That's okay now, isn't it...?
He almost misses the question, too distracted, and blinks softly for a moment. Brush? ]
In the other room. [ He turns his head to press a soft kiss along his jaw, only half paying attention. Lingers there as his fingers bunch the fabric at the small of his back. ]
Why?
no subject
Had he an inkling of Allen's thoughts, he would question him about it, but unaware of them, he can only contemplate the words he speaks which isn't enough for him to decipher his thoughts. So, he holds him, letting his fingers curl around the back of his neck.
Heterochromic eyes settle on him in a quiet, loving manner that's become a staple when he gets lost in the feeling brewing in his chest. ]
You should use it. [ His fingers grip the back of his neck in a steady manner. ] After dinner.
[ Speaking of which: ]
We should eat before it gets cold.
1/2
2/2
Well it wasn't like he planned to get long hair you know!! Or even wanted it!! And how can you say that while still being so affectionate?! Absolutely unfair play.
Excuse him as he sorts out his confused outrage by just. setting his hands against Shouto's chest and pushing lightly until he gets the idea and there's enough space for Allen to scoot off the counter back down to his feet. Sliding down while still staying flush up against the other though; he's very conscious of that. ]
It's already cold, remember. [ Because you like cold soba. He says it softly, almost kind of direly, as he leans with flatly hooded eyes and taps him very lightly on the nose. It'd be almost coy if it wasn't... kind of dark?
The nerve. ]
no subject
Is something wrong?
He's about to ask when his nose gets tapped out of the blue making him blink. He stares at him then, not quite sure what to do from there, so he latches onto the one thing that makes sense. ]
Should I set the table?
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Deciding something, he reaches out to brush the side of Shouto's cheek, fingers curled lightly. An offer of apology. ]
I can do that if you wanted to make tea?
[ He can make it well -- Allen cannot. He is a terrible Brit. ]
no subject
Green tea?
[ But he still asks.
His turmoil settles with the gentle caress of his cheek, settling any hesitation on his part. He even leans into his hand accepting the apology without realizing there was ever a need for one. He would have gotten over the bout of confusion.
He always does. ]
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Also, he'll put the same amount of sugar in all of them. (And yes, he did enjoy it with milk too. Would have brightened right up in some surprise and delight.)
But honestly he just enjoys watching Shouto make it and the care he puts into it. It's both very different from how Lenalee would go about it when she was preparing English-style tea for everyone—and yet also similar. He won't get tired of that. ]
Mm, green tea is good. [ Because it's what he associates with Shouto.
—but asking gets him a small kiss on the cheek anyway. ]
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His eyes warm in answer, but it's the kiss, so easily perched on his cheek that has the corner of his mouth tugging up. He smiles warmly at Allen. ]
I'll set up in the living room.
[ Tea was a process. From beginning to end, where attention to detail shines through every sip, and today... today felt like home. ]
no subject
His own eyes soften at that though; Shouto's smile. It doesn't matter if that's become a less rare thing; it still touches something in Allen's chest that swells and warms in such a painfully sweet manner.
He lingers for a moment, smiling in kind, so he can commit it to memory. ]
Alright. [ He'll leave him to it then. Allen had already taken the plated soba out to the living room on a tray prior to Shouto coming home, but had gotten distracted before actually setting it out with his own failed attempt at tea. While Shouto sets up he busies himself with that, being rejoined by Timcanpy in the process who had taken a quiet place in the background while they caught up.
This time, the cut of the noodles even looks mostly even if still a little too thick and probably are a bit tough. He's getting better at it—at least when he's really focusing—and the dipping sauce is impeccable because if there's one thing he knows, it's taste. Though his idea of setting a table is limited to simply that their plates are there and in the correct spot and there are chopsticks set to the side. (Allen is actually quite adept, and has been for a long time.)
Tim helps though; of course he does. Nosing at a plate until he thinks it's centered on some sort of invisible grid that only Timcanpy knows. ]
no subject
They work in unison. Side-by-side. Absorbed in their own tasks, at least for his part. Unlike Tim, Kizu is absent as she has been lately. Shouto hasn't noticed when he can feel her, pulsing with life inside of him. She's started to wander on her own more, further and further away, learning to track. It's given her a different presence when she makes herself known. More focused, less playful.
When he's done, he passes Allen a cup and sets down a small bowl of sugar near him. Despite his outward appearance, he's not a stickler for tradition. He takes what he likes and discards what he doesn't, reserving his judgment of others based on what they do, not how they do it.
He settles down with his own cup, watching Allen from behind it before his eyes drift to his omen. ]
How do you say Tim's name?
no subject
Truth be told Allen is a touch distracted; he likes to watch Shouto and the flicker of flame at his periphery snags it fully and settles on his hands as he works. Just in a quietly curious, reflective manner he tends to get whenever he uses his quirk so easily and normally for everyday things. Though maybe it's also for the almost melodic way that he moves when he's doing this.
Lenalee was always so elegant and precise when she made tea too. Perhaps that's part of being very good at tea—or something shared by those who like to brew it. ]
Eh? [ He blinks slightly at that and looks up from, yes, his fourth spoonful of sugar he's ladled into his cup. Tim looks up directly at Shouto too, like that surprised him a little as well, though he grins widely a moment later as if approving of the question. It takes Allen a moment, unsure what he means, until he recalls.
Ah. That first time in the catacombs. ]
You mean 'Timcanpy'?
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He nods at the question, focused on the way his mouth moves. ]
Can you repeat it?
Slower this time.
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Eyes brightening quietly at the realization, Allen gives a nod and draws his ankles up to sit and face Shouto in a more attentive manner; quite serious. Tim shuffles a bit on the table, watching them both, and seems excited by the turn of events. ]
Tim—caahn—pee. [ yep. said so straight-faced. ]
no subject
Tim-kon-pee.
[ No… that doesn’t sound the same. A second try. Slower this time. ]
Tim-cahm—
[ Backtracks. ]
Tim-cahn-pee.
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...Then again, most people he knew didn't struggle with it, but that's besides the point. Or actually—makes it that much more meaningful. It's very endearing. ]
Mn! [ There's a sparkle in his eyes when he gets it though, and Timcanpy signals success by wagging his wings repeatedly in a pleased manner. Allen gives a small singular clap. ] Like that!
[ His smile gentles though the sparkle remains, warm with intrigue, and Timcanpy takes flight to drift near Shouto. Circling around him in a very inquisitive manner. ]
What made you want to learn it all of a sudden?
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Tim-canpee.
[ He looks at Tim, the sound of his voice growing stronger; surer. ]
Timcanpee.
[ Is that better? He asks without uttering a word, eyes focused on Tim with the sort of single-minded focus that's familiar to anyone who's watched him long enough. ]
Timcanpe.
[ Do you think it's okay. ]
Timcanpy.
[ If I use... ]
Timcanpy.
[ Your given name? ]
Timcanpy.
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