swellter | INBOX for deercountry

[ 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. ]

Do you have a brush?

Edited 2022-12-05 02:34 (UTC)

[ Saying that so easily--

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?

Edited 2022-12-05 13:42 (UTC)

[ 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.

[ Speaking of which: ]

We should eat before it gets cold.

[ You-- ]

[ 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 nerve. ]

Edited 2022-12-06 19:47 (UTC)

[ 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. ]

Should I set the table?

Edited 2022-12-08 02:58 (UTC)

[ 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.

He always does. ]

Edited 2022-12-08 04:25 (UTC)

[ 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. ]

Edited 2022-12-08 04:43 (UTC)

[ 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. ]

Edited 2022-12-08 05:23 (UTC)

[ 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. ]

Edited 2022-12-08 06:14 (UTC)

[ 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. ]

How do you say Tim's name?

Edited 2022-12-08 07:07 (UTC)

[ 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.

Ah. That first time in the catacombs. ]

You mean 'Timcanpy'?

[ 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. ]

Can you repeat it?

Slower this time.

Edited 2022-12-08 07:40 (UTC)

[ 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. ]

Tim—caahn—pee. [ yep. said so straight-faced. ]

[ Names have meaning and it wasn’t until recently that he felt the urge to know his. ]

Tim-kon-pee.

[ No… that doesn’t sound the same. A second try. Slower this time. ]

Tim-cahm—

[ Backtracks. ]

Tim-cahn-pee.

[ 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. ]

What made you want to learn it all of a sudden?

[ 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. ]

Timcanpe.

[ Do you think it's okay. ]

Timcanpy.

[ If I use... ]

Timcanpy.

[ Your given name? ]

Timcanpy.

Edited 2022-12-09 03:30 (UTC)

[ Oh...

By the third attempt, Allen's expression just becomes so... quiet. Amazed, really, in an understated and awe-touched manner where he realizes something important is happening even if he doesn't really fully understand what that is. Timcanpy does too, pausing to hover directly in front of Shouto as he continues to sound out his name. Again and again. He locks eyes with him, even if the little golem has none that are visible, but he manages to make the impression of doing so very seriously. With a somber kind of intensity, like he's peering straight through into Shouto to see what he's actually saying.

Allen's speechless, honestly, just in watching the two of them and how it plays out. Hands cupped around a mug of tea he's forgotten about, a part of him has to wonder just why--

--why is this so endearing...?

With the final and smoothest pronunciation of his name, Tim holds his unblinking stare for a long, measured moment. Like he's evaluating Shouto and weighing the true measure of his soul. Very serious, very solemn... until he dips forward. Very lightly, soft as a butterfly in a breeze—

And headbutts Shouto's cheek very lightly, his body oddly warm and just a touch squishy. Like a happy dog asking for pets. ]

Edited 2022-12-09 03:50 (UTC)

[ Shouto holds his imaginary gaze pressing on with his venture. He's not afraid of the reception his attempt might receive, he's afraid of not attempting it in the first place. Of never knowing the form of his name.

Timcanpy...

He leans forward with his hands clasped in front of him looking less of a hero and more his age. His shoulders grow tense as he faces off against Tim's measured gaze.

What do you see?

He feels the urge to touch him. Just once. And his nails dig into the inside of his palms to contain himself, but the abrupt headbutt nearly startles him. He falls forward, completely blown away by the faint flutter of butterfly wings on his cheek. In one quick hit, Timcanpy manages to bring him to a standstill, utterly and completely caught in his orbit with no idea of what to do with a stray puppy. ]

Do you... want something?

Edited 2022-12-09 04:34 (UTC)

[ It isn't just a headbutt, but a series of happy mechanical chattering sounds that he makes as he snaps his teeth together and nudges Shouto's cheek a second time. Fond and a little insistent. And Allen—

At first he's a little stunned too—even if he shouldn't be, Tim's always been gregarious and friendly with others. But for a moment that just... he blinks, feeling what's almost like a small jolt, but he catches himself quickly and pushes that aside at Shouto's confusion. Which, well--

He brings a hand up to cover his mouth lightly, a polite reflex to hide how much he's smiling at that. ]

Hold up your hands. [ He brings his own up and holds them together in front of himself to demonstrate. ] Like a platform.

[ The burst of sound has his eyes widening by a fraction. It feels like he accidentally set off an avalanche without a single ounce of remorse for it. He leans forward, awed by the little nudge against his cheek.

Do you want me to...

Allen fills in the blank and Shouto turns in his direction, a hint of reluctance in his eyes. Not at the idea but at the notion that he's allowed to. Deep in his heart, where his omen watches everything unfold, Shouto feels a rare form of nerves take hold of him. ]

Are you sure?

[ He questions, only moving his hand as directed when Allen answers in the affirmative. Then, slow as a new bloom, he brings his hands together before turning them 90 degrees so one hand is on top, creating a flat platform. ]

Like this?

[ Mismatched eyes seek Allen out, looking to him for instruction. For permission. ]

Edited 2022-12-09 05:13 (UTC)

I'm sure. [ Completely so, and he answers easily and warmly because of it.

Maybe it's because he still views Timcanpy as Timcanpy, as his beloved other half who's always been with him since he was a small child, instead of an omen. But then, even if he was fully swayed he would still answer the same. Not just because of his own trust and feelings, but: ]

Tim wants you to.

[ Just that. It really is just that simple.

Shouto's not holding his hands entirely like Allen does, he cups his together more, and he about to gently point that out—when Tim dips down and lands on his palm as delicately as a bird.

Just like that. Blatantly, without a shred of reservation and like it's just so obvious he should, and as easily as if Shouto were Allen. Not batting an eyelash if he even had one. He's oddly solid for something so small, a full grapefruit-sized handful, and settles his full weight in while he looks up expectantly at Shouto.

Golden and bright as a tiny sun, his mouth splits open finally in an ear-to-ear (if he had them) smile. Entirely delighted with himself and with Shouto, and his long tail swishes back and forth as contentedly as a cat's. ]

Edited 2022-12-09 05:30 (UTC)

[ Timcanpy zips down in front of him, a ribbon of light. Shouto follows the flicker across his hand a moment before he feels the steady weight landing on his hand without hesitation. Daring like an alley cat, he grins up at him swathed in golden light that seems to extend forever.

Shouto finds the comparison fascinating and is easily swept up in his momentum leaving him utterly awestruck. His mouth makes a perfectly rounded 'Oh'.

Cause and effect.

Any reluctance he felt before goes out the window as he's hit with the with the urge to pet him. Just once.

Unable to look away, and struck by the very real weight of him, heavier than he ever imagined when he moved with such grace through the air, Shouto struggles to find the words to convey himself. ]

Can I...

[ Tim wants you to. ]

Can I touch him?

Edited 2022-12-09 06:47 (UTC)

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