[ Allen usually sleeps in without much disturbance from the other two in the morning. Kanda, who wakes up early to meditate, and Link, to cook or study or both, both have their routines, while Allen’s is “hope I don’t wake up with eyebags” and work out. He has a “routine” in the sense he does the same shit in the morning, but it’s never on the same time. The boy is plagued with nightmares, he’s lucky to be sleeping at all.
One morning, though, Allen gets up with his two friends. He greets them with a sleepy greeting as Kanda leaves to meditate downstairs, and Link is changing his top. It’s not unusual — Allen and him have shared a room for quite a while now. It’s funny, though. Today of all days, he sees… is that… in Link’s chest…?
Allen stands from his bed immediately, stepping towards Link before he’s able to finish putting on his shirt. ]
[Link is an early riser, as Allen well knows. He's a morning person, so he doesn't typically have problems getting up...but like any normal human person, he's a bit eepy first thing in the morning. He's still trying to pry his eyes fully open as he changes pretty much on autopilot, picking up his shirt to put on...only for Allen calling his name to give him reason to pause.
He doesn't realize what he's staring at, so he just turns to look at him like ?]
[ He confirms it pretty immediately. That Innocence’d stained mark. But it’s different this time, there’s scarring. It’s not like it is with Kanda’s or Lenalee’s or… hell, even his own. Even though he knows that’s the Innocence mark, Allen still raises his hand and lines up the marks, pressing his red hand against Link’s chest. Perhaps under any other circumstance, Allen would recognize the inherent intimacy of such an action.
Given the way his face pales like he’s seen a ghost, he isn’t thinking about that right now.
He pulls his hand away with a hitch of his breath as frantic eyes go from the scarring to the floor to the wall. Never up. Never to Link’s face. He cannot bear to look at his eyes now. ]
Y-… [ He finally utters a single sound, but it stops, while Allen struggles to find the things to say among the chaos in his head. ] This is where he tried to kill you…
[ It’s no wonder people were so easy to believe Link died, with a wound like that. And it’s one thing, isn’t it? To be told Link died. He had stared at Kanda like he’d been lying, like he couldn’t believe it. It’s another to… see it. It might not have happened right in front of him, but it’s not hard, like this, for Allen’s imagination to fill in the blanks.
As someone who’s had his heart damaged by one Tyki of the Noah, he knows it’s a pain unimaginably devastating. ]
Before he can really stop Allen, he feels his hand reach out to touch his chest, palm resting perfectly over the cross scar on his flesh. It really does match up with his own mark of Innocence, yet for Link it means something different...but it's weirdly similar at the same time. It was imparted to each of them by the same being, after all.
Because yes. Had intervention not taken place, and had Link not had Atuuda, he would have died. That grave wouldn't have just been a farce to make people think he'd passed away that day to later go on a cross-country undercover mission to protect the Fourteenth.
And he can tell, immediately, that Allen is taking the blame entirely on himself.]
Allen, look at me. [He's not going to force him, but like. Yk.] If you came back, Apocryphos would have killed us both, and possibly even more people that got in his way. I made a choice, even if my memory of it was tampered with.
[His gaze narrows, eyes falling half closed.]
You made the right decision. The only decision you could have. Do not blame yourself for this.
The exclamation is quick, very obvious that the static-y mess that Allen calls his thoughts aren't working right now. No thinking, only instinct. And instinctively? Well, Allen's a fucking mess. ]
Tim's fast enough, he could've saved you, too! You- you could've died! You basically did! A-and now you have something that hurts you when you heal people, and-
[ He chokes a moment on his next words. Or maybe it's on a sob. It's hard to tell. He knows there's tears that currently sting at his eyes. This feels like a joke. "You're just like Kanda," he wants to say. Just like him. So willing to risk himself, and for what? For someone like Allen? Why? What did he ever do to deserve something like that? Why are all of his friends so willing to risk themselves for him?
Why does he feel so helpless...? ]
...You know I care about you, don't you? Then why would you risk yourself? If you're dead, I won't see you again, you prick...!
[He doesn't understand why sometimes, though. Not when Link has proven himself to have an agenda that doesn't necessarily align with Allen's wellbeing. He'd been honest with him, after all. He's to protect the Fourteenth...and Allen just so happens to be housing him, right now.]
But can you tell me, in all honesty, that you wouldn't have done the same thing if you were in my shoes? Or worse?
[Allen...is a hypocrite here, and they both know that. Allen is quite often risking his own life for others, and would do so without hesitation for someone he just met.]
My duty has always been to protect you. To stay at your side. If I had turned and fled like a coward back then, I couldn't have lived with myself. I would have been abandoning you along with my own principles, and that is something I cannot abide.
It wouldn't have been a life I would have wanted to live.
...You know I'm not as selfless as others say, Link. I put that on display when we were at Zoogle, didn't I? [ Granted, at the time, Allen did not know 1) that there was a cure that shortened the life of the person who bestowed it, and 2) Link would try to use Atuuda even knowing that Allen just took A Death Sentence in fruit form. ]
Besides, it was never your duty to "protect" me. Just to watch. Your protection became something you decided on. Even now, there's no need for you to! I'm not the Fourteenth!
...
But we're friends. And I get it. I want to protect my friends, too. But I haven't done anything for you to be so bloody reckless! So...
[ He's just staring at the scar now, with such a genuine sadness in his eyes that it seems like it'll bury that natural sparkle it has normally. But then, suddenly, he looks back up at Link, and like flipping a switch, there's a fiery determination in it's place. ]
Don't do anything like that again, okay? I'd rather you have a life to live, okay?? Okay??? I have to see you tomorrow! And all of the tomorrows after that!
[Link's lips part to respond- to retort, maybe- but what Allen says to him catches him off guard in a way he's not expecting. Or, perhaps more accurately...his own reaction to it surprises him.
Allen wants him to live, this desperately. He would easily believe him to say this to anyone, even someone he just met, but still. Something about the declaration causes his heart to feel tight in his chest, as if he were trying to summon Atuuda despite his magic not working as it should.
He takes a slow breath, pulling on his shirt finally.]
I have no intention of letting anything like that happen again.
[But...he can't promise Allen that he wouldn't try to save him, if he were in dire straights. He used Atuuda to keep him alive once before...he knows without even thinking about it that he'd do it again.]
Allen takes his hands, and after a moment of being surprised by the sudden contact, his expression relaxes as he gives his hands a gentle squeeze back.]
[ "Allen". It's... strange. How light he feels suddenly, whenever Link calls him that instead of "Walker". "Walker" was never corrected, because he didn't mind it (Looking at you, "Beansprout"). But it felt... purposeful.
Allen's pause is not because he's hesitating, but rather because he's trying to scan Link's face for answers he cannot see. He is not Kanda, and he is not Link. He isn't good at picking up on intentions like they are. Perhaps this is why they both think him gullible? ]
Then believe me when I say I will do what I can to make sure it never happens again. Just as much as I trust you to try to do the same. You might get yourself into more trouble than any person I have ever met, but your will is incredibly strong.
[And...he still has confidence in Allen that he will overcome Nea's influence, somehow.
He will keep living as Allen, no matter what has been foretold. He...won't be erased.
... [ Allen reaches up and pinches Link's nose, huffing as he does. ] Since when did you try sounding so bloody wise, huh?
[ He. He might be pouting, just a little, but he lets go of Link soon after to flop his head against Link's chest with a sigh. (Why are these boys so tall?) (When does Allens get talls....) ]
Alright! Then I'm holding you to it! And if you do anything like that ever again, I'm never forgiving you, understood??
Allen pinches his nose, and Link flusters over it the same way he did the last time Allen did this, yet it's happened and over within seconds, leaving him reeling as he lays his head against his chest instead.
Wah. Bwuh. Hello-]
I...I understand.
[Then, just as Allen's head touches his chest, Link's body suddenly glows ever so slightly, and in a swirl of energy around him, Atuuda floats through the air manifesting somewhere from Link's body, "swimming" around both of them before he stops to lay his head on top of Allen's head.
Link is at a bit of a loss, with Allen leaning on him like this. It's a bit...unprofessional. Uncouth, perhaps. But this is also Allen Walker. He Does these things.
He's not inclined to make him move.]
It's alright. It's still early enough. You can...stay a moment, if you would like.
[Atuuda rumbles. Shhh. You will wake the baby. Meanwhile, Link is kindof stuck for a moment, unsure what to do.
…
In the end, he remains standing like this for a good five minutes, just letting him nap. Maybe it’s even ten. Only then will he gently shake him, trying to help him stand upright.]
We- ahem. We should get ready for the day. Don’t you want breakfast?
[ That has like, eggs in it, right? That’s probably fine, then. Maybe he can convince Link to make some sausage with it, though. He really just wants meat always— ]
[Breakfast time. :) Link rolls up his sleeves and gestures for Tim and Atuuda to follow them to the kitchen, thankful that Allen seems to be in higher spirits from something so simple.
He just has to hope that nothing happens to jeopardize it. Surely they won’t die here.
Uh, well, obviously he taught me how to fight! And, I guess by proxy, I also learned how to play poker from him? I'm also really good at budgeting now. And how to balance a checkbook! Oh, and how to find a good mark!! Oh and - wait, you're not like a cop anymore so it's okay if I'm honest, right? I know how to cheat with taxes.
Don't tell anyone, though! I promise it's not by a lot!
That's why I said "like" a cop! I know you're not proper the fuzz.
So how do we do this? Do we start with the toasting part? I can do that alright. It usually comes out a little crispy, though, and I don't think the French would like that.
Link shakes his head, putting on his apron before going to the fridge to grab the eggs, milk, and butter.]
You don't toast it in a traditional sense. French toast is made by taking thick pieces of bread and dredging them in a milk and egg mixture, then frying them in a pan. Sometimes I like to add a bit of cinnamon to the mixture as well, but usually I'll leave it off so people can add it to their own taste.
[ Allen practically sparkles at him with that realization. If he's being honest, part of the reason he struggles so much with breaking eggs is it's hard to be gentle with his Innocence hand. Especially with something as so finicky as an egg can be. If he could just use his human hand, that would make it easier.
It's bold of Link to teach him something like that without covering the egg-cracking basics, though. Allen doesn't seem to mind. ]
Alright then. We need to crack quite a few eggs to make enough toast for everyone, so let's get started, shall we? We'll start out with learning to crack an egg normally without getting the shells in, and go from there.
[ Allen nods, taking an egg, and then he starts to tap his red hand's nails against the shell. He does this a few times until they inevitably make a dent, to which Allen just... shoves a finger in. He holds the egg over the bowl and just attempts to rip the shell open with his thumb, using the hole as a point of contact.
It... works. Sort of. There's some shell in the egg from where he pushed his finger in to make the hole, but ultimately the separating of the shell went off without a hitch. ]
[Hm. Not bad…but also not good, either. Link sees the problem immediately though, as this is a mistake he used to make.]
You don’t want to use your nail or the edge of a bowl or table to crack the egg. That pushes the shell inside and makes it more likely to come out with the egg.
[He picks up another egg and demonstrates by giving it a careful tap on the flat part of the counter until it cracks, then using both hands to carefully pull the shell halves apart.]
You can also use one of your egg shells to scoop any dropped shell. It’s easier than using a fork or a spoon since the shell wants to stick to the membrane.
[ Allen is taking notes. He is nodding. He takes a second egg and does as Link instructs, and while making sure his touch stays featherlight with his red hand, he's able to crack the egg basically perfectly. No shells, and although this doesn't matter for French toast, even the yolk is intact.
There's a moment where Allen stares into the bowl, astonished. He leans over it a moment to double check it for shells, and upon confirming that all the shells in the bowl are from his prior attempt, he looks at Link and just... beams.
[ He’s the best at cracking eggs. He is so confident because he can totally do this how much harder is cracking it in one hand, really, and besides doing it without his Innocence will surely make it easier and—
Anyway, the egg basically crunches in his hand. After his initial dent in the egg, he tries to force it open there, but he somehow manages to open the ends of the egg before the crack he made and his fingers slip into the egg in the process. His hand is covered in slimy egg goo now. There is no salvaging this. ]
[Ah…Link sighs through his nose and picks up a nearby towel to wipe Allen’s hand, grabbing another bowl to toss the egg shells in.]
It’s difficult. Requires a lot of careful pressure so you don’t break the egg before you’re ready. Would you say you have better control over your right or left hand?
Sure… you’re more disciplined with your hands, though. I’m kinda just… brutish, I guess? For lack of a better word. [ Though, to be fair, one of them does turn into a literal weapon, so it’s hard not to be “brutish”. ]
I’m uh. What’s the word? Amy… Amber… Am bet…? Uh. Both handed! I can use them both as well as the other. The issue is — [ Allen knocks his Innocence against the countertop, and it sounds like Allen is bonking a rock against it. ] — Goes cock-up if I try being gentle with this ‘un.
[He may not have Innocence, but he knows its power. He’s felt it. He wouldn’t begrudge Allen for not being able to do anything delicate with that hand, but…he does think it’s possible.
He takes one more egg and puts it in Allen’s red hand, and then steps over so he’s not quite beside him, but not fully behind him either. With Allen’s hand around the egg, he fits his own hand around the back of Allen’s, placing his fingers in the right position over the shell so he can guide Allen’s hand.
Then he starts to apply pressure to the egg, and by extension, Allen’s hand.]
This way you can feel just the amount of pressure I’m using. Just use your thumb for leverage once you’ve made a crack, and then-
[The egg splits, and Link uses Allen’s fingers to gently pull the shell halves apart.]
It’s easy for him to be led, both because the Critters are still on his head and he doesn’t want to disturb them much, but also just because he does genuinely want to learn. There is something about link being so close with his hand over Allen’s that’s just a tad overwhelming. Were this intentional, Allen may have lied his head back on Link and batted his lashes teasingly at Link — but the thing is that Link isn’t doing this intentionally. He is just like this. So Allen flusters, keeping his gaze ahead and hoping his ears aren’t nearly as red as he cheeks.
“Weren’t you just touching his chest earlier?” That was different. That was valid worry. This? They’re cracking eggs and Link’s fingers feel so soft against the roughness of his Innocence and he feels like he’s going to blow up. There’s a difference. ]
Your hands… are real warm, you know. [ Your Innocence is just cold, babe. ]
[ Let him pull his gloves off with your teeth, bird boy aaAAAAAAAAAA ]
Goodness, no. It's my hand is always sort of cool to touch. But it isn't unpleasant, it just makes warmer things so much more noticeable on me.
[ Allen leans back here, looking fully up to see Link as the top of his head bops against Link's chest, then he lifts both arms over his head to place both hands on Link's cheeks.
And then he squishes them to make his lips puckered. ]
[Don't do this to him you'll turn him gay quicker.
Link blinks, looking down at Allen as he leans back with his head against his chest...only to stiffen when Allen suddenly smooshes his hands against his cheeks as he does.]
[ He clears his throat, and reaches for another egg.
He doesn't drop this one. He also doesn't crack it amazingly??? He does the technique that Link showed him well enough, but the execution just kind of goes poorly. The egg ends up in the bowl, but there's shell bits in there. ]
[ Tim is crunching. He seems to be having a delightful time- ]
Of course! We'll have to make some food for Kanda. Otherwise, he's going to turn into a bowl of soba noodles, I think.
[ Allen mentions this offhandedly as he grabs another egg, throwing his hand up and bringing it down to crack the egg against the counter. But when he brings his hand down, there's no egg???? Where did the egg go? Did he forget to grab an egg? His ADHD would do that, he thinks? Did he put it down?????????? Somewhere?
He looks around, until he realizes there's just... yolk. Right on Link's cheek.
Link stands there motionless as the egg and shells slide down his face, because Allen very much just lost the egg on the backswing and threw it into his face. He blinks a few times as the yolk slowly drips off him and plops onto the floor.
Good Lord they're making such a mess.]
A...little less force, next time.
[He says with an alarming amount of patience as he grabs the same cloth from before to wipe egg off his face.]
[And they can always get more eggs, it's all gucci. Link decides to not interfere, wanting Allen to have the rest of the eggs to see if he can break one one-handed at least one time.]
Remember, break the egg gently on a flat surface. Then, press your thumb against the bottom edge of the crack and pull the halves apart, using your other fingers for leverage. It should come open with enough force without any shells getting in the bowl.
[ Allen grabs the carton of eggs from the side where the eggs are not. This is a mistake because gravity exists. He just watches as the carton flops from his hand and splatters the last two eggs on the floor.
[And just like that, they had no eggs left. To be fair, a LOT of them made it into the bowl- plenty for breakfast- and Tim is making sure they don't have a mess to clean up, but...oops.
Link purses his lips as he closes the carton and sets it aside, bending down to pat Allen on the back.]
...that's alright. We can get some more eggs after breakfast. If you don't mind having more eggs for dinner, I can show you how to make a Quiche and we can practice the technique some more.
[ Great news! Allen doesn't suck with this. It's hard to fuck up bacon. The pan does eventually spit at him when the Grease becomes an issue, but Allen has the sense to move it off the burner before flipping the bacon so he doesn't burn himself.
Unfortunately, the stove is covered in spittle of grease from where the pan spits it out, but, uh, such is life. ]
Link finishes mixing the eggs, then gestures to the bread once Allen finishes with the bacon.]
Alright, take a piece and dip each side well into the eggs. Don't let it get too soggy, but make sure it's in the mixture long enough to get saturated. Turn on another pan and brown them on both sides.
[ Again, he does as instructed, looking to Link occasionally as if to say “like this?” When he plops the toast into a new pan, he’s practically just staring at it. ]
How will I know when to flip it? Does it get smaller, like the bacon?
[Link shakes his head, picking up a spatula so he can show him.]
While the egg cooks, it will start to brown on the bottom. You can lift up the edges gently to check. Once it's browned, but not burned, you flip. Give it about the same amount of time on the other side and it should be done.
Egg cooks fast, so be careful not to forget and let it burn.
But it's so... floppy from the egg mixture. It's a little hard to put the spatula under it. Why can't the French just put beans on their toast and call it good?
Well, beans on toast is a completely different dish...
[Link shakes his head a little, taking the spatula for a moment so he can show Allen what he means.]
You don't need to check it right away. Give it a minute or two, then nudge the edges with the spatula to see if the bread has gotten a little hard. Usually by then it's good to flip.
[ …!!!!!!!!!! Allen looks to Link with practically all the stars in his eyes. ]
How did you do that??? [ Gestures to the pan, before he takes the plate of food. He’s going to get a fork, at least, before he pigs out. ] Without the flipper? [ Spatula. ]
[He sidesteps a little so Allen can take the pan.]
You want to tilt the pan and let the bread slide to the edge. Then you just use your wrist to bump the pan and cause the toast to flip. You want to use a rocking motion with the pan, and not too hard or you’ll have toast on the ceiling.
[ Excitedly, Allen grabs the pan. He steadies his hands on the handle and pokes his tongue out in that way that says he’s concentrating real hard. He gently tries to flip the toast with a little flip of his wrist. To his credit, he does not get hot butter everywhere, or on either of them.
He does, however, manage to get French toast stuck on the nearby wall.
[ Allen is using Timcanpy to replay his conversation with Kanda, basically over and over until he can get a grasp of everything he did wrong and make a mental note of it. He's buried in his bed with the blankets all kicked off and hanging over the edge.
He closes Tim's mouth the moment Link enters, though, and lulls his head to the side to look at him. ]
Link. What do you think about this place? Our situation and such? I feel as though... you don't talk much about your opinions.
[By this point, Link has poured over every piece of information that's available that he can. Reading back years worth of writings in the notebooks, putting tabs on pages and dogearing even more to make sure he doesn't lose the important parts. While he wouldn't call himself an expert, he feels more confident now knowing he has a better grasp of what's going on. The situation with Suri, the Gods and Goddesses that preside over this world, and the inadvertent role they play in all of it.
Allen is right in that he hasn't had much opportunity to speak on it, less because he's felt like he can't, and more because it just didn't present itself. When he isn't cooking, he's studying. Reading, going through the archives, talking to people. The one thing he hasn't done yet is try to explore the forest on a deeper level, which he's already decided not to do unless he can get both Allen and Kanda to come with him. It seems a difficult task anyway without the proper item to help you along, which he hasn't purchased yet, so...it's a work in progress.
In the meantime...Link hasn't been completely unaware of what his roommates have been going through. He's not sure if they'd intended their conversations to be private, exactly (not that he's been intentionally listening in), but they often get so loud that it's hard not to overhear. He hasn't heard everything, but...some snippets have come through. It's strange, because he wouldn't be the first to claim Allen and Kanda are close (not in the same way Allen and Johnny are, surely), but at the same time the two are butting heads like brothers near constantly. He's stayed in the same room with Allen for months, meanwhile, and their altercations have typically been a lot fewer and further between...not in the least due to the fact Kanda has a temper on him, but they're all in a stressful situation. It just makes sense that emotions are running high.
He doesn't know what he should be doing, but he certainly feels like it isn't enough.
He walks in with one of his notebooks tucked under his arm, not the netbook but a blank one he's been writing his own notes and thoughts in. He pauses as Allen addresses him, frowning just slightly as he sets the book down on the bedside table before having a seat at the foot of the bed.]
It's been as difficult as anything else to comprehend, but I feel confident saying that you, Kanda, and myself were not singled out for the purpose of being brought here as I initially feared. This world's situation is divorced from the Holy War as far as I've been able to tell. There has been no record of mention of Akuma here, though it's not uncommon for this settlement to be overrun by monsters not unlike them.
[He takes a slow breath.]
Furthermore, judging by accounts from both past and present residents, time doesn't pass normally back home as it does here. If we were to wake up back in our world tomorrow, I think we would come to find that it would be as if we'd just fallen asleep for the night. We can take some solace in knowing that the War will not progress in our absence, for better or worse.
[ At least they didn't bring up the kiss while here. Then again, both of them have the intelligence to NOT talk about that in the house with Link. They know, they're aware--
Allen sighs in relief, leaning his head back into the pillow and letting out a sigh of relief that almost visibly makes him relax for the first time in... fuck, years, probably- ]
That is good news. A huge weight off my shoulder, in fact. It means we don't have to feel bad that we're not rushing in to fight that forest entity.
[ Timcanpy turns around from Allen's stomach and flies up to land on Link's head. Hello, he is here :) ]
But I didn't mean about new information, you know. I meant your opinion, as a whole. What your thoughts are, not just your observations.
[Oh, hi Tim. Link will let him sit there as always, crossing his legs and looking down into his lap as he tries to come up with a better answer.]
It's clear this place is dangerous. We just haven't been here long enough to see it yet. I think we might get a better sense of how dangerous once we canvass the Forest.
[And inevitably like. Die about it probably.]
And I'm still unsure what to make of this world's past, and the idea that we have always been intrinsically linked to it.
[He folds his arms, eyes falling closed.]
...however. Strange as it may be...I wholeheartedly believe we are safer here than back in our world. At least here, we are universes away from the Noah, the Earl, Apocryphos...
It's unsurprising to hear how much Link has thought about things, and even more unsurprising that he's tied a lot of his opinions to fact and refused to untether the two. Even now, he starts to spout more fact at Allen... until he says that. That they're safer here. That they've been afforded a blessing. What Allen hears is... realistically, what he was oh-so selfishly hoping to hear from Link for some time. He shouldn't have wanted it, shouldn't have been waiting, shouldn't have tried to pull it out of Link, but it is hard not to, when he so desperately wanted to hear it from him.
"I want to be here for you, not Nea."
It isn't those words exactly, but it's what Allen hears. He picks himself up to sit up on the bed, scooting so he's sitting next to Link on the bed. His smile is... calm? No, something else. It carries the weight of someone who's putting together just how much someone cares for him. It's a smile he's worn a few times lately. How foolish he is to not have seen it before. How foolish he is to not realize he means something so deep to his friends. He doesn't quite understand why. He feels he has not earned such affection, such love. All the same, his heart feels so... warm.
He gently puts his head against Link's shoulder. ] I see.
...Thank you for sharing. [ Allen isn't sure he wholly agrees. After all, he's well aware that people suffered quite a lot here. But, he can see where Link is coming from. More than anything, he's happy to hear Link talk about it, unfettered from any biases for once. ] I can agree somewhat... you seem a little happier, you know. Maybe it's just because we're not in such high stress situations at the moment, but it's nice to get to see you relaxed. I didn't think Howard Link would have an off switch, haha~
[Link is definitely not aware that Allen is seeing directly through him, but...he isn't wrong. Link has been struggling with the two parts of himself for the last half-year or so that Allen has been on the run. One half, the half that is devoted to Central, has a duty given to him by his Commander to protect and ally with the Fourteenth by whatever means necessary...to be prepared to give up his life for him. The other half...just as prepared to give everything, but not for Nea.
For Allen. Allen Walker. Allen, who he desperately- selfishly- hopes can find his way to freedom. He isn't sure how possible it is, for him to pull his own identity out of the mire Nea is creating inside of him, but he has to hope that if anyone could find a way, it would be Allen.
Link looks at Allen out of the corner of his eye as he lays his head on his shoulder, the smallest hint of a smile pulling at his lips.]
I wouldn't call myself relaxed, per-say...but we have had the chance to rest more than I think we have in a long while.
[It helps to not literally be constantly moving so you aren't spotted or captured but you know. This calm before the storm will not last.]
I guess that's true! I feel like I've slept more the past few days than I have in months! [ Haha! Wow! What a funny and silly thing to joke about and not at all wildly concerning, Allen! ]
We've already discussed before, when I couldn't meditate, right? My brain doesn't shut up, so I've got a lot of feelings about a lot of things. We might be here a while if you're not more specific. [ He laughs, picking up his head so he can face Link proper. ] But if you're talking about right this instant, what feeling is at the forefront? I'm happy now. To hear you talking about this, and... just knowing I have you here with me at all is comforting.
[Because...he feels like Allen hasn't been happy for a long time. Not truly. He's been through so much, and he's not really had a second to breathe or process any of it. That's come through with the way he's been having those constant nightmares.]
Right now is good enough. But...if there is anything you want, or feel like you need to talk about, I will listen.
Well, that's a two way street, you know, Link! So you gotta say you're okay with it, too, okay? I know I'm not near as good of a listener as you are, but I promise I know how to shut up long enough to let someone finish talking about what's on their mind. I promise!
... [ Sigh. He slumps back to flop against the bed again. ] I don't think it's something to talk about. I'm just rubbish at talking to Kanda. Right when I'm sure I have things down, I go and blow it. That's all.
It's none of my business. I shouldn't have said anything. That's all.
[He wasn't going to push Allen to talk about it, or anything...but, yeah. He's heard enough to know that Allen and Kanda are having problems. Link unfolds his arms, letting his palms rest at either side of himself on the mattress.]
I don't think it's entirely your fault. Kanda isn't the easiest person to talk to, you know that.
[Link-]
Even with the best laid intentions, he could have taken something you said completely differently than how you meant it.
I feel you may be biased here, Link. I know you two don't really get along...
You didn't hear it from me, okay? Timcanpy showed it to you, [ Tim makes a small noise of acknowledgement, but clearly doesn't mind taking blame for anything. Not like Kanda would do anything to him, right?? ] buuut... he told me that the reason why he was okay with leaving to go back to the Order and leave me with you is... because he can tell you care. And because of that, he trusts you.
...
At least in matters that regard me. Maybe not in general, haha...
[It's not that he doesn't believe Allen, but...he feels like he isn't going to believe that unless he hears it from Kanda himself, and Kanda would probably sooner leap from a bridge. But to tell Allen something like that in confidence does make Link wonder. Did he say that just to spare Allen's feelings? Or because it was of necessity at the time?]
Anything we say here stays between us. You have my word.
[...]
I don't blame him for not trusting me, generally. I've made my intentions very clear, and on the outset I'm sure it seems I only have the interests of Central in mind.
[Which isn't true, but also isn't...NOT true.]
But even so...my goal is to make sure you're safe. I feel like we see eye-to-eye in that regard.
...Yeah, that's true. You're both pretty protective sometimes. It gets on my nerves a little. I wish you'd be more careful with yourselves.
[ He sits back up. ] I'm sure you're aware of his distrust of CROWs as a whole, though. He hasn't been particularly quiet about that. So it's not like he has a personal grudge against you or anything like that.
As for me... I think we're just too different. Kanda needs someone... who matches his tempo a little better. I think I get on his nerves because I'm so... like I am, I guess.
[Oh yes, he's very aware. He may not be privy to the sorts of memories that Allen was able to see, but he doesn't need to be. The CROWs, the Order...he has valid reasons to distrust them all.
Hell, if Link weren't the watchdog of Central, he and Kanda would be seeing perfectly eye-to-eye, wouldn't they? He doesn't stop thinking about the Thirds, after all. They occupy his mind almost every moment.
He pauses, looking at where Allen is laying flat on the bed.]
I would like for you blokes to get along. At least a little, while we’re here. I know that requires more effort on his part than yours, but… if you could… try not to be provoked by him…?
…
I know that’s a tall ask. I also fall easily to his provoking.
I have nothing against him, even if I know we don't always see eye-to-eye. And we've at least managed to co-exist so far. I'd be willing to talk to him, if you think he would.
I don't know if he would, is the issue. I'm also having problems talking to him, in case all the yelling today wasn't clear.
But you're also smarter than me and... you don't say dumb shit that makes people upset. So I just think you'd have an easier time. [ If only Johnny were here... He really was the glue keeping this idiots in line. ] I just think... we gotta try to make sure we cooperate and... uh...
[ Once again, Allen sits up, full of energy that seems to flick like a switch. It's the ADHD- ]
But then again, I guess you and I haven't butt heads in a while! Aside from the... uh, fruit thing, but... that was a valid response, and I probably would've done the same.
Did you get used to me, Link? Hehe, grow on you like a weed, did I?
... I want Kanda to stay here. Once we solve the problem, once we're able to go back to our world. He... I opened the Ark to send him away, and he could've... stayed away. He could've lived his life, but he didn't. He came back. And so long as he's around me, he's going to be fighting, and making his... regeneration worse. I know it's not my decision at the end of the day, and that it's up to him, but this place... this place has so much for him that would make it easy for him to stay. God isn't here. He doesn't have to stress his regeneration.
[ There's a LOT more reasons, too, but Allen has the sense to not talk about them. All except the one that triggered the argument, at least. He looks up at Timcanpy. ]
And... if the dead can be brought back... I told him if he stays, he might be able to have that life with Alma he didn't get to have. I shouldn't have brought that up, but it's something I keep thinking about - and realistically, it's something he should be prepared for. I saw pictures of Alma in Miss Lily's photobook, which means... his soul is bound here, too.
Link...lifts a hand and brings it to his face, pressing his thumb and forefinger into the bridge of his nose for a moment.]
I understand where you are coming from, but I highly doubt that Kanda hadn't already been thinking of that possibility. Maybe even...dreading the fact it could be true.
[Like. He obviously is missing some vital context here, other than the fact that Alma meant...everything, to Kanda. It's no wonder he got upset, when Allen suggested that.]
Are you aware that this world does not necessarily keep its occupants permanently? There is a chance- not a high one, but it isn't zero- that we may wake up back home one morning with no rhyme or reason? It's happened to many past residents, even if they shared some sort of past life here.
[He doesn't need to say this, but he decides to anyway, just to make the point extra clear.]
Can you imagine what it would do, if Kanda were to carve out a new life here...only for it to be suddenly taken away?
You have to stop and ask yourself why Kanda decided to come back in the first place.
N... no, I wasn't... aware of that. [ How could he be? He hadn't been privy to most of the notebook thus far, until Link told him. Allen didn't think this place was perfect. Far from. But it's still a whole Hell of a lot better than home, isn't it.
This news does make two shaky hands reach up to gently pull Timcanpy from Link's head and gently squeeze him against Allen. Does that mean Tim might disappear before Allen can say his good-byes a second time? But... but he was really hoping that it wouldn't come to that. Does that mean he might losing Link or Kanda out of nowhere, too?
... Fuck. ]
I know. I know I messed things up. I know, I know, I know. I- ugh! I just... I just want my friends to be safe, Link! Every bloody day it feels like that is a more and more unachievable goal!
I'm not telling you this to make you feel guilty. I just wanted you to have all of the facts.
[And...giving Allen false hope just to make him happy isn't how Link operates. He doesn't think Allen would want that either.]
This world is...unpredictable, and still full of unknowns. That's why I want to do our own reconnaissance just in case something may have been missed. But I do agree that this world is much safer than the one we came from.
[ For perhaps the millionth time Link has been here, he's getting attacked with one of Allen's full weight hugs. He lets go of Tim, who's a bit confused by Allen's sudden shift in mood and opts to sploot on his shoulder in some attempt to be comforting, and then just throws his arms around him. Unpredictable, full of unknowns - that stuff Allen is used to. Especially recently, the path ahead has always been unknown. He puts one foot in front of the other blindly, not knowing if one of these steps will not find purchase on ground.
The thing is, though, that since things have been going to Hell for Allen... Link has been there. Sure, he was assigned to Allen after there was speculation about his relationship with the Noahs, so it was never truly his choice, but it doesn't change anything from Allen's perspective. He was always there, and despite early on having their quarrels and Allen getting frustrated with him, he cared. He still does. Even when Allen thought he was dead, per Kanda's reveal, he learned also... he was here. Watching from a distance, sure, but still there.
So, the thought put into Allen's skull that he can just be taken away on a whim suddenly has him afraid. He squeezes Link tight, in a way that very much reads as "don't go", even though he knows Link doesn't have that intention. ]
N-no I know you're not. I appreciate it, I... I also... [ Beat. ] You said you'd come look for me, though...! S-so I'm holding you to that! You're... you're staying here with me, right?
[Link isn't prepared for the sudden hug. As such, he lets out a soft oof as Allen practically collides with his chest, arms wrapped around him tightly in a much different way than before. This kind of embrace reads as clearly afraid...afraid that Link might disappear if he were to let go.
For a moment, Link is silent. He just breathes slowly as Allen clutches him like a lifeline, face buried into his chest. He feels a wave of guilt wash over him ever so briefly, knowing that what he just told Allen was a very hard truth to have to swallow. It's not like he wants to randomly teleport back home either...all he knows is that's what he'd learned.
He can't promise Allen he'll stay, because he'd be lying if one day he happened to wake up elsewhere. But...
After a beat of silence, Link decides to carefully return Allen's embrace, hugging him gently to his chest.]
I have no intention of going anywhere. I can't leave if I'm to guard and protect you with my life, can I?
I don't want that, either!!! [ Link! Listen with those ears of yours! He knows you're good at that, so why is this one thing not sticking?! ] I want you here! I want to do this alongside you! I don't need you to risk your life for me, why can't we just work to survive together??
[ Probably because you do reckless shit all the time, Allen. Granted, at least when it came to Apocryphos, that was not Allen's fault. Still... ]
I don't... I don't need to be protected. I just need to not be alone, that's it. And- and you...
[ He knows that it's unfair to make Link promise such things. It's outside of their control, after all. And that lack of agency over their life... it's... grating on Allen. Just for once, they should be able to choose something. For fucking once. If Allen gets to choose one thing, would it not be to have those he cares about at his side? He wishes Johnny and Lavi were here as well, but... as it is... at least he isn't alone. But if Kanda, Tim and Link do leave?
Oh, he thinks what little he has left of his sanity may leave him.
It's hard to even think about what happened earlier today. That stupid kiss with Kanda, that dumb fight - all just lost to Allen's desperate need to keep these boys at his side. He does really have to talk to Kanda after this. If for no other reason to make sure he knows that Kanda is important to him, and he does want Kanda to do this with him. Ugh. He doesn't even know how he's going to bring this news up to him...
He shivers a bit, trying to hold back tears as he keeps his head buried. ]
I'm sorry. [ That his this fragile. That he's been reckless enough that Link feels the need to protect him with his life. That he's making him promise things he can't. The list goes on. ] Thank you.
[He just wishes he had better answers for Allen. He wishes not everything had to be bad news. This boy deserves to catch a fucking break for once in his life.
He gives Allen another squeeze, especially as he can tell that he's struggling not to cry.]
We are going to figure this out, one way or another. Together.
[ He feels like he does have to apologize, though! Please accept his apology because he doesn't know how else to go about this. Link and Kanda both might be the death of him, actually.
Today has been... maybe "emotionally draining" doesn't even begin to cover it. Today has been a fucking siphon for emotions. He's tired and upset and it's not even sundown yet. He has to stay up, and he has to go talk to Kanda and he has to somehow let Link know that he'll be okay and that he's just Going Through It right now and ?????
He is comforted by the embrace, at the very least. And maybe he could take a very small nap before he goes to talk to Kanda? Oh, but first, thanking Link. Right. Together. They can do this together. They'll figure things out and get home and save Lavi and be with Johnny again and things will work out. They'll do it together!
He picks up his head a moment, and then very gently presses a little peck to Link's cheek, giving a little sniff after as his head drops again into his shoulder. ]
[While they were sitting in silence, Link had been wracking his brain, trying to think of some way to cheer Allen up. Maybe he could cook him something? Like a pie...or a casserole? Something just for Allen and nobody else. Maybe-
...
He freezes, his breath hitching when Allen suddenly lifts his head and kisses Link on the cheek, an action that causes him to completely forget everything he was just thinking. He effectively bluescreens, staring into space as his heart leaps into his throat. It pounds deafeningly between his ears, leaving him utterly unable to do...really anything but sit there and process what just happened.
Wh. Wuh.
Did Allen just...?]
I- ...
[Link clears his throat and looks at Timcanpy, eyes wide like saucers as if the Golem might be able to tell him what's happening.]
Er. Would...would you like me to make you something...?
[ Timcanpy does not know. Timcanpy is just Timcanpy. He does float to Link's shoulder instead of Allen's when Allen pulls away from him so he can flop on the bed again and hug his pillow as he now has new information to process. His brain has been going about 400 miles a minute with chatter that's so hard to keep up with. He doesn't notice the shift in Link's tone, or the way his heartbeat picks up.
He just curls in bed bed and speaks muffled into his pillow now. ] If you don't mind. I could really use some food... Something warm and... home-y, I guess. Can you do that? I know that's a weird request.
[As Tim floats onto his shoulder, Link carefully gets up to his feet as Allen lays down with the pillow in his arms instead. Something warm and home-y...he can do that.
He hesitates at the bedside for just a moment, watching Allen where he's got his face hidden into the pillow. He can't see him as he approaches, so...
It's easier for Link to reach out and ever-so-briefly brush Allen's bangs off his forehead.]
It isn't weird at all. I'll be back in a half hour, okay?
[From there the sound of his footsteps leaving the room can be heard, and he and Tim will be absent for a while. When he returns, it's to the tune of something savory in a bowl on a tray.]
This is Kartoffelklöße.
[He explains as he sets the tray in reach.]
Potato dumplings with sausage and cabbage, with sauteed onions and a mushroom sauce.
[ Allen may or may not have fallen asleep briefly in Link's absence. Perhaps unsurprisingly. He does wake up incredibly easily to the smell of food. He practically sits up right immediately, sparkles in his eyes. ]
Smells bloody amazing~! I don't think I can repeat that word, though... [ Oh, you Germans... He is immediately grabbing for at least two of the dumplings, though. One for each hand. He takes a bite out of one and immediately looks like he'd been told literally all of his problems went away. The boy just... really loves food. ]
Your cooking, Link... it's so good I could cry, you know.
[He's sitting on the edge of the bed again while Allen eats, glad to see that he's hit the mark for something home-y. It was the first thing he thought of, given that it's one of his favorites from childhood.]
I appreciate the compliment. No crying though, you won't be able to eat properly if you're crying.
[He says this as he grunts and lifts up a pot with a ladle inside onto the end table next to the bed.
Oops, looks like he brought the entire pot up so Allen can just have seconds or thirds if he'd like.]
[ Fantastic news about how much Allen puts away! It helps that Allen works out first thing when he wakes up. The boys have to put up with Allen doing his routine in the living room - but it isn't like they all don't have their own. Staying in shape is important, after all. (Couldn't be me---)
Anyway, Allen has turned into a black hole that only potato dumplings can satisfy. Thank you for your service, Link. ]
I awm weernin ho' wo way are ow o' ar'en so we'ww hawe suswanawle veggies, woo. (Translation: I am learning how to take care of the garden, so we'll have sustainable veggies, too.)
[ Allen, stop trying to talk with your mouth full. ]
[It takes Link a minute to translate, but he manages. He's lived with Allen long enough that it's not hard for him to do, though he does wish he wouldn't talk with his mouth full...]
I'm glad to hear that. I also had the thought that I might want to see if acquiring two chickens would possibly be an option...if we could have our own eggs, we wouldn't have to worry about purchasing them anymore.
It's not your fault. The next time I go to pick up groceries, I'll ask what they suggest.
[He'll pick up a dumpling carefully now that they're cooled off enough to easily touch and offer it to Tim, flat in his palm like he's feeding a horse.]
Well, no...it's probably a bit uncomfortable, but laying eggs is perfectly normal for chickens. They often lay multiple every day, so if you had even just a half dozen chickens, you'd have more eggs daily than you could eat.
[Spoons more dumplings into Allen's bowl as he explains.]
Well, yes and no. It's only like birth in the sense that the chicken is laying an egg, as opposed to having a bowel movement. But for chickens, the two may as well be one and the same. They do both from the same place, so while it's briefly more uncomfortable for them, it's about as natural of a process as going to the bathroom.
[I'm. So sorry Link is like this, you're trying to eat-]
[ Bold of you to assume this deters Allen from eating. Absolutely not, he's putting another dumpling in his mouth and with his mouth full goes: ] Wow.
[ He ponders the chickens for a moment before he looks over at Link, swallowing. ] Did you own chickens at one point, Link? I can't picture you as a farm boy...!
...Did you teach yourself to read, Link? [ Because, well, he does recall Link saying he was orphaned. He can't imagine there's very good schooling for kids who live on the streets. Allen didn't go to school, either, so it isn't like he has a lot of room to speak. ]
[ Allen eats another dumpling contemplatively. That makes more sense, actually. He was also taught... some... but because he was sent off on missions, he didn't really get to do a ton of learning. He wonders what it was like to actually grow up under them. Especially at Central, where things seemed a lot more strict, and far less cozy.
...
He reaches over and sets a hand on top of Link's head. ] ...I was going to go to the beach tomorrow to set up an Ark gateway there. You should come with me! We can explore that together! [ And maybe. Maybe Link can have a little bit of fun and relaxation. ]
Ah, apparently the beach is really the only other place that’s safely explorable? But it’s a few days out, so… I thought if I could make that travel time shorter for the residents here, that might be useful?
[ Allen laughs, bright and light like - that usual laugh of his that he forgot he even had. It's been a while, hasn't it? ]
Is that all it takes with you? Geez, had I known, I would've pestered you for it ages ago. Oi, so you'll call me by my first name from now on, too, right?
Boo! Ugh, you and Kanda both, huh?? Whatever, I'll just have to annoy you with a nickname someday. I'm sure some of Lavi's nicknaming skills might've rubbed off on me.
[ Because you asked him to call you Link!!!! He hasn't called Kanda "Yu" even once! But he likes his name, too! Allen is just a Very Good Boy and respects people's boundaries!!!!!!!! ]
Li? Li is cute, too. Oh, but if it's too weird, I can keep calling you Link! Sorry, I don't want you to feel like you have to grant me special name permissions or something - I was mostly teasing you about that.
You're still you to me, no matter what I call you!
You're alright! So long as I can see you're trying, that's good enough for me. Besides, I have full faith in you! You're always so diligent with the things you do!
[ And, for what it's worth, Allen's heart also has the flutters when Link says his name like that. He knows it's silly to be so embarrassed by such a small thing, but... ]
But I will if you do. And you'll have plenty of time to adjust! It seems, no matter where we end up, our paths keep tangling together. I am glad we get to walk it together.
[Link feels...lucky, that he met Allen the way he did, even if the circumstances have been less than ideal. Most people would detest him, hate him even, for being positioned to guard him when Allen is very much smart enough to know that Link's job has been to keep an eye on him as much as protect him. Too watch for signs of the Fourteenth on Central's command. But now...
Well. They're friends. And Link doesn't have very many of those.]
Not bribery. Just consider it a little incentive, mm? The more you learn, the more I get to use you as my taste-tester for all of my new recipes. Doesn't that sound fair?
I just think that I was very hands-on with learning stuff, is all. Paperwork and memorizing stuff is... harder, I think? I'm not good at it. I know there's really not a better way to learn literacy, though.
[ Allen didn’t think about putting two seats in Link’s study, considering Allen and Kanda likely wouldn’t be bothered with this specifically, but Allen is a little sad he didn’t now, since he doesn’t have anywhere to sit. Still, he goes up to where Link is currently researching and leans himself against the desk in lieu of sitting.
Allen has a book in his own hands, and he’s vaguely leaning over Link to see what he’s doing currently. ]
Do you have a minute?
Edited (I forgot to change his icon like a dingus ) Date: 2026-03-17 04:29 pm (UTC)
[Fortunately, extra chairs are easy enough to come by. Link would very much approve of the idea, since he’d love to see Kanda and Allen in here studying more as it is.
For now, he’s still busy making notes from the notebook on his own personal notebook (non magical), making sections for the dieties, the various phenomenons the Grove has experienced, and more. He’ll pause and put his pen down inside to mark his place when Allen approaches, nodding.]
Of course. What do you need?
[He’s writing a section about the moon shards, currently.]
A couple of things. For starters, since this is the easiest to get out of the way…
[ Allen pulls out a sheet of paper from the book. He’d been doing his own studying, though specifically of the townsfolk. He puts the paper down for Link to see. He has a whole list of names and roughly where they live in town. Each with identifying descriptions to tell them apart besides name. A few are written in red ink, however.
[Well at least one of these names is a surprise, but he keeps that to himself for now. He taps the back of his pen against the page, looking up at Allen without lifting his head.]
Ras is friendly. I was immediately more hostile to him than he was to me.
[He sighs, brushing his fingers through his bangs.]
Thank you for this. If your eye reacts to anything else, let me know so we can document it. I have no reason to believe any one of these people are dangerous, at least not yet…but obviously you can sense that more than I can.
Yes, well… I’m hoping once everything calms down, my eye will stop activating altogether. I’m not wholly comfortable seeing everyone’s souls now, haha…
[ Except around the demons, anyway. That’s unavoidable. They still register to Allen’s eye as Akuma, after all. Allen does at least cross out the previous statement to write “amiable” next to Ras’ name. ]
I get the feeling a lot of them are just as keen to fix this situation with the forest. So if nothing else, being in the same boat makes them all accommodating in some respect, right?
I just… wanted to be careful. I also didn’t want you to be caught off guard by any of them, if avoidable. They’re not from our world, so…
I appreciate your forethought, Allen. You're really put a lot of thought into this.
[He inclines his head in thanks, sitting back in his chair a little with one leg crossed over the other. Fruit.]
I think it is safe to say that the Akuma cannot reach this place, at the very least. If we do see anything like an Akuma, it's not like the ones we know from the Earl.
[ Allen folds his hands together, twisting his thumbs around one another as he talks. ]
I haven't really... I only really know what little I've bothered to ask about. So I know about Heaven, and I know about Hell, and I thought I knew about God, but lately, obviously, I've had some... uh, changes... in opinion there...
[ Once again, he doesn't really want to wane Link's faith any. He doesn't think he can do worse than what Apocryphos did, anyway, but if he can help Link reestablish at least a little bit of it, he thinks maybe Link would appreciate it, just a little?
Even if that meant it would make their relationship more strained... At the end of the day, though, Allen just wants Link to be happy.
But, first, he has questions that need answered- ]
I keep thinking about the people who... who've gotten upset with me about how I handle the Akuma. They're right to be angry at them. Of course they are. The Akuma have killed so many innocent people.
Link adjusts his hands in his lap, watching Allen carefully as he talks. Yes, they've both...experienced some things, and have had some revelations that have thrown their respective faith in to question. Link in particular has been struggling with himself mentally, not just with his faith, but with his whole...purpose for existing?
Yeah.
His expression becomes solemn as Allen continues on, and for a moment it seems like he isn't going to say anything at all.]
And so have the Order.
[He replies simply.]
At what point is it our place to judge, when none of us are truly innocent in this war?
[Another pause follows with Link exhaling a slow sigh through his nose.]
I was orphaned as a child. I never knew my parents, but as I grew older I just assumed I must have lost them to the Akuma. Most of the other children on the streets like us had lost theirs the exact same way. It's difficult not to think sometimes about how our lives may have been if the Akuma didn't exist.
[Every single one of them would be different. There's really no point in speculating like that, but even so...]
...I despise the Akuma. But not for what they are. It's for what they've been created to do. They are abominations that should not exist, period. You have a unique perspective into their souls that most of us cannot see and are, perhaps, grateful we cannot. It makes it easier to divorce ourselves from what we're actually doing.
...I've become reliant on it, to a point. [ He reaches up, rubbing the lines of the scar under his eye. ] You weren't around, but there was a time briefly, it was healing, and I couldn't use this eye. It made me... so aware that I didn't... have an intuition for these sorts of things. I blindly trusted people for so long because I had blatant visuals of those I shouldn't.
So when I lost that, I questioned myself, I questioned everyone, and there was a brief time I thought that without my eye, I couldn't love humanity.
[ He pulls his hand away, setting them both in his lap again. ]
...And maybe that's the real curse? Whatever the case... I... don't want to see any kind of suffering. Be that the souls of the Akuma, or... you, or anyone else.
I know you don't. It's because you're a good person.
[Link drops his head back against his chair for a moment, eyes closing.]
You want to see the good in everyone, right? And you believe that humanity is inherently good.
[The way Link says that...kiiindof suggests he may not think the same way, but given how he was raised, it would make sense.]
I don't think that's necessarily a bad thing. If hope were to die, we would lose the war and life would cease to exist as we know it. I think you're in a unique position, in that you can see both sides.
Oh, I wouldn’t go that far, love. A “good person” doesn’t immediately lose his love for people if he can’t see if they’re infernal or not at a glance.
[ He tries to laugh it off, like it’s just a silly joke, and not something that seriously weighs on him. ]
Unfortunately, it seems I’m in the unique position to see the perspectives of a lot. Only side I can’t see is God’s, and that’s the one I feel I need most…
[Link doesn't really want to think about a world where Allen isn't good, but he understands where he's coming from nonetheless. It's definitely not a silly haha, he gets it.
Mm.]
I have. I've often prayed for guidance, or for God to guide our hands in our work.
[ He begins, but shuts up immediately after, like he’s unsure of what he wants to ask. There’s a lot Link probably thinks about him right now, being both so uncomfortably close to divinity due to Apocryphos’ meddling, yet also so uneducated in faith. He flexes his hand, opening and closing it into a fist as he thinks. ]
Do you think there’s a world where God didn’t want this? Where ‘the Heart’ got out of hand, even for Him?
[Link is silent for a long few moments, and it's hard to tell whether he can't come up with an answer, or...if he's not sure it's responsible to even answer a question like that. Even if it's speculation, or just giving his own opinion...why give Allen false hope?]
Yes. I do.
[He pauses again, then looks out the window as he continues.]
There are some people who believe that prayer will answer all things. That God will provide you with the answers, and the healing...but that isn't how God works.
I believe that God will provide you with the tools you need. The opportunity. The ability. But he isn't one to just give the solution. He...
[...]
It's up to us, humanity, to take what we are given and make the kind of world we want to live in. The problem is that we are...flawed, and the road to Hell is paved with good intentions. The Order is a perfect example of just that. This idea that we must sacrifice so much for a better tomorrow.
I can't claim to know what God's plan for the Heart is. All I do know is that we cannot control the pieces that have been left for us to deal with from thousands of years ago. The best we can do is pick them up, and try to put them together.
[ … All Allen can think there is something along the lines of “then he shouldn’t have given us his Will”.
But he doesn’t. For Link’s sake. He just puts on a small smile. ]
…Sorry, I know that isn’t a fun line of conversation. I appreciate you indulging me, anyway. It isn’t like we get a lot of time to talk about stuff like this back home.
[ Well, yeah. The divine is supposed to be hard to understand, and as such, makes "faith" really hard. It's hard to believe in "just trust me, bro", y'know??? Of course, Allen just laughs. ]
No way, I wouldn't say that. There's still plenty of stuff to believe! [ Allen knows that isn't what Link meant, but he's trying to fix the mood a bit. ] For starters, I believe in you!
I... I am a little sad you last trust in me briefly, but I understand why it happened. [ Tokusa and the other Thirds... they're important to Link. More than that, he feels responsible for how they turned out. And Allen is well aware of this much, which is why he doesn't press it more than that. ] But I think we've ended up patching any valleys we've had with spectacular peaks, personally.
It's not my ability to forgive here that has made me believe in you, Link. I'm really not as forgiving as you think. [ You are, but go off, Allen. ] It's just... you care a lot. And I admire that about you.
So of course I'm going to forgive someone with a heart like yours.
Shoulda said so sooner~ I would've stopped ages ago if you promised me more food.
[ He kicks his legs as he laughs. ]
I jest, of course. Would make anyone proper blind if the only good thing they saw about you was your food. Especially when you smile like that! That might be your real number one trait.
[ The worst part is that Allen isn't even trying to flirt here. If he was, it'd be so much thicker. He'd probably try to sit on the arm of his chair and everything. But... he wants to respect Link's boundaries. Specifically, he... would feel right awful if Link started calling him homophobic slurs all because he has feelings for the guy. He just... wants to keep this closeness. Even if it's never romantic, he's happy to have Link's friendship.
And he's so scared of losing that. ]
Who's the one looking out for me all this time? Yet you're calling me "too nice"? Jeez...
Anyway, don't thank me for something like that. Comes free bein' friends with me~. But... more than that... I just wanna make sure you know I appreciate you. I worry sometimes I don't tell my friends that enough. And... ah... it always feels like it's not enough, if I'm being honest.
[Well, he certainly has it in spades right now. Honestly, it's strange, but...Link feels like he and Allen have only gotten closer since coming here. They haven't had the war to deal with, or the Akuma...or even Nea's influence gumming up the works.
They can just. Be. Get to know one another on a deeper level at a slower pace, in a way that never really felt possible before.]
I understand what you mean. It never feels like there's enough time or opportunity for that sort of thing. Not like we have here.
[It's like he said before. They've been afforded time.]
[ Allen rubs his thumbs together around in circles as he stares off to the books on the wall. ] Even... that, though... It's all very... [ He pauses, trying to find the right word. Mundane? Domestic? Normal??? He doesn't know what word to use here that best fits. He doesn't think there truly is a word that encapsulates Allen's feelings of something seemingly dull, but homey and normal and not... Hellish.
He just let's that sentence die there, then. ] I think I have to do some patrolling more regularly. Fight those beasts that wander into the Grove sometimes. That might set my head straight.
Fortunately, I’m not looking for thanks. Their safety is enough, and I’m sure they’re used to the guardians’ protection.
Until then, I’ll have to adjust my work out routine. You and Kanda could join me for that, too! Though, I’m trying to adjust mine to not use my Innocence’d arm. The less I can rely on that, the better.
If you think it might help, I can show you how I do my own training routine. Without Innocence, I've had to adapt to my own style of fighting between spells and hand-to-hand, so I think you might find some differences in the way I handle training as well.
[And, you know. You gotta be regular with it if you want tits like his-]
…I’m still not really good with my claymore. Evident by how often Kanda kicks my ass. But… I think… that’s because those are supposed to be two handed weapons, normally? I tend to rely on controlling it more than wielding it.
So… something smaller could be good. I am generally better with my claws, anyway??
[Link shifts his arm, and he must tap some sort of hidden release faster than Allen can see, because the knife in his sleeve on his right hand suddenly pops out.]
I dual wield, but they’re just as effective one-handed. Lightweight and portable, and easily hidden.
Well, you wouldn’t have to right bother with that. I’d protect you if anything happened!! [ Who’s… supposed to be the bodyguard here, Allen? ] So you’re allowed to relax a little.
But if you’re willing to let me borrow one to train with occasionally, I’d like that~! Wrist-blade-thingy isn’t too far off from claws.
That would work. I just advise you to exercise extreme caution when using them. Not that I think you wouldn't, just that I know your claymore has unique properties in that it can only exorcise dark matter...
These blades, meanwhile, are happy enough to exorcise your blood from your body, no matter what you are.
Don’t worry, I know. Look, just because my sword doesn’t hurt humans, doesn’t mean you can discount Edge End. My claws still don’t work like Sword of Exorcism does, much to my dismay. If they did, I probably wouldn’t… ever use the sword?
Allen doesn't interrupt his word stumbles, grinning at him. There is a light dusting of pink to his cheeks, and Link will very likely feel his heartbeat thumping just a little faster than usually as he leans into him. Allen does eventually relent though. Even if Allen does just intend to kiss Link, he should be comfortable.
Also because there's a very real chance that Link's knees give out if he isn't sitting.
So, Allen guides him over to the bed, taking a seat first with an overdramatic flop and then pats the spot next to him. ]
You don't have to be nervous, Li. I'm still new to all this too. Even if we mess up a little, that's all part of learning, innit?
You haven’t. And you couldn’t. We could have the worst, messiest, everything-gone-wrong kiss in the world… [ Allen gently takes one of Link’s hands once again, with his Innocence, while his human hand settles against Link’s cheek, with his thumb ghosting against his bottom lip. ] …but it would mean everything to me, because it’s from you, Li.
[ He lets Link sit with that for just a moment before Allen leans in to close the space between his lips and Link’s. ]
[Why is Allen so fucking sweet? Link feels like he’s melting just from his words alone, to the point where there’s no room for nerves this time as Allen kisses him. For once he relaxes, letting the other lean against his front a little given their position on the bed.
He realizes in that moment he doesn’t know what to do with his hands. Preciously he’d just been putting them on Allen’s face, but…
It feels a little risqué- though lbr anything would for Link- but after a moment, he takes the risk and lays his hands on Allen’s hips.]
[ He is absolutely fine with the hands on his hips, thanks. The way they’re sitting is… well, not uncomfortable, but it’s definitely both of them trying to be respectful of one another, while also giving in to their desires a little. Not quite in Link’s lap, but also not quite at his “side”, for that need to be closer. And Link, hands hovering, in that clear sign of “where put???” before deciding.
It’s clumsy. It’s sweet. It’s very… them.
Allen keeps himself steadied with one hand on Link’s shoulder, the other against his cheek, and very gently brushes their lips together for a couple innocent kisses, before he finally decides to let his tongue ghost along his skin instead. Not forcing, just asking. He’ll even hear it in his head:
[Oh. That...is definitely new territory that's never been explored. In fact, it's not something Link has ever considered. He feels every fiber of his being sort of lock up with surprise both in and out, and for a moment he's frozen, unable to do anything but sit there shuddering beneath Allen's gentle touch.
He may not be able to think back for Allen to hear, but he does nod just slightly. It's quiet invitation and consent for more, even if he can't quite find his voice at the moment.]
... [ Allen pulls his lips away, tucking his hair back a bit. ] You can say no, Li.
[ I know he knows. But I am just slightly worried he'll try to please me above his own comfort...
A few more kisses are dragged along his cheek as he moves his head down and presses a very tentative one against his neck, as he waits for Link to respond. ]
[It's a double-edged sword that he can still hear Allen's thoughts, because it still feels so intrusive and invasive...yet, more than anything, it makes him want to reassure him that much more.
He shakes his head a little, his fingers tightening their grip just slightly on Allen's hips. He doesn't get the chance to reply before he kisses his neck, which elicits a soft gasp before he whispers between them:]
[ He nods, at least... satisfied with that. For now, anyway. Allen is liable to fuss at Link later, as he his still nervous. But at least right this moment, he presses his lips back against Link's. Then, carefully, he'll adjust himself so that he's sitting in Link's lap. It's a slow enough movement that Link will very easily be able to stop him from the second he's straddled. ]
[Funnily enough, his reaction is to let out a nervous laugh as Allen wiggles his way into his lap, looking at him in a way that can only be described as apologetic.]
I’m probably not the most comfortable place to sit…I apologize.
[ Allen shakes his head. ] You're plenty comfortable. If anything, I'm the comfortable seat here - but only because I'm a little smaller than you are.
[ "A little". He's much smaller than Link, both by height and stature, but he's not gonna point that out. He does have some fat thighs, though, so... uh. Have fun with that, Link. He hopes he doesn't end up putting Link's legs to sleep like this. It's... probably fine. ]
Unless that was your way of politely telling me to get off?
[It’s his turn to pause and brush a lock of hair from Allen’s eyes, though his bangs seem to want to stubbornly bounce back into place regardless. If his legs fall asleep thanks to Allen well he’ll just have to suffer because this boy ain’t going anywhere.]
[ You can blame the combination of his scruffy British hair genes, and Johnny for giving him this cut. Sorry, Link.
Allen nods a little, leaning in again and this time just focusing on kissing Link’s neck. This will get some stuttered thoughts that Allen is obviously trying not to think about. Mostly, he’s suddenly very aware of himself, what he’s doing, where he is, and despite how confident he is with his movements, his thoughts are… nervous. It’s not like he can also read Link’s thoughts. How’s he supposed to know if this is okay…?
He gently nibbles at the skin, trying to shove all the anxiety from his head and just focus on what he’s doing now. ]
[Well, there's only one way for him to know, isn't there? Maybe it's not the best idea on his part, but...
As Allen nibbles at his neck, Link gasps, shudders, and then leans forward a fraction, his temple resting against Allen's as he feels like electricity is passing its way sharply up through his spine in that moment. He gasps again, this time a short breath through his teeth, and then without thinking before he does it, he mutters:]
[ Oh damn, it's almost like Link can read his mind-- Wait.
Right.
Despite his fluster, he pushes through it to leave more rough kisses against Link's neck. He pulls back his high collared shirt, mentally noting that it's really in the way of all this. His necklace, too... maybe he should take at least that off? Surely Link wouldn't mind...? He hasn't really seen Link take it off unless it was to shower, though. And religious folk are... particular, sometimes, right?
He pulls Link's braid back instead, and just starts to undo his braid so he can start carding his hand through his hair instead. ]
[Link…is not aware of just how fucking nice it feels to have someone else play with your hair, holy shit. It isn’t until Allen is pulling his plait apart with his fingers that he’s just…struck with the sensation that causes his spine to tingle and a shaky breath to escape him, his body shifting a fraction closer to Allen’s unconsciously.
He does hear Allen’s pondering about the necklace, but for now he doesn’t bring it up. He figures it won’t become a real issue unless. Well. He’s not showing ankle yet so just jot that down. He wants to focus on the hair thing for now anyway, reaching up to take the ribbon he uses to keep his hair tied up so he can place it aside, the rest of his hair falling over his shoulders in waves the moment Allen frees it fully.]
[ Allen lifts his head and gently bumps his nose to Link’s as he generously cards his fingers through his hair. His Innocence does so a little more carefully, just so none of the strands get caught in the open joints. He hums, enthused. ]
Li… [ A pause. ] You’re so breathtaking, it’s hard to find the words to tell you how overwhelmingly beautiful you are.
[ After another soft brush of their noses, he steals another quick kiss from Link. ]
[As Allen lavishes him with attention, affection, and praise, Link feels his chest tighten with emotion. It’s not often he’s left at a complete loss for words like this, but somehow Allen manages it each and every time. His eyes shift, clearly taken aback by his words, before he finally recenters himself and bumps their foreheads together following that kiss, his thumbs brushing Allen’s hipbones.]
Since I can hear your thoughts alongside your words, I feel…it is only fair if I be honest with you, too.
[Completely honest, even if just the first few words leave him blushing so hard it looks like he might pass out.]
From the day I was first assigned to guard you, I never knew just what sort of impact you would have on my life. Though initially small, you filled each day with light, and laughter. I’d never gotten to experience such before. You…
[He looks down, then back up.]
You’re the best thing that has ever happened to me, Allen Walker.
[ Wait wait wait!!!! Hold on! The best thing that- Huh?! Just what does he mean by that?! If it weren't for Allen, he wouldn't have to get tangled up in half of the messes he's been a part of! That isn't-
[ Then he removes his hands from Link's hair and covers his face, as fruitless as that is. Between Link already seeing that he's so red he'd make the color itself jealous and also being able to hear his fragmented, flustered thoughts, covering his face is not doing anything for him.
Why does he have to go and say things like that? Why does anyone say such kind things to Allen, that mean he... means something to them more than just being a nuisance?? Allen hasn't told Link anything nearly so grandoise, and it feels like the other had truly just reached into his ribcage to seize Allen's heart. Hh...
"Light and laughter" when misery follows Allen around like an imprinted baby bird... it's bitterly laughable, and yet also so relieving to hear??
Fuck fuck fuck he shouldn't be so overcome by this. It's fine! Link is just saying how he feels! That happens when you're both busy courting one another, right?! ]
L... [ His voice is having trouble coming out suddenly, what the hell. Work with him, body!! ] I love you.
[It's easy to dwell on and overanalyze your every flaw when you are Allen Walker. Allen, who has had to come to terms with the fact that he's not even a real person in the sense that he was born on this earth and destined to have his own life to do whatever he wants with. He's always been part of someone- or something- else. He's never been given that choice. While Link's life had been similar in that he hadn't had much choice in the role he ended up playing, moreso because he feels like he owes his entire life to Central, he can't even begin to imagine the mental turmoil that Allen has to go through every day, just to rationalize his own existence.
But when given the time to think about it- really think- Link had come to that conclusion easily. Allen had caused a lot of trouble, there's no denying that. But, if he were to go back through the last few years of his life...Link can't honestly say his life would be any better without Allen in it. They'd still be fighting this war. His comrades would have still been in the situation they are now. If anything, he thinks things could have been a lot worse. Without Allen...
He doesn't really like thinking about it.
Yes, he almost died. Apocryphos came terribly close, but they'd all entered this war with the understanding that any one of them could die at any moment, and Link is confident saying that if he had died that day protecting Allen, it would have been worth it. Yes, he's still under Central's thumb by way of Lvellie. Yes, he's been given the task to ally with and guard the Fourteenth.
But here? Here...he can focus less on their duties, less on the fate of the fucking universe for once, and more on what he wants. How he feels.]
...I love you, too.
[He says it easily and without hesitation, though he does worry he's said something wrong. He's covering his face, so he can't tell from his expression...so instead, he'll remove one hand from his hip to brush his bangs away just a little.]
[ Allen quickly shakes his head and pulls his hand away. ] Y-you have no reason to apologize. You cannot control reading my thoughts, and... if you're apologizing about saying how you feel, you shouldn't. That's... what we're supposed to do!
[ Communication is important! ]
I... am just embarrassed. It's weird to hear someone... say stuff like that so genuinely.
[ He puts his hands back on Link, but this time against his sides, gently tugging on the tight fabric of his shirt. ]
I didn't even think you could love me like I do. I... was so afraid that I'd lose you if I told you how I felt.
[Allen tugs on him gently, prompting Link to reach out and gently embrace him, pulling him in close to his chest. It's a proper hug, especially with Allen already sitting straddling him as he is in his lap. His free hand cradles the back of Allen's head, and for a moment he just...sits there with him, breathing him in.]
I've loved you far longer than I even realized it was love.
[He admits, his voice a little thin because it's still a bit embarrassing to admit it aloud. It's the truth though, and he knows anything less would be a lie.]
The only way you'd get rid of me now is if I died for real, this time.
Do you have to bring up such a somber thing when I've just had my tongue in your mouth...?
[ He's pouting a little, but... he doesn't actually mind. He appreciates the confession, more than anything else. He can't help but tease Link, anyway. ]
Well, that's good, because you're going to be bloody hard pressed to get rid of me now. [ His hands are back in Link's hair, where he gives him the tiniest of tugs so that he can press his lips right against Link's once again. ]
[There's still a clear note of shyness there, but...when Allen kisses him, Link is happy to kiss him right back, melting into his touch. He's never been quite this intimate with a person before, least of all in terms of, like...honesty. He feels like a book that's been laid bare to be read cover-to-cover, and...he finds he actually doesn't mind that.
If it's Allen, it's okay.
So don't mind him if he pulls you even closer, Allen, until you're practically laying against him.]
[ Allen smiles a little against Link's lips. He'll hear in his thoughts, among the sea of other things, that he's so enthused to feel Link's heartbeat against his chest like this.
Very gently, he pushes his weight into Link, trying to coax him to lay down so that he can lay on top of him. Risqué? Maybe a little. But he wants to kiss Link breathless, and that'll be so much easier if he's laying down. ]
[Given that Allen is already practically laying on top of him? It's easily done. Link allows himself to be pushed prone, shifting a bit until he's laying back properly with Allen laying against his chest.
This is something new. Just having him in his lap was a lot, but this? If Allen liked the way his heartbeat felt against him before...]
[ Hhhh... He does like feeling it pick up, yeah. His stomach feels absolutely full of butterflies. There's a little shudder, as once again Link will feel a tongue yet against his lips.
There's a few little flickers of nerves and excitement in Allen's head. How far is he allowed to go? When should he stop? He just meant to kiss Link, but he does love him so, so much and he kind of wants to drown in it. Is he allowed to test the waters?
What if
Allen gently slides his fingers just under the hem of Link's shirt. No further. For now. ]
[…being able to hear these questions Allen is asking himself in real time is making Link Very Aware. Maybe a little too aware. It’s a double edged sword in that he kindof knows what’s coming, but also feels completely out of his element at the same time. Help.
Of course, that isn’t stopping him yet. Though his breath does audibly stutter at the way Allen’s fingers wander under his shirt, he allows it. He allows him to touch bare skin, his abs tense and hard underneath his touch because he just can’t help but be a little tense, considering.]
[ He feels him tense, and Allen figures it's more reflex then anything, but... he still pulls his fingers away and settles his hands back against Link's hips. He knows Link likely will say "it's okay" or something like that, but... still.
His lips pull away, and he gently kisses the tip of his nose before he speaks. ] ...Li?
...Can you help me take my shirt off? [ So that way it's kind of like they're moving at Link's pace. And Allen can gauge if he's actually uncomfortable or not... ]
[Perhaps it helps, the way Link looks a little surprised when Allen pulls his hands back, pulling away from the kiss. He’s moments from asking if something’s wrong (or, god forbid, he did something wrong), when Allen asks if he can take off his shirt.
He feels his face go hot as he nods, lifting himself up on his elbows just a bit to make it easier. He’s seen him shirtless countless times, and he sleeps often without it, so this isn’t abnormal or anything…so he’ll pull it carefully over his head and neatly place it aside, deciding after a moment that it probably wouldn’t be very romantic to take the time to fold it.
Then, he turns his attention back to Allen, trying his best not to stare at his myriad of scars.]
[ He moves his arms up when needed to, easily. His face is red, but his motions are ever confident. He takes Link's hand and sets it against Allen's now bare stomach, trying to convince him to explore.
"Is that better?" he asks, and Allen laughs. He's so sweet. Even now... ] Innit??
Link feels his heart literally stop for a few seconds when his hand touches Allen's bare skin, and for a moment he almost isn't sure if this is allowed...even though it very clearly is, given that Allen is the one initiating the contact. HE is placing Link's hand against his stomach, so of course it's okay. He's practically asking him to, isn't he?
He ducks his head forward just a fraction, nodding slightly as his fingers curl gently against Allen's skin. It's hard not to let his fingertips wander over the myriad of scars he has, particularly that massive one left behind by his sword.]
Are you okay, Li? You keep blushing like that, you're gonna get a nosebleed. That, or your head's gonna pop. [ Allen is flustered and embarrassed himself, of course, but he would be more so to Link's state if he didn't have a womanizer whore of a mentor-
He lets Link's hand go so he can explore on his own, using his now free hands to trace vague shapes along Link's arms. ] Don't be nervous. We can stop whenever you want to, okay?
[ Sorry for the giddy “oh he’s excited, huh?” thoughts that suddenly plague his mind. He doesn’t… outwardly tease Link, at least. Or, uh, maybe that’s not entirely true. ]
It would… but… I would rather hear you say you want me to.
He leans down and presses kisses into Link's cheek, along the red that stains his face, for a moment before he sits back up and once again finds his fingers under Link's shirt. He drags his hands up higher than just the hem this time, letting his fingers lightly drag along his skin as he pulls his shirt up. He gives a light nudge to his arms when it high enough, getting him to raise his arms so he can slide it off easily. The necklace... will be coming with it. Sorry, Link. He doesn't think to ask. He is, at least, putting it side with Allen's shirt, and letting them stay there instead of carelessly tossing them.
Allen's hand does linger against the cross on Link's chest for a few seconds, before he pulls it away and opts to just lean down to hold himself once again to Link. Chest to chest - but now completely bare, without any sort of cloth barrier keeping their skin from touching. ]
...Apologies if my thoughts are a bit much for you. [ Because he is absolutely thinking about how pretty Link is, how soft he feels, how warm he is, how much he wants to cover him with kisses, how much he wants to touch- ] I hope they're not too burdensome.
[Link can't quite explain it, but as Allen removes both his shirt and the cross pendant gifted to him by Lvellie, it leaves him feeling...more fully disconnected from Central, even though he's been away from their prying eyes in this place up until now. It still felt like he carried a piece of him wherever he went...still watching, observing. Expecting him to do his job, and do it well. Just as he had every other time before.
Now, that's been taken away, stripped literally bare. It's just the two of them, skin-to-skin, and Link feels...it feels good, he realizes.
He exhales slowly before wrapping his arms around Allen, letting both hands rest against his back.]
Not at all. I like hearing what you have to think about me...even if it is a bit embarrassing.
Then... when we managed to fix your mind reading, I'll be sure to continue to voice my affections for you~!
[ And for now, Allen can take advantage of Link's "ability" to allow himself to busy his mouth with kisses, while his thoughts do all the talking for him. They are... a little less overwhelming than usual. At least in the multiple voices regard. It may very well be because he's focused on so solely on Link right now.
Allen is happy Link trusts him enough to do something so intimate with him. He is embarrassed that they're so incredibly close. He is nervous, in general, about toeing to the next step. He is enamored with how Link looks, his hair spilling around in an adorable mess that is so unlike his usual refined look. But above all of that, he is... excited. Very much in the nervously hormonal addled way one would expect from someone with little experience with this. Regardless of knowing this vaguely because of the brothels he's had to pay money to for Cross, or even just hearing things from being around the red light district, actually doing anything is different. Especially with another man.
When his lips pulls away, he gives an angelic smile that contrasts his sinful thoughts comically. Then, after just a second where Allen wiggles to shift himself down just enough, he starts to cover Link's shoulders and collar with fresh kisses, now that he can do so freely. Once on his collarbone, he gives that a quick nibble. ]
[Hhh...being able to have these gay thoughts AND kiss him at the same is dangerous. It's SO dangerous, especially when Allen is such a chatty boy to begin with...chatty with those sinful thoughts of his.
Link's breath catches, a hand reaching up so his fingers can card through Allen's hair. He strokes through silvery locks, his eyes hooded as he looks down at him to watch as he kisses further down and ooooh oh no that was a mistake, he looks back at the ceiling again as his heart tries to leap fully from his chest in that moment.]
[ You know, Allen never thought he'd ever hear that kind of sound from Link. But goddamn is he happen he gets to. Holy fuck. It may or may not send a jolt straight to his dick, though. Which. Uh, he supposes was inevitable, with the line he was continuing to cross, but... damn.
He lets his silver eyes scan Link's face a moment, ghosting the nails of his Innocence over Link's shoulder as he contemplates things. Link certainly seems to be enjoying this. And he did tell Link to tell him to stop when he wasn't comfortable. Surely this is okay, right?
...
He continues, then, and trails kisses down from his collar to that cross-shaped scar in his chest. ]
[Allen isn't the only one feeling Some Kind of Way. But before he can really process those feelings...
He feels Allen move, carefully ducking his head down, kissing his way down his chest to the cross scar there. He feels a jolt rush through his body, as if Allen just electrocuted him, and very briefly (mortifyingly), his back completely arches off the bed, nails digging into Allen's scalp.
He gasps, and with a sudden rush of energy that can be felt between them, a wisp suddenly fades from Link's chest and swirls around both their heads, eventually coalescing into Atuuda's blobby form.
Link just kindof. Is staring, because he didn't know that could happen. It probably...can't normally, but combine Allen touching him there with Link's very strong emotional reaction, and...yeah.
Link purses his lips, stiff as a board as he looks at Atuuda, then weakly manages-]
Atuuda...can you go find Tim?
[Atuuda continues to stare like :)? for a long moment before he makes a gurgling whale sound, then floats through the door and leaves.
After a long, awkward pause, Link closes his eyes and groans.]
We'll just leave our golems out of the room next time. Not that I think they would mind, but... [ At least, for Tim, Allen would be devastated if he recorded anything intimate.
He leans his head down though, again kissing over the scar with his silver eyes back open to look at Link directly as he gently flicks his tongue against it now instead. ]
[Oh, fuck. Except Link is too proper so he thinks “Oh Lord”, but then he feels bad about that so he just mentally screams instead. Yeah that works.
Eyelashes fluttering, he drops his head against the pillow and unintentionally tugs at Allen’s hair a bit again, unsure why that part of him is as sensitive as it is. Is it because it’s a scar? Usually these places lack sensation, but not here…he can’t help it.
He huffs, then brings his other hand back down to hold onto Allen’s hip. You know, just to have something to Grip onto-]
[ The unintentional hair pulling is, at least, not berated. Rather, Allen is amused. Some mix of being enthused that Link is so excited he cannot help himself, and also a much vaguer thought of amusement that both of his boyfriends are some kind of rough with him. It's funny. They're cute.
While Allen's mouth gives the scar affection, he starts to move one of his hands over the rest of Link's chest, slightly tracing the contour of his skin, before settling against his nipple, where he thumbs against it lightly. ]
[Never in his entire life has he even fathomed the notion that he could be sensitive there. Women are, obviously, but men? They’re just not wired like that.
So why in God’s name does he make this awful, strangled noise in the back of his throat when Allen touches him there, stopped only when he snaps his mouth shut and bites down on his tongue???
Because that sure does happen, his head tilted back so he’s looking at the ceiling and avoiding Allen’s gaze again because oh god oh god what the fuck]
[ Unfortunately, looking away from Allen won’t protect him from the barrage of thoughts. The “I love Link”s to the “My cute bird”s to “I’m glad someone like me can get such pretty reactions out of Li”s all fill Allen’s head, with similar thoughts on their tail.
With that reaction, though, and without using his Innocence for any more than keeping himself propped up, he starts to trail kisses over to Link’s other bud. He drags his tongue across it the moment he reaches, before popping his lips over it to give a few testing sucks. ]
That seems to be just about enough for Allen to really open the floodgates. Meaning...Link suddenly loses all composure, if only for just a brief moment, at the drag of his tongue. The sucking.
He moans, his back arching off the bed again before he manages to clap a hand over his mouth to stifle it.]
[ For a moment, Link will hear all of Allen's thoughts stop instantly, drowning out in ambient sound. He pulls his lips off of him to look up at Link, shocked. Then, all at once, the ocean of noise comes back, full force.
Wait, don't put your hand there, I want to hear more. That sound was so pretty. That is what angels should sound like. Link, Li, my bird, my bird, my bird, my bird... Church bells have nothing on this. Please let me hear it again. I love you.
And he's reaching his Innocence up to attempt to coax Link's hand away from his mouth. Not pulling really, just gently curling around his wrist. ]
[Link has a moment to (sortof) recover, but in the end...not really. He managed to stifle the one moan, but that means nothing for the rest that are inevitably going to spill from his lips unbidden. It's embarrassing, mortifying even to hear that he's even capable of such noise...and he'd probably be even more embarrassed if he could properly pull Allen's thoughts apart, in that moment.
But one rings clearer than the rest, the most important of all.
He'll let his hand fall away at Allen's gentle urging, blonde eyelashes fluttering as he glances down at him still laying across his chest, his expression sheepish.]
Do not stifle your thrill. It's just us. [ He threads his fingers with Link now that he's pulled his hand away from his mouth. ] I want to hear it. Besides, I cannot be quiet with mine, right? It's only fair.
[ He smiles up at him, so serenely, so excitedly. Adoring in all the purest of ways, even despite the arousal he feels. ]
[He has to agree with him, there. After all, he gets to hear Allen's every thought, and even then he was still willing to be this vulnerable with him? It...it shows a very deep level of trust he has in Link, which he appreciates more than he can express.
He leans up, kissing the tip of Allen's nose.]
Just...forgive me if I do or say anything unexpected.
[Because at this point he doesn't know how his body is going to fucking react to anything-]
Forgive you? Li, I encourage. That was such a bloody lovely sound.
[ He'll steal a peck against his lips before gently pushing him back down. ]
So long as you don't go reciting scriptures at me, I'll be more than happy to hear what you have to say and do. [ And, like, even then, the only ones he'd really turn his nose up are the "don't lay with man" things. He doesn't know exactly how it reads, but he knows they're in there somewhere. ]
Would you be alright if... I finished getting us undressed?
[God no, he can't even THINK about the Bible right now. He can only hope the Lord isn't watching currently, he doesn't want to consider the possibility.
Instead, he'll try to think less about the fact that the nerves might kill him before they finish any time soon, nodding a little as he relaxes into Allen pushing him prone once more.]
[ Great! Well! Allen is going to undress himself first, because he's pretty sure if he doesn't, Link will pop like a balloon. So, he does briefly slide off the bed, for just a moment, as he undoes the buckle for his belt, and works on unbuttoning the, uhhh, interesting patchworked pants he wore for the date. The evil is being defeated. Good-bye, hell pants.
His underwear, tent pitched, don't go instantly with them, but only because Allen is faltering just a little here. He's nervous, and if his posture doesn't make that much clear, his thoughts do. He's thinking very understandable things one would think before baring themselves before their beloved. Like what if he's not attractive fully nude to Link? What if his size isn't good enough? What if he freaks out from how hard he's gotten just from all this? What if he's ashamed I'm uncut? What if, what if, what if...
He... pauses, and instead reaches for Link to start working on his pants. He'll get these, just these off. Maybe that'll encourage him enough to continue. ]
[Oh Allen, love of his life, as if YOU are the one who has anything to worry about here...
Link sits himself up on his elbows again just a little, mostly so he can get a better angle to watch Allen take off his pants. Goodbye, hell pants...and hello nearly-nude Allen, my God. He feels a nice sweat breaking out on his forehead and the back of his neck, and he's certain he must be glowing like a stuck pig right about now. Awful, how is Allen putting up with this trainwreck. At least his braid has been taken down, because it would have been disheveled to hell and back by now.
He tries (and fails) not to stare at Allen's nether regions, thinking all manner of sinful thoughts that he's abso-fucking-lutely going to have to go to confessional about later, at which point Wolfwood is going to laugh him right out of the box but anyway...not that he has much time to focus on that, because before he can do much else, Allen is taking his turn to help undress him.
And...
...
Link will help of course, lifting his hips and legs in turn to get the slacks removed until the two of them are down to their skivvies, with Link's underwear equally tented. It would put them on even ground, if it weren't for the fact that Link is...to put it simply, Fucking Hung and Fucking Hard. His length is nearly poking out of the lower edge of his briefs right now. He is Howard with a CAPITAL H.
[ Him and Kanda both being Hung Bastards is going to be the end of Allen. After all, Allen is... well, he is not small! But he is very... average. At least, in terms of length. Girth is a whole other story, which Link will discover later when Allen stuffs him like an eclair-
Still, uh, Allen makes absolutely 0 efforts to look away from Link's underwear, and the cock that's barely being contained. His face is... engulfed in red. Like, holy shit... ]
[Given the fact Allen's brain has suddenly gone blank, Link actually doesn't know what to glean from that "uh". He wants to cover his face with both hands and melt into the floor.
[ After a long bout of silent thoughts, Link is finally going to get a very irritated, Why the bloody hell am I the smallest out of us? ]
No, no, not at all. You're incredible in... ah, even this regard, Li. I was just surprised, that's all. Here, let me get this off of you, it looks uncomfortable~!
[ Yeah, fuck that earlier wanting to undress himself first. These are coming off Link right the fuck now. He does so carefully, at least, instead of just yanking them off. ]
[Oh no. He's so sorry, Allen. He's trying very hard to NOT think about what Kanda's dick must be like, because...if he's having that thought, then he's probably seen it, and okay we're veering away from that now thank you.
It looks like he's going to be totally nude first, which is fine enough. He's still plenty embarrassed, but he knows that's just going to be par the course at this point...he manages to steel his nerves and allows Allen to pull his briefs off for him, leaving him completely exposed to the elements. He quite literally springs free the second he's been released, and yeah. This man is a sight for sore eyes.
Incredibly toned (this wasn't a surprise, Allen already knew that much) with muscles etched into every square inch of skin, with the only blatant scar being the one on his chest. He has a few lighter scars along his arms here and there, but his hands seem spared thanks to his penchant for wearing gloves. Unbraided as it is, his hair cascades over his shoulders in a long golden mane, and despite the equally blonde happy trail he sports, he's quite hairless most everywhere else. All the way down to his very erect length, which is cut in contrast to Allen because, you know, Catholics and all that. He's hard as fucking diamonds, still just barely managing to resist the urge to hide himself with his hands as he glances a bit off to one side, unable to look at himself when he's flushed red and dripping.
Goodness, had I really gotten you so excited?? [ Embarrassed thoughts now a delighted sort of flustered now. He's definitely got an ego now about getting Link like this with just his few ministrations. ]
You should be proud, Li, you're beautiful! Bloody gorgeous, even.
Ah, would it feel better if you took off my trousers? I don't know... how to soothe your nerves, but if there's anything you want me to do, I will. In a heartbeat.
[And Allen’s been kissing and touching all over him, so like…it’s a lot for his brain and body to process. Also, while this man isn’t like, uneducated, do you think someone as religious as him is going around rubbing one out? It’s VERY likely he’s pent up on top of everything else.
Heavily so, if the way he shudders is anything to go by.]
[ Allen nods. He just wants Link to be comfortable, but he will eventually pull down his own trousers and put them aside. As Link has probably already picked up from Allen's thoughts, being raised by Cross, who doesn't give a fuck, and the circus, he is not circumcised. He is also not hung like Link, though he's also not small, either. Average, as it were. Maybe slightly above for someone Allen's height, but average overall.
But goddamn is the boy thicc-
It doesn't help that he has some nice thighs and hips to just make that more apparent. Like, we know where all the food he eats goes to now. He is, however, thinking that he's sorry to Link, that he doesn't have anything better to show. God, he really shouldn't be Link's first, should he? He feels like he doesn't deserve it. ]
[This isn’t the first time he’s seen the nude, male figure. Whether it be for educational purposes, or bathing mutually at the Order, but it is the first time he’s seen one intimately. Intimate…sexually aroused.
And he stares at Allen, looking him over. His torso, his hips, the way his Innocence connects to his body. His manhood.
When he does speak, his words are breathed and involuntary, completely oblivious to Allen’s inner turmoil even though he can hear it very clearly.]
You’re…beautiful.
[And he genuinely means that. He’s more beautiful like this than any woman he’s ever seen.
Allen flusters even more, somehow. His face canNOT get any hotter, surely. Else it might start melting. He is laid bare and Link calls his beautiful? Are his eyes working? Like, really! He’s covered in scars and blemishes. If he has hair at all it’s hard to tell due to his hair naturally (or… magically?) being silver. He’s fit, but relies so much on his Innocence for physical activity that he doesn’t really have prominent muscles. He’s shorter than average for men, as much as he’s loathe to admit.
Yet the word Link chose is “beautiful”??????????? ]
That… that’s supposed to be my line to you…
[ He’s embarrassed and climbing over Link because he doesn’t want to be stared at. Sorry— ]
You can’t say something like that all dreamy-like, Li. How am I supposed to respond…?
[Link is honestly very thankful that Allen chooses to take this moment to crawl over him, because it kindof hides them both and he really needs that right now before they both explode from nerves. He ends up chuckling softly as Allen comes near, reaching up not to put his hands on his hips, but instead to loop his arms around Allen’s neck. It’s a bit uncharacteristic for Link, but he’s feeling a little vulnerable right now. In a good way.]
[ Allen laughs softly, nerves spilling from him as he does. ]
Unfair, using that against me…
[ His own words!! Curses and etc.
He leans down all the same so he can lock his lips against Link, one hand keeping him held up while another traces Link’s side all the way down to his hip. ]
[Link will kiss Allen back happily, and this time since he was so insistent that he not stifle himself…Allen may discover that Link is a lot more vocal in bed than one might assume. He sighs on a pleasured sound past his lips, a hand carding up through the back of his hair. It’s easier to let himself go with Allen even if the nerves are still rattling in his chest with each breath, his body reacting strongly to every errant kiss and touch.
But since he feels like he hasn’t been doing enough, he’ll let his other hand wander down Allen’s back, settling at his hip as he presses long, slender fingers into the skin there.]
[ He isn’t getting explicit permission to continue here or anything, but… he feels Link’s hand wandering and he cannot help himself. He takes it both to mean Link is enjoying himself, along with those sounds, and also as a challenge to go further. But Allen is the type of person to play the penis game and belt out the word as loud as he can from the get go. So.
He will also be moving his hand from Link’s hip to immediately coiling fingers around his dick, thanks— ]
[He is also crying out quite abruptly when his dick is grabbed, horrified briefly by the way his body betrays him and he bucks up into Allen’s hand, his eyes screwed tightly shut as he resists the urge to cover his mouth to stifle his moans.]
Mnnf- hh- Allen…
[He has never been touched by another man please send help]
[ Hasn't been touched by another man... or woman... or... has Link even masturbated? Have the weird Catholic freaks convinced him that self-exploration is a sin and he can't do that? Oh no. Hold on, Link is probably way more pent up than Allen realizes. There's a brief thought to pull his hand away, but... no. No, no.
He doesn't really move his hand just yet, sans his fingers attempting to adjust slightly to make sure his grip is there. ]
[Link, who never in his whole life thought he’d get this far, is suddenly realizing he’s leapt into the deep end with both feet and doesn’t know how to swim. His heart has lodged itself in his throat and is firmly stuck there as he forgets how to breathe for a moment, because he has…yes, never in his life touched himself in any way that wasn’t for hygienic purposes. He doesn’t…know pleasure, not really, and any time he’d get a boner he’d just ignore it or read scripture until it went away. It was miserable and painful, but preferable to losing a hand for it.
Now, he’s being touched by someone other than himself, and the sensation is both foreign and overwhelming. He gasps, taking a moment to catch his breath before shaking his head quickly, avoiding Allen’s gaze in embarrassment.]
N. No, I just. I’m sorry, I wasn’t…expecting it to feel like…like that…
[ Were Allen more of a masochist, he might grab Zonari’s book so he could hear Link’s thoughts right now. It would be worth it. But he also thinks Link would be mad at him. He doesn’t even know where Link keeps it, so it wouldn’t be worth looking. Instead, Allen just brushes his thumb over the length for a moment, desperately wondering what Link is thinking about. ]
Like this? You know, I only just touched you.
I promise I’ll take care of you, though. You’ll let me, won’t you?
[He's not going to laugh at you, he's not going to laugh at you, he's not-]
I. I don't know...really, how to say this, but I have never masturbated before. The scriptures, as well as anyone who has ever taught me, had drilled it into me from a young age that such was a sin and wasn't to be tolerated.
[...]
I don't...I'm sorry, I'm just not sure what to expect.
...That's alright. I thought maybe... it might be something like that.
[ He presses another kiss, in hopes to comfort him, right against his forehead this time. And here, he also moves his hand. Gently, maybe a bit teasingly slow, but enough that he's definitely attempting to stroke Link's dick. ]
[A shuddering breath escapes him then, and once more his hips threaten to shift up against Allen’s hand on pure reflex. It’s a testament to just how foreign this is to him. He’s never known this feeling, not once in his life…at least, not to this degree.
This is nothing near that serious, Li... but I am glad you get to experience this with me. But... you will have to tell me what feels good for you. I'm no expert on this stuff, either.
[ He's trying very hard not to think of his One Other Experience With This because he doesn't really want to attack Link with flashes of naked Kanda. But it's really the only experience he has, so he is questioning things here. Link's inexperienced, after all, so he has to ask thinks like... does he want to be on the submissive role? It's sort of what Allen expects, but maybe it's mean of him to assume something like that??? Not to mention, does he really want to do all of that? He was so nervous to before, and quite enjoyed just the foreplay of everything, so maybe Link would just want to do all that?
He thinks Link might die if there's dick inside him, honestly.
Hm. Well, whatever, for now, handjobs for Link. Allen parts from him with a little kiss on his cheek and sits upright so he's on Link's thighs, all just to watch as he repositions his hand and begins to jerk the blond off. ]
[While Allen may be avoiding thinking about Kanda being naked, he isn’t avoiding the other worried thoughts about what he should do, or what Link might like, rolling around in his head. Unfortunately, they’re all questions Link himself isn’t in the state of mind to answer just yet, mostly because thinking about things like submission is making his head spin.
Suffice it to say, he is not the dominant one right now. Not with the way they’re positioned, and certainly not with what’s happening, but that’s honestly for the best because he wouldn’t be doing a very good job otherwise.]
U-uhnn- mmm-
[Oh he wishes he could stifle himself. The noises he makes seem deafening in the otherwise quiet room, his thighs trembling as he’s stroked. He can’t fully comprehend what this feeling is other than good, his brain firing off synapses he didn’t know existed. At the same time, precum drips liberally across Allen’s fingers, lubricating them a little for his efforts.]
[ Ggghhhh Link so pretty. Link make pretty sounds. His bird, his pretty fucking bird. Were he a more spiteful person, he might think, “Eat shit, Lvellie, his bird now.” Alas, Allen is not thinking about that man at all right now. For the the best, really. Might immediately soften him—
He is mentally drinking Link in, however. His facial expressions are all being committed to memory, so, sorry to Link if he feels akin to looking in a mirror right now. Allen cannot help it. He needs this image etched into his mind. ]
[Link glances down from the ceiling, just for a moment, and catches Allen’s gaze. He stares back into his eyes as his chest heaves, and in spite of his embarrassment he exhales on a laugh.]
R-really? I’m not exactly…nnh…doing anything…
[Other than just laying there, feeling. And boy, is he FEELING.
Now, Link isn’t stupid. He may not have ever done this, but he’s read all the textbooks and is well aware of how the human body operates. He knows the functions without having experienced it himself. It’s one thing to know, and another to know.
He’s not going to last long.
Depending on how Allen decides to take this, it’s more a matter of when than if. Every breath he takes is labored like he’s run a marathon, his eyes unable to stay open long as his hand moves.]
...Hm? "Much"? [ He's not even going that fast, and Link calls it "much"... boy must be so pent up. Poor thing. Shackled in so many ways. ]
No, I don't think so, but I suppose I'm not surprised, either. You're probably extra sensitive... [ ... Which... could be fun to play with- no no. Don't overwhelm Link, Allen. Be nice!
But it would be soooooo funnnnnnnnn!!!! ):
Ugh. He has to be good. He has to take care of Link! Take care of him and not... kill him. ]
[He suddenly slips, then he freezes, then he tips his head back and moans.]
L-Lord, forgive me...
[It's fine. The Lord isn't watching! Probably!]
Don't...don't stop. I'm...I'm getting used to it. I just...
[He doesn't know. He's having trouble stringing words together right now, nothing makes sense and everything feels so Much right now that his body is having trouble handling it all. It's in a good way, mind.]
[ Unfortunately, Allen's Clown Brain(tm) kicks on immediately, and he sees an excellent opportunity to be blasphemous funny, and he takes it. So, without missing a beat, he says: ] I don't think God can hear, but~ would it make you feel better if we prayed?
[Link, for a blessing, can hear Allen's thoughts...so he does understand that he is joking, to some extent. Otherwise he'd be completely baffled. To be fair, he still is. But even so...
He manages to resurface for a moment and looks at Allen with massive fucking eyes, his fingers pulling at the sheets underneath him for a moment. He opens his mouth to speak, but instead of actual words, all that comes out is...]
[ Whoof, tough crowd! He chuckles, stopping his hand so he can press his thumb against the head of Link's cock, using it both to rub against the sensitive skin, and also wipe away some of the precum that dribbles out of him. ]
Loosen up, love. I'm teasing you, but only because you're stressed. I don't want you to have to worry about things like that, not while I've got you this excited~
[Link relaxes a little at that, though it's hard to say if it's from what Allen says to him, or the way he's touching him, or both. Probably both.]
I'm not...I'm not worried, I promise. [Yeah and a pig flew by just now.] Sorry, it's just a bit difficult to focus...
[And for a second there he thought Allen was being serious so he was like ?????? and then his brain promptly shut down, as you do.
Instead of focusing on that, though, he lets his shoulders and head fall back again, reaching up with one hand to thread his fingers through Allen's hair again, exhaling on a sigh.]
You know, if you make it this easy to tease you, I’m tempted to keep doing it~
[ Today is the day Link dies, apparently. Alas, we knew him well.
Link is spared the torture for now, though. Allen has turned his attention to jerking him off, and he’s noting this is a lot different than doing it to himself. Firstly, he’s noting that he is thicker than both Link and Kanda. He doesn’t know if that’s a good thing or not, having not taken yet. He’d always assumed longer was better but now there’s a second thing to consider. Hm.
But also… Link is SO sensitive. His dick twitches in his hand and he’s hardly moving it that much. Part of him wants to stay slow to let him adjust, but the other wants to overwhelm Link until he can’t think anymore.
The second option persists, and Allen not only picks up the pace of his strokes, but moves his other hand to start massaging Link’s balls liberally. ]
[Link is spared the torture, yet it feels like he's being tortured all the same...in a good way, mind, but dear Lord.
He gives up trying to speak. He puts all of his faith in Allen as he touches him gently, yet with enough regular pressure to leave the other man moaning softly, his hips rocking up against Allen's hand occasionally despite his best efforts to stay still. He's started trembling by this point, thighs quivering, chest heaving as he lavishes equal attention to both his length and his balls...it's nearly too much.]
Ah- haah-
[And, boy, hopefully Kanda doesn't come home from whatever he's doing too early, because he'd hear Link moaning right through the bedroom door. He's plenty loud enough for it.]
[ Allen should not be nearly as afflicted as he is to hear his own name moaned like that. And yet, here he is, letting it send jitters down his spine that release along with a shaky sigh. Link's sounds are so goddamn beautiful, too? His voice is deeper than Allen's own, yet soft enough that Allen sort of just wants to ask him to keep talking for forever.
He supposes he's sort of always thought that way about Link, though. Sans the arguments they got in, it was why he'd strike up conversation late night when they'd share a room together. His voice is soothing, he supposes. Right now, that's a fucking curse, though, because it's making his heart race so much faster than he thinks its supposed to.
...
Fuck, and Link can still hear all that mushy stuff he was just thinking-
He tries to brush all that aside and instead just continues to focus on his hands, which start to move a bit more progressively faster, occasionally teased with the smallest squeeze. ]
[He DOES hear all that mushy stuff, and...Lord, he's realizing it's just making him that much more aroused, being privy to Allen's thoughts like this as they become intimate. Never mind this sensation he's never felt before, only getting worse and building upon itself as time progresses, like he's been tossed into the sea and is completely helpless against the waves crashing over him. Periodically his hips buck against Allen's hand, his attempts to speak becoming nonsensical sounds of pleasure until he feels...
This sense of urgency that makes his heartrate spike, and for a moment he hardly knows how to react to it. He gasps sharply, his head thrown back against the pillow underneath. One hand pulls at the sheets while the other pulls at Allen's hair accidentally, jerking his head forward as he chokes on a strangled attempt at his name that doesn't properly leave him before it's trailing off in a sound he never knew he was capable of making. It's just this...wordless moan of pleasure that shakes through his entire body as he suddenly hits his peak, spilling over Allen's hand, shooting onto his own stomach and chest, hips canting upward in a desperate attempt to keep the friction going for longer.
His vision becomes spotty, and for a moment he has this wild thought of "Oh God I am going to pass out".
[ Please don't pass out on Allen, he'll be so alarmed-
He's also a little alarmed when he gets Link to climax at all, but... he seems almost proud after he does. His hand won't stop moving, either. Not until Link finishes, at least. Only then will he pull it away with a smile that toes between genuinely smitten and coyly cheeky. He leans over Link now, leaning down to press a soft kiss against his lips. ]
[He gasps against Allen’s lips, still lost in a sea of pleasure in the aftershocks. It takes a moment for him to even remember how words work, lashes fluttering as his head falls back again, sweat glistening on his forehead.]
[ Allen laughs, shifting himself so that he can once again lay on top of Link so he can freely kiss him. Sorry for smooshing jizz between the both of you — Allen doesn’t seem to mind. ]
You should be fucking sorry. [ He teases between kisses. ] Am… I okay to keep going with you, or have I tuckered you out already?
Link, like...he's smart. He knows a lot, he's read books. He knows how the science of what his body just did works, for the most part. But it's not like he took deep courses on sex ed or anything like that (because lol Catholic).
So 1) when Allen curses, he shivers and then feels really confused about why his body reacted like that, and 2) he looks up at him a little baffled, his breath still hot against Allen's lips.]
We...can keep going?
[????? You can do more? You don't simply cum and then die?]
[ Allen looks mildly annoyed, though Link, reading Allen’s thoughts, will pick up it’s not solely his fault for this. Do my boyfriends really have to be so uninterested in getting me off, too? Is it because I’m so focused on them or what??? I know I’m not attractive, but bloody Hell… ]
Well... it depends on the person, I suppose. Those with a little less stamina might call it quits after just one. [ He twirls Link's hair around the fingers of his Innocence as he speaks. ]
But... it's not like you empty your balls out after just one go of it, you know. [ Do you have to be crass- ] I've found that I maybe... am hard to keep up with, though.
[There's a bit of a pause, as Allen says that...and given that Link can feel that little trickle of insecurity shining through, he'll respond by reaching up and gently taking Allen's face between both hands.]
...? [ Oh, no, he hadn't meant to make Link feel like he had to, or feel guilty, or anything like that. It was more so a warning, but... geez, he's really gone and biffed it now, hasn't it? Bloody hell... ] O... only if you're sure. I really am find to handle it myself, you know...
[ Wouldn't be the first time he's wanked in the bathroom! ]
But if we're going to do more, I'll need to grab some oil.
[ He lifts himself off of Link, shifting over to the chest at the end of his bed where he's kept just such a bottle. Don't worry about it. Just wait until Heimr lets him know about lube- ]
[Allen he isn't lying! He wants to do more with you you're his boyfriend now!!!
He's just...nervy. He doesn't know if he's doing anything right, but rest assured, he is absolutely enjoying himself.
He'll sit forward for a moment with his weight on his elbows as Allen gets up to grab the oil, a little perplexed as to the reasoning behind it. Is it for...putting on their skin?]
Huh? Are you implying I don't already feeling good~? The way you said my name just then had me feeling like maybe that's what religion is~.
[ He's teasing, of course. Or... maybe not. Hard to tell with this one. Anyway, he crawls back over to Link, and opens the oil to spread over his fingers. ]
[Good LORD Allen how do you manage to just say things that make his heart want to explode from his chest, seriously. He barely has much time to react to Allen teasing with his full chest that Link has affected him enough to start a whole religion about it before he starts to apply the oil to his fingers...hmm.]
Of course I do. You can do anything...I know you know what you're doing.
And, er. If there is anything I can do for you...please, let me know.
...I wouldn't go that far now. [ He knows vaguely what he's doing, of course, but he wouldn't go so far as to say he knows what he's doing, period...?? Like only in the sense he knows that he has to use oil on a guy. That's all he's got going for him.
Also that he really like that his dick is fat enough to make a tiny bump in his boyfriend's tummy(ies? plural? maybe???).
...But at least this next part, yeah, he knows how to do. Hence why he's putting his now slick fingers right back against Link's ass. ]
Just... let me know if you're uncomfortable at all. That's all I need from you.
[Link is patient while Allen lubes up his fingers and gets into position, though the coldness of the oil does cause him to jolt a little bit, his breath catching at the foreign sensation against his skin. There's a deep part of himself in the back of his mind that feels the need to put his hands somewhere while this is happening, so he'll settle with letting them rest on each of Allen's thighs, just in time for a finger to go inside of him.
Which means Allen's going to get the slightest bite of nails into his skin in response as Link's body stiffens just a little bit because wow that is a feeling he has never felt in his entire life.]
Nnh-!
[He doesn't squirm away, staying put obediently as he glances down at his front even though he can't entirely see what Allen is doing past his own cock twitching against his stomach.]
It's alright. You're doing well, love. [ The comfort and praise slips out so easily, it almost surprises Allen. He doesn't mind the feeling of nails against him - it's not like he's unused to much worse. (Or, even similar, if the faint bruises of teeth marks against his shoulders are anything to go by.) (Thanks, Kanda.) But he also knows it can feel a bit... strange.
He waits to do much more until Link's fingers relax a little, then he'll start to move his finger in further. ]
[Link nods, taking a slow, measured breath as Allen introduces his finger in deeper. He wouldn't call it painful, per-say, it's just...strange. His body is trying to reject the intrusion on instinct while he's trying his best to just relax and let him do his thing, sighing as his head turns to lay on its side against the pillow underneath his head.
Thankfully, it isn't long before his muscles ease and the tension in his body relaxes a bit, allowing for Allen to do more.]
[ Content, Allen lets out a hum as he slips another finger into Link. Realistically, he’s trying to move at Link’s pace, but it’s hard when he’s so fucking aroused now it almost hurts. He refrains from touching himself, though. He just focuses on Link. He has to make sure he’s prepped before he does anything. The last thing he’d want is to hurt him.
For now, he can take in Link’s sounds and his twitches and the way his hands feel on his thighs. Just this is enough for now. ]
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timeasmymeasure
Breaks open ur inbox with a sledgehammer
Date: 2026-03-11 04:30 am (UTC)One morning, though, Allen gets up with his two friends. He greets them with a sleepy greeting as Kanda leaves to meditate downstairs, and Link is changing his top. It’s not unusual — Allen and him have shared a room for quite a while now. It’s funny, though. Today of all days, he sees… is that… in Link’s chest…?
Allen stands from his bed immediately, stepping towards Link before he’s able to finish putting on his shirt. ]
Wait.
Link…?
no subject
Date: 2026-03-11 04:47 pm (UTC)He doesn't realize what he's staring at, so he just turns to look at him like ?]
Yes?
no subject
Date: 2026-03-11 05:23 pm (UTC)Given the way his face pales like he’s seen a ghost, he isn’t thinking about that right now.
He pulls his hand away with a hitch of his breath as frantic eyes go from the scarring to the floor to the wall. Never up. Never to Link’s face. He cannot bear to look at his eyes now. ]
Y-… [ He finally utters a single sound, but it stops, while Allen struggles to find the things to say among the chaos in his head. ] This is where he tried to kill you…
[ It’s no wonder people were so easy to believe Link died, with a wound like that. And it’s one thing, isn’t it? To be told Link died. He had stared at Kanda like he’d been lying, like he couldn’t believe it. It’s another to… see it. It might not have happened right in front of him, but it’s not hard, like this, for Allen’s imagination to fill in the blanks.
As someone who’s had his heart damaged by one Tyki of the Noah, he knows it’s a pain unimaginably devastating. ]
I. I should’ve come back for- I-I knew he-
Oh, God. I’m… I’m so sorry.
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Date: 2026-03-11 10:36 pm (UTC)Before he can really stop Allen, he feels his hand reach out to touch his chest, palm resting perfectly over the cross scar on his flesh. It really does match up with his own mark of Innocence, yet for Link it means something different...but it's weirdly similar at the same time. It was imparted to each of them by the same being, after all.
Because yes. Had intervention not taken place, and had Link not had Atuuda, he would have died. That grave wouldn't have just been a farce to make people think he'd passed away that day to later go on a cross-country undercover mission to protect the Fourteenth.
And he can tell, immediately, that Allen is taking the blame entirely on himself.]
Allen, look at me. [He's not going to force him, but like. Yk.] If you came back, Apocryphos would have killed us both, and possibly even more people that got in his way. I made a choice, even if my memory of it was tampered with.
[His gaze narrows, eyes falling half closed.]
You made the right decision. The only decision you could have. Do not blame yourself for this.
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Date: 2026-03-11 11:04 pm (UTC)[
Or maybe left Tyki behind at least.The exclamation is quick, very obvious that the static-y mess that Allen calls his thoughts aren't working right now. No thinking, only instinct. And instinctively? Well, Allen's a fucking mess. ]
Tim's fast enough, he could've saved you, too! You- you could've died! You basically did! A-and now you have something that hurts you when you heal people, and-
[ He chokes a moment on his next words. Or maybe it's on a sob. It's hard to tell. He knows there's tears that currently sting at his eyes. This feels like a joke. "You're just like Kanda," he wants to say. Just like him. So willing to risk himself, and for what? For someone like Allen? Why? What did he ever do to deserve something like that? Why are all of his friends so willing to risk themselves for him?
Why does he feel so helpless...? ]
...You know I care about you, don't you? Then why would you risk yourself? If you're dead, I won't see you again, you prick...!
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Date: 2026-03-11 11:34 pm (UTC)[He doesn't understand why sometimes, though. Not when Link has proven himself to have an agenda that doesn't necessarily align with Allen's wellbeing. He'd been honest with him, after all. He's to protect the Fourteenth...and Allen just so happens to be housing him, right now.]
But can you tell me, in all honesty, that you wouldn't have done the same thing if you were in my shoes? Or worse?
[Allen...is a hypocrite here, and they both know that. Allen is quite often risking his own life for others, and would do so without hesitation for someone he just met.]
My duty has always been to protect you. To stay at your side. If I had turned and fled like a coward back then, I couldn't have lived with myself. I would have been abandoning you along with my own principles, and that is something I cannot abide.
It wouldn't have been a life I would have wanted to live.
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Date: 2026-03-12 12:13 am (UTC)Besides, it was never your duty to "protect" me. Just to watch. Your protection became something you decided on. Even now, there's no need for you to! I'm not the Fourteenth!
...
But we're friends. And I get it. I want to protect my friends, too. But I haven't done anything for you to be so bloody reckless! So...
[ He's just staring at the scar now, with such a genuine sadness in his eyes that it seems like it'll bury that natural sparkle it has normally. But then, suddenly, he looks back up at Link, and like flipping a switch, there's a fiery determination in it's place. ]
Don't do anything like that again, okay? I'd rather you have a life to live, okay?? Okay??? I have to see you tomorrow! And all of the tomorrows after that!
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Date: 2026-03-12 12:27 am (UTC)Allen wants him to live, this desperately. He would easily believe him to say this to anyone, even someone he just met, but still. Something about the declaration causes his heart to feel tight in his chest, as if he were trying to summon Atuuda despite his magic not working as it should.
He takes a slow breath, pulling on his shirt finally.]
I have no intention of letting anything like that happen again.
[But...he can't promise Allen that he wouldn't try to save him, if he were in dire straights. He used Atuuda to keep him alive once before...he knows without even thinking about it that he'd do it again.]
You will see me tomorrow. I promise you that.
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Date: 2026-03-12 01:22 am (UTC)He is taking Link's hands, after he is done putting his shirt on and squeezing them. ]
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Date: 2026-03-12 01:32 am (UTC)Allen takes his hands, and after a moment of being surprised by the sudden contact, his expression relaxes as he gives his hands a gentle squeeze back.]
You trust me, don't you Allen?
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Date: 2026-03-12 01:41 am (UTC)Allen's pause is not because he's hesitating, but rather because he's trying to scan Link's face for answers he cannot see. He is not Kanda, and he is not Link. He isn't good at picking up on intentions like they are. Perhaps this is why they both think him gullible? ]
Of course I do.
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Date: 2026-03-12 01:51 am (UTC)[And...he still has confidence in Allen that he will overcome Nea's influence, somehow.
He will keep living as Allen, no matter what has been foretold. He...won't be erased.
He wants to...no. Has to keep believing that.]
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Date: 2026-03-12 01:57 am (UTC)[ He. He might be pouting, just a little, but he lets go of Link soon after to flop his head against Link's chest with a sigh. (Why are these boys so tall?) (When does Allens get talls....) ]
Alright! Then I'm holding you to it! And if you do anything like that ever again, I'm never forgiving you, understood??
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Date: 2026-03-12 02:06 am (UTC)Allen pinches his nose, and Link flusters over it the same way he did the last time Allen did this, yet it's happened and over within seconds, leaving him reeling as he lays his head against his chest instead.
Wah. Bwuh. Hello-]
I...I understand.
[Then, just as Allen's head touches his chest, Link's body suddenly glows ever so slightly, and in a swirl of energy around him, Atuuda floats through the air manifesting somewhere from Link's body, "swimming" around both of them before he stops to lay his head on top of Allen's head.
Hi, Link didn't summon you-]
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Date: 2026-03-12 02:17 am (UTC)...Sorry, I won't keep you here much longer. I just...
...woke up. I don't wanna move, you're very warm. [ Allen- ]
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Date: 2026-03-12 02:24 am (UTC)Link is at a bit of a loss, with Allen leaning on him like this. It's a bit...unprofessional. Uncouth, perhaps. But this is also Allen Walker. He Does these things.
He's not inclined to make him move.]
It's alright. It's still early enough. You can...stay a moment, if you would like.
[With. Your head on his chest.
Straight men do this.]
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Date: 2026-03-12 03:10 am (UTC)Snzzz.......... ]
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Date: 2026-03-12 03:21 am (UTC)Allen…]
Oh…Walker…?
[Atuuda rumbles. Shhh. You will wake the baby. Meanwhile, Link is kindof stuck for a moment, unsure what to do.
…
In the end, he remains standing like this for a good five minutes, just letting him nap. Maybe it’s even ten. Only then will he gently shake him, trying to help him stand upright.]
We- ahem. We should get ready for the day. Don’t you want breakfast?
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Date: 2026-03-12 03:35 am (UTC)Yes! Of course!!! What are you making~? Do you need help?
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Date: 2026-03-12 04:39 pm (UTC)I was thinking I would make French toast. It’s simple- I can show you how it’s done, if you’d like.
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Date: 2026-03-12 04:52 pm (UTC)[ That has like, eggs in it, right? That’s probably fine, then. Maybe he can convince Link to make some sausage with it, though. He really just wants meat always— ]
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Date: 2026-03-12 05:01 pm (UTC)He just has to hope that nothing happens to jeopardize it. Surely they won’t die here.
Surely.]
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Date: 2026-03-12 05:17 pm (UTC)Cross never taught me how to cook, so I hope you know I don’t really know what I’m doing. I only really know how to boil water.
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Date: 2026-03-13 01:36 am (UTC)Did General Cross teach you anything...? No life skills?
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Date: 2026-03-13 01:55 am (UTC)Don't tell anyone, though! I promise it's not by a lot!
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Date: 2026-03-13 02:11 am (UTC)I'm not a cop...
[Also Cross he's fucking disappointed in you. What have you done to this boy. Link is frog-marching Allen into the kitchen now he is Teaching you.]
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Date: 2026-03-13 02:23 am (UTC)So how do we do this? Do we start with the toasting part? I can do that alright. It usually comes out a little crispy, though, and I don't think the French would like that.
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Date: 2026-03-13 02:39 am (UTC)Link shakes his head, putting on his apron before going to the fridge to grab the eggs, milk, and butter.]
You don't toast it in a traditional sense. French toast is made by taking thick pieces of bread and dredging them in a milk and egg mixture, then frying them in a pan. Sometimes I like to add a bit of cinnamon to the mixture as well, but usually I'll leave it off so people can add it to their own taste.
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Date: 2026-03-13 02:42 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2026-03-13 02:44 am (UTC)[Link picks up an egg with one hand, then just
squeezes it with his fingers and somehow breaks it open with just the one hand, letting it slide into the waiting bowl he was holding underneath it.]
-with one hand. And see? No shells.
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Date: 2026-03-13 03:05 am (UTC)It's bold of Link to teach him something like that without covering the egg-cracking basics, though. Allen doesn't seem to mind. ]
Brilliant!!!! Yes, I want to do that, too!!!!
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Date: 2026-03-13 03:21 am (UTC)[He'll offer Allen the carton.]
Now, how do you try to do it normally? Show me.
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Date: 2026-03-13 03:40 am (UTC)It... works. Sort of. There's some shell in the egg from where he pushed his finger in to make the hole, but ultimately the separating of the shell went off without a hitch. ]
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Date: 2026-03-13 03:51 am (UTC)You don’t want to use your nail or the edge of a bowl or table to crack the egg. That pushes the shell inside and makes it more likely to come out with the egg.
[He picks up another egg and demonstrates by giving it a careful tap on the flat part of the counter until it cracks, then using both hands to carefully pull the shell halves apart.]
You can also use one of your egg shells to scoop any dropped shell. It’s easier than using a fork or a spoon since the shell wants to stick to the membrane.
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Date: 2026-03-13 04:05 am (UTC)There's a moment where Allen stares into the bowl, astonished. He leans over it a moment to double check it for shells, and upon confirming that all the shells in the bowl are from his prior attempt, he looks at Link and just... beams.
✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨ ] I've never done that before!!!!!!
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Date: 2026-03-13 04:08 pm (UTC)Even Link huffs and cracks the slightest smile at that, equal parts shocked and impressed.]
Impressive. Are you sure your calling wasn’t to be a chef? You love food just as much as one.
[He picks up another egg and passes it to Allen.]
Do you want to try it one handed?
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Date: 2026-03-13 04:24 pm (UTC)Anyway, the egg basically crunches in his hand. After his initial dent in the egg, he tries to force it open there, but he somehow manages to open the ends of the egg before the crack he made and his fingers slip into the egg in the process. His hand is covered in slimy egg goo now. There is no salvaging this. ]
— Ah?
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Date: 2026-03-13 05:17 pm (UTC)It’s difficult. Requires a lot of careful pressure so you don’t break the egg before you’re ready. Would you say you have better control over your right or left hand?
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Date: 2026-03-13 05:29 pm (UTC)I’m uh. What’s the word? Amy… Amber… Am bet…? Uh. Both handed! I can use them both as well as the other. The issue is — [ Allen knocks his Innocence against the countertop, and it sounds like Allen is bonking a rock against it. ] — Goes cock-up if I try being gentle with this ‘un.
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Date: 2026-03-13 06:34 pm (UTC)[He may not have Innocence, but he knows its power. He’s felt it. He wouldn’t begrudge Allen for not being able to do anything delicate with that hand, but…he does think it’s possible.
He takes one more egg and puts it in Allen’s red hand, and then steps over so he’s not quite beside him, but not fully behind him either. With Allen’s hand around the egg, he fits his own hand around the back of Allen’s, placing his fingers in the right position over the shell so he can guide Allen’s hand.
Then he starts to apply pressure to the egg, and by extension, Allen’s hand.]
This way you can feel just the amount of pressure I’m using. Just use your thumb for leverage once you’ve made a crack, and then-
[The egg splits, and Link uses Allen’s fingers to gently pull the shell halves apart.]
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Date: 2026-03-13 07:05 pm (UTC)It’s easy for him to be led, both because the Critters are still on his head and he doesn’t want to disturb them much, but also just because he does genuinely want to learn. There is something about link being so close with his hand over Allen’s that’s just a tad overwhelming. Were this intentional, Allen may have lied his head back on Link and batted his lashes teasingly at Link — but the thing is that Link isn’t doing this intentionally. He is just like this. So Allen flusters, keeping his gaze ahead and hoping his ears aren’t nearly as red as he cheeks.
“Weren’t you just touching his chest earlier?” That was different. That was valid worry. This? They’re cracking eggs and Link’s fingers feel so soft against the roughness of his Innocence and he feels like he’s going to blow up. There’s a difference. ]
Your hands… are real warm, you know. [ Your Innocence is just cold, babe. ]
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Date: 2026-03-14 12:03 am (UTC)Ah...I apologize. I needed to remove my gloves to cook.
[That. That's not-]
Are they too cold?
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Date: 2026-03-14 12:20 am (UTC)Goodness, no. It's my hand is always sort of cool to touch. But it isn't unpleasant, it just makes warmer things so much more noticeable on me.
[ Allen leans back here, looking fully up to see Link as the top of his head bops against Link's chest, then he lifts both arms over his head to place both hands on Link's cheeks.
And then he squishes them to make his lips puckered. ]
Hehe. Say "Chubby Bunny".
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Date: 2026-03-14 01:11 am (UTC)Link blinks, looking down at Allen as he leans back with his head against his chest...only to stiffen when Allen suddenly smooshes his hands against his cheeks as he does.]
Mmfh-h?
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Date: 2026-03-14 01:30 am (UTC)Oh, you'll suck at it when we actually do play that game, you know~!
[ He lets go with a gentle pinch against his cheeks, and rolls himself to stand upright again. ]
Alright! How many more eggs do we have? I'm feeling confident about this next one, for sure!!!
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Date: 2026-03-14 01:39 am (UTC)...
Warm? Soft? What is this feeling.
Weird. Anyway-
Link shakes his head a little, then looks to the carton.]
About a half dozen. We'll be making a lot of french toast.
[Which Allen will make sure does NOT go to waste, no worries.]
Give it a go.
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Date: 2026-03-14 01:45 am (UTC)Allen picks up an egg, and it slips from his fingers and smashes into the floor. Link, help- ]
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Date: 2026-03-14 01:46 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2026-03-14 01:55 am (UTC)[ He clears his throat, and reaches for another egg.
He doesn't drop this one. He also doesn't crack it amazingly??? He does the technique that Link showed him well enough, but the execution just kind of goes poorly. The egg ends up in the bowl, but there's shell bits in there. ]
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Date: 2026-03-14 02:01 am (UTC)[He's going to walk over to the fridge in the meantime to grab out some bacon to fry as he tosses Tim more egg shells.]
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Date: 2026-03-14 02:10 am (UTC)Of course! We'll have to make some food for Kanda. Otherwise, he's going to turn into a bowl of soba noodles, I think.
[ Allen mentions this offhandedly as he grabs another egg, throwing his hand up and bringing it down to crack the egg against the counter. But when he brings his hand down, there's no egg???? Where did the egg go? Did he forget to grab an egg? His ADHD would do that, he thinks? Did he put it down?????????? Somewhere?
He looks around, until he realizes there's just... yolk. Right on Link's cheek.
Talk about "egg on my face"- ]
Uh- Wh- How am I so bad at this?
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Date: 2026-03-14 02:19 am (UTC)Link stands there motionless as the egg and shells slide down his face, because Allen very much just lost the egg on the backswing and threw it into his face. He blinks a few times as the yolk slowly drips off him and plops onto the floor.
Good Lord they're making such a mess.]
A...little less force, next time.
[He says with an alarming amount of patience as he grabs the same cloth from before to wipe egg off his face.]
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Date: 2026-03-14 02:45 am (UTC)This is turning out horribly. There's only three left. He's... got this. It's fine.
This one at least ends up in the bowl, but it's also like 15% shell, so. Is he getting worse? He thinks he's getting worse- ]
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Date: 2026-03-14 02:48 am (UTC)[And they can always get more eggs, it's all gucci. Link decides to not interfere, wanting Allen to have the rest of the eggs to see if he can break one one-handed at least one time.]
Remember, break the egg gently on a flat surface. Then, press your thumb against the bottom edge of the crack and pull the halves apart, using your other fingers for leverage. It should come open with enough force without any shells getting in the bowl.
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Date: 2026-03-14 03:02 am (UTC)........................................................
While Timcanpy eats the eggs off the floor, Allen slowly lowers himself to the floor.
And just lays on it face down.
Don't look at him- ]
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Date: 2026-03-14 03:05 am (UTC)[And just like that, they had no eggs left. To be fair, a LOT of them made it into the bowl- plenty for breakfast- and Tim is making sure they don't have a mess to clean up, but...oops.
Link purses his lips as he closes the carton and sets it aside, bending down to pat Allen on the back.]
...that's alright. We can get some more eggs after breakfast. If you don't mind having more eggs for dinner, I can show you how to make a Quiche and we can practice the technique some more.
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Date: 2026-03-14 03:12 am (UTC)Yeah...? I'd like that. [ Sniff. ] Please don't be upset with me if I haven't improved yet. I promise I'm trying...
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Date: 2026-03-14 03:15 am (UTC)[He stands back upright, pulling out a whisk so he can start beating the eggs.]
Come on. Kanda will be through with his meditation soon, so let's get breakfast done before then.
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Date: 2026-03-14 03:56 am (UTC)What... can I do to help? [ He can... put butter in the pan...! He isn't sure that's the most helpful thing to do here. ]
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Date: 2026-03-14 04:05 am (UTC)Link hands Allen a skillet, then nods to the strips of bacon still in the package on the counter.]
Can you start to cook these while I get the mixture going for the toast? They should fry up pretty quickly, just flip them once they start to shrink.
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Date: 2026-03-14 04:35 am (UTC)Unfortunately, the stove is covered in spittle of grease from where the pan spits it out, but, uh, such is life. ]
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Date: 2026-03-14 04:45 am (UTC)Link finishes mixing the eggs, then gestures to the bread once Allen finishes with the bacon.]
Alright, take a piece and dip each side well into the eggs. Don't let it get too soggy, but make sure it's in the mixture long enough to get saturated. Turn on another pan and brown them on both sides.
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Date: 2026-03-14 04:51 am (UTC)How will I know when to flip it? Does it get smaller, like the bacon?
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Date: 2026-03-14 04:57 am (UTC)While the egg cooks, it will start to brown on the bottom. You can lift up the edges gently to check. Once it's browned, but not burned, you flip. Give it about the same amount of time on the other side and it should be done.
Egg cooks fast, so be careful not to forget and let it burn.
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Date: 2026-03-14 06:36 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2026-03-14 06:55 pm (UTC)[Link shakes his head a little, taking the spatula for a moment so he can show Allen what he means.]
You don't need to check it right away. Give it a minute or two, then nudge the edges with the spatula to see if the bread has gotten a little hard. Usually by then it's good to flip.
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Date: 2026-03-16 03:32 pm (UTC)[ Impatiently, he watches the toast, nudging it with the spatula every like 5 seconds— ]
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Date: 2026-03-16 04:58 pm (UTC)[He instructs, placing his hand against the spatula handle just briefly to stay it. If his fingers touch Allen's that's between him and God.]
Just have a little patience. It will be worth it.
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Date: 2026-03-17 01:59 am (UTC)His stomach growls, and he puts his hand over it as he impatiently shifts his weight from foot to foot. ]
You said this wouldn't take... that long, right?
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Date: 2026-03-17 02:04 am (UTC)Few more minutes on the other side, then it will be done. We have a lot of toast to make, but you can go ahead and start eating while I cook the rest.
[In fact, he'll go ahead and grab a plate now, putting some bacon on it before sliding the toast on once it's good and crispy.]
We have honey and syrup.
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Date: 2026-03-17 12:16 pm (UTC)How did you do that??? [ Gestures to the pan, before he takes the plate of food. He’s going to get a fork, at least, before he pigs out. ] Without the flipper? [ Spatula. ]
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Date: 2026-03-17 04:08 pm (UTC)[He flips the toast again. Higher this time. It flips a couple times in midair before it comes back down on the right side. Show off.]
It takes some practice, and you have to be careful if it’s something really hot.
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Date: 2026-03-17 04:13 pm (UTC)Can you teach me that, too?!
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Date: 2026-03-17 04:21 pm (UTC)[He sidesteps a little so Allen can take the pan.]
You want to tilt the pan and let the bread slide to the edge. Then you just use your wrist to bump the pan and cause the toast to flip. You want to use a rocking motion with the pan, and not too hard or you’ll have toast on the ceiling.
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Date: 2026-03-17 04:45 pm (UTC)He does, however, manage to get French toast stuck on the nearby wall.
…
He silently hands the pan back to Link— ]
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Date: 2026-03-17 04:53 pm (UTC)[…
He reaches over and picks up Tim, placing him down on the counter next to where the toast ended up.]
That’s…alright. We have plenty more to make…
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Date: 2026-03-18 04:22 pm (UTC)[ Tim makes munching sounds as he eats the toast from the wall. Helping :) keeping house clean! For babies. ]
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Date: 2026-03-18 06:43 pm (UTC)I want you to dip the next piece and start cooking it by yourself. I'll watch, but you'll only improve if you practice.
Breaks open ur inbox with a sl--- (I'm here again)
Date: 2026-03-14 07:54 pm (UTC)He closes Tim's mouth the moment Link enters, though, and lulls his head to the side to look at him. ]
Link. What do you think about this place? Our situation and such? I feel as though... you don't talk much about your opinions.
I'd like to know them.
heehee tee hee
Date: 2026-03-15 02:32 am (UTC)Allen is right in that he hasn't had much opportunity to speak on it, less because he's felt like he can't, and more because it just didn't present itself. When he isn't cooking, he's studying. Reading, going through the archives, talking to people. The one thing he hasn't done yet is try to explore the forest on a deeper level, which he's already decided not to do unless he can get both Allen and Kanda to come with him. It seems a difficult task anyway without the proper item to help you along, which he hasn't purchased yet, so...it's a work in progress.
In the meantime...Link hasn't been completely unaware of what his roommates have been going through. He's not sure if they'd intended their conversations to be private, exactly (not that he's been intentionally listening in), but they often get so loud that it's hard not to overhear. He hasn't heard everything, but...some snippets have come through. It's strange, because he wouldn't be the first to claim Allen and Kanda are close (not in the same way Allen and Johnny are, surely), but at the same time the two are butting heads like brothers near constantly. He's stayed in the same room with Allen for months, meanwhile, and their altercations have typically been a lot fewer and further between...not in the least due to the fact Kanda has a temper on him, but they're all in a stressful situation. It just makes sense that emotions are running high.
He doesn't know what he should be doing, but he certainly feels like it isn't enough.
He walks in with one of his notebooks tucked under his arm, not the netbook but a blank one he's been writing his own notes and thoughts in. He pauses as Allen addresses him, frowning just slightly as he sets the book down on the bedside table before having a seat at the foot of the bed.]
It's been as difficult as anything else to comprehend, but I feel confident saying that you, Kanda, and myself were not singled out for the purpose of being brought here as I initially feared. This world's situation is divorced from the Holy War as far as I've been able to tell. There has been no record of mention of Akuma here, though it's not uncommon for this settlement to be overrun by monsters not unlike them.
[He takes a slow breath.]
Furthermore, judging by accounts from both past and present residents, time doesn't pass normally back home as it does here. If we were to wake up back in our world tomorrow, I think we would come to find that it would be as if we'd just fallen asleep for the night. We can take some solace in knowing that the War will not progress in our absence, for better or worse.
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Date: 2026-03-15 03:22 am (UTC)Allen sighs in relief, leaning his head back into the pillow and letting out a sigh of relief that almost visibly makes him relax for the first time in... fuck, years, probably- ]
That is good news. A huge weight off my shoulder, in fact. It means we don't have to feel bad that we're not rushing in to fight that forest entity.
[ Timcanpy turns around from Allen's stomach and flies up to land on Link's head. Hello, he is here :) ]
But I didn't mean about new information, you know. I meant your opinion, as a whole. What your thoughts are, not just your observations.
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Date: 2026-03-15 05:04 am (UTC)It's clear this place is dangerous. We just haven't been here long enough to see it yet. I think we might get a better sense of how dangerous once we canvass the Forest.
[And inevitably like. Die about it probably.]
And I'm still unsure what to make of this world's past, and the idea that we have always been intrinsically linked to it.
[He folds his arms, eyes falling closed.]
...however. Strange as it may be...I wholeheartedly believe we are safer here than back in our world. At least here, we are universes away from the Noah, the Earl, Apocryphos...
[The only thing Allen cannot escape is Nea.]
We have been afforded the blessing of time.
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Date: 2026-03-15 05:29 am (UTC)It's unsurprising to hear how much Link has thought about things, and even more unsurprising that he's tied a lot of his opinions to fact and refused to untether the two. Even now, he starts to spout more fact at Allen... until he says that. That they're safer here. That they've been afforded a blessing. What Allen hears is... realistically, what he was oh-so selfishly hoping to hear from Link for some time. He shouldn't have wanted it, shouldn't have been waiting, shouldn't have tried to pull it out of Link, but it is hard not to, when he so desperately wanted to hear it from him.
"I want to be here for you, not Nea."
It isn't those words exactly, but it's what Allen hears. He picks himself up to sit up on the bed, scooting so he's sitting next to Link on the bed. His smile is... calm? No, something else. It carries the weight of someone who's putting together just how much someone cares for him. It's a smile he's worn a few times lately. How foolish he is to not have seen it before. How foolish he is to not realize he means something so deep to his friends. He doesn't quite understand why. He feels he has not earned such affection, such love. All the same, his heart feels so... warm.
He gently puts his head against Link's shoulder. ] I see.
...Thank you for sharing. [ Allen isn't sure he wholly agrees. After all, he's well aware that people suffered quite a lot here. But, he can see where Link is coming from. More than anything, he's happy to hear Link talk about it, unfettered from any biases for once. ] I can agree somewhat... you seem a little happier, you know. Maybe it's just because we're not in such high stress situations at the moment, but it's nice to get to see you relaxed. I didn't think Howard Link would have an off switch, haha~
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Date: 2026-03-15 05:39 am (UTC)For Allen. Allen Walker. Allen, who he desperately- selfishly- hopes can find his way to freedom. He isn't sure how possible it is, for him to pull his own identity out of the mire Nea is creating inside of him, but he has to hope that if anyone could find a way, it would be Allen.
Link looks at Allen out of the corner of his eye as he lays his head on his shoulder, the smallest hint of a smile pulling at his lips.]
I wouldn't call myself relaxed, per-say...but we have had the chance to rest more than I think we have in a long while.
[It helps to not literally be constantly moving so you aren't spotted or captured but you know. This calm before the storm will not last.]
May I ask how you are feeling, right now?
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Date: 2026-03-15 05:53 am (UTC)We've already discussed before, when I couldn't meditate, right? My brain doesn't shut up, so I've got a lot of feelings about a lot of things. We might be here a while if you're not more specific. [ He laughs, picking up his head so he can face Link proper. ] But if you're talking about right this instant, what feeling is at the forefront? I'm happy now. To hear you talking about this, and... just knowing I have you here with me at all is comforting.
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Date: 2026-03-15 05:57 am (UTC)[Because...he feels like Allen hasn't been happy for a long time. Not truly. He's been through so much, and he's not really had a second to breathe or process any of it. That's come through with the way he's been having those constant nightmares.]
Right now is good enough. But...if there is anything you want, or feel like you need to talk about, I will listen.
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Date: 2026-03-15 06:34 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2026-03-15 06:44 am (UTC)[He tilts his head to the side a little, which causes Tim to kindof slide across his head a fraction.]
I just think you have more to talk about right now than I do...or am I wrong?
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Date: 2026-03-15 07:12 am (UTC)It's none of my business. I shouldn't have said anything. That's all.
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Date: 2026-03-15 07:22 am (UTC)I don't think it's entirely your fault. Kanda isn't the easiest person to talk to, you know that.
[Link-]
Even with the best laid intentions, he could have taken something you said completely differently than how you meant it.
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Date: 2026-03-15 07:31 am (UTC)You didn't hear it from me, okay? Timcanpy showed it to you, [ Tim makes a small noise of acknowledgement, but clearly doesn't mind taking blame for anything. Not like Kanda would do anything to him, right?? ] buuut... he told me that the reason why he was okay with leaving to go back to the Order and leave me with you is... because he can tell you care. And because of that, he trusts you.
...
At least in matters that regard me. Maybe not in general, haha...
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Date: 2026-03-15 07:38 am (UTC)Anything we say here stays between us. You have my word.
[...]
I don't blame him for not trusting me, generally. I've made my intentions very clear, and on the outset I'm sure it seems I only have the interests of Central in mind.
[Which isn't true, but also isn't...NOT true.]
But even so...my goal is to make sure you're safe. I feel like we see eye-to-eye in that regard.
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Date: 2026-03-15 08:06 am (UTC)[ He sits back up. ] I'm sure you're aware of his distrust of CROWs as a whole, though. He hasn't been particularly quiet about that. So it's not like he has a personal grudge against you or anything like that.
As for me... I think we're just too different. Kanda needs someone... who matches his tempo a little better. I think I get on his nerves because I'm so... like I am, I guess.
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Date: 2026-03-15 04:06 pm (UTC)Hell, if Link weren't the watchdog of Central, he and Kanda would be seeing perfectly eye-to-eye, wouldn't they? He doesn't stop thinking about the Thirds, after all. They occupy his mind almost every moment.
He pauses, looking at where Allen is laying flat on the bed.]
You want me to talk to Kanda.
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Date: 2026-03-15 04:32 pm (UTC)…
I know that’s a tall ask. I also fall easily to his provoking.
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Date: 2026-03-15 04:52 pm (UTC)I have nothing against him, even if I know we don't always see eye-to-eye. And we've at least managed to co-exist so far. I'd be willing to talk to him, if you think he would.
1/2
Date: 2026-03-15 05:05 pm (UTC)But you're also smarter than me and... you don't say dumb shit that makes people upset. So I just think you'd have an easier time. [ If only Johnny were here... He really was the glue keeping this idiots in line. ] I just think... we gotta try to make sure we cooperate and... uh...
Y'know.
Not be dickheads to each other.
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Date: 2026-03-15 05:08 pm (UTC)But then again, I guess you and I haven't butt heads in a while! Aside from the... uh, fruit thing, but... that was a valid response, and I probably would've done the same.
Did you get used to me, Link? Hehe, grow on you like a weed, did I?
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Date: 2026-03-15 05:19 pm (UTC)It isn't hard to get used to you, Walker. You have a sort of...infectious energy.
[Like look at you! You have sunshine and rainbows coming out of your ass when you should be depressed as hell right now by all accounts.]
Would it be...too invasive of me to ask what you said to upset him?
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Date: 2026-03-15 05:31 pm (UTC)[ There's a LOT more reasons, too, but Allen has the sense to not talk about them. All except the one that triggered the argument, at least. He looks up at Timcanpy. ]
And... if the dead can be brought back... I told him if he stays, he might be able to have that life with Alma he didn't get to have. I shouldn't have brought that up, but it's something I keep thinking about - and realistically, it's something he should be prepared for. I saw pictures of Alma in Miss Lily's photobook, which means... his soul is bound here, too.
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Date: 2026-03-15 05:39 pm (UTC)Link...lifts a hand and brings it to his face, pressing his thumb and forefinger into the bridge of his nose for a moment.]
I understand where you are coming from, but I highly doubt that Kanda hadn't already been thinking of that possibility. Maybe even...dreading the fact it could be true.
[Like. He obviously is missing some vital context here, other than the fact that Alma meant...everything, to Kanda. It's no wonder he got upset, when Allen suggested that.]
Are you aware that this world does not necessarily keep its occupants permanently? There is a chance- not a high one, but it isn't zero- that we may wake up back home one morning with no rhyme or reason? It's happened to many past residents, even if they shared some sort of past life here.
[He doesn't need to say this, but he decides to anyway, just to make the point extra clear.]
Can you imagine what it would do, if Kanda were to carve out a new life here...only for it to be suddenly taken away?
You have to stop and ask yourself why Kanda decided to come back in the first place.
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Date: 2026-03-15 06:03 pm (UTC)This news does make two shaky hands reach up to gently pull Timcanpy from Link's head and gently squeeze him against Allen. Does that mean Tim might disappear before Allen can say his good-byes a second time? But... but he was really hoping that it wouldn't come to that. Does that mean he might losing Link or Kanda out of nowhere, too?
... Fuck. ]
I know. I know I messed things up. I know, I know, I know. I- ugh! I just... I just want my friends to be safe, Link! Every bloody day it feels like that is a more and more unachievable goal!
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Date: 2026-03-15 06:12 pm (UTC)[And...giving Allen false hope just to make him happy isn't how Link operates. He doesn't think Allen would want that either.]
This world is...unpredictable, and still full of unknowns. That's why I want to do our own reconnaissance just in case something may have been missed. But I do agree that this world is much safer than the one we came from.
[So far.]
I'm. I'm sorry, Allen.
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Date: 2026-03-15 06:25 pm (UTC)The thing is, though, that since things have been going to Hell for Allen... Link has been there. Sure, he was assigned to Allen after there was speculation about his relationship with the Noahs, so it was never truly his choice, but it doesn't change anything from Allen's perspective. He was always there, and despite early on having their quarrels and Allen getting frustrated with him, he cared. He still does. Even when Allen thought he was dead, per Kanda's reveal, he learned also... he was here. Watching from a distance, sure, but still there.
So, the thought put into Allen's skull that he can just be taken away on a whim suddenly has him afraid. He squeezes Link tight, in a way that very much reads as "don't go", even though he knows Link doesn't have that intention. ]
N-no I know you're not. I appreciate it, I... I also... [ Beat. ] You said you'd come look for me, though...! S-so I'm holding you to that! You're... you're staying here with me, right?
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Date: 2026-03-15 06:31 pm (UTC)For a moment, Link is silent. He just breathes slowly as Allen clutches him like a lifeline, face buried into his chest. He feels a wave of guilt wash over him ever so briefly, knowing that what he just told Allen was a very hard truth to have to swallow. It's not like he wants to randomly teleport back home either...all he knows is that's what he'd learned.
He can't promise Allen he'll stay, because he'd be lying if one day he happened to wake up elsewhere. But...
After a beat of silence, Link decides to carefully return Allen's embrace, hugging him gently to his chest.]
I have no intention of going anywhere. I can't leave if I'm to guard and protect you with my life, can I?
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Date: 2026-03-15 06:46 pm (UTC)[ Probably because you do reckless shit all the time, Allen. Granted, at least when it came to Apocryphos, that was not Allen's fault. Still... ]
I don't... I don't need to be protected. I just need to not be alone, that's it. And- and you...
...
[ Allen's voice cracks. ] Please just stay.
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Date: 2026-03-15 06:50 pm (UTC)Okay...okay.
[He tightens his grip, just slightly, and smooths his hand gently across the back of Allen's shoulderblades.]
I'll stay. I promise.
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Date: 2026-03-15 07:18 pm (UTC)Oh, he thinks what little he has left of his sanity may leave him.
It's hard to even think about what happened earlier today. That stupid kiss with Kanda, that dumb fight - all just lost to Allen's desperate need to keep these boys at his side. He does really have to talk to Kanda after this. If for no other reason to make sure he knows that Kanda is important to him, and he does want Kanda to do this with him. Ugh. He doesn't even know how he's going to bring this news up to him...
He shivers a bit, trying to hold back tears as he keeps his head buried. ]
I'm sorry. [ That his this fragile. That he's been reckless enough that Link feels the need to protect him with his life. That he's making him promise things he can't. The list goes on. ] Thank you.
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Date: 2026-03-15 07:26 pm (UTC)[He just wishes he had better answers for Allen. He wishes not everything had to be bad news. This boy deserves to catch a fucking break for once in his life.
He gives Allen another squeeze, especially as he can tell that he's struggling not to cry.]
We are going to figure this out, one way or another. Together.
Zahliya has decided Link gets a kiss too so
Date: 2026-03-15 08:01 pm (UTC)Today has been... maybe "emotionally draining" doesn't even begin to cover it. Today has been a fucking siphon for emotions. He's tired and upset and it's not even sundown yet. He has to stay up, and he has to go talk to Kanda and he has to somehow let Link know that he'll be okay and that he's just Going Through It right now and ?????
He is comforted by the embrace, at the very least. And maybe he could take a very small nap before he goes to talk to Kanda? Oh, but first, thanking Link. Right. Together. They can do this together. They'll figure things out and get home and save Lavi and be with Johnny again and things will work out. They'll do it together!
He picks up his head a moment, and then very gently presses a little peck to Link's cheek, giving a little sniff after as his head drops again into his shoulder. ]
We will.
no subject
Date: 2026-03-15 08:08 pm (UTC)...
He freezes, his breath hitching when Allen suddenly lifts his head and kisses Link on the cheek, an action that causes him to completely forget everything he was just thinking. He effectively bluescreens, staring into space as his heart leaps into his throat. It pounds deafeningly between his ears, leaving him utterly unable to do...really anything but sit there and process what just happened.
Wh. Wuh.
Did Allen just...?]
I- ...
[Link clears his throat and looks at Timcanpy, eyes wide like saucers as if the Golem might be able to tell him what's happening.]
Er. Would...would you like me to make you something...?
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Date: 2026-03-15 08:16 pm (UTC)He just curls in bed bed and speaks muffled into his pillow now. ] If you don't mind. I could really use some food... Something warm and... home-y, I guess. Can you do that? I know that's a weird request.
no subject
Date: 2026-03-15 08:26 pm (UTC)He hesitates at the bedside for just a moment, watching Allen where he's got his face hidden into the pillow. He can't see him as he approaches, so...
It's easier for Link to reach out and ever-so-briefly brush Allen's bangs off his forehead.]
It isn't weird at all. I'll be back in a half hour, okay?
[From there the sound of his footsteps leaving the room can be heard, and he and Tim will be absent for a while. When he returns, it's to the tune of something savory in a bowl on a tray.]
This is Kartoffelklöße.
[He explains as he sets the tray in reach.]
Potato dumplings with sausage and cabbage, with sauteed onions and a mushroom sauce.
no subject
Date: 2026-03-15 09:01 pm (UTC)Smells bloody amazing~! I don't think I can repeat that word, though... [ Oh, you Germans... He is immediately grabbing for at least two of the dumplings, though. One for each hand. He takes a bite out of one and immediately looks like he'd been told literally all of his problems went away. The boy just... really loves food. ]
Your cooking, Link... it's so good I could cry, you know.
no subject
Date: 2026-03-15 09:05 pm (UTC)I appreciate the compliment. No crying though, you won't be able to eat properly if you're crying.
[He says this as he grunts and lifts up a pot with a ladle inside onto the end table next to the bed.
Oops, looks like he brought the entire pot up so Allen can just have seconds or thirds if he'd like.]
no subject
Date: 2026-03-15 09:29 pm (UTC)Anyway, Allen has turned into a black hole that only potato dumplings can satisfy. Thank you for your service, Link. ]
I awm weernin ho' wo way are ow o' ar'en so we'ww hawe suswanawle veggies, woo.
(Translation: I am learning how to take care of the garden, so we'll have sustainable veggies, too.)
[ Allen, stop trying to talk with your mouth full. ]
no subject
Date: 2026-03-15 09:34 pm (UTC)I'm glad to hear that. I also had the thought that I might want to see if acquiring two chickens would possibly be an option...if we could have our own eggs, we wouldn't have to worry about purchasing them anymore.
no subject
Date: 2026-03-15 09:45 pm (UTC)Wouldn’t have to worry… if I didn’t break so many…
Though, having our own eggs would be nice. I can ask Heimr about a hutch? Or maybe we can see about leaving them at the barn??
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Date: 2026-03-15 09:58 pm (UTC)[He'll pick up a dumpling carefully now that they're cooled off enough to easily touch and offer it to Tim, flat in his palm like he's feeding a horse.]
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Date: 2026-03-15 10:31 pm (UTC)Anyway, Tim spreads his fucking maw of a face and eats the dumpling, thank you- ]
no subject
Date: 2026-03-15 11:10 pm (UTC)Also yeah Allen you got the ENTIRE HOUSE]
Well the chickens will need to have the eggs collected daily, so I do expect you and Kanda to help out with that.
[Sorry Kanda you're being voluntold for future chicken duty]
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Date: 2026-03-15 11:23 pm (UTC)Poor chickens...
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Date: 2026-03-15 11:27 pm (UTC)[Spoons more dumplings into Allen's bowl as he explains.]
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Date: 2026-03-15 11:32 pm (UTC)... [ He picks up a dumpling and stares ahead at the wall for a moment as he thinks Very Deep Thoughts about chickens. ]
I'm suddenly so stressed for chickens.
[ He eats the dumpling- ]
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Date: 2026-03-15 11:44 pm (UTC)[I'm. So sorry Link is like this, you're trying to eat-]
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Date: 2026-03-15 11:56 pm (UTC)[ He ponders the chickens for a moment before he looks over at Link, swallowing. ] Did you own chickens at one point, Link? I can't picture you as a farm boy...!
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Date: 2026-03-15 11:59 pm (UTC)[And these days it's not often you don't see Link with his nose buried in a book of some sort.]
And if I find there is something I don't know, then I like to see what I can learn about it.
[There's a reason he makes such a good teacher, tbh.]
no subject
Date: 2026-03-16 12:04 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2026-03-16 12:08 am (UTC)[Said simply. Matter-of-factly.]
It was a matter of necessity, if we were going to be useful. I spent a lot of my childhood catching up, so I tried to learn everything I could.
no subject
Date: 2026-03-16 12:16 am (UTC)...
He reaches over and sets a hand on top of Link's head. ] ...I was going to go to the beach tomorrow to set up an Ark gateway there. You should come with me! We can explore that together! [ And maybe. Maybe Link can have a little bit of fun and relaxation. ]
no subject
Date: 2026-03-16 12:25 am (UTC)I can accompany you. [He replies, as if Allen didn't literally just invite him.] Is there a particular reason you're taking it to the beach?
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Date: 2026-03-16 12:32 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2026-03-16 12:35 am (UTC)[Maybe Allen just can't make gates to other places, but gates that lead around the Grove area are fine? Hm...]
Whenever you're ready then, I'll head out with you.
no subject
Date: 2026-03-16 12:47 am (UTC)[ Munching his dumpling… ]
I have to talk to Kanda and let him know. He might want to come with.
no subject
Date: 2026-03-16 12:49 am (UTC)[Smash cut to Link meal prepping for the next couple of days.]
Should we let the others in the Grove know we'll be leaving?
no subject
Date: 2026-03-16 01:03 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2026-03-16 01:12 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2026-03-16 01:26 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2026-03-16 01:27 am (UTC)It's nice to be polite, isn't it?
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Date: 2026-03-16 01:44 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2026-03-16 01:48 am (UTC)[His autism...]
I will just call her Moder from now on, then.
no subject
Date: 2026-03-16 02:13 am (UTC)Is that all it takes with you? Geez, had I known, I would've pestered you for it ages ago. Oi, so you'll call me by my first name from now on, too, right?
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Date: 2026-03-16 02:31 am (UTC)[Considering the. Gestures. Situation.]
Would you really prefer that...?
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Date: 2026-03-16 02:44 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2026-03-16 02:46 am (UTC)[Mmmm that's kindof gay!]
Alright then. Allen it is.
...ah, though. Do keep calling me Link, please...no one calls me Howard.
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Date: 2026-03-16 02:53 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2026-03-16 03:01 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2026-03-16 03:07 am (UTC)...Do you not?
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Date: 2026-03-16 03:12 am (UTC)What do you MEAAAAAAAN you've never called him Howard! Not even once!!
Link sort of stares past Allen for a moment.]
I...
[...]
I guess I've never thought about it. Even the others always called me Li.
no subject
Date: 2026-03-16 03:20 am (UTC)Li? Li is cute, too. Oh, but if it's too weird, I can keep calling you Link! Sorry, I don't want you to feel like you have to grant me special name permissions or something - I was mostly teasing you about that.
You're still you to me, no matter what I call you!
no subject
Date: 2026-03-16 03:39 am (UTC)Link lifts a hand and kindof smudges it over his mouth, glancing away for just a moment.
He can feel his face and neck getting hot, but it’s a feeling that passes pretty quickly.
Strange.]
It isn’t weird. Link…or Li. You can call me both.
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Date: 2026-03-16 03:53 am (UTC)After his swallows, he smiles at Link again, warmly. ]
Brilliant, then, Li! You'll remember to call me Allen, won't you?
no subject
Date: 2026-03-16 04:00 am (UTC)I might slip up, so you’ll just have to remind me…Allen.
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Date: 2026-03-16 04:12 am (UTC)You're alright! So long as I can see you're trying, that's good enough for me. Besides, I have full faith in you! You're always so diligent with the things you do!
[ And, for what it's worth, Allen's heart also has the flutters when Link says his name like that. He knows it's silly to be so embarrassed by such a small thing, but... ]
But I will if you do. And you'll have plenty of time to adjust! It seems, no matter where we end up, our paths keep tangling together. I am glad we get to walk it together.
no subject
Date: 2026-03-16 04:49 pm (UTC)Well. They're friends. And Link doesn't have very many of those.]
Even if I assign you homework to do?
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Date: 2026-03-16 04:57 pm (UTC)[ He’s pouting now as he stuffs his face more— ]
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Date: 2026-03-16 05:19 pm (UTC)If you do well, I will bake you any flavor pie you'd like.
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Date: 2026-03-16 05:27 pm (UTC)[ Will it work? Yes. Absolutely. But it’s still cruel— ]
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Date: 2026-03-16 11:00 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2026-03-16 11:10 pm (UTC)You sly dog. You’ve cornered me…
[ Bumps his shoulder to Link teasingly. ]
I’ll do it. I might be asking you for help. Some of this stuff you showed me still doesn’t make sense.
no subject
Date: 2026-03-16 11:20 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2026-03-16 11:29 pm (UTC)[ Link think. Link think who his mentor is and say that again— ]
no subject
Date: 2026-03-16 11:39 pm (UTC)Well...a rather inattentive one, at the very least.
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Date: 2026-03-16 11:43 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2026-03-16 11:57 pm (UTC)[He doesn't want it to feel like he's back with the Order TOO much.]
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Date: 2026-03-17 12:05 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2026-03-17 12:07 am (UTC)I will, don't worry.
Anyway, that's for later. Right now I want you to finish all of that so I don't have to throw anything away, okay?
[As if Allen has ever not cleaned his plate in his whole life.]
no subject
Date: 2026-03-17 12:12 am (UTC)Breaks o—-
Date: 2026-03-17 04:27 pm (UTC)Allen has a book in his own hands, and he’s vaguely leaning over Link to see what he’s doing currently. ]
Do you have a minute?
no subject
Date: 2026-03-17 04:36 pm (UTC)For now, he’s still busy making notes from the notebook on his own personal notebook (non magical), making sections for the dieties, the various phenomenons the Grove has experienced, and more. He’ll pause and put his pen down inside to mark his place when Allen approaches, nodding.]
Of course. What do you need?
[He’s writing a section about the moon shards, currently.]
no subject
Date: 2026-03-17 05:53 pm (UTC)[ Allen pulls out a sheet of paper from the book. He’d been doing his own studying, though specifically of the townsfolk. He puts the paper down for Link to see. He has a whole list of names and roughly where they live in town. Each with identifying descriptions to tell them apart besides name. A few are written in red ink, however.
AKAZA - Infernal, haven’t approached
MYSTERY — Infernal, amiable
VILDRED — Infernal, friendly
NICOLE — Divinity, amiable
AIN — Divinity, amiable
RAS — Divinity, haven’t approached
(Notably, Ezell and Flamebringer are on the list noted to be “angel and Demon in appearance only, not by soul.”) ]
My… eye caught wind of this, and I thought you might want to know, too, as to not get caught off guard…
no subject
Date: 2026-03-17 06:50 pm (UTC)[Well at least one of these names is a surprise, but he keeps that to himself for now. He taps the back of his pen against the page, looking up at Allen without lifting his head.]
Ras is friendly. I was immediately more hostile to him than he was to me.
[He sighs, brushing his fingers through his bangs.]
Thank you for this. If your eye reacts to anything else, let me know so we can document it. I have no reason to believe any one of these people are dangerous, at least not yet…but obviously you can sense that more than I can.
no subject
Date: 2026-03-17 07:49 pm (UTC)[ Except around the demons, anyway. That’s unavoidable. They still register to Allen’s eye as Akuma, after all. Allen does at least cross out the previous statement to write “amiable” next to Ras’ name. ]
I get the feeling a lot of them are just as keen to fix this situation with the forest. So if nothing else, being in the same boat makes them all accommodating in some respect, right?
I just… wanted to be careful. I also didn’t want you to be caught off guard by any of them, if avoidable. They’re not from our world, so…
no subject
Date: 2026-03-17 10:15 pm (UTC)[He inclines his head in thanks, sitting back in his chair a little with one leg crossed over the other. Fruit.]
I think it is safe to say that the Akuma cannot reach this place, at the very least. If we do see anything like an Akuma, it's not like the ones we know from the Earl.
no subject
Date: 2026-03-18 12:38 am (UTC)[ Meanwhile, Allen hops up on the desk to sit, kicking his legs a little. ]
Next order of business... you read the whole Bible, right?
no subject
Date: 2026-03-18 12:41 am (UTC)I have, yes. Is there something you wanted to know?
no subject
Date: 2026-03-18 01:38 am (UTC)I haven't really... I only really know what little I've bothered to ask about. So I know about Heaven, and I know about Hell, and I thought I knew about God, but lately, obviously, I've had some... uh, changes... in opinion there...
[ Once again, he doesn't really want to wane Link's faith any. He doesn't think he can do worse than what Apocryphos did, anyway, but if he can help Link reestablish at least a little bit of it, he thinks maybe Link would appreciate it, just a little?
Even if that meant it would make their relationship more strained... At the end of the day, though, Allen just wants Link to be happy.
But, first, he has questions that need answered- ]
I keep thinking about the people who... who've gotten upset with me about how I handle the Akuma. They're right to be angry at them. Of course they are. The Akuma have killed so many innocent people.
...
But so has God, right?
no subject
Date: 2026-03-18 01:47 am (UTC)Link adjusts his hands in his lap, watching Allen carefully as he talks. Yes, they've both...experienced some things, and have had some revelations that have thrown their respective faith in to question. Link in particular has been struggling with himself mentally, not just with his faith, but with his whole...purpose for existing?
Yeah.
His expression becomes solemn as Allen continues on, and for a moment it seems like he isn't going to say anything at all.]
And so have the Order.
[He replies simply.]
At what point is it our place to judge, when none of us are truly innocent in this war?
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Date: 2026-03-18 01:58 am (UTC)...That's war, right? Just... in general?
But, I... I think that the souls attached to the Akuma- they never asked for this. They never asked to be-
...
You've never told me your thoughts about it, though. You tend to keep to yourself about stuff like that. Do you hate it, too?
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Date: 2026-03-18 02:08 am (UTC)I was orphaned as a child. I never knew my parents, but as I grew older I just assumed I must have lost them to the Akuma. Most of the other children on the streets like us had lost theirs the exact same way. It's difficult not to think sometimes about how our lives may have been if the Akuma didn't exist.
[Every single one of them would be different. There's really no point in speculating like that, but even so...]
...I despise the Akuma. But not for what they are. It's for what they've been created to do. They are abominations that should not exist, period. You have a unique perspective into their souls that most of us cannot see and are, perhaps, grateful we cannot. It makes it easier to divorce ourselves from what we're actually doing.
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Date: 2026-03-18 02:50 am (UTC)So when I lost that, I questioned myself, I questioned everyone, and there was a brief time I thought that without my eye, I couldn't love humanity.
[ He pulls his hand away, setting them both in his lap again. ]
...And maybe that's the real curse? Whatever the case... I... don't want to see any kind of suffering. Be that the souls of the Akuma, or... you, or anyone else.
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Date: 2026-03-18 02:58 am (UTC)I know you don't. It's because you're a good person.
[Link drops his head back against his chair for a moment, eyes closing.]
You want to see the good in everyone, right? And you believe that humanity is inherently good.
[The way Link says that...kiiindof suggests he may not think the same way, but given how he was raised, it would make sense.]
I don't think that's necessarily a bad thing. If hope were to die, we would lose the war and life would cease to exist as we know it. I think you're in a unique position, in that you can see both sides.
...in that, you're right. It is a curse.
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Date: 2026-03-18 03:48 am (UTC)[ He tries to laugh it off, like it’s just a silly joke, and not something that seriously weighs on him. ]
Unfortunately, it seems I’m in the unique position to see the perspectives of a lot. Only side I can’t see is God’s, and that’s the one I feel I need most…
…
Have you ever prayed, Li?
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Date: 2026-03-18 04:31 am (UTC)Mm.]
I have. I've often prayed for guidance, or for God to guide our hands in our work.
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Date: 2026-03-18 12:39 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2026-03-18 06:41 pm (UTC)This is just my opinion, but...when things work out. Somehow, against all odds, things work out the way they were meant to.
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Date: 2026-03-18 08:54 pm (UTC)[ He begins, but shuts up immediately after, like he’s unsure of what he wants to ask. There’s a lot Link probably thinks about him right now, being both so uncomfortably close to divinity due to Apocryphos’ meddling, yet also so uneducated in faith. He flexes his hand, opening and closing it into a fist as he thinks. ]
Do you think there’s a world where God didn’t want this? Where ‘the Heart’ got out of hand, even for Him?
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Date: 2026-03-18 09:12 pm (UTC)Yes. I do.
[He pauses again, then looks out the window as he continues.]
There are some people who believe that prayer will answer all things. That God will provide you with the answers, and the healing...but that isn't how God works.
I believe that God will provide you with the tools you need. The opportunity. The ability. But he isn't one to just give the solution. He...
[...]
It's up to us, humanity, to take what we are given and make the kind of world we want to live in. The problem is that we are...flawed, and the road to Hell is paved with good intentions. The Order is a perfect example of just that. This idea that we must sacrifice so much for a better tomorrow.
I can't claim to know what God's plan for the Heart is. All I do know is that we cannot control the pieces that have been left for us to deal with from thousands of years ago. The best we can do is pick them up, and try to put them together.
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Date: 2026-03-18 10:11 pm (UTC)But he doesn’t. For Link’s sake. He just puts on a small smile. ]
…Sorry, I know that isn’t a fun line of conversation. I appreciate you indulging me, anyway. It isn’t like we get a lot of time to talk about stuff like this back home.
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Date: 2026-03-18 10:39 pm (UTC)[You know, without the threat of being considered someone who's defecting or questioning things or w/e. He doesn't know.]
...It's just been difficult to know what to believe, anymore.
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Date: 2026-03-18 10:49 pm (UTC)No way, I wouldn't say that. There's still plenty of stuff to believe! [ Allen knows that isn't what Link meant, but he's trying to fix the mood a bit. ] For starters, I believe in you!
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Date: 2026-03-18 11:23 pm (UTC)Me? I wouldn't have blamed you if you didn't...after everything you've been through.
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Date: 2026-03-18 11:51 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2026-03-19 12:01 am (UTC)You really are something else, Allen Walker. Not many are as easy or quick to forgive as you are.
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Date: 2026-03-19 12:07 am (UTC)So of course I'm going to forgive someone with a heart like yours.
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Date: 2026-03-19 12:30 am (UTC)Of course, now he's a little flustered due to all of the praise...]
You should be speaking for yourself. You have the biggest heart of anyone I've ever known.
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Date: 2026-03-19 12:40 am (UTC)You should give yourself more credit.
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Date: 2026-03-19 01:11 am (UTC)He's smiling, though. And look! It's actually reaching his eyes, which is a rare as hell feat for someone as stoic as Link is.]
You're not just saying that because I cook your food, are you? You know you have no reason to butter me up.
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Date: 2026-03-19 01:45 am (UTC)[ He kicks his legs as he laughs. ]
I jest, of course. Would make anyone proper blind if the only good thing they saw about you was your food. Especially when you smile like that! That might be your real number one trait.
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Date: 2026-03-19 01:55 am (UTC)Oh god is he having a heart attack. Take a breath, you're fine. It's probably stress or something.]
You're...too nice to me.
[He huffs, crossing his legs at the ankles.]
...but. Thank you. I do appreciate the compliment.
And...your trust in me.
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Date: 2026-03-19 02:18 am (UTC)And he's so scared of losing that. ]
Who's the one looking out for me all this time? Yet you're calling me "too nice"? Jeez...
Anyway, don't thank me for something like that. Comes free bein' friends with me~. But... more than that... I just wanna make sure you know I appreciate you. I worry sometimes I don't tell my friends that enough. And... ah... it always feels like it's not enough, if I'm being honest.
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Date: 2026-03-19 02:38 am (UTC)They can just. Be. Get to know one another on a deeper level at a slower pace, in a way that never really felt possible before.]
I understand what you mean. It never feels like there's enough time or opportunity for that sort of thing. Not like we have here.
[It's like he said before. They've been afforded time.]
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Date: 2026-03-19 03:07 am (UTC)...
You'll help me, right? Keep that from happening to me? I've always had very hard time focusing, I could use the help.
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Date: 2026-03-19 03:10 am (UTC)[He WINKS.]
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Date: 2026-03-19 03:26 am (UTC)He just let's that sentence die there, then. ] I think I have to do some patrolling more regularly. Fight those beasts that wander into the Grove sometimes. That might set my head straight.
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Date: 2026-03-19 03:33 am (UTC)[Too bad ya'll missed the Woodcrawlers. You would have had an ABUNDANCE of things to fight.]
I've been patrolling as well. And once our abilities are under control, we can do an actual excursion into the Forest proper.
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Date: 2026-03-19 03:43 am (UTC)Until then, I’ll have to adjust my work out routine. You and Kanda could join me for that, too! Though, I’m trying to adjust mine to not use my Innocence’d arm. The less I can rely on that, the better.
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Date: 2026-03-19 03:51 am (UTC)[And, you know. You gotta be regular with it if you want tits like his-]
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Date: 2026-03-19 11:38 am (UTC)[ Because when Allen said without his Innocence… he meant it— ]
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Date: 2026-03-20 02:16 pm (UTC)[Link brings a hand to his chin, thinking.]
Would you want to fight with something else that large? Or smaller? Or just your fists?
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Date: 2026-03-20 02:28 pm (UTC)So… something smaller could be good. I am generally better with my claws, anyway??
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Date: 2026-03-20 02:49 pm (UTC)[Link shifts his arm, and he must tap some sort of hidden release faster than Allen can see, because the knife in his sleeve on his right hand suddenly pops out.]
I dual wield, but they’re just as effective one-handed. Lightweight and portable, and easily hidden.
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Date: 2026-03-20 03:03 pm (UTC)Do you…
…
Do you ever take those off?
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Date: 2026-03-20 03:06 pm (UTC)[So if this man is dressed and is wearing sleeves you can assume they’re under there.
He retracts the blade, rubbing over his wrist from the outside of his jacket.]
The situation here has been mild so far, but given what we know, that could change in an instant. I don’t want to be caught unaware.
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Date: 2026-03-20 03:15 pm (UTC)But if you’re willing to let me borrow one to train with occasionally, I’d like that~! Wrist-blade-thingy isn’t too far off from claws.
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Date: 2026-03-20 03:33 pm (UTC)Of course. Just let me know when you’d like to borrow it, and it’s yours. We’ll have to make sure it fits you.
[Allen’s wrists…are tiny.]
Normally you would train without the blade to begin with, but you’re hardly new at fighting. I think it would be fine.
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Date: 2026-03-20 04:10 pm (UTC)I have padding to wear from my wrists if they have to be adjusted. Y’know. For my clown gloves?
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Date: 2026-03-20 09:32 pm (UTC)These blades, meanwhile, are happy enough to exorcise your blood from your body, no matter what you are.
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Date: 2026-03-20 09:38 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2026-03-20 10:00 pm (UTC)[Edge End...could kill a man, if Allen decided to become evil.]
Well then, I look forward to seeing how you adapt to the blades. I think you might find them quite handy for everyday use.
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Date: 2026-03-21 12:40 am (UTC)"Everyday use"? Oh, do you use them to chop veggies and such when you're cooking???
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Date: 2026-03-21 12:58 am (UTC)[Don't tell Lvellie.]
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Date: 2026-03-21 01:01 am (UTC)...Hehe. Okay, that'll be fun, too.
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Date: 2026-03-21 04:34 pm (UTC)[Link sits back, folding his hands in his lap.]
Was there anything else you wanted to talk about? If I didn't answer your questions thoroughly, please let me know.
B—-
Date: 2026-04-01 03:18 am (UTC)Allen doesn't interrupt his word stumbles, grinning at him. There is a light dusting of pink to his cheeks, and Link will very likely feel his heartbeat thumping just a little faster than usually as he leans into him. Allen does eventually relent though. Even if Allen does just intend to kiss Link, he should be comfortable.
Also because there's a very real chance that Link's knees give out if he isn't sitting.
So, Allen guides him over to the bed, taking a seat first with an overdramatic flop and then pats the spot next to him. ]
You don't have to be nervous, Li. I'm still new to all this too. Even if we mess up a little, that's all part of learning, innit?
Sends u a bill for my broken windows
Date: 2026-04-01 03:33 am (UTC)It is…you’re right. I just don’t want to let you down, that’s all.
[Can’t be anything less than perfect etc etc etc]
Fuck. Shit. Runs away and eats ur bill
Date: 2026-04-01 03:43 am (UTC)[ He lets Link sit with that for just a moment before Allen leans in to close the space between his lips and Link’s. ]
MY BILL
Date: 2026-04-01 03:54 am (UTC)He realizes in that moment he doesn’t know what to do with his hands. Preciously he’d just been putting them on Allen’s face, but…
It feels a little risqué- though lbr anything would for Link- but after a moment, he takes the risk and lays his hands on Allen’s hips.]
no subject
Date: 2026-04-01 04:45 pm (UTC)It’s clumsy. It’s sweet. It’s very… them.
Allen keeps himself steadied with one hand on Link’s shoulder, the other against his cheek, and very gently brushes their lips together for a couple innocent kisses, before he finally decides to let his tongue ghost along his skin instead. Not forcing, just asking. He’ll even hear it in his head:
Can we? ]
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Date: 2026-04-02 01:09 am (UTC)He may not be able to think back for Allen to hear, but he does nod just slightly. It's quiet invitation and consent for more, even if he can't quite find his voice at the moment.]
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Date: 2026-04-02 02:30 am (UTC)[ I know he knows. But I am just slightly worried he'll try to please me above his own comfort...
A few more kisses are dragged along his cheek as he moves his head down and presses a very tentative one against his neck, as he waits for Link to respond. ]
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Date: 2026-04-02 02:47 am (UTC)He shakes his head a little, his fingers tightening their grip just slightly on Allen's hips. He doesn't get the chance to reply before he kisses his neck, which elicits a soft gasp before he whispers between them:]
If I need you to stop, I will. I promise you.
no subject
Date: 2026-04-02 02:59 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2026-04-02 03:22 am (UTC)I’m probably not the most comfortable place to sit…I apologize.
[Girl]
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Date: 2026-04-02 03:31 am (UTC)[ "A little". He's much smaller than Link, both by height and stature, but he's not gonna point that out. He does have some fat thighs, though, so... uh. Have fun with that, Link. He hopes he doesn't end up putting Link's legs to sleep like this. It's... probably fine. ]
Unless that was your way of politely telling me to get off?
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Date: 2026-04-02 03:44 am (UTC)[It’s his turn to pause and brush a lock of hair from Allen’s eyes, though his bangs seem to want to stubbornly bounce back into place regardless. If his legs fall asleep thanks to Allen well he’ll just have to suffer because this boy ain’t going anywhere.]
Please…continue.
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Date: 2026-04-02 04:18 am (UTC)Allen nods a little, leaning in again and this time just focusing on kissing Link’s neck. This will get some stuttered thoughts that Allen is obviously trying not to think about. Mostly, he’s suddenly very aware of himself, what he’s doing, where he is, and despite how confident he is with his movements, his thoughts are… nervous. It’s not like he can also read Link’s thoughts. How’s he supposed to know if this is okay…?
He gently nibbles at the skin, trying to shove all the anxiety from his head and just focus on what he’s doing now. ]
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Date: 2026-04-03 01:25 am (UTC)As Allen nibbles at his neck, Link gasps, shudders, and then leans forward a fraction, his temple resting against Allen's as he feels like electricity is passing its way sharply up through his spine in that moment. He gasps again, this time a short breath through his teeth, and then without thinking before he does it, he mutters:]
This is...it's good...
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Date: 2026-04-04 03:49 am (UTC)Right.
Despite his fluster, he pushes through it to leave more rough kisses against Link's neck. He pulls back his high collared shirt, mentally noting that it's really in the way of all this. His necklace, too... maybe he should take at least that off? Surely Link wouldn't mind...? He hasn't really seen Link take it off unless it was to shower, though. And religious folk are... particular, sometimes, right?
He pulls Link's braid back instead, and just starts to undo his braid so he can start carding his hand through his hair instead. ]
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Date: 2026-04-04 04:20 am (UTC)He does hear Allen’s pondering about the necklace, but for now he doesn’t bring it up. He figures it won’t become a real issue unless. Well. He’s not showing ankle yet so just jot that down. He wants to focus on the hair thing for now anyway, reaching up to take the ribbon he uses to keep his hair tied up so he can place it aside, the rest of his hair falling over his shoulders in waves the moment Allen frees it fully.]
Mmm…
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Date: 2026-04-04 04:31 am (UTC)Li… [ A pause. ] You’re so breathtaking, it’s hard to find the words to tell you how overwhelmingly beautiful you are.
[ After another soft brush of their noses, he steals another quick kiss from Link. ]
My bird~…
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Date: 2026-04-04 04:46 am (UTC)Since I can hear your thoughts alongside your words, I feel…it is only fair if I be honest with you, too.
[Completely honest, even if just the first few words leave him blushing so hard it looks like he might pass out.]
From the day I was first assigned to guard you, I never knew just what sort of impact you would have on my life. Though initially small, you filled each day with light, and laughter. I’d never gotten to experience such before. You…
[He looks down, then back up.]
You’re the best thing that has ever happened to me, Allen Walker.
1/3
Date: 2026-04-04 04:01 pm (UTC)2/3
Date: 2026-04-04 04:04 pm (UTC)???????¿¿¿¿¿¿?????¿¿¿???????????¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿?
Allen can't help the panicked laughter that comes out of him as his whole face is quickly morphing into a tomato. ]
3/3
Date: 2026-04-04 04:16 pm (UTC)Why does he have to go and say things like that? Why does anyone say such kind things to Allen, that mean he... means something to them more than just being a nuisance?? Allen hasn't told Link anything nearly so grandoise, and it feels like the other had truly just reached into his ribcage to seize Allen's heart. Hh...
"Light and laughter" when misery follows Allen around like an imprinted baby bird... it's bitterly laughable, and yet also so relieving to hear??
Fuck fuck fuck he shouldn't be so overcome by this. It's fine! Link is just saying how he feels! That happens when you're both busy courting one another, right?! ]
L... [ His voice is having trouble coming out suddenly, what the hell. Work with him, body!! ] I love you.
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Date: 2026-04-04 04:55 pm (UTC)But when given the time to think about it- really think- Link had come to that conclusion easily. Allen had caused a lot of trouble, there's no denying that. But, if he were to go back through the last few years of his life...Link can't honestly say his life would be any better without Allen in it. They'd still be fighting this war. His comrades would have still been in the situation they are now. If anything, he thinks things could have been a lot worse. Without Allen...
He doesn't really like thinking about it.
Yes, he almost died. Apocryphos came terribly close, but they'd all entered this war with the understanding that any one of them could die at any moment, and Link is confident saying that if he had died that day protecting Allen, it would have been worth it. Yes, he's still under Central's thumb by way of Lvellie. Yes, he's been given the task to ally with and guard the Fourteenth.
But here? Here...he can focus less on their duties, less on the fate of the fucking universe for once, and more on what he wants. How he feels.]
...I love you, too.
[He says it easily and without hesitation, though he does worry he's said something wrong. He's covering his face, so he can't tell from his expression...so instead, he'll remove one hand from his hip to brush his bangs away just a little.]
I'm sorry.
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Date: 2026-04-04 06:59 pm (UTC)[ Communication is important! ]
I... am just embarrassed. It's weird to hear someone... say stuff like that so genuinely.
[ He puts his hands back on Link, but this time against his sides, gently tugging on the tight fabric of his shirt. ]
I didn't even think you could love me like I do. I... was so afraid that I'd lose you if I told you how I felt.
I can hardly believe this is real at all.
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Date: 2026-04-04 07:29 pm (UTC)[Allen tugs on him gently, prompting Link to reach out and gently embrace him, pulling him in close to his chest. It's a proper hug, especially with Allen already sitting straddling him as he is in his lap. His free hand cradles the back of Allen's head, and for a moment he just...sits there with him, breathing him in.]
I've loved you far longer than I even realized it was love.
[He admits, his voice a little thin because it's still a bit embarrassing to admit it aloud. It's the truth though, and he knows anything less would be a lie.]
The only way you'd get rid of me now is if I died for real, this time.
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Date: 2026-04-04 08:29 pm (UTC)[ He's pouting a little, but... he doesn't actually mind. He appreciates the confession, more than anything else. He can't help but tease Link, anyway. ]
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Date: 2026-04-04 08:41 pm (UTC)[He says this as he tilts his head, pressing his lips a little shyly to Allen's temple.]
Trust me when I say that I just want to be by your side.
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Date: 2026-04-04 09:17 pm (UTC)Well, that's good, because you're going to be bloody hard pressed to get rid of me now. [ His hands are back in Link's hair, where he gives him the tiniest of tugs so that he can press his lips right against Link's once again. ]
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Date: 2026-04-04 09:38 pm (UTC)If it's Allen, it's okay.
So don't mind him if he pulls you even closer, Allen, until you're practically laying against him.]
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Date: 2026-04-04 10:39 pm (UTC)Very gently, he pushes his weight into Link, trying to coax him to lay down so that he can lay on top of him. Risqué? Maybe a little. But he wants to kiss Link breathless, and that'll be so much easier if he's laying down. ]
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Date: 2026-04-05 01:18 am (UTC)This is something new. Just having him in his lap was a lot, but this? If Allen liked the way his heartbeat felt against him before...]
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Date: 2026-04-05 05:15 am (UTC)There's a few little flickers of nerves and excitement in Allen's head. How far is he allowed to go? When should he stop? He just meant to kiss Link, but he does love him so, so much and he kind of wants to drown in it. Is he allowed to test the waters?
What if
Allen gently slides his fingers just under the hem of Link's shirt. No further. For now. ]
no subject
Date: 2026-04-05 05:33 am (UTC)Of course, that isn’t stopping him yet. Though his breath does audibly stutter at the way Allen’s fingers wander under his shirt, he allows it. He allows him to touch bare skin, his abs tense and hard underneath his touch because he just can’t help but be a little tense, considering.]
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Date: 2026-04-05 05:59 am (UTC)His lips pull away, and he gently kisses the tip of his nose before he speaks. ] ...Li?
...Can you help me take my shirt off? [ So that way it's kind of like they're moving at Link's pace. And Allen can gauge if he's actually uncomfortable or not... ]
no subject
Date: 2026-04-05 06:20 am (UTC)He feels his face go hot as he nods, lifting himself up on his elbows just a bit to make it easier. He’s seen him shirtless countless times, and he sleeps often without it, so this isn’t abnormal or anything…so he’ll pull it carefully over his head and neatly place it aside, deciding after a moment that it probably wouldn’t be very romantic to take the time to fold it.
Then, he turns his attention back to Allen, trying his best not to stare at his myriad of scars.]
Is that better?
no subject
Date: 2026-04-05 06:44 am (UTC)"Is that better?" he asks, and Allen laughs. He's so sweet. Even now... ] Innit??
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Date: 2026-04-05 06:53 pm (UTC)Link feels his heart literally stop for a few seconds when his hand touches Allen's bare skin, and for a moment he almost isn't sure if this is allowed...even though it very clearly is, given that Allen is the one initiating the contact. HE is placing Link's hand against his stomach, so of course it's okay. He's practically asking him to, isn't he?
He ducks his head forward just a fraction, nodding slightly as his fingers curl gently against Allen's skin. It's hard not to let his fingertips wander over the myriad of scars he has, particularly that massive one left behind by his sword.]
Y...yes.
no subject
Date: 2026-04-05 08:30 pm (UTC)Are you okay, Li? You keep blushing like that, you're gonna get a nosebleed. That, or your head's gonna pop. [ Allen is flustered and embarrassed himself, of course, but he would be more so to Link's state if he didn't have a womanizer whore of a mentor-
He lets Link's hand go so he can explore on his own, using his now free hands to trace vague shapes along Link's arms. ] Don't be nervous. We can stop whenever you want to, okay?
no subject
Date: 2026-04-05 08:38 pm (UTC)[He kindof blurts that before he realizes what he's saying, his breath catching, face reddening even more...
Then he has to look away, wholly unable to meet Allen's gaze when he's looking at him all sweetly like that.]
You can...take mine off, as well. It would only be fair.
no subject
Date: 2026-04-05 09:47 pm (UTC)It would… but… I would rather hear you say you want me to.
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Date: 2026-04-05 09:54 pm (UTC)He swallows, audibly.]
...I want you to, Allen. Please.
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Date: 2026-04-05 11:20 pm (UTC)He leans down and presses kisses into Link's cheek, along the red that stains his face, for a moment before he sits back up and once again finds his fingers under Link's shirt. He drags his hands up higher than just the hem this time, letting his fingers lightly drag along his skin as he pulls his shirt up. He gives a light nudge to his arms when it high enough, getting him to raise his arms so he can slide it off easily. The necklace... will be coming with it. Sorry, Link. He doesn't think to ask. He is, at least, putting it side with Allen's shirt, and letting them stay there instead of carelessly tossing them.
Allen's hand does linger against the cross on Link's chest for a few seconds, before he pulls it away and opts to just lean down to hold himself once again to Link. Chest to chest - but now completely bare, without any sort of cloth barrier keeping their skin from touching. ]
...Apologies if my thoughts are a bit much for you. [ Because he is absolutely thinking about how pretty Link is, how soft he feels, how warm he is, how much he wants to cover him with kisses, how much he wants to touch- ] I hope they're not too burdensome.
no subject
Date: 2026-04-05 11:39 pm (UTC)Now, that's been taken away, stripped literally bare. It's just the two of them, skin-to-skin, and Link feels...it feels good, he realizes.
He exhales slowly before wrapping his arms around Allen, letting both hands rest against his back.]
Not at all. I like hearing what you have to think about me...even if it is a bit embarrassing.
no subject
Date: 2026-04-06 12:29 am (UTC)[ And for now, Allen can take advantage of Link's "ability" to allow himself to busy his mouth with kisses, while his thoughts do all the talking for him. They are... a little less overwhelming than usual. At least in the multiple voices regard. It may very well be because he's focused on so solely on Link right now.
Allen is happy Link trusts him enough to do something so intimate with him. He is embarrassed that they're so incredibly close. He is nervous, in general, about toeing to the next step. He is enamored with how Link looks, his hair spilling around in an adorable mess that is so unlike his usual refined look. But above all of that, he is... excited. Very much in the nervously hormonal addled way one would expect from someone with little experience with this. Regardless of knowing this vaguely because of the brothels he's had to pay money to for Cross, or even just hearing things from being around the red light district, actually doing anything is different. Especially with another man.
When his lips pulls away, he gives an angelic smile that contrasts his sinful thoughts comically. Then, after just a second where Allen wiggles to shift himself down just enough, he starts to cover Link's shoulders and collar with fresh kisses, now that he can do so freely. Once on his collarbone, he gives that a quick nibble. ]
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Date: 2026-04-06 12:42 am (UTC)Link's breath catches, a hand reaching up so his fingers can card through Allen's hair. He strokes through silvery locks, his eyes hooded as he looks down at him to watch as he kisses further down and ooooh oh no that was a mistake, he looks back at the ceiling again as his heart tries to leap fully from his chest in that moment.]
Nnh...
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Date: 2026-04-06 01:23 am (UTC)He lets his silver eyes scan Link's face a moment, ghosting the nails of his Innocence over Link's shoulder as he contemplates things. Link certainly seems to be enjoying this. And he did tell Link to tell him to stop when he wasn't comfortable. Surely this is okay, right?
...
He continues, then, and trails kisses down from his collar to that cross-shaped scar in his chest. ]
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Date: 2026-04-06 01:49 am (UTC)He feels Allen move, carefully ducking his head down, kissing his way down his chest to the cross scar there. He feels a jolt rush through his body, as if Allen just electrocuted him, and very briefly (mortifyingly), his back completely arches off the bed, nails digging into Allen's scalp.
He gasps, and with a sudden rush of energy that can be felt between them, a wisp suddenly fades from Link's chest and swirls around both their heads, eventually coalescing into Atuuda's blobby form.
He tilts his head at them like ?]
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Date: 2026-04-06 02:36 am (UTC)..........................................Ah
[ Oh.
H.
Hi Atuuda. ]
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Date: 2026-04-06 02:44 am (UTC)Link just kindof. Is staring, because he didn't know that could happen. It probably...can't normally, but combine Allen touching him there with Link's very strong emotional reaction, and...yeah.
Link purses his lips, stiff as a board as he looks at Atuuda, then weakly manages-]
Atuuda...can you go find Tim?
[Atuuda continues to stare like :)? for a long moment before he makes a gurgling whale sound, then floats through the door and leaves.
After a long, awkward pause, Link closes his eyes and groans.]
I'm...sorry.
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Date: 2026-04-06 02:48 am (UTC)Oh Goodness, don't be sorry, that was funny! If anything, I should be sorry! Was it because I was touching here? I'll keep that in mind for next time.
[ Still, Allen presses one last kiss there. ]
My bird, look at me? There's no reason to be embarrassed~
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Date: 2026-04-06 02:52 am (UTC)Ah...y-yes. That's how I summon him...I didn't know others could do it, though.
[Again, probably a unique situation in this case, so it's fine. Atuuda has left so it won't happen again either way.]
It felt...very nice, so.
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Date: 2026-04-06 03:04 am (UTC)He leans his head down though, again kissing over the scar with his silver eyes back open to look at Link directly as he gently flicks his tongue against it now instead. ]
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Date: 2026-04-06 03:16 am (UTC)Eyelashes fluttering, he drops his head against the pillow and unintentionally tugs at Allen’s hair a bit again, unsure why that part of him is as sensitive as it is. Is it because it’s a scar? Usually these places lack sensation, but not here…he can’t help it.
He huffs, then brings his other hand back down to hold onto Allen’s hip. You know, just to have something to Grip onto-]
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Date: 2026-04-06 04:20 am (UTC)While Allen's mouth gives the scar affection, he starts to move one of his hands over the rest of Link's chest, slightly tracing the contour of his skin, before settling against his nipple, where he thumbs against it lightly. ]
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Date: 2026-04-06 04:31 am (UTC)So why in God’s name does he make this awful, strangled noise in the back of his throat when Allen touches him there, stopped only when he snaps his mouth shut and bites down on his tongue???
Because that sure does happen, his head tilted back so he’s looking at the ceiling and avoiding Allen’s gaze again because oh god oh god what the fuck]
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Date: 2026-04-06 04:55 am (UTC)With that reaction, though, and without using his Innocence for any more than keeping himself propped up, he starts to trail kisses over to Link’s other bud. He drags his tongue across it the moment he reaches, before popping his lips over it to give a few testing sucks. ]
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Date: 2026-04-06 11:27 pm (UTC)That seems to be just about enough for Allen to really open the floodgates. Meaning...Link suddenly loses all composure, if only for just a brief moment, at the drag of his tongue. The sucking.
He moans, his back arching off the bed again before he manages to clap a hand over his mouth to stifle it.]
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Date: 2026-04-07 12:21 am (UTC)Wait, don't put your hand there, I want to hear more.
That sound was so pretty. That is what angels should sound like.
Link, Li, my bird, my bird, my bird, my bird...
Church bells have nothing on this. Please let me hear it again.
I love you.
And he's reaching his Innocence up to attempt to coax Link's hand away from his mouth. Not pulling really, just gently curling around his wrist. ]
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Date: 2026-04-07 12:42 am (UTC)But one rings clearer than the rest, the most important of all.
He'll let his hand fall away at Allen's gentle urging, blonde eyelashes fluttering as he glances down at him still laying across his chest, his expression sheepish.]
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Date: 2026-04-07 01:00 am (UTC)[ He smiles up at him, so serenely, so excitedly. Adoring in all the purest of ways, even despite the arousal he feels. ]
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Date: 2026-04-07 01:05 am (UTC)[He has to agree with him, there. After all, he gets to hear Allen's every thought, and even then he was still willing to be this vulnerable with him? It...it shows a very deep level of trust he has in Link, which he appreciates more than he can express.
He leans up, kissing the tip of Allen's nose.]
Just...forgive me if I do or say anything unexpected.
[Because at this point he doesn't know how his body is going to fucking react to anything-]
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Date: 2026-04-07 01:28 am (UTC)[ He'll steal a peck against his lips before gently pushing him back down. ]
So long as you don't go reciting scriptures at me, I'll be more than happy to hear what you have to say and do. [ And, like, even then, the only ones he'd really turn his nose up are the "don't lay with man" things. He doesn't know exactly how it reads, but he knows they're in there somewhere. ]
Would you be alright if... I finished getting us undressed?
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Date: 2026-04-07 01:36 am (UTC)[God no, he can't even THINK about the Bible right now. He can only hope the Lord isn't watching currently, he doesn't want to consider the possibility.
Instead, he'll try to think less about the fact that the nerves might kill him before they finish any time soon, nodding a little as he relaxes into Allen pushing him prone once more.]
Y-yes....of course. Go ahead.
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Date: 2026-04-07 02:17 am (UTC)His underwear, tent pitched, don't go instantly with them, but only because Allen is faltering just a little here. He's nervous, and if his posture doesn't make that much clear, his thoughts do. He's thinking very understandable things one would think before baring themselves before their beloved. Like what if he's not attractive fully nude to Link? What if his size isn't good enough? What if he freaks out from how hard he's gotten just from all this? What if he's ashamed I'm uncut? What if, what if, what if...
He... pauses, and instead reaches for Link to start working on his pants. He'll get these, just these off. Maybe that'll encourage him enough to continue. ]
im sorry
Date: 2026-04-07 02:29 am (UTC)Link sits himself up on his elbows again just a little, mostly so he can get a better angle to watch Allen take off his pants. Goodbye, hell pants...and hello nearly-nude Allen, my God. He feels a nice sweat breaking out on his forehead and the back of his neck, and he's certain he must be glowing like a stuck pig right about now. Awful, how is Allen putting up with this trainwreck. At least his braid has been taken down, because it would have been disheveled to hell and back by now.
He tries (and fails) not to stare at Allen's nether regions, thinking all manner of sinful thoughts that he's abso-fucking-lutely going to have to go to confessional about later, at which point Wolfwood is going to laugh him right out of the box but anyway...not that he has much time to focus on that, because before he can do much else, Allen is taking his turn to help undress him.
And...
...
Link will help of course, lifting his hips and legs in turn to get the slacks removed until the two of them are down to their skivvies, with Link's underwear equally tented. It would put them on even ground, if it weren't for the fact that Link is...to put it simply, Fucking Hung and Fucking Hard. His length is nearly poking out of the lower edge of his briefs right now. He is Howard with a CAPITAL H.
So. Oops-]
no never be
Date: 2026-04-07 02:41 am (UTC)Still, uh, Allen makes absolutely 0 efforts to look away from Link's underwear, and the cock that's barely being contained. His face is... engulfed in red. Like, holy shit... ]
...Uh... [ Just "uh". ]
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Date: 2026-04-07 02:47 am (UTC)aaaaaaa]
I-...I'm sorry, is it bad?
[He asks about his GIGANTIC COCK]
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Date: 2026-04-07 03:02 am (UTC)No, no, not at all. You're incredible in... ah, even this regard, Li. I was just surprised, that's all. Here, let me get this off of you, it looks uncomfortable~!
[ Yeah, fuck that earlier wanting to undress himself first. These are coming off Link right the fuck now. He does so carefully, at least, instead of just yanking them off. ]
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Date: 2026-04-07 03:11 am (UTC)It looks like he's going to be totally nude first, which is fine enough. He's still plenty embarrassed, but he knows that's just going to be par the course at this point...he manages to steel his nerves and allows Allen to pull his briefs off for him, leaving him completely exposed to the elements. He quite literally springs free the second he's been released, and yeah. This man is a sight for sore eyes.
Incredibly toned (this wasn't a surprise, Allen already knew that much) with muscles etched into every square inch of skin, with the only blatant scar being the one on his chest. He has a few lighter scars along his arms here and there, but his hands seem spared thanks to his penchant for wearing gloves. Unbraided as it is, his hair cascades over his shoulders in a long golden mane, and despite the equally blonde happy trail he sports, he's quite hairless most everywhere else. All the way down to his very erect length, which is cut in contrast to Allen because, you know, Catholics and all that. He's hard as fucking diamonds, still just barely managing to resist the urge to hide himself with his hands as he glances a bit off to one side, unable to look at himself when he's flushed red and dripping.
Good Lord, forgive him.]
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Date: 2026-04-07 03:27 am (UTC)You should be proud, Li, you're beautiful! Bloody gorgeous, even.
Ah, would it feel better if you took off my trousers? I don't know... how to soothe your nerves, but if there's anything you want me to do, I will. In a heartbeat.
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Date: 2026-04-07 03:41 am (UTC)[And Allen’s been kissing and touching all over him, so like…it’s a lot for his brain and body to process. Also, while this man isn’t like, uneducated, do you think someone as religious as him is going around rubbing one out? It’s VERY likely he’s pent up on top of everything else.
Heavily so, if the way he shudders is anything to go by.]
…could you? If you don’t mind.
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Date: 2026-04-07 04:16 am (UTC)But goddamn is the boy thicc-
It doesn't help that he has some nice thighs and hips to just make that more apparent. Like, we know where all the food he eats goes to now. He is, however, thinking that he's sorry to Link, that he doesn't have anything better to show. God, he really shouldn't be Link's first, should he? He feels like he doesn't deserve it. ]
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Date: 2026-04-07 03:37 pm (UTC)And he stares at Allen, looking him over. His torso, his hips, the way his Innocence connects to his body. His manhood.
When he does speak, his words are breathed and involuntary, completely oblivious to Allen’s inner turmoil even though he can hear it very clearly.]
You’re…beautiful.
[And he genuinely means that. He’s more beautiful like this than any woman he’s ever seen.
He’s radiant.]
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Date: 2026-04-07 04:07 pm (UTC)Huh?
Allen flusters even more, somehow. His face canNOT get any hotter, surely. Else it might start melting. He is laid bare and Link calls his beautiful? Are his eyes working? Like, really! He’s covered in scars and blemishes. If he has hair at all it’s hard to tell due to his hair naturally (or… magically?) being silver. He’s fit, but relies so much on his Innocence for physical activity that he doesn’t really have prominent muscles. He’s shorter than average for men, as much as he’s loathe to admit.
Yet the word Link chose is “beautiful”??????????? ]
That… that’s supposed to be my line to you…
[ He’s embarrassed and climbing over Link because he doesn’t want to be stared at. Sorry— ]
You can’t say something like that all dreamy-like, Li. How am I supposed to respond…?
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Date: 2026-04-07 04:13 pm (UTC)You can start by kissing me.
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Date: 2026-04-07 04:59 pm (UTC)Unfair, using that against me…
[ His own words!! Curses and etc.
He leans down all the same so he can lock his lips against Link, one hand keeping him held up while another traces Link’s side all the way down to his hip. ]
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Date: 2026-04-07 05:47 pm (UTC)But since he feels like he hasn’t been doing enough, he’ll let his other hand wander down Allen’s back, settling at his hip as he presses long, slender fingers into the skin there.]
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Date: 2026-04-07 06:34 pm (UTC)He will also be moving his hand from Link’s hip to immediately coiling fingers around his dick, thanks— ]
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Date: 2026-04-07 07:31 pm (UTC)Ah-!
[He is also crying out quite abruptly when his dick is grabbed, horrified briefly by the way his body betrays him and he bucks up into Allen’s hand, his eyes screwed tightly shut as he resists the urge to cover his mouth to stifle his moans.]
Mnnf- hh- Allen…
[He has never been touched by another man please send help]
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Date: 2026-04-08 03:16 am (UTC)He doesn't really move his hand just yet, sans his fingers attempting to adjust slightly to make sure his grip is there. ]
You a'ight, Li? Want me to let go??
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Date: 2026-04-08 03:26 am (UTC)Now, he’s being touched by someone other than himself, and the sensation is both foreign and overwhelming. He gasps, taking a moment to catch his breath before shaking his head quickly, avoiding Allen’s gaze in embarrassment.]
N. No, I just. I’m sorry, I wasn’t…expecting it to feel like…like that…
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Date: 2026-04-08 03:38 am (UTC)Like this? You know, I only just touched you.
I promise I’ll take care of you, though. You’ll let me, won’t you?
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Date: 2026-04-08 03:49 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2026-04-08 04:08 am (UTC)You have my word.
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Date: 2026-04-09 12:57 am (UTC)I. I don't know...really, how to say this, but I have never masturbated before. The scriptures, as well as anyone who has ever taught me, had drilled it into me from a young age that such was a sin and wasn't to be tolerated.
[...]
I don't...I'm sorry, I'm just not sure what to expect.
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Date: 2026-04-09 03:11 am (UTC)[ He presses another kiss, in hopes to comfort him, right against his forehead this time. And here, he also moves his hand. Gently, maybe a bit teasingly slow, but enough that he's definitely attempting to stroke Link's dick. ]
Do you... trust me?
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Date: 2026-04-09 03:22 am (UTC)So he means it when he says-]
With my life.
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Date: 2026-04-09 03:49 am (UTC)This is nothing near that serious, Li... but I am glad you get to experience this with me. But... you will have to tell me what feels good for you. I'm no expert on this stuff, either.
[ He's trying very hard not to think of his One Other Experience With This because he doesn't really want to attack Link with flashes of naked Kanda. But it's really the only experience he has, so he is questioning things here. Link's inexperienced, after all, so he has to ask thinks like... does he want to be on the submissive role? It's sort of what Allen expects, but maybe it's mean of him to assume something like that??? Not to mention, does he really want to do all of that? He was so nervous to before, and quite enjoyed just the foreplay of everything, so maybe Link would just want to do all that?
He thinks Link might die if there's dick inside him, honestly.
Hm. Well, whatever, for now, handjobs for Link. Allen parts from him with a little kiss on his cheek and sits upright so he's on Link's thighs, all just to watch as he repositions his hand and begins to jerk the blond off. ]
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Date: 2026-04-09 04:10 am (UTC)Suffice it to say, he is not the dominant one right now. Not with the way they’re positioned, and certainly not with what’s happening, but that’s honestly for the best because he wouldn’t be doing a very good job otherwise.]
U-uhnn- mmm-
[Oh he wishes he could stifle himself. The noises he makes seem deafening in the otherwise quiet room, his thighs trembling as he’s stroked. He can’t fully comprehend what this feeling is other than good, his brain firing off synapses he didn’t know existed. At the same time, precum drips liberally across Allen’s fingers, lubricating them a little for his efforts.]
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Date: 2026-04-09 04:33 pm (UTC)He is mentally drinking Link in, however. His facial expressions are all being committed to memory, so, sorry to Link if he feels akin to looking in a mirror right now. Allen cannot help it. He needs this image etched into his mind. ]
See? You’re doing so good.
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Date: 2026-04-09 04:59 pm (UTC)R-really? I’m not exactly…nnh…doing anything…
[Other than just laying there, feeling. And boy, is he FEELING.
Now, Link isn’t stupid. He may not have ever done this, but he’s read all the textbooks and is well aware of how the human body operates. He knows the functions without having experienced it himself. It’s one thing to know, and another to know.
He’s not going to last long.
Depending on how Allen decides to take this, it’s more a matter of when than if. Every breath he takes is labored like he’s run a marathon, his eyes unable to stay open long as his hand moves.]
Is it…supposed to be this…m-much…?
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Date: 2026-04-09 11:48 pm (UTC)No, I don't think so, but I suppose I'm not surprised, either. You're probably extra sensitive... [ ... Which... could be fun to play with- no no. Don't overwhelm Link, Allen. Be nice!
But it would be soooooo funnnnnnnnn!!!! ):
Ugh. He has to be good. He has to take care of Link! Take care of him and not... kill him. ]
Are you okay? Should I stop?
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Date: 2026-04-10 01:32 am (UTC)[He suddenly slips, then he freezes, then he tips his head back and moans.]
L-Lord, forgive me...
[It's fine. The Lord isn't watching! Probably!]
Don't...don't stop. I'm...I'm getting used to it. I just...
[He doesn't know. He's having trouble stringing words together right now, nothing makes sense and everything feels so Much right now that his body is having trouble handling it all. It's in a good way, mind.]
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Date: 2026-04-10 02:16 am (UTC)blasphemousfunny, and he takes it. So, without missing a beat, he says: ] I don't think God can hear, but~ would it make you feel better if we prayed?Do you want me to kneel, my bird?
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Date: 2026-04-10 02:28 am (UTC)He manages to resurface for a moment and looks at Allen with massive fucking eyes, his fingers pulling at the sheets underneath him for a moment. He opens his mouth to speak, but instead of actual words, all that comes out is...]
Bwuhuh?
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Date: 2026-04-10 02:59 am (UTC)Loosen up, love. I'm teasing you, but only because you're stressed. I don't want you to have to worry about things like that, not while I've got you this excited~
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Date: 2026-04-10 03:04 am (UTC)[Link relaxes a little at that, though it's hard to say if it's from what Allen says to him, or the way he's touching him, or both. Probably both.]
I'm not...I'm not worried, I promise. [Yeah and a pig flew by just now.] Sorry, it's just a bit difficult to focus...
[And for a second there he thought Allen was being serious so he was like ?????? and then his brain promptly shut down, as you do.
Instead of focusing on that, though, he lets his shoulders and head fall back again, reaching up with one hand to thread his fingers through Allen's hair again, exhaling on a sigh.]
You can keep going. I'm okay.
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Date: 2026-04-10 04:21 pm (UTC)[ Today is the day Link dies, apparently. Alas, we knew him well.
Link is spared the torture for now, though. Allen has turned his attention to jerking him off, and he’s noting this is a lot different than doing it to himself. Firstly, he’s noting that he is thicker than both Link and Kanda. He doesn’t know if that’s a good thing or not, having not taken yet. He’d always assumed longer was better but now there’s a second thing to consider. Hm.
But also… Link is SO sensitive. His dick twitches in his hand and he’s hardly moving it that much. Part of him wants to stay slow to let him adjust, but the other wants to overwhelm Link until he can’t think anymore.
The second option persists, and Allen not only picks up the pace of his strokes, but moves his other hand to start massaging Link’s balls liberally. ]
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Date: 2026-04-11 12:29 am (UTC)He gives up trying to speak. He puts all of his faith in Allen as he touches him gently, yet with enough regular pressure to leave the other man moaning softly, his hips rocking up against Allen's hand occasionally despite his best efforts to stay still. He's started trembling by this point, thighs quivering, chest heaving as he lavishes equal attention to both his length and his balls...it's nearly too much.]
Ah- haah-
[And, boy, hopefully Kanda doesn't come home from whatever he's doing too early, because he'd hear Link moaning right through the bedroom door. He's plenty loud enough for it.]
A-Alleen-
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Date: 2026-04-13 02:09 am (UTC)He supposes he's sort of always thought that way about Link, though. Sans the arguments they got in, it was why he'd strike up conversation late night when they'd share a room together. His voice is soothing, he supposes. Right now, that's a fucking curse, though, because it's making his heart race so much faster than he thinks its supposed to.
...
Fuck, and Link can still hear all that mushy stuff he was just thinking-
He tries to brush all that aside and instead just continues to focus on his hands, which start to move a bit more progressively faster, occasionally teased with the smallest squeeze. ]
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Date: 2026-04-13 11:51 pm (UTC)This sense of urgency that makes his heartrate spike, and for a moment he hardly knows how to react to it. He gasps sharply, his head thrown back against the pillow underneath. One hand pulls at the sheets while the other pulls at Allen's hair accidentally, jerking his head forward as he chokes on a strangled attempt at his name that doesn't properly leave him before it's trailing off in a sound he never knew he was capable of making. It's just this...wordless moan of pleasure that shakes through his entire body as he suddenly hits his peak, spilling over Allen's hand, shooting onto his own stomach and chest, hips canting upward in a desperate attempt to keep the friction going for longer.
His vision becomes spotty, and for a moment he has this wild thought of "Oh God I am going to pass out".
(he doesn't, to be clear)]
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Date: 2026-04-15 02:33 am (UTC)He's also a little alarmed when he gets Link to climax at all, but... he seems almost proud after he does. His hand won't stop moving, either. Not until Link finishes, at least. Only then will he pull it away with a smile that toes between genuinely smitten and coyly cheeky. He leans over Link now, leaning down to press a soft kiss against his lips. ]
How was that, my bird?
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Date: 2026-04-15 02:54 am (UTC)That…s-shit…it felt…incredible…
[Ah-]
S-sorry, I don’t mean to swear.
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Date: 2026-04-15 06:28 pm (UTC)You should be fucking sorry. [ He teases between kisses. ] Am… I okay to keep going with you, or have I tuckered you out already?
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Date: 2026-04-15 08:56 pm (UTC)Link, like...he's smart. He knows a lot, he's read books. He knows how the science of what his body just did works, for the most part. But it's not like he took deep courses on sex ed or anything like that (because lol Catholic).
So 1) when Allen curses, he shivers and then feels really confused about why his body reacted like that, and 2) he looks up at him a little baffled, his breath still hot against Allen's lips.]
We...can keep going?
[????? You can do more? You don't simply cum and then die?]
1/3
Date: 2026-04-15 09:16 pm (UTC)2/3
Date: 2026-04-15 09:17 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2026-04-15 09:19 pm (UTC)We don’t have to. It’s up to you, my bird.
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Date: 2026-04-15 09:26 pm (UTC)N-no no! Allen, you misunderstand, I...
[He shifts...then he flusters, looking embarrassed.]
It isn't that I don't want to, I do. Very much. I just didn't know you...could. Physically.
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Date: 2026-04-16 03:51 am (UTC)But... it's not like you empty your balls out after just one go of it, you know. [ Do you have to be crass- ] I've found that I maybe... am hard to keep up with, though.
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Date: 2026-04-17 12:43 am (UTC)No. I want...to do more. I want you to show me.
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Date: 2026-04-17 02:12 am (UTC)[ Wouldn't be the first time he's wanked in the bathroom! ]
But if we're going to do more, I'll need to grab some oil.
[ He lifts himself off of Link, shifting over to the chest at the end of his bed where he's kept just such a bottle. Don't worry about it. Just wait until Heimr lets him know about lube- ]
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Date: 2026-04-17 02:21 am (UTC)He's just...nervy. He doesn't know if he's doing anything right, but rest assured, he is absolutely enjoying himself.
He'll sit forward for a moment with his weight on his elbows as Allen gets up to grab the oil, a little perplexed as to the reasoning behind it. Is it for...putting on their skin?]
I'm sure. I want you to feel good too.
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Date: 2026-04-17 02:44 am (UTC)[ He's teasing, of course. Or... maybe not. Hard to tell with this one. Anyway, he crawls back over to Link, and opens the oil to spread over his fingers. ]
You still trust me to take care of you, right?
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Date: 2026-04-17 02:58 am (UTC)[Good LORD Allen how do you manage to just say things that make his heart want to explode from his chest, seriously. He barely has much time to react to Allen teasing with his full chest that Link has affected him enough to start a whole religion about it before he starts to apply the oil to his fingers...hmm.]
Of course I do. You can do anything...I know you know what you're doing.
And, er. If there is anything I can do for you...please, let me know.
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Date: 2026-04-18 02:17 am (UTC)Also that he really like that his dick is fat enough to make a tiny bump in his boyfriend's tummy(ies? plural? maybe???).
...But at least this next part, yeah, he knows how to do. Hence why he's putting his now slick fingers right back against Link's ass. ]
Just... let me know if you're uncomfortable at all. That's all I need from you.
[ And he gently pushes in a finger. ]
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Date: 2026-04-18 02:45 am (UTC)Which means Allen's going to get the slightest bite of nails into his skin in response as Link's body stiffens just a little bit because wow that is a feeling he has never felt in his entire life.]
Nnh-!
[He doesn't squirm away, staying put obediently as he glances down at his front even though he can't entirely see what Allen is doing past his own cock twitching against his stomach.]
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Date: 2026-04-18 03:16 am (UTC)He waits to do much more until Link's fingers relax a little, then he'll start to move his finger in further. ]
Just stay relaxed for me.
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Date: 2026-04-18 03:24 am (UTC)Thankfully, it isn't long before his muscles ease and the tension in his body relaxes a bit, allowing for Allen to do more.]
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Date: 2026-04-18 04:21 am (UTC)For now, he can take in Link’s sounds and his twitches and the way his hands feel on his thighs. Just this is enough for now. ]