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.]
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timeasmymeasure
no subject
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.
no subject
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?
no subject
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?
no subject
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.
no subject
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.
no subject
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!
no subject
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.
no subject
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?
no subject
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?
no subject
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.
no subject
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.
no subject
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.
no subject
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...?
no subject
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??
no subject
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.]
no subject
Date: 2026-03-15 10:31 pm (UTC)Anyway, Tim spreads his fucking maw of a face and eats the dumpling, thank you- ]
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