[ The irony is that Allen is the same. When it's a gentle touch, a loving touch from someone you care for -- it's something he almost never received his entire life. Rare and fleeting every time, something so precious.

However, for him... that meant he freely gave it even if he never expected anything in return. Offering comfort and a hand to hold whenever he felt like that was something another might need and appreciate. For him, that's more than enough.

At least it was, until it was reciprocated in mutual caring. To show love and affection -- and not have any reason why he shouldn't. And that is when he realized just how much he craved that sort of affection, wanting to hold on tight and never let go -- but so very carefully holds that part in check and just keeps to the safe and casual, natural patterns of affection they've carved out.

He smiles at that though, the light touch to his loose hair, and then laughs a little sheepishly at the question. ]

Ehehe... I never had letters I wrote him to read. That wasn't our thing. [ Allen and writing or even reading if he isn't doing research like a detective because that's also part of his job... ... no. Not happening.

He continues to run his hand idly through Shouto's hair, letting his fingers trace out the edge of his ear and follow the curve of the shell. ]

But I did like to speak to other things that reminded me of him. It's always let me feel closer to him.