He stares for a moment at first, stunned and very close to regretting saying anything. Does it hurt you so much even when he's still standing right here in front of you? Allen lets his hand go so he can properly wrap his arm around him in return instead, burying his nose into Shouto's hair as he continues to hold him. To patiently let him grieve what he needs even as it leaves Allen somewhat bewildered, and just be present and an anchor. ]
It did. [ He says it very softly, stroking his back gently and soothingly. But his eyes lift up to the moon above as well, watching it with a quiet and guarded expression. This moon means death, he knows that. Or at least, it meant death to him back then. The inescapable inevitability of it came close when he lay there unable to move or do anything except bleed out. But it wasn't red, and there was no snow.
An omen for something else? ]
Shouto-- [ Attention shifting back to him, Allen kisses the side of his head and nudges gently at him in an encouraging manner. Look at me. ]
Please don't grieve so. [ He brings his hand around to cup his cheek tenderly, leaning in to try and kiss the tiny frozen droplets away, melting them with his lips and gently swiping the tears on his other cheek aside. Not trying to stop the tears, just catching them as they fall. Sweet and insistent.
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You're such a gentle-hearted person.
He stares for a moment at first, stunned and very close to regretting saying anything. Does it hurt you so much even when he's still standing right here in front of you? Allen lets his hand go so he can properly wrap his arm around him in return instead, burying his nose into Shouto's hair as he continues to hold him. To patiently let him grieve what he needs even as it leaves Allen somewhat bewildered, and just be present and an anchor. ]
It did. [ He says it very softly, stroking his back gently and soothingly. But his eyes lift up to the moon above as well, watching it with a quiet and guarded expression. This moon means death, he knows that. Or at least, it meant death to him back then. The inescapable inevitability of it came close when he lay there unable to move or do anything except bleed out. But it wasn't red, and there was no snow.
An omen for something else? ]
Shouto-- [ Attention shifting back to him, Allen kisses the side of his head and nudges gently at him in an encouraging manner. Look at me. ]
Please don't grieve so. [ He brings his hand around to cup his cheek tenderly, leaning in to try and kiss the tiny frozen droplets away, melting them with his lips and gently swiping the tears on his other cheek aside. Not trying to stop the tears, just catching them as they fall. Sweet and insistent.
You're gentle, but you're strong too. ]
I'm still here too.
[ So don't drown in it, those feelings. ]