closedish to cool guys having chill day

[megatheorem]

Who: a bunch of funky friends invited by Viktor and Palamedes*
What: Having a Party in a field with Fireworks
When: the second week-ish in May
Where: (the field outside of) Pal and Viktor's bunker in Gaze

Content Warnings: alcohol and teens drinking it, irresponsible use of explosives, see threads for anything else that comes up

*If you have friendly CR with Palamedes please feel free to handwave that he mentioned this happening, also if your character has CR with a Pal Friend (a pal^2) who would invite them along, he's broadly allowing this. It's not a formal affair in the slightest lmaooo

--

afternoon/evening.

Earlier in the morning on the day of The Fireworks Field Party (tm), Palamedes makes sure to send a quick location ping to anyone who's never been to the Sixth bunker (also tm) before, because it is, indeed, just in a field somewhere in Gaze. The treeline is comfortably distant from the door to said bunker, which is the only real indication anything is out here besides a few "big rocks" that he names, in his message, as landmarks.

As an afterthought, he has set up a little trail of mason jars containing glowing mushrooms to lead the way to The Field, helpfully. The Field is what it sounds like: a dang field, just slightly ominous in the Gaze fashion, although besides the usual somebody's-watching feeling, it's grassy and spacious for kitschy lawn games. Among the things Palamedes has provided (upon recommendation of a shopkeeper, so like, do not perceive his choices, they were made for him) include:

1. Just a load of blankets, big cozy ones dutifully spread out for chilling on, on the ground.

2. Throwing game Crossbones, definitely chosen because of the bones (they are wooden sticks), and just kind of left sitting there waiting because your host does not know how to play physical games.

3. beanbag horseshoes because it rocks

4. Just, like, a specific blanket that has pencils and blank paper sitting on it... This is a free station, no one will question what art happens here.

Harrow has also provided bone chairs for alternate seating, which are precisely what they sound like.

Eventually, the field will also feature a snack table, which is a community effort, and a booze table, which is slightly supervised in the way that your esteemed host(s) will not permit booze and cherry bombs at the same time.

And, because it's an open field in Trench, there is also a table where emergency incense is waiting. Wandering too far from the space immediately around the bunker (which, it's a big space, you'd have to go far) will eventually lead you to blood wards on the ground, on the trunks of a few trees, etc. Don't touch these. Don't be gross.


the fucken fireworks.

It's fireworks. Once it's dark, there are even more glowing mushroom jars and homemade alchemy glowsticks from Waver to be passed around, somehow, and at least some of the little beanbags glow in the dark, ooh!! Viktor has provided cherry bombs to be used with at least a little caution, for god's sake. There are also some slightly larger fireworks in much shorter supply, from a shop, that will be closely guarded until someone with pyrotechnics talent convinces Palamedes they deserve one. Godspeed.

Broadly: this is a fireworks party (tm) for individual wee ones you can throw around on your own, with only a brief smattering of the big ones that light up the whole sky above the field. It's a chill time for cool buds, fire safety is encouraged, so is vibing on the blankets and enjoying a nice evening.

At various times, local dope musician Anna Amarande will be providing some light musical entertainment, for vibes.


the bunker i guess.

The party is not in here, but for reference:
-it's locked via numpad and neither of these stickbug nerds are giving out the code but they'll open the door if asked... you don't have to leave the place to go to the bathroom lmf
-it's a bunker. it's one room and a bathroom in the back. it's full of disorganized nerd stuff and an oversized moon orb and pal's mean omen, rocky the cool rat (harpy eagle), who will aggressively flap at anyone with sticky fingers until they leave
-the code is 69420 so if you're super funny like gideon you COULD guess it

Comments

[likethelight]

[ You have no idea how many times he wheeled himself close and peered at Shouto when he was napping, mostly out of morbid curiosity if he actually was asleep and then how he keeps falling asleep seemingly anywhere. He'd poke him for it, too, except he knows how badly the other needs it with how everything has gone so he doesn't. One time when he was napping at one of the tables Shouto would have just woken back up with a blanket tugged around him.

Or maybe a golem on his head. Timcanpy likes napping too, just nestled on people's heads, and he also likes people that Allen likes -- and Shouto's napping is a great excuse for him while Allen socializes. There's a faintly mechanical wheezing squeak that comes from him occasionally that sounds suspiciously like snoring. He also joins him when he's setting up the blanket, "helping" by trying to pull the corners out smooth... but mostly playing with them and rolling himself up in the edges like a wiggly burrito golem.

After he's finished juggling the last of his sparklers, Allen comes to look for him though. (Which one? Honestly both.) Brightening when he catches sight of Shouto and pausing for a moment to wave to him, and Timcanpy perks up as well and ceases playing as he wheels himself over, flying over to greet him instead.

His demeanor is different in this kind of setting. Or -- most settings outside of the ones the two have mostly been through. With most of the time they had spent together being in the lens of being trapped underground, fighting, or -- dying... Allen is much more serious, more sober and wrought in those sorts of circumstances. Bittersweet and burdened. Being able to just be around people without that sort of weight -- he's lighthearted. Smiles and laughs easily and not just in small little moments that bubble up, drifting between people and chatting easily with friend and stranger alike. Eager but still with his sense of dignity, and a bright sort of almost childlike cheerfulness in how he'd sometimes tug at Shouto's sleeve and go look, they even have doughnuts.

Nothing bittersweet or sad about it. ]

? [ Hm? He's smiling wide and bright, in good spirits and still rosy from having performed for the crowd, but looks at the other boy a little curiously too ]

Why are you sitting on the grass? [ Isn't that his blanket right there next to him? ]

[swellter]

[ The buzz of the crowds slips away and his lashes start to drop, head sliding to one side. A light sleeper, any loud noise or tap will rouse him from sleep. Like when he catches him watching him. Of course, he'll also believe any excuse he gives and not question it or Tim. Or the blanket tucked around him... okay. Maybe he's a little more tired than usual.

Outside of dangerous conditions, he's a lot less expressive. He doesn't seem to mind the crowds but also chooses not to engage with larger groups unless prompted. In other words, he's the opposite of Allen, preferring to observe than engage. Listen rather than speak. Most conversations go over his head and as such he often finds himself thinking on other things while everyone's engaged, mapping out his next power nap or where to take Allen next. He needs structure, absent that, he makes his own. And while technically not rude, he's also very blunt with people who engage him directly which can swing either way depending on the person.

By the time evening rolls around, and he's gotten plenty of power naps, he lets his thoughts drift and his eyes settle on the cheerful revelers missing Allen's wave. It's not until he hears the familiar whirl of those wheels that his attention shifts, catching a familiar duo. Tim flies over and Allen wheels in after questioning his choice of seat. ]

I'm waiting for the fireworks.

[ An automatic response from the serious boy. ]

[likethelight]

[ -- you know he really should have specified. He realizes that now.

Smiling good-naturedly, he folds his hands in his lap. ]

I think that's what the blankets are for. [ Not going to belabor the point, but, you know... just going to leave it out there. Maybe he prefers the grass.

He'd noticed, of course, that the other is much quieter when interacting with a large group. It isn't surprising at all, it seems his nature, and as such Allen wouldn't push him in any manner. Other than the occasional excited tugging along to see or do some thing, which was half his own excitement and just wanting to share it with someone as much as anything. Everyone can enjoy things in different ways, after all. There isn't any real right or wrong way to in his mind... mostly.

And really, it isn't surprising to him at all. ]

Can I wait with you?

[swellter]

[ Eyes cast down to the blanket, then back up to him. ]

That's for you.

[ Or wasn't it obvious? Laid out neatly and with purpose. He sits next to it by design. A direct invitation without words, accepted with a question. An odd and complicated offer, yet simple all the same.

He cants his head. Always. ]

Do you want to sit on the grass? [ He gestures to the blanket. ] Or stay in the chair?

[likethelight]

[ --oh.

Blinking for a moment, Allen smiles a bit more lightly -- the quieter sort of way with warmer eyes -- at that silent response, always. And he gives an appreciative hum, his demeanor shifting more peaceable, as he reaches down to lock his wheelchair in place as his own indirect answer. Can't really get out of it that easily until he does, right? ]

It's big enough that we both can. [ Please. As if he'd stay on the blanket and make you sit on the grass. He might be the one wearing white, but really.

Also god yes he wants out of this thing. He's beyond appreciative for everything Viktor did with modifying it to be more useful and comfortable, but... being stuck in anything or anywhere goes against his basic nature. ]

[swellter]

[ He's been around enough stubborn heroes to know his limited mobility isn't enough to stop him if he really wants out. The fact that he's allowed to help speaks to a promise made on a moonlit night than an actual need. His features soften when he hears the clicks and he rises without prompting. ]

Where did you learn to juggle like that?

[ He asks while he moves to lift him out of the chair, the motion familiar now. ]

[likethelight]

[ Just as familiar, he slips his arms around the other boy's shoulders to steady himself as he's lifted. No fuss or complaints. Lavi would panic and screech that he wasn't even recognizable like that without the usual huffing and squirming, and then probably make fun of him. ]

Mana taught me. [ Speaking casually of him again. Easily and casually. ]

He was a traveling pierrot who found me when I was in a circus he came to work at. I learned how to do acts with him after that. It helped me learn how to use my left arm.

[swellter]

[ No fuss or complaints, Allen is an ideal patient, and he'd question anyone who tried to say otherwise. An arm under his legs to carry his weight, another set at his back to steady him, and up he goes without issue. Funnily enough, he's had actual training on proper techniques for carrying the injured. He likely would've mentioned it if Allen had any trepidation at the start. ]

What's a pierrot?

[ A curious look his way as he carries him the short distance to the blanket. He crouches next to the comforter to set him down on the soft material, and while he's kneeled in front of him, he catches that bit of information, and his eyes flick up from their task to meet his looking half-astonished by the prospect of what he just heard. ]

You were in the circus?

[ He knows very little about the circus or any other childhood staple. So, when he mentions being an actual part of one, the immediate image that comes to mind is the posters he's come across online of flying acrobats and lion tamers. Oh... is that why he's very light on his feet? He's noticed, of course. Endeavor drilled into him various fighting styles from an early age. Speed and brute force are his enemies. That's how Iida and Bakugou got past his automatic defenses in the past. Allen, too, was fast and strong. He's seen him in action enough times to know he'd break through his ice and pin him down if given a chance. It's a scenario he's played out in his head a few times. ]

[likethelight]

[ It's the sort of reaction he's used to; going from circus to Exorcist was a bit of an unexpected jump even considering most of them came from extremely different lives before. People are always interested in that sort of thing, too. Circuses.

Though perhaps more interestingly, he doesn't smile as he so often does when Shouto asks him if he was in the circus. Not much of a reaction at all, other than his eyes hooding slightly as if recalling something distant. ]

Mm... as far back as I can remember. [ He reaches down to adjust his legs to something more comfortable, choosing to sit cross-legged for now. It's a bit of a weird concept, needing to manually adjust your legs in such a fashion, but he's gotten used to it. Though he is able to move them a little now, the muscles trembling unsteadily, even if he can't put any weight on them. Also, he makes sure Shouto set him down in such a way where there's still room for him. _{He'll chide you if you didn't}

Now he smiles though, fondly, at the other question and recalling Mana. Meeting the other boy's eyes this time as he does — and patting the blanket next to him. Various phases of the moon embroidered on it. ]

A pierrot is a kind of clown. We'd do street performances more often than not though, to get by. He'd juggle and do tricks and magic, making flowers appear for the crowd. [ It was Mana's favorite -- and Allen's too. Actual magic that made them appear in a burst that always had people smiling, ooh'inh and aah'ing. The first time Allen saw them -- and how much the crowd smiled -- was the first time he'd ever truly smiled himself. That's why he likes flowers; enough that he still has them in his hair from earlier. Tim keeps batting lightly at the petals on his own miniature flower crown as well.

And spot on, that is exactly where Allen's fighting style comes from. That, and the mixed martial arts he learned from fighting (and it was fighting more than sparring) with a Chinese guardian deity. Fou was a scary lady even faster than Allen who nearly took his head more than once, but he learned a lot from her. And you better believe when he gets better enough to be able to spar that he's going to ask him if he would and they can test that theory. It'd be fun. ✨ ]

He was very good at it. One of the best. [ The best he'd ever seen, certainly. ]

[swellter]

[ Throughout the party (and the week), he's constructed ramps for the Exorcist whenever they hit a set of stairs his wheelchair can't get around. It takes a few minutes to remove the ice, but he always makes sure there's no sign of their passing. Allen usually wheels himself around on their walks, only offering to help with more complicated tasks like moving from chair to seat or when they're heading uphill. Sometimes Allen accepts, sometimes he doesn't, and that's okay. It doesn't bother him. Shouto knows he's fine without him. Most heroes are, and he's used to a certain amount of independence from his friends.

He's staring at him smile when his attention is redirected to the seat next to him. There's still room, no need to scold him! Wordlessly, he follows his lead and settles down next to him. He sits cross-legged with his elbows resting lightly on his thighs in a relaxed pose looking fair and content. The revelers fade into the background, his attention on him.

He's seen street performances but never stayed to see them through, always too busy to linger with the crowds and catch the show unfold. He caught the start of Allen's performance. He watched him play the crowd for a few moments, juggling the sparklers to their amazement. He looked happy. So, very much so, there was no need for him to stay. He left him to his devices and picked up the blanket for the fireworks display. ]

You're very good too.

[ A gentle look. ]

I think the kids liked you. [ A strong compliment from him. ] You made them smile.

[likethelight]

[ Stairs are a bane to him on a level he never even knew they could be before, so even if he hadn't promised to let Shouto help him (that meaning Allen not trying to squirm out of being helped) he's terribly grateful for it. Spot on figuring him to be the independent sort, always has been, but... maybe the odd thing is that he doesn't need to push down any discomfort at having to rely on him so much, or remind himself of that promise. It's... nice, just being able to spend time together. Even if it's often while Allen tries to make his usual rounds among people and on the streets that he did before, his "walks" being his own version of a "patrol" that involves chatting amicably with it seems half the residents on the streets sometimes by name. How are they doing, what's been going on lately-- someone died? Ah... what about their relatives? Going to pay respects to the family, sitting with them for a time and talking with a widow who was beginning to fall into deep despair (corruption) herself until she seemed to feel a bit better... That's what his kind of Exorcist patrol looks like, at least. When it isn't about actual fighting, which is pretty... debatable at best as he is now. But it's just that. Walking among people and finding out who he can help. How he can stop corruption and beasthood before it gets too far.

Human connection, simply.

And it's nice when someone is with you for that for some of those walks. Beyond words nice, that kind of quiet companionship. So for maybe the first time in his life, no, he really doesn't mind being helped like that. Mostly just for being too content to.

(Although you've pushing yourself a lot, don't think that he doesn't know that. Extra patrols for the Hunters and all. So he's especially grateful for tonight.)

But oh, that comment makes Allen blink for a moment. Ah, he was actually watching then. Or, at least, paying attention. He'd wondered slightly, not catching sight of him, but also been quite distracted himself. And that, ah... makes him smile gently too, that sort of compliment. Almost a little shyly, but happily, glancing a little aside. Touched. ]

...It's the thing I like most sometimes, I think. Being able to make people smile. [ Thank you.

He presses his fingers lightly together, folded into his lap as they are. ]

What about you? Have you been having fun?

[swellter]

[ Allen's usual rounds are familiar to him. It's what a regular hero patrol would look like. Walking the streets, keeping watch, speaking to the public, asking if they should be on the lookout for anything. It's how they gather information while building trust and rapport with everyday citizens. Heroes with less notable quirks rise in popularity for their charm, proving that you don't need a flashy quirk to make someone feel safe. All it takes is a personable approach. Shouto, much like his father, isn't really personable. He engages with the public, but he lacks that 'charisma' that makes heroes like Kirishima stand out. A day after accompanying him on his 'patrols,' Shouto realizes, fairly quickly, that Allen has that ability too.

He understands the complexity of what he's doing since its standard practice for heroes, but it's the how that leaves him staring from afar, quietly awed by his abilities. During these exchanges, he's usually quiet. If it seems their conversations are heading to a more intimate talk, he gives them space and finds something to occupy his time. Usually, by engaging someone else, and asking them the standard questions. Have you seen any suspicious activity recently? There's no nuisance, no small chatter. He's blunt and to the point, likely why his conversations usually end pretty quickly. He doesn't know how to 'engage' or how to make someone feel heard other than asking them. It's a weakness that's been pointed out to him by his teachers several times and one he'll likely never be able to entirely circumvent. It's just not in his personality.

If Allen takes a little longer, he takes a nap, and catches up on sleep. He's taken up double-duty with the Hunters after blowing them off for a week without a word. So, he's a little more tired than usual. The extra naps help, and they benefit from being short enough not to stir up nightmares. ]

You're good at it.[ Almost as proof, his mouth pulls up in a faint smile. ] You looked like you were having fun.

[ Which is why he left, like he did with all the other times Allen engaged with others more directly, giving him time to speak to their hearts and allowing them that time, uninterrupted or observed.

As for the question, he nods immediately, sure in response. ]

I slept a lot.

[likethelight]

[ It's funny because... it isn't even something Allen could really describe or teach. It's just how he is; it's compulsive. He can't not want to connect with people, and it's entirely genuine. Though he is also the sort to absolutely tug Shouto along -- not as well as he could if he could still walk, but you get the idea -- and introduce him to people he knows. Share little tidbits about their personality, lives, who will give you a sweet roll just for stopping by and sharing their day with them a little, who needs someone to look in on them a little more than others might. That sort of thing is second nature to him: trying to make people feel involved and part of things. To try and help them understand each other.

Which is also why he wouldn't just forget about Shouto even if he got bogged down for a while when checking in with someone. Coming back up brightly to ask -- after trying to let him sleep as long as he needed if caught napping -- ne, do you like tea? Look, she just told me about this nice little place down the street. Let's stop for a while, maybe they'll have snacks too. ♥ It's about subtleties. And baby steps.

The smile is more warming than anything he could say, faint or not -- you do have a good smile, and he's glad to see it more -- although that sort of answer to his question... ]

Haha! [ An outright laugh, gentle and radiantly light and easy, so genuinely good-natured like that really did pick up his spirits. ]

Yes, you did. And I was. [ Not even going to chide him that that's not normally how you have fun, and he just lays a fond hand on his shoulder for it. He'll just find subtle ways when he can to drag him along into other activities he might also find fun. For example: ]

I could teach you sometime, if you'd like. How to juggle. [ Less subtle, but still lit up with a good mood. ]

We don't have to stay terribly late though? If you'd like to get some actual sleep. [ He won't say it since he has an idea of how that would be received, but he does feel rather guilty how he seems to need so many naps. ]

[swellter]

[ Subtleties go over his head. They always have and likely always will. It's a skill he never had the chance to learn, locked away from everyone but his mother. Sweet and kind, she was like him. Quiet and encouraging, filled with so many subtleties, he could never fully see the full scope of her beauty until she was gone, bereft of his angel, he broke.

Allen laughs, and what is faint grows deeper. Generous and hearty, it draws him into his sphere. It was never his smile that put him at ease, but his laughter, tinkling with life like the touch at his shoulder. Light and warm, it's impossible to ignore. His eyes flick to the hand at his shoulder and back to him. ]

Juggle? [ He looks a little puzzled by the prospect. ] Why?

[ A genuine question. It's not a skill he needs nor is it one of the many that need polishing.

He blinks at the offer, mystified by it. ]

I have patrol after this.

[ Even if they leave early, he won't be getting much more sleep tonight. At least here, among people he trusts, he feels safe enough to let himself drift. ]

Do you want to leave early?

[likethelight]

[ Patrol after this? Ah... of course he does. It isn't surprising and is something Allen's used to from the Order, honestly. Exorcists didn't get many days off and there wasn't a lot of time for sleep, rest, or... much beyond missions and training. At least he did get to nap then, so he smiles lightly and shakes his head. ]

Mm, no. I was thinking more for you. [ But since he does have patrol, at least it's good to be able to spend some time able to relax beforehand. It's good for all of them, Viktor and Palamedes offering this sort of reprieve, and Allen gives his shoulder another light pat before letting his hand drop. ]

It's nice just being able to be somewhere relaxing for a while. [ Said with a peaceable sort of hum, before his eyes flick back to Shouto's, and this time with a bright and quietly lively sort of spark; almost conspiratorial. He waves a finger, tsk tsk. ]

And does there need to be a reason to learn how to juggle? It's fun, and something that can be done together too. [ Even if somewhere between friendly chide and tease, he says it quite genuinely and with a warm and happy sort of smile. ]

But it can be nice, seeing people's reactions to it too.

[swellter]

I'm fine.

[ Despite what his double shifts might lead one to believe, he asked for them. To make up for the week he disappeared but also... it's easier to deal with darkening thoughts when you have something to focus on. By the time his shift ends, he's tired enough to pass out the moment his head hits his futon. Enough so, he almost doesn't want to put it away in the morning but the extra effort to set it up at night when he's already tired helps him too.

However, the extra sleep doesn't help him to understand Allen in these last few weeks. He's a little different than how he's come to know him. Caught up in the catacombs and the Akuma fight, and... his brother, he's only seen him as a fellow hero. Seeing him in the light of day without their lives on the line, he's discovering different aspects of him. Like the fact that he's talkative and easy-going kind of like Kirishima. It's a little odd, but his perception of him is expanding. Growing, even if sometimes he doesn't always understand what he's getting at. ]

Yes, you and your father were pierrots, so you learned how to juggle because it's a common skill in the circus. If you were both in a different profession like running a tea shop then you'd be good at making tea. Or if you both opened up a soba shop, you'd be very good at making soba noodles. Or if you went into growing square watermelons, you'd be good at changing the shape of fruit even if you are gong against nature.

[ Fun isn't he? He's going to keep going until something or someone cuts him off. ]

1/2

[likethelight]

[ It's been good for Allen gaining a better, more rounded understanding about Shouto too. Though in his case, there hasn't been much that's surprising to him either. Allen may be a man who wears many different hats, even ones most people would think mutually exclusive, but Shouto... what you see is what you get, he's realizing; quiet, forthright, and direct. It suits him. The difference between the more emotion shown when fighting or under duress isn't surprising: it's commented on among Exorcists. It was commented on to him directly regarding his own manner... Unsurprising, yes, even if it does make him pause sometimes. Even if it seems like the other boy utterly misses the point half the time when it comes to normal human conversation.

Like... right now. Because that's-- um... No, you see... Shouto... ]

2/2

[likethelight]

...

[ No, you know, this is fine. He's weak to this. Apparently, at least, as Allen tries in vain to politely muffle his laughter with his wrist and just fails utterly, pitching forward a little from it. Light and helplessly full of life, yes. You know the irony in it, Shouto?

He doesn't laugh that much. He really, really doesn't. A small one that cracks through in his tone from time to time, the occasional wry chuckle -- those, sure. Little things that bleed into his tone more than anything. But actual, real laughter? Very rarely... especially since he left the Order. It isn't just the Trench; he doesn't laugh that much the rest of the time around other people. Just the small occasional and the wry chuckles. If it was pointed out to him he wouldn't even know what to say.

But wiping some of the mirth from the corner of one eye, he twists around and leans in then to press two fingers lightly against the other boy's lips without even a second thought. Shushing him? Shushing him, but not really and in teasing gesture alone, still with a bubbled laugh hiding in his tone. ]

Who's to say someone couldn't learn to do all of that too? [ Maybe he has, you wouldn't know. He's a man of many hats. ✰

But in the process of turning towards him his eyes snagged on something at the edge of the blanket, too. Something he hadn't noticed before, because -- well. He can be kind of a space cadet about these things sometimes. ]

Hm? [ it's a little distracted. wait, oh. he saw people with those earlier? ] Glowsticks?

[swellter]

[ He's so very terrible with making conversation. At least, in the normal sense which is half the reason he listens more than speaks. For one, half the things his friends chat about go over his head. So, his thoughts tend to drift to more important matters like when he'll take his next nap. Second, and most importantly, he's not that social and doesn't care to be. Keeping up a conversation for the simple act of chatting will never appeal to him.

The complete opposite of his companion in so many ways, but similar in others. Sometimes, they even complement each other. Like when Allen picks up conversations that he leaves behind, nipping those awkward pauses before they have time to make themselves known. While he's blunt in his mannerism, Allen is a bit more finicky. If they get the wrong order at a restaurant he'll point it out. If someone tries to extend a conversation, he'll step in and tell them they need to leave. He has no qualms about speaking his mind which comes as a surprise to some, no one expects the seemingly quiet one to be so forthright and assertive when prompted.

How Allen manages to deal with him for so long is anyone's guess, but he is very understanding, at least from what he's seen from watching him talk with others. Friendly and kind, there are few who aren't charmed by his engaging personality and bright smile. It's even more effective when he laughs, not the muffled one he tries to hide with the back of his hand, but the bright tinkling tones free of restraint that draw everyone in, including him. Case in point, it's not the two fingers at his lips that cut him off but the sparkling laugh teeming with life. He stares, not so subtlety, while his thoughts cascade to grey skies and silver seas entirely missing the question.

He blinks. What did he say? He would ask but Allen moves on to the glowsticks and this time he pays attention, somewhat. ]

They're for you.

[ He answers, talking while those two fingers are still on his mouth with absolutely no qualms about keeping up the conversation like this. ]

[likethelight]

[ How Allen manages to deal with him in those circumstances? The same way already pointed out: complimenting each other. The irony to Allen's manners and good decorum is he isn't blind about it the reality of a situation. If something or someone is annoying he fully recognizes it as really annoying, but finds a diplomatic way around it. Takes a moment to step out of himself and into someone else's shoes to try and understand their feelings. He smooths out edges, even his own. So he'll fully recognize in those moments that Shouto is at least partially right, even if he'll laugh a touch sheepishly and try to smooth it out a touch more tactfully so no one's feelings are hurt while not exactly being contrary either. It isn't like he has bad intentions, so why would Allen mind?

I mean, unless there was someone was being a dick. Then all bets are off and he's all about cheerfully crushing them at their own game... He has a strong sense of justice and fairness about these things.

But they're a good team like that, and so no, he doesn't mind and doesn't feel like it's having to "deal" with him. He enjoys it. ...Even with having to scramble a little sometimes to reassure someone else's bruised feelings. ]

...? [ He blinks for a moment, still smiling wide but it's more like an afterthought as he's distracted. Why are you staring at him like that? He's caught it a couple times now. Except he stares a little too, smile finally dropping from surprise -- and the sensation -- at that answer while he's still not-quite shushed him. ]

You got them? [ A pause, the wheels turning as that clicks. ]

...and the blanket too. [ That's what he'd been doing while Allen was juggling. That's why he had been sitting and waiting like he had. He blinks a few more times, a touch rapidly-- ...and belatedly remembers to withdraw his hand then. With a bit of a blush, as he had kept talking despite that and Allen hadn't expected that and the ticklish sort of tingle. _{Probably should have.}

But he smiles then, warmed by that sentiment, though much more gently this time. Canting his head to the side, grateful. ]

Did anyone ever tell you that you're very considerate?

[swellter]

[ Shouto, of course, doesn't catch on to the cheerful mental crushing going on in front of him, be it mutual or one-sided. Or when he leaves behind bruised feelings unless it's pointed out to him outright and explained. Just don't ask him to explain why he's staring; he has no answer. He tends to stare out into space, mostly at landscapes, but people? Not so much. They don't usually garner his attention unless he has something on his mind regarding them. Like their hand on his mouth. Does it bother him? No. He wouldn't have a problem doing it himself, if the roles were reversed, and if he thought to do something like this. ]

I asked for two, they gave me four.

[ A nod at the follow-up question, and his lips tingle with the movement just as Allen abruptly pulls his hand away. Is something wrong? He doesn't question him aloud, too busy pressing his own thumb to his mouth. Huh. It doesn't tickle. The touch is only for a second before he gets caught up by his smile, again. ]

Considerate?

[ It takes a few seconds for the cogs to start turning, a few more before he remembers to drop his hand from his mouth before responding. ]

No... did someone tell you that?

[ Is that why he's asking? ]

[likethelight]

[ Two but they gave him four? Ah, they knew he was asking for a friend and wanted him to have fun too, that's kind. Likely Shouto doesn't fully get that's why either, given how he just phrased that, but that's okay.

His gaze snags on the other's hand for a moment when he does that, blinking, before glancing away and reaching over for the glowsticks, though it takes him a moment as he has to stretch a bit more than he'd like. _{Blast, this is annoying for a mobility-type like him.} ]

No. [ Snagging the four of them, he sits back up and turns to Shouto with a smile, eyes bright with certainty and sincerity. Handing him two of them? Yes. ]

It's just because you are. [ Not all the time and there are probably a lot of people who'd disagree, he's met them when they're together on the street, but in his own way? And certainly from how he's treated him?

It shines. And is so very warming. ]

[swellter]

[ He would disagree with it. He's selfish with things he wants, pushing when he's unsure if the person on the other side is ready for it. His brother is a prime example, he pushed too much too quickly and got burned. If he were considerate he wouldn't have approached him in the first place, not after Dabi made it known exactly what he thought of him after he tried to torch him the first time they met in Trench. But he's persisted, will persist, because he's selfish, always has been since infancy when he clung to his mother's side, contributing to her breakdown. ]

... I think you have low standards.

[ He takes the two offered sticks from him, intending to hold them for him. ]

If you want to turn them on, you have to crack them so the chemicals inside mix and create the glow.

[ He explains showing him how to 'crack' one in half without actually doing so. Dusk is fast approaching and there's still enough light out it would diminish the effect. ]

[likethelight]

[ Low standards? Ouch.

Allen just gives him a wincing sort of grin in response to that. Haha... maybe that's a little spot on. Even if he would still say the other is considerate in his own, hard to describe sort of manner, but that's the last sort of thing one argues about. And he holds one of his glowsticks up into the air and tilts it back and forth, peering at the liquids in it after Shouto demonstrates how it works. ]

Really? [ Huh. That's really neat.

Likewise he doesn't crack his own yet, wanting to wait for the fireworks themselves after he saw somewhat what they looked like after seeing a few other people running around with theirs already lit, and sets his two next to him. Timcanpy trundles over from where he had been busy chewing on and inadvertently rolling himself up in one of the corners of the blanket, batting at them lightly with one of his stubby hands. ]

We never had anything like that before. [ Sparklers and simple fireworks, yes. Glowsticks? No. Komui would be enchanted and learn how to make a hundred, and the thought makes him smile a touch ruefully. ]

[swellter]

[ Distracted by the odd grin, he misses the jab he inadvertently caused him. Shouto doesn't even realize he said anything wrong with no response to his words. So, his thoughts move on to the glow sticks leaving the little jab behind without ever knowing his part in it. ]

They're common where I'm from. People usually use them as a light source at parties.

[ He answers while tracking Tim's antics with his eyes. The tiny hands still fascinate him and after spending so much time with the little omen, he feels like a kindred spirit. He's tempted to reach out and tap him on his round metallic tummy but refrains himself. Instead, he reaches into his pocket where he slips out a small plastic cylinder filled with about fifty toothpicks. Tapping out two for the little omen, he pockets the container, and nudges the two little sticks close enough for him to grab and eat. ]