Mutual Weirdness

by DieForThePie

Link and Allen are trying to get a good foothold on their relationship, but with all the nagging from Allen's friends, the threat of Link's boss finding out, and a million secrets between the two, there may be some assembly required. Can two weird people ever really balance out to normality?

10. Chapter 10

Holy crap I'm so late in uploading this... That's what happens when School butts on you :I

Anyway, I'll still be uploading on Wednesdays so I guess you'll just have a shorter waiting period for the next one ^^;

Enjoy!

Chapter Ten

Saturday flew by, Link hardly noticed it was ever there in the first place.

He had awoken on several occasions to his phone ringing, glad that Allen was taking to heart to call him for help, but also a bit frazzled by only having one to one and a half hour sleeping periods. It couldn't be helped though…. The boy would call for help to get up so he could use the restroom or if he needed water, or if he was hungry. At least he was coming back, which made Link much more than happy. At three Lenalee came and took over for him, saying she'd stay an extra hour so he could get a more solid sleeping period in. He nodded and thanked her, taking to the office at that point.

By six pm Lenalee prodded him awake to say she had to go, and that Allen was starting to gain a little more color. He thanked her again, checked to make sure Allen's phone was still on, gave a short goodnight and went back to the couch to sleep for his first full night in ages. It wasn't a very pleasant sleep though, the nightmare from before attacked again, leaving him to wonder why it had been occurring more frequently… He shrugged them off and blamed it on all the stress lately, popping a few more melatonin before heading back to bed.

Sunday he woke up early. It was about six am, but he wanted to be ready when going to face Allen's mysterious uncle (who apparently was some form of movie/ singing star… Honestly he didn't care as long as he wasn't the guy from the Transformers movie Allen had made him watch…) He headed into the bathroom for shower and clean up, stopping in the mirror, which he hadn't cared to look at since Thursday. He halted short, patting his hair down and rubbing at his eyes to try to wipe away the circles. He put a hand to his face, rubbing at short stalks of stubble, deciding it would be better to shave again today.

The thing that bothered him most though, was his face and overall body shape; he hadn't been eating properly at all this whole week, and it was starting to show… His cheek bones were a bit more prominent, the shape of his shoulder bones were coming through a little, and his stomach was taking a slight dip inwards. He stood on a scale, mentally reprimanding himself for letting himself lose this much weight. If he didn't gain it back, and in muscle strength at that, Leverrier would be very disappointed… It was part of the public display thing. Each and every kid learning under the sponsorship of the Leverrier's, a small and elite group of children known as CROW, were expected to exceed academically and present an appearance that was publically attractive. Especially those who were brought into the public eye more often, as it would be Link's job when he graduated as their lawyer in the next year and a half or so. He'd have to regain the weight and start exercising again if he wanted to be as impressive as he would be paid to be.

He cleaned up, made a more substantial breakfast for himself (which no matter how hard he tried, he couldn't finish it all and ended up being sick), and put on his formal daily attire. A dark green vest with a white dress shirt underneath, complete with tie and black dress pants. He was straightening out his tie, when he heard his phone ring at about eight 'o' clock am.

"Hello?"

"Hey, I just thought I'd let you know, I'm gonna be at Cross's in about thirty minutes…" The voice which Link could only describe as sing song and whimsical rang clear through the speaker.

"Great. I will make sure Allen is ready and there by that time."

"Ok. Don't rustle him too much though if he's not feeling well…"

"Wouldn't dream of it."

The line disconnected and he inhaled, letting it out in a smooth and relaxed breath. He walked over to Allen's nest of blankets and pillows, reluctantly attempting to ruse the snoring heap of bruises and white hair awake.

"Allen… Allen you have to wake up now…"

The boy threw out an arm, hitting Link lightly. "No…"

He felt a light feeling in his chest, happy to see Allen was starting to be more Alleny. "We have to meet your uncle in about 25 minutes, I gotta clean you up and dress you."

"No."

"You don't have a say in the matter. You haven't showered in a week, you smell worse than Lavi's cologne."

Allen lifted his head and glared at him, the sight was almost too comical for him to handle… Messy white hair pointing every which way, pouty lips trying to strike up a frown… He coughed in substitution of laughing outright. "Link I don't wanna wake up right now…"

"But you have to. You're gonna go home today, and your uncle's taking over. The good one, I mean…"

"Fuck that." Link stiffened at Allen's cursing, seeing the more real side of Allen shining through. "I wanna stay here with you…"

He pet Allen's head gently, cooing to him in the way he liked to think only he knew how. "But I have to go to school again, and so do you, Mister. I want to keep you here too, but I won't even be here for most of tomorrow…"

Allen brought his arms up and hugged one of Link's arms, snuggling into it like a cat. "Linky…"

"That's not going to work on me." Although it was a very convincing argument…

"Fine." Allen stuck out his tongue and started gripping his chest. "Oh the pain! I can't move!"

"Stop that, now you're just being a drama queen."

"Liiiiiink…"

"No. Get up." He started to drag the boy (carefully of course, due to the rib and bruises) out from under the covers and pull him towards him. "Get up or else."

"Or else what?" Allen cocked a challenging grin and Link lifted his shirt and start blowing on the younger's belly. "AHAHAHAA! LINK STOP! HAHA!" The white haired teen threw back his head and started screaming out with laughter. "NO SERIOUSLY! HHAHAAAAHAA! MY CHEST HAHA MY CHEST LINK! AHAHAAHAHA OH GOD HAHA!"

Link pulled back, giving Allen time to recover and ride out his giggle fit. "You alright?" he checked.

Allen wiped a tear from his eye and let out a huge sigh, still smiling. "The drugs are still taking their effect, so it wasn't that bad. Though I still never even imagined you'd ever do something like that! Isn't it against the rules for older guys to give razz berries to underage little boys?" He pointed to himself.

"Hmph! Little boy, my ass. You were playing me like a fiddle, that act of mine was my only defense." Link kept his serious face on, which seemed to peeve the white haired boy just a bit. "Ok, but seriously. You awake enough now so I can dress you and make you not smell so bad?"

Allen harrumphed and puffed his cheeks. "Whatever…"

He lifted Allen into a sitting position, trying to keep the boy's back straight as he found a simple sweatshirt and pants for him to borrow. They quickly went into the bathroom, removing all but Allen's boxers and scrubbing him from head to toe outside the shower, using sponge's and whatnot since he didn't trust Allen's ability to do it himself right now. After putting Allen into the clothes they used a hair dryer to sap all the moisture from the boy's thick, white locks.

"Link, I thought only girls had hair dryers…"

"And I thought little boys respected their elders. Now keep quiet, I'm almost done."

After Allen was all dried and prepared, looking a lot better than he had in ages despite the half assed clothing, Link picked him up and carried him outside.

"You don't have to carry me…" Allen grumbled nervously into the older's tie.

Link ignored the comment and kept going, knowing that Allen's ability to walk right now wasn't the best after having been in a bed all week. He placed Allen gingerly in the back seat, making sure the boy was comfortable before taking up his stance in the driver's seat and setting off.

They made it to Allen's house about ten minutes later, making Link irked due to their late arrival, but Allen said his uncle was probably going to be even later. At this point the drugs were wearing off and Allen was starting to make little huffing sounds and situating himself in ways to make his chest feel better. Link grabbed the painkillers from his pocket and a water bottle, having Allen taken them in the back seat before helping him out of the car. As predicted, the boy's legs were about as useful as Jell-O, so even with the risk of Cross seeing them Link had to pick up Allen again and walked into the boy's house. Allen wrinkled his nose as Link set him on the couch, Cross having been too busy with something upstairs to come greet them.

"Why does no one ever tell me this place smells so bad?"

"Oh hush, quit complaining. You'll be fine." He propped up some pillows lying around under Allen's head and grabbed a nearby blanket to tuck him in with. "After I talk to your uncle, I'll put you in your own bed upstairs, alright?"

"Ok."

Apparently Allen was right, for the mystery uncle showed up about thirty minutes after his predetermined arrival. Link kept watch at the window, keeping an ear pointed at Allen in case he needed anything. He saw a sleek black car pull up, a figure wearing a bandana over his face, sunglasses and a hat stepping out and walking to the door. The blond moved from the window and opened the door just as the man outside was about to knock.

"Oh!" Link got a better look at the man, though it was hard to recognize any details whatsoever with all the goofy crap covering his face. "Wow, you're good! You my friend, are very good." He stepped in, taking a few suit cases in with him.

"Uncle Neah!" Allen shouted from the couch, and Link was forced to step back as the shady figure pushed past him to get to Allen.

"Allen! How are you? What happened? I mean, I know what happened… But.. What is this on your cheek?" The man placed a gentle hand on Allen's bruised (but not as violently bruised) cheek, setting Link on a slight edge. "Who would dare hit my adorable nephew?" The man turned up and pointed at Link, sunglasses and all still attached. "Was it you? By God man, if you've touched my precious nephew-"

"Uncle Neah that's Link…" Allen offered from the couch.

"Link? Howard Link? The one from the phone?" Neah rushed forward and grabbed Link's face in his hand, turning him every which way. "Allen dear, you made him sound way cuter…"

Link blushed and moved his head away from the man, not entirely capable of handling him. "Walker, you told him?"

"Don't worry!" Allen waved a hand. "Uncle Neah doesn't mind at all! He even knows the age difference thing."

Link felt his heart racing and grabbed a window ledge for support. What was going on? How many people knew now…? He counted off: Lenalee, Lavi, Kanda, Komuii, and now this guy… Oh that was entirely too many… He was going to be thrown in jail by the end of the month.

"Walker? Walker!? What is this Walker business?" Neah grabbed Link's tie, bringing the blonde's face to his own. "You can't even call him on a first name basis? Neither can you!" He turned, pointing at Allen. "You guys suck! If you're going to risk becoming a pedophile to date my wonderful nephew, then you might as well do it right!"

"Uncle Neah, keep it down…" Allen shushed. "Cross can't know…"

"Oh, right!" The man put a hand to his forehead, Link completely unable to read the expression due to the ridiculous get-up, but guessed it was a comical one. "I forget that my old friend's not exactly the most excepting human being…" He exasperated a sigh and sat on the edge of the couch next to Allen. He pulled the fifteen year old into a tight hug, making Allen choke a gasp and grab his side.

"U-Uncle Neah…" Allen whimpered, looking on the verge of tears.

"Oh Shi- I mean… Um… Oh God Allen, I'm so sorry.. I forgot…"

Link felt himself kind of awkwardly standing off to the side, not really being included and wondering if he'd made the right choice in assigning this lunatic the job of caring for his partner.

"Hey you there, Blondie!" Neah addressed the blond and he felt his heart sink at the introduction to yet another crummy nick name. "Do your boyfriend duty and make my beloved nephew feel better!"

Link blinked for a second, trying to move his mouth, but found absolutely no words pouring out. What was he supposed to do..? Usually when he comforted Allen no one else was around… Or there was the night in the hospital, but that was an emergency and this was… "I.. Um.. I…"

"Allen, this one sucks."

Allen let out what sounded like a forced laugh, probably still in pain from the pressure that had been applied to his injured rib despite the drugs. "He's just shy in front of people he doesn't know or like."

Link felt his face heat up and he turned away, feeling like a lump of cheap clay. If he was worked into it a little, he might be able to do something… But he didn't even know this uncle or if he could be trusted… Well.. Allen seemed to trust him. He took in a deep breath, one that he made sure the others didn't see and made his way over to the couch. Neah got up, offering his spot right next to Allen. Link took a seat and started petting Allen's now clean white hair.

"Sorry I 'suck'."

"Uncle Neah you hurt his feelings." Allen pouted, moving a hand up to stroke Link's cheek. "And for the record you don't suck. At least I don't think so." He smiled and Link felt the butterflies in his stomach start up some kind of team death match.

"Awe, see! That's a lot better! Couples are s'posed to be cute! Not stiff." Neah clapped for a moment before continuing. "Now call my nephew by his adorable first name."

Link felt something catch in his throat and coughed for a minute, trying to get it out. "W-what?" He'd never called Allen his first name in front of others, with the exception of Lenalee and Lavi of course (but only because they had been around so much he had gotten used to them… And he admitted part of it was to rub it in the face of that horrendous red head). But Neah was a complete stranger…

"Uncle Neah, I told you… Link's kind of shy…"

"To hell with that!" Neah swiped his arm across in a flamboyant fashion, striking an odd pose. It made sense that this guy was an actor… He was certainly weird enough for it. "He can't call you Walker, because I'm Walker too! How am I supposed to know which Walker he's addressing?" The man crossed his arms over his chest and looked at the blond, possibly giving him a stern look, but since no one could see his face it was anyone's guess. "I hand picked that name for my brother to call him, now do me the honors of using it, boyfriend!"

Link felt a hand touch his arm, and turned over to see Allen smiling painfully. He felt a stab in his chest and a sense of powerlessness at his incapability to care for his own partner. Out of pure desperation he took Allen's hand into his own, intertwining the mangled finger's of Allen's hand with the calloused ones of his own. "Sorry Allen…" He whispered, feeling the hand in his grip a little tighter. His breakfast threatened to come back up, making him swallow harshly. He waited for it to recede before going on. "I just want to…" Keep this side of you all to myself so no one can see. Use your name as unfair leverage so every time I say it, it means something… "It's hard to explain…"

Allen brushed a bang from his face, making the blonde's heart rate increase even more. "It's ok. I understand, you don't have to apologize."

Link turned to the side, letting out a yelp once realizing Neah's hidden face was practically right up against his. "Well done, boyfriend! See, that wasn't so hard, was it?"

The queasiness in his stomach refused to recede and the college student took in a shaky breath.

"Link, you know where the bathroom is…" Allen offered. Link nodded and ran over to the other side of the house.

OOoooooooooooOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO OOOoooooooooooooooooooOOOOOO OOOOOOOooooo

Allen watched his partner go, sighing and bringing the blankets up to his chin. His uncle resumed his seat beside him and lowered the bandana and sunglasses. It was almost like looking into a mirror… Everyone said that Neah looked way more like Allen than Mana ever did; the face, the hair texture, the eyes even… Like peering at a different toned version of himself… Neah had jet black hair that in the proper light looked a raven-like blue shade, his skin was more light coffee stain tan than Allen's porcelain white, and his eyes were a brilliant golden yellow color, as opposed to his own silver-violet. His uncle was young too, only about thirty one, which made him a lot easier to relate to. Allen wasn't really sure how old Cross was (or if the man knew himself), but he didn't have the rounding childish face that made Neah so popular and stunning in the world of Hollywood.

"What happened to him?" Neah asked, giving Allen a concerned look.

"He has a lot of problems with performing in public," Allen replied, feeling the pain in his chest recede once again. "Unless I'm really hurt or in trouble… He was with me the whole time I was in the hospital, and he's the one who's been taking care of me since they released me. Just give him some time, once he warms up to you he's a lot easier to handle."

"What's he doing in there?" The older man craned his neck, looking in the direction of the bathroom.

"Probably throwing up… He gets really nervous around me when I'm with other people."

"I notice you still call him by his last name as well," Neah raised an eyebrow, leaning forward. "Is that part of the nervous thing too?"

"I don't know…" The white haired boy answered slowly. He chewed his cheek, stopping once he started to taste a slight amount of blood. "Link doesn't let me use his first name… Or anyone for that matter. He gets really mad about it if anyone tries…"

His uncle wrinkled his nose. "What's with that?"

"He's never told me… But I have things I haven't told him so I didn't push it. We all have our reasons."

"That we do."

They quieted down as Link returned, looking pale and a bit shaken. Allen reached out a hand and tried to obtain Link's sleeve, but the blond was standing too far away. "Step closer…" Link obliged, and the younger gripped his sleeve and shook it slightly. "Are you feeling better now?"

"I think I'm just tired… Woke up too early…" Allen felt the cold sweat breaking out through Link's clothes. He ran his hand up and down the arm lightly, trying to support some comfort into his partner.

"My bed's upstairs if you want to lay down for a bit."

"No… I think I might head back home… You two probably want to catch up anyway…" Allen felt his heart sink and gripped the sleeve tighter.

"Don't go home yet.."

Neah stood up and saluted the two, heading for the stairs. "Why don't you guys have a minute? I'll go check up on Cross and make sure he doesn't come down here, ok?"

"Thanks, Uncle Neah." Allen murmured. He turned back to Link, urging him to sit down beside him. Link followed the teen's instructions and sat a bit more cozily to the boy than when Neah had been in the room. Allen tried to sit up a little, wincing as a spark went off in his chest. "What's wrong…?"

"Am I making a good impression…?" Link mumbled, fidgeting with his hands.

The younger stared at his partner unblinkingly, trying to comprehend what Link just asked him. "Come again?"

The blond took in a shuddering breath and stopped messing with his hands. "With Cross I never really cared what he thought of me because he doesn't really like anyone… But this guy… Neah… He's your father's brother, and probably the closest family member you have… I can tell it just by looking at him…" Link bit his lip and shook his head. "The whole meeting the family deal's kind of wierding me out…"

Allen let out a short laugh, rubbing his boyfriend's shoulders and back soothingly. "Don't worry about being weird. Neah and I are both pretty distinct weirdos, so you being a weirdo is perfectly fine by us." He kissed Link on the cheek, feeling the older tense up under it for a second before melting against his lips. "Just be yourself. He'll like you just fine."

"Because that's worked so well with everyone else you've introduced me to."

"Hey." Allen turned Link to face him, pressing their foreheads together and stroking his partner's cheek. He ignored Link's currently rank breath and sweaty face, nothing of the sort really bothering him right now. "It doesn't matter how my friends or family think of you. If they don't like you for who you are then they don't know the real you. I'm staying by your side and I like you. Will that be enough?"

Link seemed to relax with this, the slight shaking his body had picked up subsiding. "More than enough."

"You still going home?"

"No. I want to give this another shot." Allen felt Link kiss his forehead, always in the place where his scar started. It was an odd feeling, for one to be comforted in their insecurity… Link had a way with finding all of Allen's self conscious aspects though, bringing them to light and showing them more affection than anywhere else. The blonde's theory on how these were the things that made Allen as Alleny as he was often times made the white haired teen blush. But he reveled in it… The thought that the deformities not even his friends offered to touch… That even Neah never brought up… Link acted like he loved them and it brought a happiness to Allen he couldn't describe. All the things he had hated about himself were not only just accepted by Link, but cherished, and there was no truly accurate way to describe the bright feeling that filled his heart.

In turn he thrived on Link's weaknesses. When the blond would show how tired he really was, or throw up or get nervous to the point of shaking… These were the things that only Allen got to see. Sure every once in a while someone might be around when Link had a mini break down, but the older confided in Allen, took refuge in him, just like how Allen wanted it to be.

They faced nose to nose, Allen running a hand down the man's shoulder length braid. He loved Link's hair… It was soft and well taken care of, and when the sun was shining on a summer afternoon it glowed a harvest golden color. He wanted to kiss this man now… Right now… He leaned forward, but stopped short when he felt a finger press his lips back.

"Walker, no."

"But Link…"

"You've been persisting this more often…" Allen opened his eyes to see the deep red ones of Link's staring into him.

Allen grinned and leaned forward just a bit. "You act like you don't want it, but I know you, Howard Link." He ran a finger down the man's torso, earning a slight whelp.

"Walker, cut it out." Link put a hand on Allen's chest, but made no move to push him away.

"Are you too nervous to call me Allen right now?" Allen gave Link's nose a small kiss on the very tip, still feeling no pressure of being pushed back. "You want this…"

"I… I just threw up…" Link stuttered. Link never stuttered… Maybe the teen was winning?

"I don't care." Allen grabbed Link's face between both his hands and slowly started leaning in, feeling the older tip up in his direction in response. Their lips were so close… so close…

A loud banging noise was heard as the door was flung open, both males jumping away from each other and turning to the source of the racket. Lavi ran into the living room, stopping in front of both of them.

"This is where you guys were at!?" The red head glared down at them and crossed his arms. "Two Spot I've been calling you for like forty god damned minutes now! Allen, you're phone's not even fucking on! I went to the apartment, and when no one answered I thought you two were dead!" He let out a wail and collapsed onto Allen, making the younger huff in response. "Allen! Allen I thought you were a goner!" He mock cried and Allen rolled his eyes, looking over to Link to just see the blond staring daggers at his touchy friend.

"Lavi, I'm fine. I just came home so my uncle could take care of me…"

"Cross?"

Allen shook his head. "Other uncle."

Lavi jumped up, taking scan of the room and looking at the two suspiciously. "He doesn't exist…"

"He's upstairs, moron." Link growled.

"Oh…" Lavi stared at the stairs for a minute before turning back to the two males and grinning evilly. "And just what was it you two were doing?"

Allen blushed, but tried to remain cool, taking a quick glance at Link and noticing the blond wearing his same old bored expression. His eyes gave away his fear to Allen though, and he hoped that Lavi wouldn't catch on.

"We were hugging. Hugging's normal." Allen stated.

"Are you suuurrre it was just hugging?" Lavi leaned in close to Allen and the boy saw Link tense up and ready himself in case the red head got any closer.

"Lavi, you know I'd tell you." Allen lied. Like hell he'd tell Lavi he and Link were about to kiss with the blond sitting right there, and the fact that the high school senior had totally interrupted them didn't make Allen want to share anything right now.

"Everything ok down there?" Allen turned to the staircase where Neah was and smiled.

"We're fine, my friend just broke in without permission."

"Al…" Lavi pursed his lips and hugged the teen again, but unlike Neah remained aware of Allen's ribs and did it gently. "I was just worried about you…"

"Lavi." Allen tried to kindly push his friend off of him, but the red head wasn't having any of it. He looked over Lavi and mouthed an apology to Link, watching the blond snort and lean his head into his palm.

"What the fuck is this?" Cross staggered past Neah, making his way down the stares and staring at Lavi and Allen. "I knew you were a faggot," he directed at the white haired teen. Allen flinched at the word, getting flashes of the beating he'd taken in the alleyway to a chorus of such insults.

"Cross!" Neah came down and whapped Cross on the back of the head, exulting enough force for it to be heard clearly. "If you ever call my beloved nephew that name again, I'll hang your neck on a rope with my bare hands!"

Cross grumbled a "whatever" and turned back to Allen. "Where the hell have you been."

"Link's…" Allen answered. If Cross ever found out Link was his boyfriend the man would instantly accuse the blond of pedophilia and call the police just to spite his nephew. "I thought you knew this…"

"I fucking forgot, smartass." The man wandered to the kitchen, probably looking for some early morning booze.

Lavi lifted his head up from Allen's shoulder and looked in the direction of Neah. Allen watched the surprise overtake his friend's face and felt his stomach tighten. Lavi didn't know..

The red head jumped up, keeping his single eye trained on Neah's face. "H-HOLY SHIT YOU'RE-"

Neah shrugged and cocked a smug grin. "Go on, drink it."

"B-BUT YOU'RE…"

"Out with it."

The senior boy whirled around and started yelling at Allen. "YOU'RE UNCLE'S NEAH FUCKING WALKER? THE FOURTEENTH MUSICION? THE FUCKING MAN TWO MEN ABOVE THE TWELFE MAN?" Then he spun around and faced Neah again. "DUDE I'M LIKE-"

"My biggest fan?" Neah sighed. He walked past the awe stricken red head and patted Allen's head. "You're right! He is loud."

Allen laughed and heard his partner remark, "You haven't even seen loud yet."

"Hey! You can't just spring something this big on me and expect me not to react!" Lavi looked like he was on the verge of breakdown, still not unlocking his gaze from Neah's face. "Jesus man… You and Al are like fuckin' twins…"

Allen mentally wished for Lavi to leave. He never usually thought like this, but big fans made Neah upset, however coolly he was playing it off, and in all honesty he wanted more alone time with Link before his partner left due to too many dislikeable people to him being in one room.

Neah glanced at Link and gave an expression of confusion. "That's how normal people react. What's your deal? Or did Allen tell you ahead of time?"

The college student kept up his calm façade and shrugged. "He told me beforehand who you were, and also I've never heard of you or seen anything you've been in."

Neah laughed and ruffled Link's neat hair, earning a look of horror from the man. "Allen, keep this one."

"Keep what?" Cross poked out from the kitchen and Allen froze in fear, hoping Cross wouldn't assume anything (however true the assumption may be).

"Ah, get out of here ye big drunk." Neah shooed the older red head off and earned a disconcerting grunt in reply.

"Screw this crowd, I'm going out." Cross grabbed his most likely empty wallet and half empty bottle, heading out the door without so much as a goodbye.

Allen shook his head. He'd given up on the hope of trying to understand his deranged uncle's mood swings a long time ago. He felt a hand brush against his own and turned up to see Link.

"I should be going now. Are you going to be ok here?"

Allen wanted to demand the blond stay with him, but that would be entirely unfair with Lavi in the room. He nodded sadly and tugged on Link's sleeve, wanting to make one last request. "Carry me up to my room…"

Link hesitated for a second, sweeping a glance over the other two occupants and visibly swallowing.

Neah patted him on the back and winked. "Make my nephew feel like a pretty princess, kiddo!" Allen blushed and was about to object before Neah grabbed Lavi by the shoulder and lead him to the kitchen. "How about we get you an autograph?"

"But Allen-"

"But, I'm Neah Walker!" Neah won the argument in that instant, giving Allen and Link some space.

Link waited until the two were out of view before putting a supporting arm around Allen's back and under his legs. He lifted the boy up with apparent ease, and Allen leaned his head against Link's chest. He could hear the heartbeat under the vest, pounding unsteadily and making Allen feel a surge of self confidence. He was the only one who made Link like this… As far as he could see anyway. Link was his. He was Link's That was how it worked.

The blond walked up the stairs and entered Allen's room, a vicinity the teen hadn't been in since Tuesday night when he'd headed out with Lavi and ended that evening in the hospital in so much pain he couldn't speak. The clothes he'd been wearing that day he and Link were in the woods were still strewn on the floor. He was set on his springy bed, now unsatisfied with the cheap mattress after being spoiled with Link's lovely sheets and comforters. They remained in contact after Link had put him down, the older caressing his cheek and brushing the remainder of his bruise with a rough thumb.

"Sorry I have to go…" Link murmured into the boy's ear, sending a pleasant shiver down his spine.

"Me too." He wrapped both his arms around Link's neck and lost himself in the smell of Link's perfect and clean hair. "I don't suppose we could pick up where we left off?"

Link released a short laugh. Allen wanted to drown in that sound… "You almost got me that time, Allen Walker. But I'm a little more resistant than that."

Allen felt himself grinning, turning to whisper to his beloved's ear. "Then do me one favor." He felt Link freeze under his husky voice's touch. "Face me." The older pulled back, now both looking each other in the eyes. "Here.." Allen clamped his right hand over Link's mouth, but the man removed it, and replaced it with his left one.

"Better." He breathed, and Allen felt his heart pounding against his chest. The teen paused a moment, but leaned up despite himself and held Link's cheek as the older was to him. He pressed his lips against the back of his hand, an indirect kiss being shared between them. He felt Link kiss the palm of his hand sending chills throughout his entire body.

This was fine. This moment… Lavi would have something snarky to say about it, how it wasn't a real kiss or that they weren't really touching… But this kiss was more real to Allen than anything he'd ever felt. Finally they both pulled back, Link taking up the hand and pressing it to his cheek. "I'm probably not going to be able to see you for a little while… There's a lot of school work I missed…" Allen could hear the pain in his partner's voice.

"Link…" Where did he go from here? What did he say next…? "Thank you… Thank you so much… For everything… For being there for me in the hospital, for never leaving me this whole week…" He inhaled slowly. "And for choosing me…"

He saw Link smile down at him, smiling back since he knew this face was reserved for him and him alone. No one else would get a taste. No one else was allowed to get a taste. This Link was his. All his. "You said yes."

Allen watched as Link got up and left, taking a look back at the white haired teen and telling him to call him before disappearing. Allen felt himself sink into the cheap sheets, missing the blond already… He bit his lip. He was young still… He was… But…

He couldn't help but get the feeling that he might really be in love with Howard Link…

My writing makes me uncomfortable... But I feel like Allen and Link in general are uncomfortable with each other, so...

Yeahhhhh, see you guys next Wednesday!