May 7th, Thursday

As Allen attended his classes on Tuesday and Wednesday, Steven was sort of just following him around. To his credit, he was clearly trying not to be annoying about his invitation for the weekend. He only precised that he did indeed see it as a date. And maybe that's why – even if he felt like he could be soon regretting it – Allen made a final decision and texted him this morning, saying he will come. It was almost the first thing he did upon waking up, just so he wouldn't have time to change his mind. And, actually, it made him smile a bit at how the guy seemed sincerely happy about it. Then, arrangements made, his college friend went forgotten. Allen let him know beforehand that he was busy though. So it shouldn't come off as rude if he didn't reply to his texts. Or at least he hoped so.

Never minding that, Allen got to doing his assignment. And, thankfully, managed to do a great load of translating and checking even before noon. But he felt tired and, as time passed, finally gave in to his body's demands, taking a nap. He deserved a break anyway.

As refreshed as he felt once he woke up, it was pretty weird not to have Kanda's grumpy presence around. But, well, he guessed he should get used to it. His flatmate was working now after all, not to say finally. He left around ten o'clock, so it was surely not even near the time he would be coming back. And Allen wasn't quite sure what to do with himself.

So— what was it that he used to do to relax before Kanda moved in? Because lately he just played on the man's nerves one way or another if he needed a stress reliever. Which he, obviously enough, couldn't do right now. Or, well, he could theoretically text him—

Ah, no. He still didn't have his number, of course. But anyway, Kanda was at work. Which meant supposedly busy, so scratch that.

He grabbed a snack and sat on his bed with a laptop again, but couldn't really focus this time. After doing barely two pages, which took a ridiculous amount of time, he was sure of one thing – there wasn't any valid reason why he shouldn't have Kanda's number. So, he was going to take it from him. Be it even by force.

Then, Allen realized he actually skipped a part of his morning routine. He was stupidly grateful for that, too – now he had something to busy himself with. At least while he restored his concentration capability. That something was workout. Though he almost laughed at how simple it was compared to what he used to do back in his Exorcist days. Really, it was just some sit-ups and push-ups plus stretching. Normal push-ups this time. Though, admittedly, he had tried to copy all of this crazy stuff more than once. The results were never something to brag about. Regardless, he strived to do some exercises every morning. Needles to say, however, 'it's good for the health' wasn't as good of a motivation as 'people will die if you're too weak' once was. And so, him actually exercising or not depended on a great deal of things. There were weeks or even months when he ended up slacking off, just because he didn't feel like moving. Recently he was very diligent about it. Seeing that Kanda had a very similar morning habit might have influenced that – even if he was aware of it only because the other forgot to close the door to his bedroom once. After getting an eyeful, Allen was determined to start taking it more seriously, too. Especially since Kanda's workout was obviously more effective – as it was proven every time the man left the bathroom after having a shower. Which was probably a part of why Kanda parading in just a towel bothered Allen that much. Yeah, okay, so it was like— five steps until he disappeared into his room. But still.

After exerting himself pretty thoroughly, Allen attempted to go back to work, but didn't manage to fall back into his rhythm yet again. Mainly because he got a feeling he smelled. And he did take a shower that morning, but he guessed there was no helping it after sweating so much.

Once he was under the warm stream of water, he realised that was actually what he needed all along. That and a good wank. That was what an empty apartment was good for, at least – he liked being vocal and like this he didn't have to hold back.

Relaxed and refreshed, Allen decided he was actually pretty hungry. The few sandwiches he had before didn't do much for him. So, a fluffy white towel resting around his neck so that his hair wouldn't wet the fresh shirt, he figured he could prepare a proper meal. While he was at it, he made it a portion for two. Kanda should be coming back soon anyway. Probably. That realization made him sigh. How much time did he actually waste, honestly. It was, what, past six already?

Once the food was ready, he sat with it at the table. It was hot as hell, but he started eating right away. Something about himself waiting with dinner until Kanda gets back from work bothered him awfully much. Finishing his share ahead was the least thing he could do.

And, as if on cue, Kanda actually— well, um, barged in more than came back, precisely when Allen was putting his plate into the washer.

"Oh, hi, I missed your bitch face so much. You can't even imagine," he greeted the man cheerfully, painfully aware he was sort of speaking the truth.

To his ultimate distaste, Kanda barely reacted at all. "Gimme a cigarette," he grit through his teeth.

And so Allen did, ignoring the fact that being outside with his hair still damp felt a bit wrong.

"You know, I understand you're probably around twelve. But you could fool a kiosk lady, I bet. Buy your own pack if you need it." Allen's comment was ignored once more. He made a face and shivered a little. It was a pretty damn cold evening. He covered his head with the towel in an attempt to make it more bearable. Then he kicked Kanda's shin.

"What the fuck, dumbshit," Kanda growled around his cigarette, instantly making him feel better. Or at least that was before he was kicked right back. But ah, it sure felt good to have your efforts appreciated.

"You reek coffee. And toasts," Allen observed in response.

It wasn't that hard to guess what Kanda's job was at this point. How dull, a barista position didn't suit him at all. Not to mention it was no secret that the man sucked at social interactions. And so, pretty predictably, it looked like the job was pissing him off.

Kanda made a disgusted face at the smell comment. "Would be hard not to," he spat.

"I see you love your job." Allen's tone was mockingly serious and the other clicked his tongue. "So? When are you getting a rise? Are we buying the TV soon?"

"Yes, we are."

Ah, Kanda was serious about it then. Allen always thought that watching online was more than enough, but he wasn't really against it. He could afford it, too. As long as it wasn't one of those fancy new models he sometimes saw at stores, that is. Maybe they could actually watch something together, too. That sounded nice. A bit weird, but nice.

Allen observed Kanda for a while, pondering. He decided that he was disappointed with the man's job choice. He had plenty of his own unique good qualities and it would be a shame not to put them to use.

"Hey, Kanda— any job is good for a start, but—," Allen started, not sure if any advice from him would be welcome, but wanting to give it anyway. "Ever thought of making a use of your martial arts knowledge? Especially Kendo. I never researched it myself, but I'm sure there are some official certificates you could get…" he trailed off when Kanda gave him a stare. "I hate that papers are so important, too. You can't help it though," Allen grumbled, feeling a bit embarrassed. Yes, he cared. Of course he did. It was a shame to have the former swordsman waste his potential.

"I'll think about it," Kanda finally answered, his eyes lingering on the other's face for a moment. And he didn't exactly smile, but something about his expression still made Allen slightly happy. So he helped then, maybe?

After coming back inside the apartment, Allen finally felt ready to get back to work. Then Kanda's voice reached him from the kitchen, just as he was about to disappear into his bedroom.

"Is that gloop edible?"

So Kanda thought he could be an ass just because he cooked better, then?

"Yes. Choke on it, please."

Despite everything, Allen got back to translating with a smile on his face. He tried, but couldn't will it away.