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Lieutenant Tayrey's cottage is in a quieter part of Somnius, not far from the lake. The garden is full of bright flowers, but wild and overgrown. As Levi approaches, she opens the front door and waves to him.
'Over here!' she calls out. She's in her usual uniform, despite being home alone. The only evidence of her injury from this distance is that she does seem to be leaning against the doorframe. 'Peace and prosperity,' she greets him. It's not often that she has visitors here. Tayrey's in an odd situation, in that she's accustomed to absolute privacy in her own cabin, but a busy, almost crowded starship the rest of the time. She's not used to having a whole house to herself! She's eager to welcome Levi in.
'Over here!' she calls out. She's in her usual uniform, despite being home alone. The only evidence of her injury from this distance is that she does seem to be leaning against the doorframe. 'Peace and prosperity,' she greets him. It's not often that she has visitors here. Tayrey's in an odd situation, in that she's accustomed to absolute privacy in her own cabin, but a busy, almost crowded starship the rest of the time. She's not used to having a whole house to herself! She's eager to welcome Levi in.
While he's had time to walk around most of the inhabited areas of Somnius more than a handful of times, Levi's beginning to think the cottages are maybe a better idea than the treehouse. While they're a bit different than they'd experienced in the Labyrinth, the idea of them is...similar enough. It's quiet, with more open space, and it would be easier for Erwin to access. Sill of them, really, to have bothered with a treehouse in the first place just on that criteria alone, but it had also felt like a safer choice at the time. Now, perhaps that isn't as much of a concern.
He finds her place fairly easily enough, although the garden is...certainly in quite a State. More than one plant grabs at his sleeve or pant leg as he walks up the path to the front door. Gardening has never been his specialty or responsibility, but -
"Hey. Your garden needs a trim." Levi looks at her critically as she favors her injured leg. "If it's still that bad you should be sitting down. C'mon."
He offers her a hand to grip so she can limp back inside.
He finds her place fairly easily enough, although the garden is...certainly in quite a State. More than one plant grabs at his sleeve or pant leg as he walks up the path to the front door. Gardening has never been his specialty or responsibility, but -
"Hey. Your garden needs a trim." Levi looks at her critically as she favors her injured leg. "If it's still that bad you should be sitting down. C'mon."
He offers her a hand to grip so she can limp back inside.
Eilonwy is finally done with mixing teas and testing. She'd written out the ingredients as she could remember them onto a spare piece of paper and crossed out what she couldn't find, with quick notes on the substitutions. The first three blends had been good but were missing the final push that she'd expected from the more common herb blends she'd drink in Llyr.
By what seemed like a fluke or just a stroke of good timing, the owner of the tea shop she'd been visiting for loose leaf packs had shared 'Ah, Miss Eilonwy! We just happen to have some cherry tea in.'
Shards were exchanged and after mixing lavender, chamomile and cherry, she'd found as close to the flavor as she could remember. After testing it one evening and finding that it did help her calm down before bed, Eilonwy packed a medium sized box and tied it with a green ribbon. Several triangle shaped bags are stacked inside, tied off safely so they wouldn't explode in a cup, along with a card that lists the teas blended and suggesting hot but not boiling water and a brewing time of about 5 minutes for strong, and 2 for weak. There's also an attached handwritten card below the ribbon. 'For Levi'.
As she holds onto the box and makes her way towards the area with tree houses, Eilonwy smiles a little. She takes out her device and sends a quick message: Good morrow, Levi. The tea has been mixed together and I'm heading to the tree house area now unless you'd wish to meet somewhere else.- Eilonwy before she waits for the reply.
By what seemed like a fluke or just a stroke of good timing, the owner of the tea shop she'd been visiting for loose leaf packs had shared 'Ah, Miss Eilonwy! We just happen to have some cherry tea in.'
Shards were exchanged and after mixing lavender, chamomile and cherry, she'd found as close to the flavor as she could remember. After testing it one evening and finding that it did help her calm down before bed, Eilonwy packed a medium sized box and tied it with a green ribbon. Several triangle shaped bags are stacked inside, tied off safely so they wouldn't explode in a cup, along with a card that lists the teas blended and suggesting hot but not boiling water and a brewing time of about 5 minutes for strong, and 2 for weak. There's also an attached handwritten card below the ribbon. 'For Levi'.
As she holds onto the box and makes her way towards the area with tree houses, Eilonwy smiles a little. She takes out her device and sends a quick message: Good morrow, Levi. The tea has been mixed together and I'm heading to the tree house area now unless you'd wish to meet somewhere else.- Eilonwy before she waits for the reply.
Here's fine. See you soon.
It's a quick response, and he's slipping into a pair of comfortable loafers before stepping out the door. In all honesty, with the arrival of Hange and a few other things going on, he'd pushed Eilonwy's tea to the back of his mind, so her message is a pleasant surprise (reminder?).
Levi waits on the front landing, leaning against the railing and looking out across the area below. The turning of the leaves has been spectacular, but soon the trees will be barren, and he has to wonder if that means it'll be especially cold and windy up in their lofty home come winter. Perhaps it would be better closer to the ground...
When she draws close, he unwinds a line attached to a pully with a basket at the end and lowers it down.
"Drop it in, I'll pull it up while you climb."
It's a quick response, and he's slipping into a pair of comfortable loafers before stepping out the door. In all honesty, with the arrival of Hange and a few other things going on, he'd pushed Eilonwy's tea to the back of his mind, so her message is a pleasant surprise (reminder?).
Levi waits on the front landing, leaning against the railing and looking out across the area below. The turning of the leaves has been spectacular, but soon the trees will be barren, and he has to wonder if that means it'll be especially cold and windy up in their lofty home come winter. Perhaps it would be better closer to the ground...
When she draws close, he unwinds a line attached to a pully with a basket at the end and lowers it down.
"Drop it in, I'll pull it up while you climb."
Hey, Levi. I've been chewing on this for a few days, but ... It might be time to talk about some events and happenings specific to our world. I just have no idea what to tell the people you've come to know here, feels kind of strange to tell them things you might not be privy to yourselves!
And, ah, more importantly, I want to hear what you and Erwin know too ...
And, ah, more importantly, I want to hear what you and Erwin know too ...
Hange...
[ It's a conversation he's not been looking forward to, has in fact tried putting off untangling how much he knows and even wants to know about what happens. But...they bring up a good point, because finding something out second hand through someone else would be shitty, just as it would be to expect Hange to keep everything to themselves.
Fuck.
He takes a breath, lets it out. ]
Yeah. We should have talked about this sooner, I'm sorry.
Where are you now?
[ It's a conversation he's not been looking forward to, has in fact tried putting off untangling how much he knows and even wants to know about what happens. But...they bring up a good point, because finding something out second hand through someone else would be shitty, just as it would be to expect Hange to keep everything to themselves.
Fuck.
He takes a breath, lets it out. ]
Yeah. We should have talked about this sooner, I'm sorry.
Where are you now?
Levi, are you on your way home? I have something to show you.
[Someone is sounding chipper and in high spirits. After all the drama lately, Erwin has decided it's time to unveil a scheme he's been working on, and he wants to show Levi first.]
[Someone is sounding chipper and in high spirits. After all the drama lately, Erwin has decided it's time to unveil a scheme he's been working on, and he wants to show Levi first.]
[ He's carrying some groceries, grumbles when the device rings, jams it between his jaw and shoulder and keeps walking. ]
Yeah, stopped by to check on the brats, went to pick up some stuff. Something wrong?
[ It doesn't sound like anything's wrong, but old habits die hard. ]
Yeah, stopped by to check on the brats, went to pick up some stuff. Something wrong?
[ It doesn't sound like anything's wrong, but old habits die hard. ]
Captain?
[ Jean sounds tired. Exhausted, even, and possibly like he's been crying. He doesn't sound like he's in danger of doing so again, though; just has that familiar rasp in his voice. ]
I think I need to catch you up on some things.
[ He realized, in all of this hubbub, that he hasn't mentioned what's going on to Levi. And he probably should, with Mikasa pissed at Erwin. Especially before his secret birthday party. ]
[ Jean sounds tired. Exhausted, even, and possibly like he's been crying. He doesn't sound like he's in danger of doing so again, though; just has that familiar rasp in his voice. ]
I think I need to catch you up on some things.
[ He realized, in all of this hubbub, that he hasn't mentioned what's going on to Levi. And he probably should, with Mikasa pissed at Erwin. Especially before his secret birthday party. ]
[ The last few days have been...something. Levi can't help but wonder if this is some kind of weird thing going on like with the ghosts, making everyone just so fucking strung out and weird and upset. But it's not like he can ignore any of these things, either, even though he feels like he doesn't quite understand everything that's going on with Erwin and the brats, so it's left him feeling vaguely irritated at all of them. ]
You sound like shit. [ Helpful, Levi. ]
Where do you want to meet?
You sound like shit. [ Helpful, Levi. ]
Where do you want to meet?
itt: two men being like "god damn it" at their significant others
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neighsaying
- 2023-12-18 07:51 (UTC) - Expand[ The week of 12/24, Levi will find a nicely wrapped, square box on his doorstep, along with gifts for Erwin and Hange.
Inside the box, there's a black tea that advertises itself as flavored with dark chocolate, and a mug that has a cat painted on it. The tail of the cat is also the handle. Jean has also commissioned a tiny replica of the Wings of Freedom, in pin form, that inside the cup.
Finally, there's a sealed, wrapped bag with pain au chocolate inside it, made with dark chocolate; they look to be hand made.
There's also a little handwritten note from Jean. ]
Captain Levi -
If the tea is bad, I'll get you a different kind, but you'll have to drink it out of the mug, too.
- Jean
Inside the box, there's a black tea that advertises itself as flavored with dark chocolate, and a mug that has a cat painted on it. The tail of the cat is also the handle. Jean has also commissioned a tiny replica of the Wings of Freedom, in pin form, that inside the cup.
Finally, there's a sealed, wrapped bag with pain au chocolate inside it, made with dark chocolate; they look to be hand made.
There's also a little handwritten note from Jean. ]
Captain Levi -
If the tea is bad, I'll get you a different kind, but you'll have to drink it out of the mug, too.
- Jean
Edited (I FORGOT THE PASTRIES) 2023-12-20 07:09 (UTC)
[ On the Solstice, a package appears on Levi's doorstep. Inside is a carved wooden standalone shelf/rack with glass containers to organize and store loose-leaf tea. There is a small package of gingerbread spice tea, plus a (smaller) package of pumpkin spice flavored coffee.
A note accompanies it, written in Reiner's neat (Eldian) script: ]
Captain Levi,
This looked like it would help keep tea organized. The gingerbread spice tea and pumpkin spice coffee are seasonal flavors. I don't know if you've tried coffee or not; it'll keep you awake, so don't drink it at night.
- Reiner
A note accompanies it, written in Reiner's neat (Eldian) script: ]
Captain Levi,
This looked like it would help keep tea organized. The gingerbread spice tea and pumpkin spice coffee are seasonal flavors. I don't know if you've tried coffee or not; it'll keep you awake, so don't drink it at night.
- Reiner
[ A day or two later, a note is delivered, in very neat, precise lettering. A gift from Reiner is probably the most surprising, but at least someone had thought to give him something to store all of the tea he's received. ]
Reiner,
Thank you.
Erwin likes the coffee. Glad to have something to keep all the tea in.
Come by sometime for a cup.
Levi
Reiner,
Thank you.
Erwin likes the coffee. Glad to have something to keep all the tea in.
Come by sometime for a cup.
Levi
[ The package is wrapped professionally - the person in the store where she bought it clearly did it, and it's left with a little note that just says "M" on it.
Inside the package is a green scarf - it looks handmade from wherever she got it - and some tea (the kind she had seen him drink when she had visited), some soap (a simple, citrusy scent), and a carefully written offer to purchase him a weapon from the blacksmith whenever he'd like.
It is the only gift left at his house. ]
Inside the package is a green scarf - it looks handmade from wherever she got it - and some tea (the kind she had seen him drink when she had visited), some soap (a simple, citrusy scent), and a carefully written offer to purchase him a weapon from the blacksmith whenever he'd like.
It is the only gift left at his house. ]
[ she receives a note (probably delivered along with two others) a day or two later, lettered in very neat handwriting: ]
Mikasa,
Thanks for the scarf, the color is nice. Soap and tea are good too.
Let me know when you're ready to have your ass kicked by an old man.
Levi
Mikasa,
Thanks for the scarf, the color is nice. Soap and tea are good too.
Let me know when you're ready to have your ass kicked by an old man.
Levi
[On December 25th, Levi will find an oblong package on his doorstep. It contains a custom-made sword from the local forge. Next to it is a box containing a variety of high quality teas, as well as croissants from the local bakery.]
Captain Levi,
Thanks for everything. The sword is custom made to fit your measurements. I figure it might be useful someday if you need it, but it's also just kind of cool. I heard it was your birthday too, so I got you some extra things. I hope you like the tea.
Thanks for everything.
- Eren
Thanks for everything. The sword is custom made to fit your measurements. I figure it might be useful someday if you need it, but it's also just kind of cool. I heard it was your birthday too, so I got you some extra things. I hope you like the tea.
Thanks for everything.
- Eren
[ Eren receives a note delivered along with two others, written in precise, neat letters: ]
Eren,
Hope I won't have to use the sword, but glad to have it, anyway.
Thanks for the tea. Come over and help me drink some of it.
Here if you need something.
Levi
Eren,
Hope I won't have to use the sword, but glad to have it, anyway.
Thanks for the tea. Come over and help me drink some of it.
Here if you need something.
Levi
[Delivered quite kindly by the mail mice to Levi's is a bag of homemade potpourri and a little handmade Christmas Pixie. Last but not least, there are some Christmas cookies (some are a little misshapen but it's clear they were made with care).
Attached is a card inside is delicate handwriting:]
MERRY CHRISTMAS MR. LEVI!
OH! And Happy birthday!
I made the cookies myself with some help!
Hope you have a wonderful holiday season.
Again, Merry Christmas and Happy Birthday!
Love,
Alice Liddell
Attached is a card inside is delicate handwriting:]
MERRY CHRISTMAS MR. LEVI!
OH! And Happy birthday!
I made the cookies myself with some help!
Hope you have a wonderful holiday season.
Again, Merry Christmas and Happy Birthday!
Love,
Alice Liddell
[ Getting gifts from his kids is one thing; Levi is surprised to have received any from anyone he didn't know from home. It's touching, really, but it might not come through in his response back. A day or so later, Alice will receive a handwritten note in kind. The lettering is very neat and precise print, almost like out of a newspaper: ]
Alice,
Cookies were good, Erwin and Hange ate most of them.
Not sure what the other stuff is, but it's nice.
Hope you had a good time too.
Thank you for thinking of me.
Levi
Alice,
Cookies were good, Erwin and Hange ate most of them.
Not sure what the other stuff is, but it's nice.
Hope you had a good time too.
Thank you for thinking of me.
Levi
[Most likely dropped at the open house party. A box filled with various teabags of flavors, a one size poncho, and some chocolate fudge. There is a name from the sender at least.]
[Well this lucky guy isn't getting just one sword, but two swords! He caught wind that it was a birthday too and since he really only knows how to make one thing- it's swords. He does at least have the sense that one sword is small and easy to conceal if needed. The other matches the first he gave him, though perhaps a more comfortable fit for his arm size. Both swords have a little cat face carved on the sheath. No real reason. Cats are just nice.]
To Mr. Levi,
I heard that you were made on the day of a holiday, and that is a very nice day to be made. I have made you two gifts to celebrate. I am glad you were made.
-Kanoa
[ Levi is drowning in swords and tea, apparently, but there are worse things to be associated with. The small sword is one he actually starts carrying regularly, even if there isn't much actual danger to be had most days, the fact that things have been...relatively peaceful lately makes him that much more anxious that something especially bad is going to drop at any moment. So: good to be prepared.
The note is...sweet, actually.
Kanoa receives a handwritten reply a couple days later, in very neat, printed text: ]
Kanoa,
The blades are beautiful. I've been needing something small to carry with me.
I'm glad you were made, too.
Thank you,
Levi
The note is...sweet, actually.
Kanoa receives a handwritten reply a couple days later, in very neat, printed text: ]
Kanoa,
The blades are beautiful. I've been needing something small to carry with me.
I'm glad you were made, too.
Thank you,
Levi
It's the same day as this conversation, and Erwin is waiting for Levi when he gets home.
"Hello, Levi." He practically pounces on him as soon as Levi enters the cottage, taking his cloak from him so he can get his shoes off. "I have an idea for us."
No beating around the bush, no small talk. Erwin is excited about something, and he's going to make it Levi's problem.
"Hello, Levi." He practically pounces on him as soon as Levi enters the cottage, taking his cloak from him so he can get his shoes off. "I have an idea for us."
No beating around the bush, no small talk. Erwin is excited about something, and he's going to make it Levi's problem.
Oh, hello, a husband at the door, how nice. Levi bundles his cloak and a couple bags of groceries and another bag that seems to have books into those waiting arms before sitting down on the bench near the door to take off his shoes. He gives Erwin a quirk of an eyebrow briefly, undoing the laces. He's certainly excited about something.
"What is it?"
"What is it?"
[If Eren's honest with himself, there are a lot of things he enjoys about his wolf form, but most of them are embarrassing to own up to, so he maintains that he intends for the animal transformation to be something he can use in combat - that's why he likes to practice! No other reasons to see here!
[With this explanation, Captain Levi agreed to help with some training. Maybe the Captain isn't all that experienced with using dogs as weapons, but that's not the point. Eren trusts that he'll give him something valuable to walk away with.
[So, he arrives at his door, already in his wolf form. Did he need to run all the way there on four legs instead of simply transforming after he and the Captain exchanged greetings? Nonsense. He sits down outside the cottage's front door and howls.]
[With this explanation, Captain Levi agreed to help with some training. Maybe the Captain isn't all that experienced with using dogs as weapons, but that's not the point. Eren trusts that he'll give him something valuable to walk away with.
[So, he arrives at his door, already in his wolf form. Did he need to run all the way there on four legs instead of simply transforming after he and the Captain exchanged greetings? Nonsense. He sits down outside the cottage's front door and howls.]
Levi...didn't know much about dogs. Has never even seen a real wolf before, and had no concept of their size until he'd seen Eren (and even then, is that what all wolves look like, or just how this place decided they should?). Given Eren's reluctance to regain his titan abilities, it seemed pertinent to figure out some way he could make use of a predator's form.
He's not entirely sure if either of them will get anything useful out of this, but they may as well try.
They'd agreed to meet earlier in the morning. Erwin and Hange were still sleeping, and as Levi starts to lace up his boots, there's suddenly an animal howling at his door. He grumbles under his breath as he finishes up, then throws open the door.
"Oi, Eren," he barks (get it), pulling his cloak on. "Quit yowling, people are still sleeping."
He's not entirely sure if either of them will get anything useful out of this, but they may as well try.
They'd agreed to meet earlier in the morning. Erwin and Hange were still sleeping, and as Levi starts to lace up his boots, there's suddenly an animal howling at his door. He grumbles under his breath as he finishes up, then throws open the door.
"Oi, Eren," he barks (get it), pulling his cloak on. "Quit yowling, people are still sleeping."
Captain Levi.
[It never feels right to start the message with, "Hey," like he might normally...]
I think Lt. Tayrey might be gone for good this time.
[And that...disturbs him for several reasons (not the least of which is that he cared about Tayrey).
[So did Captain Levi...]
I guess we can't be sure, but...
I'm sorry.
[...]
Are you okay?
[It never feels right to start the message with, "Hey," like he might normally...]
I think Lt. Tayrey might be gone for good this time.
[And that...disturbs him for several reasons (not the least of which is that he cared about Tayrey).
[So did Captain Levi...]
I guess we can't be sure, but...
I'm sorry.
[...]
Are you okay?
[ He'd suspected about Tayrey's disappearance the first time. He'd gone over to scrub her home top to bottom, since she'd been particularly difficult about not letting him just do it for her. It'd been his way of looking after her, making sure she had a clean place to come back to. But her return had been brief, and this second time around, the cottage she'd inhabited had reverted back to being entirely empty.
Dang kids why do you have to text when he prefers video--
...he answers in text anyway. Slowly. ]
Eren,
Yeah, I think she's gone.
[ The last part makes him pause, quietly touched that Eren would ask, go so far as to reach out. Tayrey had been one of the first people he'd connected with here. Her spark and attitude had reminded him fondly of Petra, and losing her has scratched against some of that ache, too. Even if their viewpoints on certain things clashed, Levi had still thought her a good person. Hard working, caring. ]
I'm okay. Thanks for asking.
What about you?
Dang kids why do you have to text when he prefers video--
...he answers in text anyway. Slowly. ]
Eren,
Yeah, I think she's gone.
[ The last part makes him pause, quietly touched that Eren would ask, go so far as to reach out. Tayrey had been one of the first people he'd connected with here. Her spark and attitude had reminded him fondly of Petra, and losing her has scratched against some of that ache, too. Even if their viewpoints on certain things clashed, Levi had still thought her a good person. Hard working, caring. ]
I'm okay. Thanks for asking.
What about you?
[Eren comes to sweep on Saturday as usual. His mind is on anything but today's date. There will be a party later this week, but he's more or less forgotten why. Jean said to be home a little early for dinner. Sure. He will be.
[But first, this. It's the first time he'll have seen Levi since he entered the labyrinth - since he lived the future.
[He's not himself. He can't be. He's never been good at pretending. In the future, this cold, hollow emptiness will be half for show, but not so now. He lets himself in, as is allowed, and searches for Levi. In greeting, a salute against his chest that he's not sure he's allowed to mean anymore.]
Sir.
[But first, this. It's the first time he'll have seen Levi since he entered the labyrinth - since he lived the future.
[He's not himself. He can't be. He's never been good at pretending. In the future, this cold, hollow emptiness will be half for show, but not so now. He lets himself in, as is allowed, and searches for Levi. In greeting, a salute against his chest that he's not sure he's allowed to mean anymore.]
Sir.
[ Levi is in the kitchen, preparing tea. There's a plate of croissants and a few other various pastries on the counter. It's not a wholly unusual sight, but there seems to be a particular selection of things that are Eren's favorites. Truthfully, Levi wasn't entirely sure Eren would show up today, so he looks a little surprised - but pleased, ultimately. ]
Oh, you came after all.
[ He pours the water over two tea mugs - there's a third that he leaves empty, but still waiting for later. For Erwin or Hange, whoever shows up next. Throwing another glance at Eren's demeanor, Levi faintly arches a brow, corners of his lips pulling down into a frown. ]
What's the matter? You look like you're gonna have the shits any second.
Oh, you came after all.
[ He pours the water over two tea mugs - there's a third that he leaves empty, but still waiting for later. For Erwin or Hange, whoever shows up next. Throwing another glance at Eren's demeanor, Levi faintly arches a brow, corners of his lips pulling down into a frown. ]
What's the matter? You look like you're gonna have the shits any second.
[Eren barely remembers the last two weeks. Kanoa managed to wake him up. Things have settled, so the nightmare can begin. She's still gone, and he's still here; that Hell was real, and he'll only find it again and again.
[A check-in with Levi is needed. A check-in with...so many are needed, and Eren will get to them, but there's one person he must go to first - must, because it's Captain Levi, because Eren's rising panic and desperate uncertainty tells him, "Help, help, you need help," and who else, who else could ever know better--
[But Eren doesn't appear afraid. He approaches Captain Levi's cottage, dulled and quiet. Whether he's outside or Eren has to knock to get his attention, he'll greet him just the same way as he usually does; entirely different, too.]
Captain Levi. [No salute.]
[A check-in with Levi is needed. A check-in with...so many are needed, and Eren will get to them, but there's one person he must go to first - must, because it's Captain Levi, because Eren's rising panic and desperate uncertainty tells him, "Help, help, you need help," and who else, who else could ever know better--
[But Eren doesn't appear afraid. He approaches Captain Levi's cottage, dulled and quiet. Whether he's outside or Eren has to knock to get his attention, he'll greet him just the same way as he usually does; entirely different, too.]
Captain Levi. [No salute.]
[ It's only been a few hours since the ending of the thrall.
Memory and realization had returned in an unyielding rush, like waking from a dream only to find all of it real. The scent of blood and filth is still in his nostrils.
With Erwin thankfully already at his side, Jean and Eren are the first things on his mind. The sound of ribs cracking repeats in his mind as though echoing directly in his ears. Eren's visceral anger humming into the air, so palpable he could feel it against his skin prickles goosebumps on his arms.
The memory of the look in the teen's eyes tightens his already twisted gut.
Levi only makes a preliminary check on them both - at a distance, just to reassure himself they're still here. Something holds him back, though. Suddenly, he's entirely unsure of his place in their lives. Jean, because he had nearly caved in his chest, Eren, because he can feel the black pit of his fears beginning to widen like a deep, angry maw - and he still doesn't have any fucking clue what to do about it.
He goes home and scrubs himself until his skin is pink and irritated. He snipes at Erwin to rest and pretends to fall asleep himself until the man passes out and carefully slips away. It's difficult, fighting off the paranoid thought that some other bigass shoe is going to drop, and something will happen to him, too, and the invasive, incessant, irrepressible need to re-exert a modicum of control - if not over the things around him, then at least over himself.
So as ever: he cleans.
The bookshelves are probably the quietest activity, so he starts there; organizing Erwin's random piles, pulling everything else off shelves and wiping them down. Windowsills, trim, baseboards - everything in the little reading nook is thoroughly dusted, small rug taken out and mercilessly beaten.
It's as he's finally starting to put things back together when Eren knocks on the door - still piles of books and things and furniture slightly askew.
It only takes that one greeting; the formality at once underscored and somehow a mockery with the lack of a salute and the shell of something that surrounds him, like wool muffling a sound.
Levi stares back with a wary concern, his usual frown slightly deeper.
But there's no small amount of relief there, too, a much needed gentler wash of emotion. ]
Eren.
[ His eyes sweep the teen, and somehow in such a short amount of time, he looks so starkly different than before.
...Levi thumbs back behind himself, into the cottage. ]
...come in, I'll make some tea.
Memory and realization had returned in an unyielding rush, like waking from a dream only to find all of it real. The scent of blood and filth is still in his nostrils.
With Erwin thankfully already at his side, Jean and Eren are the first things on his mind. The sound of ribs cracking repeats in his mind as though echoing directly in his ears. Eren's visceral anger humming into the air, so palpable he could feel it against his skin prickles goosebumps on his arms.
The memory of the look in the teen's eyes tightens his already twisted gut.
Levi only makes a preliminary check on them both - at a distance, just to reassure himself they're still here. Something holds him back, though. Suddenly, he's entirely unsure of his place in their lives. Jean, because he had nearly caved in his chest, Eren, because he can feel the black pit of his fears beginning to widen like a deep, angry maw - and he still doesn't have any fucking clue what to do about it.
He goes home and scrubs himself until his skin is pink and irritated. He snipes at Erwin to rest and pretends to fall asleep himself until the man passes out and carefully slips away. It's difficult, fighting off the paranoid thought that some other bigass shoe is going to drop, and something will happen to him, too, and the invasive, incessant, irrepressible need to re-exert a modicum of control - if not over the things around him, then at least over himself.
So as ever: he cleans.
The bookshelves are probably the quietest activity, so he starts there; organizing Erwin's random piles, pulling everything else off shelves and wiping them down. Windowsills, trim, baseboards - everything in the little reading nook is thoroughly dusted, small rug taken out and mercilessly beaten.
It's as he's finally starting to put things back together when Eren knocks on the door - still piles of books and things and furniture slightly askew.
It only takes that one greeting; the formality at once underscored and somehow a mockery with the lack of a salute and the shell of something that surrounds him, like wool muffling a sound.
Levi stares back with a wary concern, his usual frown slightly deeper.
But there's no small amount of relief there, too, a much needed gentler wash of emotion. ]
Eren.
[ His eyes sweep the teen, and somehow in such a short amount of time, he looks so starkly different than before.
...Levi thumbs back behind himself, into the cottage. ]
...come in, I'll make some tea.
GOD ME TOO HERE HAVE A NOVEL I'M NORMAL (DO...LMK IF U NEED MORE THAN CRYING)
wintolive
- 2024-07-13 06:35 (UTC) - Expand
[ ooc : open logs will be posted on the 6th and 7th of July, where players can make their own toplevels and tag into others! 🥳 ]
[Since the night they kissed, Finnick has been going only a tiny bit crazy thinking of Levi, agonizing over whether to text him or not, over how to act cool when he sees him at work, etc. He was good at taking things slow before, but now it's an active effort not to push forward, not to come on too strong.
But today, he has a good excuse! Or so he tells himself.]
Good tea today very good tea thank u sir. The orange blossom really pops offfffff especially when you brew it 👌👌👌💯💯 I can really taste all the... Notes or whatever
But today, he has a good excuse! Or so he tells himself.]
Good tea today very good tea thank u sir. The orange blossom really pops offfffff especially when you brew it 👌👌👌💯💯 I can really taste all the... Notes or whatever
[ Luckily Finnick can't see the way Levi squints and frowns at all of the...extras in the message. He reads it five times at least, still not entirely sure he's getting everything he's meant to, but: ]
Glad you liked it.
Did your f get stuck or what
Can probably get a new device if it's fucking up
[ Sorry sir Levi does not understand casual texting speech patterns, he's an old grumpy man from a place with no tech.
another message follows a moment or two later ]
Hope you enjoyed your day
Glad you liked it.
Did your f get stuck or what
Can probably get a new device if it's fucking up
[ Sorry sir Levi does not understand casual texting speech patterns, he's an old grumpy man from a place with no tech.
another message follows a moment or two later ]
Hope you enjoyed your day
Though Finnick sees Levi often, it's rare they see each other in private without too many others around. They're always at the tea shop, where understandably, Levi wants to keep a professional distance. All fine by Finnick, but he's such a touchy-feely person that sometimes the yearning gets to be a lot. He's been immensely looking forward to spending some quality time with Levi in a setting that the older man finds enjoyable and relaxing. As a bonus, this kind of place requires them to wear less clothing, so... That's nice too.
Finnick had recently wished at the crystal for a small motorboat, which he's been wanting for several months and finally had the means to get. He plans to meet Levi on the beach and boat them over to the island the hot springs are on. He arrives a bit earlier than they're set to meet in order to flip the boat over from its upside-down stored position on the side of the beach and haul it over to the water- the point of wishing for a small and lightweight watercraft was so he could handle it himself without a vehicle.
Finnick had recently wished at the crystal for a small motorboat, which he's been wanting for several months and finally had the means to get. He plans to meet Levi on the beach and boat them over to the island the hot springs are on. He arrives a bit earlier than they're set to meet in order to flip the boat over from its upside-down stored position on the side of the beach and haul it over to the water- the point of wishing for a small and lightweight watercraft was so he could handle it himself without a vehicle.
They might sneak a little snog here and there, but overall Levi isn't much of one for a lot of "PDA", as the kids say, and definitely not in his own place of business. Perhaps every few days they find time for a little cuddle on the beach together, but it isn't quite the same as being fully alone together.
They do finally agree on a time to go out to the hot springs - few enough people seem to be interested in going very late at night, or have the means to, so it should be deserted, or at least large enough for them to find a little cove of their own away from anyone else.
Levi meets Finnick down at the beach - at this point, it's possible to deduce that he likely doesn't even own a pair of sandals, once again in his lace up boots rather than the comfy loafers he wears in the shop. His typical slacks make up the rest of his bottom half, but the shirt is just a short-sleeved v-neck that gives a nice little hint of his collar bones. There's a bag slung crosswise over his shoulder, and he picks his way across the sand. The moon is bright, and he doesn't seem to have any issue seeing in the dimmer light. He'd watched Finnick flip the boat from across the beach...and appreciated the display of strength.
"Hey," he greets softly, stepping up close to his side. "This looks new."
They do finally agree on a time to go out to the hot springs - few enough people seem to be interested in going very late at night, or have the means to, so it should be deserted, or at least large enough for them to find a little cove of their own away from anyone else.
Levi meets Finnick down at the beach - at this point, it's possible to deduce that he likely doesn't even own a pair of sandals, once again in his lace up boots rather than the comfy loafers he wears in the shop. His typical slacks make up the rest of his bottom half, but the shirt is just a short-sleeved v-neck that gives a nice little hint of his collar bones. There's a bag slung crosswise over his shoulder, and he picks his way across the sand. The moon is bright, and he doesn't seem to have any issue seeing in the dimmer light. He'd watched Finnick flip the boat from across the beach...and appreciated the display of strength.
"Hey," he greets softly, stepping up close to his side. "This looks new."
song "swim until you can't see land" came on as soon as i read this tag
odare
- 2024-08-16 01:59 (UTC) - Expand[Late in the month, after the child-Levi fiasco and etc, Finnick gets attacked by a dragon. Night Sky saves him and puts him in the castle's secret underground room for safety. From bed, he texts Levi.]
Hey Levi. There are dragons in town. Are you safe?
Hey Levi. There are dragons in town. Are you safe?
[ It sure has been a whole fucking month again. He's constantly worried about the shop getting fucked, people getting stuck under their memories, watching to see if Erwin or anyone else ends up reversed into a brat.
And then there's the new memories, floating around in his head, the fresh hole of the worst grief in his chest.
He tries to check in with Finnick just about every day in one way or another, but because of all the shit that's happened, they haven't had much chance to talk about anything.
His heart gives a little lurch when he sees the message, and responds immediately in the dark. ]
I'm safe. You?
And then there's the new memories, floating around in his head, the fresh hole of the worst grief in his chest.
He tries to check in with Finnick just about every day in one way or another, but because of all the shit that's happened, they haven't had much chance to talk about anything.
His heart gives a little lurch when he sees the message, and responds immediately in the dark. ]
I'm safe. You?
It's been a few days since Eren returned. In that time Jean has experienced a range of emotions as Eren reacquaints himself: grief, anger, acceptance, love. Eren hasn't forgotten his time, the way others have lost their memories; as he understands it, there's simply too much in Eren's head now, no concept of a future or past itself, that makes it hard for him to navigate his mind.
He assumes Eren has visited Levi. He doesn't know how that went; he didn't ask Eren about the details. He only has his own traumatic experience seeing Eren again to go off of.
He spends the morning baking some apple tarts, a little less sweeter than the recipe calls for. He's found he doesn't like sweet things the way modern people do, or at least those writing his dessert recipes. He packages them up and then makes the short trek from the farm to Levi and Erwin's house.
At the very least, he has some good news to share. He raises his hand and knocks on the door, Mikasa's gifted scarf wrapped around his neck.
He assumes Eren has visited Levi. He doesn't know how that went; he didn't ask Eren about the details. He only has his own traumatic experience seeing Eren again to go off of.
He spends the morning baking some apple tarts, a little less sweeter than the recipe calls for. He's found he doesn't like sweet things the way modern people do, or at least those writing his dessert recipes. He packages them up and then makes the short trek from the farm to Levi and Erwin's house.
At the very least, he has some good news to share. He raises his hand and knocks on the door, Mikasa's gifted scarf wrapped around his neck.
That Eren's visited is a safe assumption; since his return, Levi hasn't been back to the farm to help look after Elke as he had after his disappearance. Even before, he would be there frequently, at least a couple times a week, to check on things for the shop, and just generally help with some of the many chores that it takes to keep things going.
Not anymore.
The shop has been open somewhat sporadically, but likewise coinciding with Eren's return, he's begun using it as a distraction and attending it nearly every day. Without extra help, it doesn't open if he's not there. So often, he can't quite stand being alone, these days. It's a perfect solution, really, because interactions are short and brief rather than drawn out. It's easier to get past the ache.
Levi is alone today, unable to put off some of his usual chores any longer. He's cleaning to keep himself busy, giving the living room and kitchen an even more thorough dusting and scrubbing, trying to let his mind rest and not...think about anything.
When the knock comes, he's at once impatient and grateful for the interruption. There's some shuffling inside as he removes his gloves and apron, pulling down the cloth tied over his nose and mouth to let it hang about his neck before opening the door.
There's a quiet look of relief in his eyes when he sees that it's Jean...but also a hint of something else; anticipation or just...a knowing sadness.
But he is glad to see him.
"Hey," he greets, after a beat, eyes taking in the scarf, and then steps back, gesturing vaguely inside "Come in."
Not anymore.
The shop has been open somewhat sporadically, but likewise coinciding with Eren's return, he's begun using it as a distraction and attending it nearly every day. Without extra help, it doesn't open if he's not there. So often, he can't quite stand being alone, these days. It's a perfect solution, really, because interactions are short and brief rather than drawn out. It's easier to get past the ache.
Levi is alone today, unable to put off some of his usual chores any longer. He's cleaning to keep himself busy, giving the living room and kitchen an even more thorough dusting and scrubbing, trying to let his mind rest and not...think about anything.
When the knock comes, he's at once impatient and grateful for the interruption. There's some shuffling inside as he removes his gloves and apron, pulling down the cloth tied over his nose and mouth to let it hang about his neck before opening the door.
There's a quiet look of relief in his eyes when he sees that it's Jean...but also a hint of something else; anticipation or just...a knowing sadness.
But he is glad to see him.
"Hey," he greets, after a beat, eyes taking in the scarf, and then steps back, gesturing vaguely inside "Come in."
i THINK this was the point of this thread originally so
neighsaying
- 2025-01-04 06:27 (UTC) - Expand
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