Jean will probably be roped into helping by the end of the visit, and he's perfectly okay with that. For now, he laughs a bit under his breath when Levi asks if he's trying to butter him up.
"I think I'd be a little less obvious if I was trying to," he calls back while Levi removes his cleaning attire. In that time, he sets the container down on the kitchen table, and sets the kettle to boiling after refreshing the water. He lets Levi have first go of the tea, instead finding where he keeps their plates and taking two out, to place them next to the container of tarts.
The tea cupboard is practically overflowing - or Levi's version of it, considering each tea is meticulously labeled and contained if it didn't come in its own box. Jean selects a variety that uses bergamot oil, setting it aside next to the mug that is 'his', and moving back to the table.
"They're apple tarts. I'm trying to tweak the recipe a little, since they're too sweet for me." And probably for most of the rest of them.
It's definitely Jean's mug, because Levi doesn't let anyone else use it, and also his name might be painted in similar gold glaze on the handle. There's another cup in the cupboard that's clearly for Eren. It hasn't been touched in weeks, but it's still there, in the spot it always is.
Mugs prepped while the kettle continues to heat, he wanders back over to the table next to Jean, interest clearly piqued at "apple tart". Autumn really is the best time of year - so many apples, and now with multiple people with lots of time to bake, he's truly getting spoiled this season.
"Hm," he hums, feigning nonchalance even as he surveys the tarts. Jean really has been doing well with all of his efforts lately; not a day goes by at the shop where someone doesn't praise the pastries. Picking one up, he takes a careful bite, hand cupped underneath to catch stray crumbs. Despite himself, there's a little jump of dark brows at the taste.
He licks his lips slowly after swallowing, as if contemplating his answer.
"Yeah," he says finally. "Not bad." Translation: pretty damn good. "Could even go a little less if you wanted, but the people who put an assload of honey into their tea might not like it."
He liked cooking, back home, the way simple flavors could take him back to simpler times. Perfecting the skill fell by the wayside in war; it's only here that he's been able to really dig into it. To learn how to balance delicate flavors, to find more joy in cooking for people.
To make something with his hands, a labor of love, instead of hurting anyone.
Perhaps that's why he holds his breath just the tiniest bit when Levi tries the first tart, watching him without trying to stare obviously. He knows apples are a favorite of Levi's; the variety here has been a treat to experiment with. He wanted to capture the sharp taste without overloading it with sugar, and keep it crisp; not bake the slices into mush the way older apples might be used back home.
Jean lets out his breath only when Levi speaks, a small smile on his lips. High praise indeed. The next comment earns another chuckle from him.
"I'll keep that in mind. I can't take much more sugar out of the pastry, but I don't need much in the filling," he comments, still grinning.
It's a little triumph, really. Levi's not always the best at expressing things that make him happy or pleased in a way that most people recognize, but it's not something he has to worry about with Jean. The grin tells him everything, and even makes him feel a little more at ease, despite all his other worries. This is far from an ideal place, or perhaps the world either of them might have wanted. But it makes him happy, to see Jean flourishing as best he can. At least one of them ought to.
He hums thoughtfully around another bite, chewing slowly to hold onto the taste, like there aren't several more yet to be had. After swallowing finally, he continues:
"Should ask Erwin, too. I'm not much for sweet things." A beat. "I'll try to save him a couple."
Assuming he doesn't eat them all himself, which he might be considering.
After finishing that bit, though, Levi sets the pastry down and dusts his fingers off on a napkin before dabbing it almost daintily at his lips. Shifting a bit in his seat, he looks up at Jean a little more seriously. There's a touch of something earnest in his eyes that aches around the edges, and after a moment he reaches over and sets his hand lightly on Jean's wrist.
"Jean...dunno if I ever told you before, in those years that I don't know yet. But for all that time, and for now...you've done well.
The ability to understand what Levi says (or doesn't say) took years to cultivate - years that he knows the Captain didn't live yet. Sometimes he thinks he should apologize, because it must be strange to have someone suddenly know your common tells.
On the other hand, he thinks that Levi likes it - not having to worry about Jean understanding him. Case in point, he thinks, as Levi settles down to wipe his fingers off, and Jean finally settles into a chair.
The hand on his wrist stills him from reaching for one of the tarts. He almost thinks Levi's stopping him from taking one, and he'd react with faux outrage, but the tease dies when he sees the earnest, painful look in Levi's eyes.
It's one he's really only seen a few times - and mainly after the rumbling happened. So I'm proud of you is not exactly what he expects to come out of Levi's out.
He can't hide the surprise that crosses his face - not because he doesn't believe it, but because he hasn't heard it verbalized before. The surprise gives way to something softer, proud to be told he's proud.
"You never told me, but you made it clear every day," he tells Levi, assuring him that it wasn't unknown. "Still... I appreciate hearing it. Thank you."
His gaze flickers around at the house, and he offers his own tenderhearted expression. "I'm proud that you've made a home here. I know it would have been easy to get wrapped up in returning home - in a sense of duty. And that we haven't made that easy, either."
Jean's right - he does like it. It's nice to have a few people around who do understand him more implicitly. Jean has always had strong intuition, and Levi is glad that had eventually grown to encompass himself. Expressing himself is something that doesn't always come easily; he's never been effusive with praise, but had learned how to give a sincere word of encouragement when it was well earned.
It feels all the more important to say such things, now.
A little wash of relief passes through him to hear that at least Jean had known. His expression remains solemn, but there's the warmth of a smile in his eyes.
"Good," he murmurs quietly, and withdraws his hand slowly back in as Jean looks around his home. When their eyes meet again, it's almost too hard to hold it, seeing such a feeling turned back toward himself. Despite it all, Levi feels the faintest prickle of heat creeping a bit up his neck and across his face.
But his brow furrows a little. "Didn't see much point in trying to rush back once we found out it wouldn't make any difference. Not like we could force it.
So I just...wanted you brats to have the chance to relax, too."
i THINK this was the point of this thread originally so
It does feel important to take the time to say things that one didn't have the chance to, before. Jean has been feeling it more and more urgently since Eren's return - not because of anything Eren's done, though.
No, it was just a stark reminder that anyone could leave, with words unspoken. It had already happened to Jean twice, at this point, and there were things he wishes he could have told Eren before he left and came back.
Jean can only make the difference going forward.
Thankfully, Jean moves his gaze down to the tea in his hands as Levi speaks, the look too strong to hold himself, as well. I wanted you brats to have the chance to relax, too.
He lets the words linger. Levi has never had too much difficulty with silence, in Jean's estimation, so he lets it sit for a long moment before he gathers himself again, looking at Levi.
"I know. Which is why I wanted to tell you something else. I'm going to ask Dolph to marry me."
As ever, Levi is perfectly content with the companionable silence. Perhaps he hadn't even really expected much in the way of a response, content to just say it so Jean could be clear on his wish; it's so rare that he has the courage to say such a thing as it is.
Maybe something about this place is making him softer at the edges, more easily revealing the tenderness beneath.
So he sips at his tea, has another bite or two of the tart, and had actually just finished swallowing when Jean drops the (apparent) real reason for his visit.
Marriage?
Of course, Levi is more or less aware of the triumvirate that had formed with Eren and Mikasa, all having effectively declared themselves wed to one another. Mikasa is gone, and has been for a while now, and he can't help silently wondering if Eren's shift hasn't somehow prompted this - not that he doubts Jean's feelings in either direction. It's not really any of his damn business, truth be told.
But he's still plainly surprised, boggling a little at Jean as the thoughts process.
"Huh...that so."
In truth, it isn't difficult and doesn't take long for him to sort out his feelings. A smile of sorts flashes through his eyes before he turns a more serious, assessing look on Jean. Any other person might be more obviously playful in their ribbing:
"And you think he'll say yes?"
(Of course he will, and Levi knows it, knowing what he does about both of them.)
Jean would go through with it regardless of Levi's approval or lack thereof; but he knows that Dolph is close to both Erwin and Levi both. Just like earning Erwin's approval about it had felt, he feels relief and joy to see the smile that crosses Levi's face.
His ribbing, while understood, has a merit of truth to it. After what Alex put Dolph through, it took a lot of work for him to feel ready for this.
"I know he will," Jean answers confidently - and then offers an abashed smile. "Because I asked if he'd be interested, before I actually went looking for a ring. I didn't want to spring it on him totally out of the blue."
He takes a sip of his tea before he continues.
"I know some of his history with Alex. I didn't want to do anything he wasn't on board with. I want to make our dreams together."
It's the sort of thoughtfulness he's come to see in Jean, the beginnings of it visible from the time when he'd first pulled him into his new squad. As much as the future that awaits him seems so fucking dim, knowing that he'll see Jean grow into this person already here with him, and whatever might be beyond, is one of the few, precious things he knows he can hold onto.
A sour look briefly passes over his face at the mention of that asshole's name. Levi takes a longer sip of his tea until thoughts of murdering the man subside.
When he sets the cup down again, that quiet approval returns.
"Good," he says, a fondness tinging his voice.
After a beat, and a little more softly: "...you both deserve it."
Jean drinks more of the tea after Levi does. He suspects how Levi feels about Dolph is the same as himself; regardless, it's not a subject worth going into right now.
The less said about him, the better.
Levi's words have pink dusting his cheek, embarrassed by such honest words but happy to hear them yet again.
"We never know how much time we'll have with the people we care about," he answers honestly. He thinks of Hange, a bird in flight aflame in their last moments; he thinks of Sasha, who should have come home safe and sound after the raid in Liberio. He thinks of Erwin, and Squad Levi, and an empty senior break room with only the man across from him in it.
"It's why it's worth enjoying what we have."
He takes another sip to punctuate it. But, his next question might surprise Levi.
"I know traditionally the family members walk down with the people getting married. Since Dolph doesn't have any, and I don't have any here, I was wondering if you and Erwin would be willing to."
Maybe someone might think this place has made him soft. Maybe it has, but for all his reticence on his own real feelings, Levi well recognizes moments when honesty and appreciation shouldn't be held back. Of course they deserve this.
That comment doesn't pass by unnoticed. There's a little twist in his gut, a flash of sadness in his face. All of the people he misses, the ones he's endlessly grateful to have with him now, always quietly wondering if there will be a day when he wakes and they'll be gone from this place.
Better to hold onto them while they can.
His only response is a soft noise of agreement.
That question does take him by surprise, and it's plain on his face a moment before settling into a slight frown, a little bit of heat coloring the tops of his ears.
"Doing the whole song and dance, huh? Well...if you're sure we're the ones you want...yeah. I think we could do that." Then, more fondly: "We'd be happy to."
"I'm sure," Jean says with a serious look. He won't outright say that Levi is like family to him, but only because it doesn't necessarily need to be said. The whole of the scouts feels like that - or felt. The serious look breaks into a smile shortly after.
"And why not do the whole song and dance? He deserves it, and I don't think we'll end up planning on a big wedding. I think it'd make Dolph too nervous. Something small, though, with the people important to us."
They are like family; Levi would never claim to take the place of a parent, but for the subordinates who have been in his direct care...they're all deeply important to him, and that will never change.
Even if...
He shrugs. "Didn't say not to. Do whatever you both want, that's all." Ceremonies and being the center of attention even just among close people aren't for him, so even if the Labyrinth hadn't basically declared them already married, Levi still wouldn't have done much differently. But he understands that having a celebration of sorts is important to many people...and he does agree - Dolph and Jean deserve to be surrounded by people who love them.
Jean smiles again behind the edge of his tea cup at Levi thanking him.
"You're welcome, Captain. Also, now that you've tried the tarts, I have some ideas for a couple other pastry items for the shop, if you're willing to hear me out..."
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no subject
"I think I'd be a little less obvious if I was trying to," he calls back while Levi removes his cleaning attire. In that time, he sets the container down on the kitchen table, and sets the kettle to boiling after refreshing the water. He lets Levi have first go of the tea, instead finding where he keeps their plates and taking two out, to place them next to the container of tarts.
The tea cupboard is practically overflowing - or Levi's version of it, considering each tea is meticulously labeled and contained if it didn't come in its own box. Jean selects a variety that uses bergamot oil, setting it aside next to the mug that is 'his', and moving back to the table.
"They're apple tarts. I'm trying to tweak the recipe a little, since they're too sweet for me." And probably for most of the rest of them.
no subject
Mugs prepped while the kettle continues to heat, he wanders back over to the table next to Jean, interest clearly piqued at "apple tart". Autumn really is the best time of year - so many apples, and now with multiple people with lots of time to bake, he's truly getting spoiled this season.
"Hm," he hums, feigning nonchalance even as he surveys the tarts. Jean really has been doing well with all of his efforts lately; not a day goes by at the shop where someone doesn't praise the pastries. Picking one up, he takes a careful bite, hand cupped underneath to catch stray crumbs. Despite himself, there's a little jump of dark brows at the taste.
He licks his lips slowly after swallowing, as if contemplating his answer.
"Yeah," he says finally. "Not bad." Translation: pretty damn good. "Could even go a little less if you wanted, but the people who put an assload of honey into their tea might not like it."
...He takes another bite, pleased.
no subject
To make something with his hands, a labor of love, instead of hurting anyone.
Perhaps that's why he holds his breath just the tiniest bit when Levi tries the first tart, watching him without trying to stare obviously. He knows apples are a favorite of Levi's; the variety here has been a treat to experiment with. He wanted to capture the sharp taste without overloading it with sugar, and keep it crisp; not bake the slices into mush the way older apples might be used back home.
Jean lets out his breath only when Levi speaks, a small smile on his lips. High praise indeed. The next comment earns another chuckle from him.
"I'll keep that in mind. I can't take much more sugar out of the pastry, but I don't need much in the filling," he comments, still grinning.
no subject
He hums thoughtfully around another bite, chewing slowly to hold onto the taste, like there aren't several more yet to be had. After swallowing finally, he continues:
"Should ask Erwin, too. I'm not much for sweet things." A beat. "I'll try to save him a couple."
Assuming he doesn't eat them all himself, which he might be considering.
After finishing that bit, though, Levi sets the pastry down and dusts his fingers off on a napkin before dabbing it almost daintily at his lips. Shifting a bit in his seat, he looks up at Jean a little more seriously. There's a touch of something earnest in his eyes that aches around the edges, and after a moment he reaches over and sets his hand lightly on Jean's wrist.
"Jean...dunno if I ever told you before, in those years that I don't know yet. But for all that time, and for now...you've done well.
I'm proud of you."
no subject
On the other hand, he thinks that Levi likes it - not having to worry about Jean understanding him. Case in point, he thinks, as Levi settles down to wipe his fingers off, and Jean finally settles into a chair.
The hand on his wrist stills him from reaching for one of the tarts. He almost thinks Levi's stopping him from taking one, and he'd react with faux outrage, but the tease dies when he sees the earnest, painful look in Levi's eyes.
It's one he's really only seen a few times - and mainly after the rumbling happened. So I'm proud of you is not exactly what he expects to come out of Levi's out.
He can't hide the surprise that crosses his face - not because he doesn't believe it, but because he hasn't heard it verbalized before. The surprise gives way to something softer, proud to be told he's proud.
"You never told me, but you made it clear every day," he tells Levi, assuring him that it wasn't unknown. "Still... I appreciate hearing it. Thank you."
His gaze flickers around at the house, and he offers his own tenderhearted expression. "I'm proud that you've made a home here. I know it would have been easy to get wrapped up in returning home - in a sense of duty. And that we haven't made that easy, either."
no subject
It feels all the more important to say such things, now.
A little wash of relief passes through him to hear that at least Jean had known. His expression remains solemn, but there's the warmth of a smile in his eyes.
"Good," he murmurs quietly, and withdraws his hand slowly back in as Jean looks around his home. When their eyes meet again, it's almost too hard to hold it, seeing such a feeling turned back toward himself. Despite it all, Levi feels the faintest prickle of heat creeping a bit up his neck and across his face.
But his brow furrows a little. "Didn't see much point in trying to rush back once we found out it wouldn't make any difference. Not like we could force it.
So I just...wanted you brats to have the chance to relax, too."
i THINK this was the point of this thread originally so
No, it was just a stark reminder that anyone could leave, with words unspoken. It had already happened to Jean twice, at this point, and there were things he wishes he could have told Eren before he left and came back.
Jean can only make the difference going forward.
Thankfully, Jean moves his gaze down to the tea in his hands as Levi speaks, the look too strong to hold himself, as well. I wanted you brats to have the chance to relax, too.
He lets the words linger. Levi has never had too much difficulty with silence, in Jean's estimation, so he lets it sit for a long moment before he gathers himself again, looking at Levi.
"I know. Which is why I wanted to tell you something else. I'm going to ask Dolph to marry me."
it is now!!
Maybe something about this place is making him softer at the edges, more easily revealing the tenderness beneath.
So he sips at his tea, has another bite or two of the tart, and had actually just finished swallowing when Jean drops the (apparent) real reason for his visit.
Marriage?
Of course, Levi is more or less aware of the triumvirate that had formed with Eren and Mikasa, all having effectively declared themselves wed to one another. Mikasa is gone, and has been for a while now, and he can't help silently wondering if Eren's shift hasn't somehow prompted this - not that he doubts Jean's feelings in either direction. It's not really any of his damn business, truth be told.
But he's still plainly surprised, boggling a little at Jean as the thoughts process.
"Huh...that so."
In truth, it isn't difficult and doesn't take long for him to sort out his feelings. A smile of sorts flashes through his eyes before he turns a more serious, assessing look on Jean. Any other person might be more obviously playful in their ribbing:
"And you think he'll say yes?"
(Of course he will, and Levi knows it, knowing what he does about both of them.)
no subject
His ribbing, while understood, has a merit of truth to it. After what Alex put Dolph through, it took a lot of work for him to feel ready for this.
"I know he will," Jean answers confidently - and then offers an abashed smile. "Because I asked if he'd be interested, before I actually went looking for a ring. I didn't want to spring it on him totally out of the blue."
He takes a sip of his tea before he continues.
"I know some of his history with Alex. I didn't want to do anything he wasn't on board with. I want to make our dreams together."
no subject
A sour look briefly passes over his face at the mention of that asshole's name. Levi takes a longer sip of his tea until thoughts of murdering the man subside.
When he sets the cup down again, that quiet approval returns.
"Good," he says, a fondness tinging his voice.
After a beat, and a little more softly: "...you both deserve it."
no subject
The less said about him, the better.
Levi's words have pink dusting his cheek, embarrassed by such honest words but happy to hear them yet again.
"We never know how much time we'll have with the people we care about," he answers honestly. He thinks of Hange, a bird in flight aflame in their last moments; he thinks of Sasha, who should have come home safe and sound after the raid in Liberio. He thinks of Erwin, and Squad Levi, and an empty senior break room with only the man across from him in it.
"It's why it's worth enjoying what we have."
He takes another sip to punctuate it. But, his next question might surprise Levi.
"I know traditionally the family members walk down with the people getting married. Since Dolph doesn't have any, and I don't have any here, I was wondering if you and Erwin would be willing to."
no subject
That comment doesn't pass by unnoticed. There's a little twist in his gut, a flash of sadness in his face. All of the people he misses, the ones he's endlessly grateful to have with him now, always quietly wondering if there will be a day when he wakes and they'll be gone from this place.
Better to hold onto them while they can.
His only response is a soft noise of agreement.
That question does take him by surprise, and it's plain on his face a moment before settling into a slight frown, a little bit of heat coloring the tops of his ears.
"Doing the whole song and dance, huh? Well...if you're sure we're the ones you want...yeah. I think we could do that." Then, more fondly: "We'd be happy to."
He doesn't have to ask Erwin.
no subject
"And why not do the whole song and dance? He deserves it, and I don't think we'll end up planning on a big wedding. I think it'd make Dolph too nervous. Something small, though, with the people important to us."
You and Erwin are important to us he is saying.
no subject
Even if...
He shrugs. "Didn't say not to. Do whatever you both want, that's all." Ceremonies and being the center of attention even just among close people aren't for him, so even if the Labyrinth hadn't basically declared them already married, Levi still wouldn't have done much differently. But he understands that having a celebration of sorts is important to many people...and he does agree - Dolph and Jean deserve to be surrounded by people who love them.
"Thanks, for asking us."
wrap?
"You're welcome, Captain. Also, now that you've tried the tarts, I have some ideas for a couple other pastry items for the shop, if you're willing to hear me out..."