#Platonic pairing

[orangechickenpillow]

But do you cherish platonic love? Do you understand the beauty in non sexual, non romantic intimacy? Do you understand how divine it is to love a friend more than life itself?

[merlin-gotcha4gaza]

ONLY TWO DAYS LEFT TO SEND IN YOUR PROMPTS FOR THE MERLIN GOTCHA FOR GAZA EVENT!!!!

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[autuboho]

* aroace love each other being together having a happy healthy partnership *

straight people:

I don’t see love.

I don’t see romance.

that’s not love.

that’s not romantic.

that’not a relationship

aroace: just because it’s platonic doesn’t mean is any less of a relationship. Love isn’t always romantic.

[passwordispassword]

was going to render this. then I realized the skin outline and the skin itself were on different layers. so I didn't!

[cairoisashapeshifter]

GoW Best friend Baldur x Reader Headcannons

▪︎ Warnings: a little cussing, angst at the final 5 points, death.

▪︎ Word count: 1,335

▪︎ A/N: Best Friend Baldur might be my favourite thing ever. I love him platonically so so much omg. Here are some of my headcannons for him as a best friend!

• Bestfriend! Baldur knew he liked your personality when you two first met and tried to kill each other and instead cracked so many jokes and had so much fun he forgot what he what he even tried to do in the first place.

• Bestfriend! Baldur who knew you two would be close friends when you poured water for the both of you one night "I can't taste that shit" "If someone said 'I can taste the water' I'd be worried".

• Bestfriend! Baldur dubbed you his closest friend when he noticed you never ate or drank in front of him even if you were hungry or thirsty.

• Bestfriend! Baldur had the love language of words. Because he couldn't feel, when you two hung out your touch would be telling each other affirmations. "I care about you, you know that?" "I know." It made you realise just how important words are when it comes to showing care.

• Bestfriend! Baldur has the voice of a dying animal but loves to sing. His favourite things to sing are sea shanties or the equivalent of "Another Irish drinking song" - which would be his favourite if he was in the modern world - and he loves it when you join in and sing equally as bad, even if you can actually sing.

• Bestfriend! Baldur loves music and knows how to play instruments really well, if you give him any and a few hours or days, he would learn the basics and play it like he had played it his entire life. When he was over at your house, he would play you music all the time. You even had a little Baldur corner filled with all of his favourite instruments he can play.

• Bestfriend! Baldur doesn't care how high he flies with his dragon because he doesn't feel a thing, but, when you became part of his life and rode with him, he always made sure to fly slowly and close to the ground much to your chagrin.

• Bestfriend! Baldur loves comedy. He would spend most of your time together telling crude and vulgar jokes that never ceased to make you laugh. One of his favourite activities is you and him just sitting together somewhere and trying to see who can make either the best joke or the worst.

• Bestfriend! Baldur likes to tattoo himself he hopes that through it he can feel anything. But, when you two were sitting alone and he was working on his leg and you reach an arm out and said "I want one" He never hesitated and gave you tattoos all over one side of your body that matched his own over time. Eventually he tattooed your name on himself in a prayer reserved for siblings or family members, soon enough, you asked for a matching one with his name.

• Bestfriend! Baldur liked making bets and dares with you, especially crazy ones. "Bet you can't climb the wall of Asgrad", "....try me". This was how you met Heimdall and eventually everyone else after you went to the great lodge.

• Bestfriend! Baldur definitely arm wrestles you. He wins every time but he likes to sit down and do it anyway. Over time, you actually became strong enough to hold your own against him and even win at times which he delighted in. This became the way you two said hello to each other, no words, you see each other, you arm wrestle.

• Bestfriend! Baldur has zero self care for obvious reasons but when you two met, he began letting you braid his hair and beard. If the day happens to be a day where you want it slow, he just sits down and let's you play with his hair as much as you like. He found the activity partially boring but since you two had the most in depth conversations during this time he also found it relaxing.

• Bestfriend! Baldur loves to fight and since you have the best friend you also have the pleasure of him trying to get you two to have a friendly match. At first you were against it, but ever since he offered to personally train you and you two have been doing it none stop to the point where it became second nature to 'play' fight.

• Bestfriend! Baldur doesn't like when his touched outside of wrestling or play fighting because it reminded him of his curse but when you flopped down on his lap with your head rested on his thighs after a really bad day he let you stay and would run his hand through your hair. He realised that you do so much to make him comfortable around you so he let you have this for an hour everyday. You never told him he was accidentally pulling your hair sometimes.

• Bestfriend! Baldur spent most of his life without intimacy and he yearned to feel that way again, to feel so close to someone and to hold and kiss and be able to love and be loved by them but he never had that or understood platonic intimacy or love until he met you. You were often the person he went to first for anything, if he was frustrated he would vent to you, if he was happy he would go and share it with you first, if he wanted something he always told you first. But beyond that, you were the one who always offered him that verbal platonic intimacy he needed.

• Bestfriend! Baldur and you had this almost psychic connection. If anything happened to the other you would feel it. If he had a angry day you found yourself anticipating and preparing for it unconsciously, if something bad happened to you he would be in front of your door because "I jus'knew", he never was wrong.

• Bestfriend! Baldur's last moment when he said "snow" was because he wanted to feel the world around him, feel the snow touch his skin for the first time in years. But he also remembered all the time you and him had snow ball fights or made snow valkyries on the ground or created snow men only two throw each other at them, his last thought was he wanted to do all those things again with you one last time.

• Bestfriend! Baldur's death was something your felt like a void in your chest. Like something had been suddenly ripped away. You only understood when he never showed up again

• Bestfriend! Baldur's mother, Freya, watched you from her front door with confused eyes until you said "He-He was my best friend". She held you close to her chest as you both cried together, her quietly listening through her tears as you tried to tell her all the things you two did through choked sobes.

• Bestfriend! Baldur's mother, Freya, became like your own family. She would teach you all that she knew and listen to you as you spoke of him, she would hold you when things became hard, and read you stories she would read to him as a child. She became so much like family to you, you accidentally called her mom a few times and she let you. Eventually you were known as Child of Freya and Sibling of Baldur.

• Bestfriend! Baldur's mother, Freya and you got close because both of you were looking for a peice of him in each other. She found a peice of him in you in the shape of the habits he had that you picked up, in the instruments you played that used to belong to him, in the way you joked and told stories, and in the stories about him you gave. In her you saw the qualities in him that he never knew he got from her, like her penitent for singing or humming, like the way she let you rest your head on her thighs after a hard day.

[nectorhum]

I’m so sorry I lost the ability to do backgrounds for some reason anyway one is ss from the show

[love-beyond-space-war]

hey if you feel up to it could you do one about Jega? one where there's no mention of his death, he acts increasingly sweeter towards the reader, isn't too violent, and is protective? if not thats completely fine!

I assume this was meant to be a short story but I decided to try and experiment with those kinds of fics that's like a hybrid of HCs and a short story so I can experiment with a plot for this :0 Sorry if this is what you wanted and it took too long, still trying to get back into the swing of my side blog.

I kept the pairing general, I hope it all came out okay!

Jega 'Rdomnai being protective/caring of Reader

(HCs and Story Segments - Halo Infinite AU)

Synopsis/Summary: HCs and mini interactions/story pieces of Jega 'Rdomnai showing softer behavior towards reader and ways if could work.

Content Warning: Gender-Neutral Reader/Male Character pairing, Romantic/Platonic pairing, OOC Jega 'Rdomnai at times (Normally a sadistic character), Canon typical violence/death, Sangheili/Sangheili pairing mentioned, Human/Sangheili pairing mentioned, Dark themes mentioned, Mature language.

Jega is a Sangheili that joined the Banished due to his cybernetics.

He is also much more bloodthirsty than most Sangheili, even befriending Escharum despite the animosity between their species.

He is part of The Hands of Atriox and is a Spartan Killer.

Many fear him and his sadistic tendencies during his hunts.

He's killed many humans and is merciless to enemies.

Which is why the concept of him being softer towards anyone is foreign.

No one really expects Jega to have any sort of soft side.

He's a cold killer... for the most part.

In terms of how reader could meet them, here's some ways I think you could be compatible.

You'd have to be part of the Banished, be you taken in as a prisoner before joining or joining willingly.

Jega's affections towards you would be quicker if you were Sangheili as well, both betrayed and abandoned by your kind.

When you first met Jega it was a relatively cold greeting. Both of you haven't had the best interactions with your own kind. However, The Banished promised to give you a fresh start to make your own life.

Most of the time you two ignored each other. He was often off hunting the UNSC while you had your own duties. Yet you hoped the relatively cold interactions wouldn't last long.

After all, part of you felt intrigue towards the Sangheili, despite his Cybernetics.

Maybe he even felt similar to you and just did not show if as of yet, instead opting to walk by you with a passive glance.

If you're a human, another option I enjoy the thought of, Jega would take longer.

Even though you're part of The Banished for your own reasons, he still sees you as one of the many weak humans in this world.

However, part of him may feel particularly fond of you despite the opinions he expresses.

Humans are indeed part of the Banished. Be it soldiers no longer willing to be loyal to the UNSC or humans who were willing to make business, everyone had their reasons. Reasons they did not have to share if they did not wish to.

All that really mattered was you were Banished now and you worked with the group loyally.

When it came to Jega you tended to stay away most of the time. He's known for killing humans and you'd rather not piss him off. Any sort of proximity to Jega was usually met with you shuffling away and nodding at him to pass by from a distance.

Despite this the Sangheili often passed by you during work. You thought it was because he didn't trust you. Yet it was so often it did make you wonder if he had other intentions.

After all, if he hated you, why would he come by so often?

Either way, Jega would be someone who's slow to show anything other than stoic emotions and sadistic violence.

Unlike Chak 'Lok, Jega isn't as polite as The Tower's torturer.

He thrives off the suffering of others, so when it comes to you he isn't used to being so... close?

His companionship towards you is definitely slow to occur.

It takes some interaction between you two, maybe even some favors, in order to grow close.

He finds it understandable that he'd want to be close with a Sangheili, but a human puzzles him.

Why does he want to be close to the very prey he kills?

For some reason... when you aid him as a member of The Banished regardless on your species, he finds companionship towards you.

It's like how he felt with his fellow brothers before he was tossed out of his entire society.

He finds comfort in you despite the bloodshed he reigns in.

Just maybe... you're someone he should keep an eye on?

Jega wasn't sure why he felt such a... fondness towards you. It wasn't quite like how he felt towards Escharum. With the Jiralhanae he felt something more like a brotherhood relationship.

When it came to you he felt more... calm? He felt something that he hasn't felt towards anyone in what felt like forever. It was only when he met you that he felt such a way.

Jega decides to make a silent promise to himself to check in with you more often. Maybe if he becomes a closer member with you he'll find why you make him this way.

He just hopes Escharum will allow him to explore such a curiosity.

Once Jega catches wind of his own affections to towards you he would definitely be one to scope out why.

He doesn't want it conflicting with his duty so he spends free time hunting you down to look into this interest of his.

As expected, someone of his infamy has trouble connecting with you.

Part of you expresses that you're impressed, however if you're human you certainly express more discomfort.

He tries his best to listen to conversation that you bring up, finding himself listening closer than he thought when you bring up pieces of your backstory.

He appears hesitant to speak about his own but eventually he'll share pieces of how he got here.

Honestly through conversations, favors, and time... you could probably unlock some sort of softness in Jega when you're alone?

Jega isn't going to be the type who is overly affectionate or anything like that, most Sangheili just aren't.

He shows his care for you in subtle ways.

You notice his tone is less gruff and he eases it to be softer around you.

To you it appears he cares, but it's subtle enough others don't really notice.

Or if they do, Jega threatens them to keep quiet.

He's still violent, it isn't going to change, but never towards you.

In fact he's more protective and loyal towards you, similar to Escharum but softer.

His protective tendencies over you are done out of respect.

He knows you can fight if you're a Sangheili, yet will stick beside you just to make sure you do come out fine.

"I wasn't expecting to see you here, Spartan Killer." You comment when the infamous Sangheili materializes out of his camo beside you.

"I was called here." Jega answers simply, following you as you continue your patrol.

"Really? Last I knew someone of your skill is never called for patrols." You say back, a teasing bite in your tone.

"... seen anything?" Jega answers simply.

"No, if I needed back up I'd call for it." You slowly turn to him. "However... I don't mind the company, since you're so free."

Jega says nothing else and cloaks beside you in silence until he's called to slaughter another demon.

When it comes to if you're a human he appears to stick around more.

Fear is not in Jega's vocabulary, he just feels if your base is attacked you'll need a strong warrior to help.

You're both Banished partners after all, regardless of species.

"I want you to hide." Jega's order is demanding, a warning.

"Aren't I supposed to fight, Jega? For the sake of The Banished?" You ask, hiding the fear in your gut.

"And get yourself killed? Stay out of this. That's an order." Jega growls, shoving you out of sight.

Jega doesn't care if you're an ex-spartan, far as he knows he's going to treat you like a weak human. You've managed to make an impression on him and he isn't going to lose you to something stupid. He doesn't care if others look at him in disgust or amusement...

If you're alive and under his protection, he can rest easy.

He makes a mental note to see Escharum about moving you to somewhere more secure.

The most I can see Jega being when it comes to affectionate is him rewarding you with his protection and companionship.

He could see you as simply another Banished ally he's close with, or something much more.

He's already been cast out from his species by using forbidden cybernetics, he's already befriended Jiralhanae, at this point he does what he likes.

If he wants to dedicate himself to protecting you and caring for you, he will.

Jega cares and maybe even feels love towards you in his own way.

He may not be very affectionate or "loving" in the "traditional" sense.

But there is certainly a sense of care there when it comes to you.

"I used to be intimidated by you." You say softly towards the taller Sangheili.

"You're not now?" Jega scoffs.

"Don't get me wrong, you're infamous and terrifying at times. But between me and you... I feel safe." You go on with a slight laugh. Jega listens softly, eyes flicking to you.

"What are you implying?"

"I'm saying... I care about you, from one Banished to another." You finish, leaning against a wall. Jega soaks in your words before nodding softly, checking to see if you're still in private.

"... I can say the same." Jega admits. "You provide a sense of comfort no one else can. For that, I thank you."

You shine him a small smile.

"That's a first. I hope we can keep such a thing going?" You ask in a hopeful tone.

"Don't let it get to your head..." The Sangheili grunts before softening his tone. "... but I think the same."

[bigt1e]

He brain root is real

Left is my oc hunter, and right is Bradley. Jr from hfjone. This is based off of a wholesome char.ai chat with these two, honestly love them so much.

[firedragon1321]

Nothing like reading a post on Kingdom Hearts news and getting jump scared by thirteen variations of "my ship is canon!!!!!". And it's always a fragment of the Sora/Riku/Kairi love triangle.

Fuck that noise. Sora would never choose one friend over the other. Destiny Trio forever.

(Do not tag as ship. Not that it's bad if you ship all three, but I made this post specifically because I'm tired of over shipping in the Friendship Video Game fandom.)

[moonbeam-dragon]

My Next One-shot in Five Pictures

The characters are hinted at in one picture. Try to guess.

[jackiequick]

Smoke in the air < Top Gun Maverick fic Au

Top Gun Maverick Au Series

Setting: Set years after Top Gun, Before Top Gun Maverick

Summary: What happens when old family friends meet again? But instead it’s though daughters and granddaughters instead. What if Rachel ‘Frostbite’ MetCalf and Jennifer ‘JenPen’ Mitchell earlier, years before Top Gun?

Platonic Pairing: Jennifer ‘JenPen’ Mitchell & Rachel ‘Frostbite’ MetCalf. Maverick’s daughter & Viper’s granddaughter. 

—-

It was a hot shot day in April 2011, Jennifer was sweating bullets after running streets in the sun. She just finished a quick run with Amber Kazansky, the girl was faster than her in way she can’t count. She entered the household to see her dad, Pete ‘Maverick’ Mitchell, and aunt, Audrey ‘Sunset’ Davidson, in the kitchen trying to cool off.

“Hey Daddy.” Jen said giving a quick kiss onto her father’s cheek. Then she bounced over to her aunt doing the same, “Hiya, Mama.”

“Hi sweetheart.” He replied with a smile, checking his watch and placed on his shades, about to head out soon.

“Hello princess.” Added Sunset pouring herself another glass of soda, “Whatcha doing here so early? Where is everyone?”

Jen opened the fridge grabbing a water bottle as lifted it up to her lips, taking a sip before replying, “Kazansky and I just finished a quick run. Bradley is god knows where. And my other friends are at the beach. Where ya headed?”

“I’m dropping something off at Chipper and Wolfman’s house. While you’re dad is driving over to old Commander Viper’s place to drop over paperwork and then head over to the offices.”

Maverick lifted up his head, “Uh change of plans! Babygirl, i need to head out to a meeting with Slider and meet up with a old student of mine, so i need you to drop off the folders for me.”

“But Dad-” Jen tried to opt out but was cut off short.

“The address is on a post-it note in my garage. It will be a quick thing, i promise.”

“But i was gonna go pick up Rusty and Lucky to go to—okay.”

—

Jennifer took a quick shower and opted for a better change of clothes. A black tank top with a gray flannel wrapped around her waist, jeans cuffed at the ankles, sandals with a pair of big tear drop shape earrings. Along with the gold crusted green necklace necklace she never removed, that made her olive green eyes pop.

She headed downstairs taking the folder with the address taped onto the front, then headed out driving to the MetCalf household, texting the girls she’ll be late to the mall. She’s been there before when she just a little girl due to her father or uncles, taking her to the house to be babysat by Viper’s wife when no one could watch over her. Viper’s wife Linda was gentle soul, always welcoming everybody in with open arms and a full plate to anyone who’s hungry. She liked her very much, but she was tough at times too.

Jennifer parked in front of the beautiful house with a freshly watered garden to die for, a white painted front porch with lights gently handing off the edge of the front door and the sound of peaceful smiles lifting up the feel of the house. Simply lovely.

The girl stepped out of the car with the items she was meant to give to the folks in hand, almost tumbling up the footsteps and knocked on the door twice. No one answered, so she knocked again nor did she hear any noise coming from the other end of the doorway. She stepped back and decided to try and walk around towards the back porch. But before she can take the first step down the staircase, Jennifer heard the door swing open and whipped her head around to face the person.

She expected to see Linda MetCalf standing there in her classic light pastel yellow top and jeans, with her hair tie in bun. Or that’s at least what her memory decided to make up of the women. Instead she was met with a young blonde girl with dark green eyes wearing a gray sweater, navy blue shorts and Converses. She definitely looked way younger than her, probably early pre-teens. Something about her gave a icy annoyed vibe, like Jen just butted into her important conversation with someone by accident. As if she landed in some deep smoke with that look.

The young girl gave her a slight glare holding the doorknob, like she was ready to slam the door in her face or something for interrupting her peace and quiet. “Uh, who the heck are you?” She asked.

“I’m uh, a sorta friend of the family.” Jennifer explained pointing towards the house.

“Sorta?”

“Yeah, Linda MetCalf sorta was my babysitter.”

“Uh okay, i guess. How old are you?”

“Almost 20..? Who the hell are you?”

“Look, I’m not supposed to talk to strangers, so please..you know, leave.”

��But I’m not a—”

Then a classic voice was heard, “Honey, who’s at the door?”

“Some girl claiming she knows..um, you?” Replied the young blonde with a confused disgusted face, scanning the brunette’s outfit choice.

Linda came in after what looks to be drying her hands off and smiled recognizing her, “Jenny, is that you?”

“Y-yeah it’s me! I’m um, sorry to interrupt you.” Jennifer said apologizing, feeling the young girl’s eyes on her.

“It’s alright what are you doing here?”

“My dad wanted me to hand this to Viper..?”

She held up a folder with tons of paperwork inside with a half smile.

“Oh yes, Mike said your father was coming over. He’s just left to the store, but i can take it for him.” Linda said kindly, holding out her hand as the girl handed her the papers, “You wanna come in? I made blueberry pie.”

“N-no it’s fine, i was gonna head out to see my friends…” Jennifer replied about to give an excuse however the scent of pie hit her nose, realizing she was hungry, “Actually yeah, a few minutes wouldn’t hurt, right?”

“Wonderful! I’ll serve you a big slice.”

—-

By the time Linda served her the slice of pie, that already seem to be cut into earlier, the young blonde headed upstairs to do god knows what. The older woman stood a seat next to the young brunette smiling. Linda asked, “So how are you sweetheart?”

“I’m alright, to be honest could be better.” Jennifer said taking a bite out the pie and humming at the delicious taste in her mouth.

“What do you mean?”

“Well dad and I are having trouble with picking career paths. Plus he’s had a little fight with my aunts and uncles..”

“Oh sweetheart, I’m sorry. You’ll figure it out eventually, you guys always do.”

“I hope so..how are you doing? I’ve haven’t seen you since i was 13, 12 maybe…?”

“I’m doing good, specially with the spring allowing more sales at the bakery and spring shopping.”

Jennifer chuckled, “Oh yeah, the mall is packed with new spring dresses at Macy’s.”

“I know it is, i brought 5 brand new outfits there last week.” Linda chuckled, pouring themselves another glass of water, “I’m so happy you stopped by, i missed seeing you.”

“Aww i missed seeing you too! If i known you were babysitting a neighbor’s kid or something i would’ve came later.”

“Neighbor’s kid?”

“Yeah the blonde girl..or is she not..?”

“Oh no sweetie you’re mistaken, that’s my granddaughter.”

“G-granddaughter? I’m so sorry I didn’t know!”

“It’s alright, you weren’t here for a long time. She is Valerie’s daughter.”

“Valerie? The oldest blonde one with the pink bracelets and used to play with me every time you babysat me?”

“That’s the one, surprised you remember. Yeah Valerie moved out with her boyfriend—now husband years ago and came back home with their daughter.”

“That’s sweet.” Jennifer smiled then jokes, “Soooo, is Hunter still available?” 

“Possibly.” Linda joked back, “And I think your a better match than his last girlfriend, Brianna.”

She laughed, “I might have to ask him out then. Besides, I think Brianna wasn’t the kindest girl…um what’s granddaughter’s name?”

“Rachel MetCalf. She’s a nice girl.”

“Uh, nice? She had an icey look like she could bite me.”

“She’s a sweetheart, Jenny. Go meet her, she’s in the guest room down the hall across from the bathroom.”

—

Rachel was laying down on the bed watching rewatching a Taylor Swift music video on her laptop, as her feet kicking on the back near the edge. The lyrics blasted throughout the cracked open door, her nails were still wet from painting them a light gray color. She was relaxed and singing softly, not hearing the footsteps of clapping sandals along the the wooden floor.

She knocked on the white painted door asking if she could come in, thankfully she received a quiet yes. Once Jennifer opened the door, she was met with a different look, a far more comfortable one.

“Uh hey.” Jen said standing in the doorway giving the girl a small smile.

“Ugh what do you want?” Replies the blonde pausing the music video, wiping her head around to the girl.

“To talk. To you.”

“Uh why? Look my grandma, if ask you to do that just don’t listen to her. You might be wasting your time You came here to bring over some stuff, that’s all.” 

“Uh ok first off, yeah she sent me here.”

“I knew it! We both know you got something more entertaining to do instead.”

“Secondly, watch your tone!”

“You ain’t my mother nor my grandmother!”

“Yeahhh I’m not but those two lovely ladies you just mentioned, I do know! I..sorry ok..I just came to be nice. Can we start over?”

“Why would I do that?”

“Because it’s a nice thing to do.”

“Really? How so?”

——

The dark brunette, she didn’t speak, not knowing how to respond to that comment. Jen walked in and sat down on the edge of the bed, however knowing that this would be a long talk. Rachel sat crisscross applesauce on the bed, scrolling through the reopened Twitter page on her laptop. Memes, gifs, messages and videos filled up her feed. She glanced up at over every once in a while, waving a hand for her waiting for the girl to keep speaking.

But Jennifer didn’t.

Instead she watched her. The hair bouncing in front of her face, her dark nails, the rolled shoulder and annoyed pouted lips. The frosty looks that could sharply hurt you, a soft stabbing, focused glare underneath that deep eyeliner of hers. Some people are always like that that, it’s who they are. But sometimes it’s always something different, stronger. Something behind those eyes. Either she was going across a teenage phase or…

“How long?” Jennifer asked, the words just slipped out.

“What?” Rachel replies eyeing her up and down.

“How long was your father shipped out?”

“Wa-excuse me? How did you know that?! You just walk in here and asked me that…”

“H-hey I’m sorry. It just slipped out..well because I know the face. The attitude.”

Both of their voices were low, as if it was whispers of a conversation. Rachel looked at her once again, noticing that this girl seriously just called her out on something that she didn’t expect to hear. But somehow was known to everyone in that very room. It kinda sucks that the annoying girl in front of her read the room that quickly, or just guess it.

For Jen, it was something she knew a little too well. The look, sometimes the cries and the attitude. She experienced it, still does. Not something you catch on unless you travel around and met people every once in a while. Sometimes you need someone else to listen to you.

Rachel sighed, leaned back and scoff, “Okay that um, wow. Rude sorta I guess..but um yeah, my dad was you know gone for 6 months or less…Navy and stuff runs in the family. Guess with yours too?”

“Yeah. He’s never been gone for that long, huh?” Jennifer asked, she got a nod in return and continued, “I get it. It’s not easy, it gets annoying like the longest waiting game ever…what about your mom?”

“My mom?”

“Yeah..”

“Mom is usually at work nowadays, so I stay with um, well my grandparents. Mostly grandma. I mean yeah she’s always here but the last few weeks..she’s been usually busy with work.”

“It’s tough, at least you get to be near some cool grandparents. I get it, it can be hard sometimes you just want them safe and sound. Especially if your a bit of a daddy’s girl growing up, I guess.”

——

Rachel was still working out the way to look at this situation. Just a few minutes ago she was annoyed at this point with her but now it was like she has soften up. Sometimes you don’t know if someone is getting honest or just chatting with you to make conversation. As if it was a lie or something, she’s been though his routine before.

She scoffed and looking at her laptop, “Yeah well, what do you know?”

“What do you mean?” Jennifer asked, playing with her nails for a moment.

“You’re just sweet talking me or something. You don’t know me, you’re mom is probably at home with your dad.”

“She’s not at home.”

“Shopping for grocery then, whatever. At least she’s with you.”

“Yeah probably in spirit.”

“Huh?”

Jennifer scoff with a slightly half smile, “Girl, my moms dead.”

“Oh-oh my god! I’m so sorry I didn’t mean to.” Rachel said quickly with widen eyes, closing her laptop, “I um, uh, I didn’t know..”

“It’s alright. You didn’t mean to.”

“I’m sorry…is that why you visited my grandparents a lot? I heard half of the conversation downstairs. You uh, talk loud.”

“Y-yeah I mean sorta..I guess that’s why. My dad or uncle were busy with work as I got a little older, so I was always dropped off here..just like you.”

“What? No other uncles or aunts or older siblings to take care of you? At least I had my uncles and aunts.”

“Live far away or you know, busy with work. My dad trusted me in the care of your grandparents.”

“And my aunts and uncles appears like it..”

“Oh no, they just showed up to play every once in a while.”

Rachel joked with a half smile, “In what year? 1987?”

“Hey! I’m only a few years older than you. And yeah, in the late very 80s.” Jennifer admitted, knowing she couldn’t lie abiotic that.

“Hahahahaha! Old lady.”

“Again I’m literally 19. What are you? Like 11?”

“11?!”

“13?”

“13?! I’m 15! Just turned 15 a while back.”

“Heheh! You don’t look like it…”

“Okay, rude.”

“But you sound like it.”

Rachel muttered a ‘wow’ trying to act serious and mature enough to act like it, but the moment she turned around to face Jennifer. It was a whole different story. The brunette was biting the inside of her cheek, grinning softly at her, “What?” The young blonde started chuckling that grew into a fit of laughter, the other girl followed suit. They laughed for a good minute straight, chatting a bit more.

“So uh, can we start over..?” Jennifer asked with a shrug, smiling.

“Sure, why not.” Rachel replied with a slight scoff and smile.

“Hi, I’m Jennifer Mitchell my friends c-”

“Seriously? The whole introduction thing too and-”

“Just do it. Please?”

“Fine..I’m Rachel MetCalf. My friends call me Rach, at least they would if I had any friends.”

It was Jennifer’s turn to scoff and half smile, “Cute. Did you just quote Meg from ‘Hercules’?”

“Well yeah, duh. She’s a cool chick and relatable to me..” Rachel replied with a shrug and smirk.

“Okay, Megara..”

“Yeah no.”

“What? Nicknames it’s for sake! Iceman is already taken.”

“Rachel is just fine.”

“Okay fine.”

“You give everyone a nickname?”

“On occasion.”

“Oh dear god…fine, only one nickname got it? It should be a cool one! Not some lame basic one.”

“Damn okay, yes ma’am.”

She laughed at the older girl reaction. It made her feel comfortable and cool. Honestly she wasn’t half bad in her eyes. Rachel thought that she was warm and sweet, which contrasted her cool and collective self. Yeah she had a friend or two, but this brunette girl was willing to stay up here with her for a while. Yeah sure, it took Linda MetCalf to do so, but still. Usually she was the loner who gave everyone the side eye, then comes on this girl to interrupt her vibe today. Interesting.

The two chatted a bit more. Talked about schools, discussing movies, joked about crushes, watch some YouTubers, and do more things to past the time.

Not gonna lie, Jennifer was glad she went upstairs. The moment she saw the young blonde at the front door, it was smoke in the air! Her mind was racing with ideas to leave the paperwork and get out of there, especially when that glare hit her. Planning to definitely refuse the idea of coming upstairs to actually meet her, meet up with her friends at the mall. But when she got to know the blonde girl, something about this newfound friendship felt good.

The pair were discussing a few new movie trailers when Jen phone vibrate with a call from Rusty, she excused herself real quick to answer it remembering about the mall. She heard that the girls were at the Food Court, just finished showing at Target waiting for her.

Jennifer ended the call, noticing a few missed text messages from her dad as well. Oops. When she returned to the bedroom, she was met with the young MetCalf eyes and soft smile.

“You’re friends?” She asked with small nod.

“And a few missed text messages from dad..” She replied nodding.

“Oof. Tough break, sorry about that.”

“It’s cool. I got hang out with a cool girl anyway.”

“Cool?”

“Yeah your kinda cool.”

“Your playing, I ain’t cool.”

“I would say so, Rachel.”

“Whatever you say, Mitchell.”

Both girls chuckled.

“Walk me out?” Jennifer suggested with a small shrug, pointing at the door.

“Sure.” Rachel reply was quick as she jumped off the bed, leading her down the steps.

—-

——

They chatted some more, greeting Linda midway to the front porch. She smiled at both girls, happy to see they somehow got along. She gave the young Mitchell a slice of pie to go and returned back to the kitchen counter to continue a phone call of hers. Rachel opened the door for her new found friend. Jennifer smiled, giving her a small thanks.

“You know I wasn’t expecting this day to go like this, but I’m glad it did.” Jen says holding the pie in her hands.

Rachel leaned against the door frame, “Yeah, it wasn’t bad. Again, I’m sorry about earlier.”

“Oh no, it’s fine. I’m used to it, I shouldn’t have snapped at you.”

“It’s cool, I kinda needed it you know.”

“Yeah. Ohhh how about I swing by again this week and I can take you out?”

“Seriously? T-that’s odd, we just met.”

“So? We’re kinda on good terms and I would like to hang out with you a bit more.”

The blonde smiled hearing that, surprised to see how open this girl was receiving her this whole time. Somehow she liked this annoying ball of sunshine and jokes. The brunette smiled softly as if she can see the gears turn in her head, she was cool with hanging out with someone like her. Somehow she enjoyed the vibe of this bright eyed ball of cool breezes and slightly snarky remarks.

It was that ‘screw off’ attuned attitude towards her, that Jennifer liked for some reason. She wait for a response from the blonde, playing with her necklace.

“Oh right.” Rachel said snapping out if her thought considering her offer, “Sure! Y-yeah we can hang out tomorrow I guess, o-only if your free of course. You seem kinda busy.”

“Nahh girl, I ain’t that busy!” Jennifer replies with a soft chuckle, “I’m usually lounging around or something. So I can definitely hang out tomorrow.”

“G-great! That sounds great, you’ll pick me up?”

“If it’s cool with your grandma and—”

Suddenly the yells of Linda MetCalf was heard, “YES! ITS OKAY WITH ME!..sorry, I was eavesdropping for a moment!”

Both girls laughed at the older woman, nodding at the agreement. Satisfied somehow with this situation of today, it wasn’t planned but it was nice so far. Rachel said her quick goodbyes, giving the brunette her phone number in the process and closed the door. Jennifer nodded as the door was sorta slammed in her face and chuckled running off to her ride.

—-

Thank you for reading this fic! Hope you enjoyed it

Tags: @gaminggirlsstuff @msrochelleromanofffelton @gcthvile @drspencereidhotch @ohgodnotagainn @morgan108 @topgun-imagines @theloveoftoms @annepsilvaauthor @t-nd-rfoot @withakindheartx @starkleila @buckysteveloki-me @rooster-84 @novavida and etc.

[mirazor]

friendship is beautiful

[imconfusedbutok]

Yay a oneshot

Characters: Jim Lake Jr, OC

Tags: Platonic, slight manipulation, angst, hurt no comfort, cursing, TW-Panic Attack, Suicidal Ideation, slightly psycotic character, mentions of abandonment, mentions of past trauma, self harm

Lamb To Slaughter

James Lake jr. and Trollhunter OC

“I didn’t lie to you!” Jim yelled, his eyes wide and filled with a mix of fear and anger as he stared at Quinn, the trollhunter of this timeline. God, it wasn’t supposed to be this way. He was supposed to be the trollhunter. But this was the third time that he had turned back time in order to save everyone he loved.

Someone always was sacrificed. And this time, it would be her. She couldn’t leave. She couldn’t back out, not now. Everything he had was at stake her. It had been so long, years of him stringing her along and leading her down the perfect path. In which everyone he loved would be saved. She was a pawn in his plan. As much as he hated it, this needed to be done. “I don’t want this either- but it is the only way.”

“You lied- you lied!!” Quinn yelled, her pale grey eyes wet with held back tears. She felt so confused, so vulnerable, so scared- her hands were shaking as she grasped at her shirt. Oh god. Oh god. She was going to die. There was no stopping it. Her blood pumped in her ears, mind racing.

“You tricked me- you tricked me, oh god.”

“Yes- I tricked you!” Jim snapped, a wave of guilt and panic crashing over him as he saw her tears- but he had to do this. He had to. It was the only way to keep his friends safe. He would not let them all be killed again, not when he was so close. And if it cost her life, then he didn’t care. What is one person to everyone else?

“I tricked you because you don’t understand! You will NEVER UNDERSTAND! None of this is fair- I know it’s not. But god damn it it’s necessary!”

“Of course I don’t understand!” She replied, her voice shaky and higher pitched as she tried to breathe.

“I’m 16…! I haven’t- I haven’t even graduated high school, I- you said you’d keep me safe!!”

“And I am! I am keeping you safe!” He insisted, his throat tight and his chest feeling as thought it was full of stone as he continued to glare at her, his hands clenched and shaking at his sides.

“You just need to take a deep breath, and calm down. Listen to me and trust me.”

“You said you’re gonna-“ she stammered, shaking her head. “No, no no no no no.. you said my destiny is to die. I’m going to die. I’m gonna die. You lied. You lied.”

“I had to lie!” He insisted, the desperation in his voice growing more and more intense. He needed to get through to her- he had to convince her. But the more he talked, the more she got upset.

“Do you think I like lying? Do you think anyone asks for something like this?!”

”I know I didn’t!!!” She half screamed, feeling her knees grow weak as wet, thick tears dripped down her face.

“Was this— was this your plan all along? String me along, pretend you care, and then- then kill me off?!”

“NO!” He yelled, the desperation in his voice being replaced with anger, rage even. As though the mere idea of it being his plan to betray her was offensive. Absurd.

“Do you- god damnit, do you have any idea how much this kills me?! Do you think I want you to die?! I don’t have a choice!”

”Oh god.” She placed her hands over her mouth and face, hiding it from him. Her fingers pressed into her skin, blood rushing through her body as she desperately tried to process what was happening. Quinn sank to the ground, breathing heavily and borderline hyperventilating as the thoughts raced in her head.

“No. No no no.” She whispered, shaking her head. “No no.”

Jim’s expression softened slightly as he looked at Quinn. She was absolutely terrified- and she was shaking and crying. She reminded him of himself, in a way. He recognized her feeling. How scared she just be.

He took a hesitant step forwards, his hands twitching. He wanted to touch her, to comfort her- but, in the back of his mind, he told himself he didn’t deserve that privilege. He was the reason she was like this. He couldn’t soften up now.

”Quinn…”

“No.” She whispered again, pulling at her own hair. Her emotions were overwhelming her, the sharp sensation of self-inflicted pain not enough to snap her out of her panic attack.

“I’m going to die. I’m going to die, and it’s your fault. You’re going to kill me.”

“There is no other way.” Jim replied, swallowing dryly. “I have to save the people I love. The ones I truly care about.”

His words were like driving a knife deep into her chest. The ones he truly cared about. Meaning she wasn’t one of them. Meaning she had always been a pawn. She was just like a lamb raised to slaughter. What about her dreams? She wanted a family, she wanted to grow old and live in the countryside and have three dogs and her own little garden. But she would never see those days.

“you never cared.” She whimpered, feeling her body suddenly grow cold and numb. She stared at the ground, her grew eyes going dark. “This whole time. I thought you cared.”

Jim hesitated. He couldn’t- it wasn’t that he didn’t care about her. Part of him did, part of him was hurt about this whole situation. He never wanted this to happen.

…but still. His gaze hardened as he stared at the girl curled up on the floor, clenching his fists at his sides. He couldn’t show any weakness.

“no.” He muttered, looking away. He ignored the way his heart sank in his chest. He was lying. But he couldn’t tell her.

Quinn felt like she was already dead at this point. The one person she’d trusted most in this world has been planning on killing her the whole time. Was everything fake? The training together, the nights they spent working to figure out clues, the laughter, the jokes- she thought of him as a sibling. Her home life was already terrible. She already had no friends.

Had everything been a lie? Maybe she wouldn’t mind dying if it meant she could get out of this horrible life. Was it even worth it? Dying, just so everyone else on earth could live? What in the seven hells had they even done to deserve such a privilege? She clenched her jaw, her tears drying on her cheeks. What the hell gave them the right to live, but not her? Had he picked her for this twisted game because he thought she was worthless.

“I…” she whispered, voice shaking with barely restrained emotion. Jim looked down at her, keeping his expression stern.

but oh, as he saw how hurt she was— he felt his heart break.

“I hate you.” Quinn growled. “I would rather have died than met you.”

[passwordispassword]

would you believe me if i said i was autistic for this guy.

[rottedcreatures]

Brother, I've got you.

Summary: after an argument with Logan, Roman seeks out his older twin for comfort.

A03 link:

Roman didn't know what he did wrong. Logan didn't seem busy, so Roman had been trying to coordinate a day of line running with the logical facet. "So if tomorrow doesn't work maybe we can do s-"

"Do you ever shut up, Roman?"

The question stings as it registers in Roman's ears, and the light sided twin looks at Logan with a confused look, eyebrows furrowed in upset. "W-what?" Roman murmurs, flinching as Logan begins yelling at him.

"I said do you ever shut up!? You never fucking listen to anyone! God sometimes I wish I could just grab you by the neck and squeeze until you stop fucking talking all the time!"

Roman's eyes fill with golden tears. The princely side throws the script in Logan's face and runs off, not hearing Virgil scolding Logan. As Roman runs, he thinks to himself 'maybe he's right?'. He doesn't realize he's heading right for the darksides until Janus is calling out for Roman to slow down, to stop, to breathe—

Roman spots his brother and only manages to get out a sob before he's going over and waiting for Remus to set aside the crochet project.

Remus, instantly, sets his current task aside and carefully pulls the younger twin into his lap, letting Roman bury his face in the nape of his neck. Remus rests a hand on Roman's back, starting to rock himself and Roman. "Hey Ro-bro." Remus cooed gently, forgetting Janus is in the room. "It's alright. Bubba's got you."

Janus opens his mouth to speak, but upon the glare the snake-eqsue side receives from the duke, shuts his mouth. Janus muttered under his breath, bewildered at the display Remus is showing. Nonetheless, the deceitful facet quietly enters the kitchen and starts preparing some cold chocolate milk for Roman and Remus.

"L-log-" Roman sobs as he curls up, hands curling into fists as he grasps at the fabric of his brother's costume, unable to bring himself to speak.

"Sssh, sssh...it's alright. You don't need to talk." Remus whispers reassuringly, combing his hand through Roman's hair gently as he keeps rocking the two of them. "I can take a guess as to what happened." Remus grumbled, sounding a bit upset.

"B-but-"

"But nothing, bubby." Remus assured, as Roman sits up and wipes the gold tears off his own face. "You don't have to talk. Just nod or shake your head." Remus hummed, waiting for Roman's approval.

After Roman nods, Remus takes a moment to remind himself to remain calm. "You had an argument with Logan, and he made a comment about how you like to talk?"

When Roman nodded, Remus's eye twitched. "Well, that fucker is wrong. He just has an orange painted stick up his ass." Remus pulls Roman close again, snapping his fingers so him and his twin both are in comfortable matching pajamas. "There. Better?"

"Mhm..."

"Good. Double-Dee, get in here!"

"Be paitent you street rat!" Janus called back, resulting in both the twins snickering. After a moment Janus returns to the living room carrying one red cup with a lid and straw, and a matching green one. "Thesssse are both the sssame." Janus held the cups out

Roman takes the green one, and Remus takes the red. Roman settles in Remus's lap, leaned up against his muscular twin. Remus always had the stronger build, it was why Roman loved Remus's hugs so much. "...thanks, Jan.." Roman murmurs softly, sipping the chocolate milk.

"It isn't a problem, Roman." Janus hummed, settling next to the two. "Now...who upset you? And do you want reassurence?"

Remus hummed, putting a hand on Roman's head and messing with his hair. "Jay, he already talked about it once. I'll check in with you later, okay?"

"Ugh, fine. I'll leave the remote here, I'll be in my room if you need me." And with that, Janus left.

Remus turned his attention to Roman. "Ro...I'm sorry we haven't hung out in a while-" he begins, taking a sip of his chocolate milk. "I dont...really have an excuse. I'm sorry."

"...'s okay." Roman murmurs as he leans against Remus. "I wasn't...the best brother either." Roman sighed softly as he took another sip of the chocolate milk. "Logan and Virgil have been riding my ass so much I can barely get away from them."

"I'll cut their dicks off!"

"No, thats- not what the issue is."

"Oh. Wait then...can you tell me what the issue is?"

Roman bit his lip, and nodded. "Promise you won't get mad...?"

"You know I can't promise that, Ro..." Remus said softly, quietly.

Roman sighed softly. "I know. But uhm...Logan and Virgil want Patton to ban me from visiting you..."

Remus's eye twitched. "Do you know why?"

Roman nodded. "They uhm.. think we're out committing crimes and stealing things."

"Uh-huh?"

"And I tried to explain that it's not true but they just..."

"Wouldn't listen?" Remus combed a hand through Roman's hair gently.

Roman nodded and took a breath. "I really like hanging out with you a-and Patton knows and doesn't want to stop me from doing that, but Logan and Virgil keep pressuring him.."

Remus sighed, rolling his ruby red eyes. "Of course they do, fuckin' pricks." Remus murmurs, tentacles squirming on his back.

Roman finished his chocolate milk. "...can we draw together?"

"Huh? Oh, like...pa...para.."

"Paralell play."

"Yeah that fuckin shit. Sure thing rommy." Remus waved his arm and the art supplies appeared, Remus setting the drinks aside. "You wanna paint, sketch, color, or...?"

"Whatever works." Roman grabbed a multi-media sketchbook and a mechanical pencil.

"Okay bubby." Remus hummed happily, nose scrunching up. He popped his lips and grabbed a canvas to start sketching on.

Roman also popped his lips, quietly rocking himself back and forth. Remus did the same, both twins needing some sort of motion stimuli.

The two sat next to eachother, happily drawing

[the-traveling-poet]

hi bby, how are you doing? 💕 It was me who sent the Erwin comment, but I accidentally clicked on anon and didn’t realise it! Anyway, hope you’re doing good, school is been stressing me out lately and ugh! Anyway here to drop here a wild headcanon for you >:3 (I don’t know if in English means the same thing, cause in Italians its meant it as in wild animal or plant) So, Levi discovering tea thanks to Erwin? Erwin proposing him to join the Survey Corps in front of a cup of tea and Levi getting more interested in the beverage than Erwin’s speech?🤭 Anyway, have a good day/night 💕💕💕

Persuasion

Following the capture of the Underground thugs, and their forced enlistment into the Survey Corps, lead to a bloody expedition that met the ends of many. Now left on his own, Levi struggles to comprehend this new life he must lead above ground; friendless and clueless. Despite their bad blood, Erwin seeks to right some of the wrongs by teaching Levi the customs of the military and life within the walls. Through the younger man’s refusal to cooperate, there might just be one thing that could change his mind.

Pairing: Platonic!Erwin x Platonic!Levi

Warnings: language, platonic enemies-to-friends, humor

taglist: @21aurora @deepzombieyouth @braunsbabe

A/N: haha all good my lovely Alex, I’m still pressed about the hair like sir!!? I’m sorry to hear about school, I feel the same way with my 9-5 job. I hope everything is going at least somewhat okay! Idk abt you but I honestly can’t stand 90% of humans out in public places 🥲THANK YOU FOR WILD HC I LOVE THIS IM SORRY I MADE IT A ONESHOT I JUST WANTED TO WRITE MORE-

With a gentle click the door shut behind them, leaving the room they stepped into near silent but for the footsteps echoing off candle lit walls.

Erwin was the first to take a seat, a nearly inaudible sigh leaving his lips when his back met the comfortable wood of his office chair. Stretching out his arms against the restraints of his jacket, he laces his fingers together atop the sturdy desk as he drags his gaze back up across the room to meet the storm eyes of his newest Cadet.

“You’re welcome to take a seat,” Erwin offers softly, evaluating every twitch in the young man’s body as he stayed unmoving from his spot by the door.

The raven haired man stayed silent, only indicating his answer through the way his frown deepened. Sighing, Erwin relaxed back into his chair.

“You know, I asked you to join me so we could have a civil conversation.” Erwin mused.

“You didn’t ask, you ordered me here,” the younger man scoffed, finally speaking up.

“Well, you refused my offer the first time, and this conversation needed to be had. I had no choice but to order you.” Erwin had to bite back a chuckle at how the Cadet grumbled under his breath like a child, crossing his arms firmly over his chest.

“Levi, I understand this is quite the cultural shock for you. Life above ground is significantly different than where you resided below. Which is why I think it important I help teach you skills you’ll find you need to acquire in order to adjust accordingly.”

Levi scoffed, turned his sharp gaze away from the taller man across the room.

“Like manners, for one,” Erwin frowned, rubbing at his brow. The walls only knew just how frequently the young man before him made him want to drink.

With a huff the Captain stood from his desk, making for a small cabinet stationed against the wall backing his desk. Opening the doors, he was disappointed to see the last of his bottles had been emptied.

As a second resort, he picked up an old kettle and a container of water. Setting the pot into the fireplace that an accompanied the room, he filled it with water and lit a match.

Suddenly, he noticed Levi’s eyes back on him, observing his every move with squinted eyes and pursed lips. Surprised, Erwin raised a thick brow in question.

“Something you wish to say, Levi?”

Silence met Erwin’s question. Instead of answering, a weary sigh left Levi’s parted lips and his arms fell from his chest. Glancing about the room one last time, Levi seemed to make up his mind and walk towards his Captain’s desk. Pulling back the chair on the opposite side of Erwin’s, he took a seat with a huff.

Pleased, Erwin smiled and cautiously made his way back to his own seat. Once sat, he looked Levi over curiously, who still wouldn’t meet his gaze.

“Correct me if I’m mistaken, but you weren’t given a formal education in your youth, were you?” He started off slowly.

Glaring up at him through inky bangs, Levi clicked his tongue.

“Depends; how do you define education?”

“Well…The study of simple mathematics, the memorization of the historical events, the reading and writing of formal documentation. And such similar things.”

“…Then no. Best I can do ya is knowledge on the quickest way to end a man’s life with your bare hands in the betting ring.”

Seeing the utter shock and worry flashing through Erwin’s eyes, Levi cleared his throat.

“Or…the art of rigging a building for explosion.” He added in a mumble, once more folding his arms over his chest and averting his gaze.

“…And pick-pocketing…”

Erwin was saved the awkward silence of forming a response by the sharp whistling of his pot in the hearth. Grabbing a teacup and saucer from a drawer, he returned to his place at the fireplace to fill up his cup. As he poured the water, he spoke over his shoulder.

“While those, ahh, skills, would be…practical?…I suppose, Underground; they aren’t so much up here in the Survey Corps. I can help you, if you let me, to educate you.”

“And why the hell would I agree to that?” Levi snapped, turning around in his chair to watch as Erwin worked.

“Well, believe it or not, there is benefit to it.”

Stirring the liquid content steaming in his cup, Erwin returned to his chair with a hum.

Levi watched him closely, eyes flitting between the man’s face and the cup held in his weather worn hands. Finally, they stilled onto the curling steam spilling over the sides of the porcelain cup’s handle.

“Such as?” He asked lowly, eyes still trained on the desk.

“Well, as your services here are apart of our agreement, these social and practical skills could save you both from embarrassment and a tight spot. Say, if you were to advance through the ranks and earn the title Captain; you would be expected to attend, understand, and contribute to meetings around the walls. Or say your gear malfunctioned on the field, or you lost sight of your squad; you would need to know how to survive on your own in a new environment until you could seek aid. Learning these things, both intricate and mundane, could very well save your life and your sanity one day.”

Erwin took a deep breath, pleased with his speech to the young man in all its long winded glory. But when he met the raven’s gaze, it was still locked firmly on his desk. He patiently awaited Levi’s response, but it never came. Starting to feel a bit exasperated now, he sighed and leaned closer to the man.

“Levi-“

“What’s that?”

Perplexed, Erwin leaned back from the desk. The innocence in Levi’s tone was something he hadn’t thought he’d ever hear from the sharp tongued individual before him.

“What’s…what?”

“In that cup. It’s got smoke coming out of it. Looks like burning muddy water.” Levi mused, a slight tilt to his head as he leaned an inch closer to the mug. “But it smells good.”

Erwin was taken aback, and thus at a loss for words. Shaking his head, he stammered for words.

“It’s…tea?”

“Tea don’t smoke like that,” Levi countered, reaching out to drag the cup closer towards himself. He grabbed the rim cautiously, but quickly set it down with a click of his tongue at the temperature of the porcelain.

“It’s not smoking, it’s steaming. Tea is typically a hot beverage,” Erwin explained slowly, unsure how his speech led them to the discussion of his beverage.

“Never heard of hot tea. Tea’s rare, in the underground. And always cold, and grainy. But…a delicacy.” Levi’s tone had changed, the look in his eye showing some distant memory he was replaying over in his mind.

Seeing that Levi was far more captivated by the nostalgia inducing beverage, Erwin heaved a tired sigh and switched his style of approach.

“Well…It’s a delicacy we can afford in the Scouts, from time to time. If you brew it right, it’s neither grainy, cold, nor bitter. If you would allow me to give you a formal education, I could get you some.”

Finally, Levi met his eye. At first his eyes were narrowed with suspicion, then contemplation and curiosity. As he sat up straight in his chair, the creases evened out from his face and he nodded.

“Fine, I’ll endure your ideals of education. But I want a supply of this tea in return.”

Running a hand down his face with a muffled groan, Erwin relented.

“Yes, fine. I’ll speak with Commander about adding this expense into the Corps’s funds in exchange for your cooperation.”

Seeming to be satisfied, Levi stood from his chair and left the room, but not before shooting one last curious look over his shoulder at the cup resting untouched on the Captain’s desk.

As the door shut behind him, Erwin crossed his arms overtop his desk and rested his forehead against them, groaning in disbelief.

A well rehearsed speech gone to waste over a cup of tea. Who’d have thought he hadn’t yet seen it all in his years working under this profession?