#he should have looked to connie for approval

[astutior]

"Good reviews aside, they still want almost double the original price," he points out. Who has that kind of money to spend on a gaming console? Alright, so maybe Jean does. His family has always been very well-off. But that doesn't mean he should. Is it even his own money he'd be spending here? Armin shakes his head, folds his arms across his chest. He's going to stand firm on this one. In part because he simply cannot relate.

"So you want me to lie to you?" He asks bluntly, brow arched. Armin is nothing if not firmly set in his ideals. "Like I said, you can do whatever you want. I'm just not convinced it's the best investment. There aren't even that many games out yet. Not exclusive ones, anyway."

"What d'ya take me for?" Impatient? Impulsive? Because those traits might be true about him, sometimes, but— "I'm not an idiot. Look, the seller's got some decent reviews..." Which is always his first port of call whenever he's looking to buy something off the internet. This wouldn't be the first post about the new Playstation Jean's scoured over the last week or two either. He's definitely getting desperate.

He glances back at Armin perched by his shoulder behind his desk chair, with a frown for all his sensibility. "Buzzkill." He was meant to encourage, not dissuade him. "You were s'posed to say 'yes, Jean, this is a great idea. Y'should go for it.'"

[itsnathateasy]

your first kiss with these aot characters

warnings: smoking, but mostly angst and fluff! word count: 4,6k author’s note: in all of these scenarios, the reader and the character had been having tension build up over time, so the kiss isn’t completely out of nowhere fyi includes: armin, eren, mikasa, levi, hange, erwin, ymir, connie, jean, reiner, bertholdt, annie

⭑🪻 ⭒ 💜 . ✦ 🙈 . ⁺ . ✦ 🔮 . ⁺ . ✦ 🙈 . 💜⭒🪻 ⭑

it took armin all he had in him to finally close the distance between the two of you and kiss you. the fact that you were surrounded by your friends wasn’t able to stop him this time. he’d longed to kiss you for months now and the time was never right, but the way you kept holding onto his hand now, laughing at his jokes, eyes lidded as you covered your mouth with the palm of your hand to silence your laughter was really getting to him. you were just so cute, so beautiful in his eyes. the moment you set your drink on the window sill beside you, he knew he couldn’t waste any more time. his palm touched your cheek softly, eyes eager as he whispered your name, before pressing his lips onto yours, a kiss so sweet, so anticipated for. you felt yourself sigh in the kiss, your muscles relaxing by the warmth of your bodies being pulled closer together like magnets. as you pulled away, you stared into each other’s eyes with tenderness, a smile spreading on your faces, along with pink patches on your cheeks. you were so drunk on each other, that you almost didn’t hear your friend jean whistling at you, the rest of your friends clapping their hands and cheering you on. “fucking finally mate!” jean patted armin’s back in approval, as he put an arm over your shoulders. “he’s been planning this for months, y/n, did you know?” a smirk plastered all over his face. armin simply reached his arm to remove jean’s from around your shoulders, adding a “no touching jean” before locking lips with you again.

“can you quit being so mean eren? jean did nothing wrong!” you exclaimed as you pulled eren’s phone away from his fingers, immediately deleting the nasty text he’d sent to jean. “i’m typing “sorry, wrong person” instead… why are you like this?” you questioned him, heaving. once the new, proper text was sent, you locked his phone and gave it back to him, giving him a scolding look. “jean should keep to his own business. he knew about our date today, he didn’t have to facetime you when he very well knew you were with me. what is he trying to prove?” he scoffed, stuffing the phone back in his pocket, along with his hands, not attempting to go against you again. “jean’s my friend, eren. i asked him to call me, to check in with me. girls do this all the time, especially on first dates!” eren froze, slightly turning to side to look at you, a look of disappointment on his face, as he regretted what he’d just said to. “were you scared to meet me today, y/n? is that why you wanted jean to check in?” he asked. “that’s not it, eren, you know i was looking forward to our date. but it’s better to be safe than sorry, you know? what if i never made it to your place or if you’d fallen asleep and i had to go back home alone and something bad happened?” you trailed off, eren nodding as he understood what you meant. “i’m sorry, y/n, i see how i overreacted. frankly, i think jean’s been hitting on you for ages, i felt… threatened that he had the audacity to call you when he knows i’ve invited you over” he said, pulling your legs back into his lap, tracing his hand up and down your calf. “threatened? THE eren jaeger felt threatened?” you couldn’t keep your laughter as eren fake slapped your calf. “stop it, y/n! you know what i mean and besides… i really do like you. i wouldn’t simply allow anyone to steal you from me, especially not jean, especially not before i’ve even managed to do this” you were taken aback when he leaned his body over yours, pulling you closer by your legs and kissing you all of a sudden. you grabbed onto his shoulders for balance as you deepened the kiss, feeling him smile into it. you pulled away only to crash your lips on each other again and again. “you’re way too bold for someone who claimed to have felt threatened, eren” “shut up and make out with me, y/n”.

the moment you removed your headphones to step into the cafeteria, you heard mikasa yelling your name from some place behind you. as you turned around, you saw her racing towards you before almost crashing onto you, had she not placed her hands on your shoulders’ height, separating the two of you. she spoke, breathlessly “i’ve been calling for you, y/n! didn’t you hear me?” you gave her a guilty smile, pointing to your headphones in your hands. “sorry mikasa, i barely just took them off. what happened, though? are you alright?” “yes, everything’s alright, i noticed you and didn’t want you to walk alone. thought you’d seen me when i waved earlier, but it seems i was mistaken” she explained and gave a small laughter. “yeah, sorry, i’m terrible when on the street, i only look out for cars! you could be waving a banner at me and i probably wouldn’t notice it either!” you joked, making her laugh again. she was so beautiful when she laughed, you thought to yourself. a few seconds passed before either of you spoke again and mikasa was the one to break the silence. “uhm, you’re looking good today. meeting anyone special?” “you could say that, i’m just meeting historia for our weekly catch up” mikasa’s face dropped, her mouth forming and almost silent “oh”. “what makes historia so special to you, y/n?” you frowned at her question, as if she didn’t know how close the both of you had been for years. “uhm, she only is my best friend in the entire world? have known her since primary school? love her to death?” but mikasa wasn’t being too chatty all of a sudden and simply responded with another barely audible “oh”. (i swear, this girl) “so you’re not like… on a date or something?” you couldn’t help but laugh at her naivety. “you should tell this to ymir, she’ll be so mad someone mistook ME for historia’s girlfriend instead of her!” you joked in a low voice, “but please don’t tell anyone, mikasa, they’re not official yet”. and, again, another “oh”. “so��� can i be special for you, but like this?” she questioned as he leaned towards you to kiss you on the lips. her soft touch made your heart beat faster and you quickly put your arms around her waist. as you broke the kiss, mikasa smiled at you. “thoughts?” she asked. your mind was racing and you couldn’t respond properly. you liked mikasa for so long that now that you’d finally kissed, you were at loss for words. “oh… uhm…” was all you mustered up. “copy cat” said mikasa right before leaning in to kiss you again.

levi never expected to kiss you. like, not ever. your relationship so far had been strictly professional, only turning to friendly quite recently. still, he’d never imagined you thought of him the same way he thought of you. you were sat in his office, hunched over a variety of sheets, post-it notes, pens and two coffee cups that’d gone cold long ago, neither of you bothering to fill them up, and instead sipping on the cold, bitter beverage. as your hands fumbled with the files, you kept on arguing with each other, trying to reach a conclusion, but your questions still remained, you couldn’t solve the mystery of the missing tax payments that man should’ve been paying. “y/n, you’re really not listening. i’ve told you a thousand times, this file is irrelevant to the case” “but HOW can it be irrelevant, ackerman? don’t you see how this man’s playing us with the dates? notice this detail here and-” you kept on explaining to levi, but he found himself staring at you, your voice steadily disappearing, your words not reaching his ears or his mind. “ackerman… are you still here?” you questioned, waving a hand in front of him, bringing him back to reality. “yes, y/n, i’m sorry. this case is really something and i’m too tired to reach a rational conclusion. let’s get some rest and we can revisit this tomorrow, what do you say?” he asked and only now did you notice how red his eyes were. probably as red as yours. “sure, ackerman, we’re wasting our time anyway” you stated while packing your things. “need a ride?” he asked, jiggling his car keys in front of you. “i’ve mine, but thanks! walk me to the parking lot?” you suggested before leaving the office together, levi locking the door behind you. he walked you all the way to your car and as you moved to sit in the driver’s seat, he put his arm on the door, preventing it from closing. “i’ll pick you up myself tomorrow and drive you home after work. you shouldn’t be going home on your own at this hour” “thanks ackerman, but don’t feel obliged to, it really is no problem” you explained as levi was hunching down to reach your level. “it really is, y/n” he gulped as he pressed his lips onto yours, making you jump slightly, breaking the kiss. “i’m sorry, y/n, i didn’t realise that-” an embarrassed expression spreading on his face, his hands awkwardly leaving the door frame. you quickly interrupted him “levi- i- i panicked, but… kiss me again?”. he looked back at you, his lips forming a sheepish smile. “i’m glad you transitioned to levi” locking his lips with yours again, giving you a goodnight kiss.

“no, if you look at the other person and step on it, it means you like them, if you don’t step on it while looking at them, it means you’re not interested. god, y/n, you need to work on your cigarette signals!” hange explained, taking a drag from their cigarette, blowing the smoke your way. “i’m new to this, i’m not supposed to learn it all in a day! plus, i shouldn’t be expected to learn anything, hange. isn’t it bad enough that i picked up this unhealthy habit from you?” you joked and laughed with hange as you shared a cigarette during your break. spending your breaks together had become tradition for the both of you. the new part was hange asking you to “take a drag” once, then again and again, until you actually bought a packet a few weeks later and offered them a cigarette. since then, there was no single break you wouldn’t spend together, smoking. it was intimate, in a way, that you only got to do this with hange and they’d admitted to only sharing their breaks with you, ever since you got accepted to the company. “you got me there! but you really should learn your smoking lingo soon or one might misunderstand your intentions, y/n” they said before dropping their cigarette on the ground, stepping on the fallen butt, looking at you. you quickly got the cue and dropped your own cigarette on the ground and stepped on it while maintaining eye contact with them. “for real, y/n?” they asked surprised, yet scooting closer to you from where they previously rested their back. “for real, hange” you hooked your finger in the loops of their jeans, tugging on them lightly before kissing them. a few moments later, when you broke the kiss, they looked at you mischievously, an almost criminal grin on their face. “and on company premises too, y/n? that’s kinda hot” “shut up and get back to work hange”. you were giggling at each other on your way in.

‼️DON’T LEAVE YOUR CIGARETTE BUTTS ON THE GROUND AND ALSO DON’T SMOKE‼️

“is it okay if i come in? i know we usually have our meetings in my office, but this couldn’t wait any longer” erwin asked, peaking his head through your office door, not stepping in quite yet. “come in! what’s the rush?” you motioned for him to sit in the empty chair, but he lifted his hand up in refusal, taking a few steps closer to your desk instead. he positioned himself to lean his weight on the side of your desk, forcing you to swivel your chair to the side in order to face him. “we’ve been spending more and more time together, y/n, and, in all honesty, i’ve been quite enjoying it” with his arms crossed over his chest, he was a marvel to look at. “i mean… i guess so. overtime is overtime, but i’m also very glad to be spending it with you, you’re a great colleague” you said as you awkwardly bumped his arm with your fist. “that’s not what i mean” he said as he bowed lower to pull your chair closer to his, trapping you. “i mean i’m enjoying the time i’m spending with you, getting to know you better and also that i really like you, y/n”. you were left speechless, but in a good way. erwin admitting to having this kind of interest in you made you smile and you soon leaned your head closer to kiss him. “you’re too bold for kissing me in your office, y/n” erwin said playfully, stepping away from you as you grabbed a stack of papers and attempted to hit him with it for teasing you.

ymir was restless from the moment you met her at your usual hang out spot. you could tell something was off, she seemed so… nervous or maybe even impatient. she’d normally ask you to tell her about your day, but this time she never questioned it. when you decided to share what was new anyway, she kept stealing glances at you, not asking very many questions while you spoke. honestly, you were starting to feel a little uneasy, she almost behaved like a child who broke the tv screen and was trying to come up with a believable excuse as to what had happened. “ymir, just stop this and tell me what the hell is wrong?” you demanded, obviously annoyed by her behaviour. “listen, y/n…” she began to explain, sighing deeply, her eyes focus on the pavement. seconds later, she put her arms on your shoulders, keeping you in place as she spoke again, staring deep into your eyes now. “i really need to tell you something… it’s been eating me for so long and i just can’t-” and pulled you closer to her with one swift motion, pressing her lips onto yours. when you opened your eyes again, you found hers looking back at you expectantly. “is that all, ymir?” you questioned. “yes… that’s all… hope it’s okay?” you smiled at her, seeing how she was still feeling a bit too awkward about this. “i was hoping you’d do this soon actually. and to think you’ve had me here this entire time, being all… however you were before, and i thought something really bad had happened!” you sighed, relieved, as you took her hand in yours. “yeah, something IS wrong” she grabbed your other hand and placed it on her chest. “ymir, i think this is extremely inappropriate” you whispered, blushing. “no, no, just feel it! my heart's still beating out of my chest, y/n!”

connie kept begging you and your friend group to go camping for ages, but you regretted supporting his idea. he put himself in charge of finding a good spot, and, lo and behold, no spot was “the correct spot”. tired from walking for about two hours straight, you, jean and sasha convince him to settle down and set up your tents. it took ages, but you were finally settled. jean and sasha went to get wood for the fire as you and connie checked if everyone’s tents were secure and tied a rope from one tree to a second to hang your clothes to dry. “we make a good team, right, y/n?” he questioned, an earnest smile on his face. “we really do, connie. we should do this more often! but you need to work on your spot-finding skills!” you joked. as the day faded into night, you found yourselves covered in your sleeping bags, sitting around the fire. sasha was attempting to scare you with some murder mystery stories, but she was unsuccessful, as she’d mix up all the details. the constant talking of your friends and the warmth of the fire soothed you and soon you found yourself dozing off. you didn’t know how much time had passed when you heard connie whispering “shhhh… be quiet jean, she’s almost asleep”. your eyes remained closed, too sleepy to open. you felt connie moving from where he was next to you, scooting closer to your body, then throwing his arm around you to spoon you. “goodnight, y/n”, he whispered in your ear as he softly kissed your temple. your eyes opened wide at the unexpected kiss and you turned your head slightly, only to find connie looking back at you equally surprised. “i thought you were sleeping, y/n” he admitted shyly. “i was. kind of. goodnight connie” you pushed your head towards him, kissing him on the mouth. he quickly cupped your face, keeping it steady as he deepened the kiss. “we’ll… we’ll talk about this when we get back home. i’m not risking either of these two idiots making fun of us on the way home” he chuckled quietly.

you were pushing your cart through the cereal aisle, when you heard jean calling for you. he’d offered to help you with your grocery shopping and you didn’t have it in you to say no. jean was a literal sweetheart for always offering to help you with anything you might need, but he always seemed a bit distant when you were hanging out with your friends. it was a real privilege to have him all to yourself today and he seemed to be enjoying following you around quite a bit. “did you get the brown sugar you needed for your cake, y/n? cause this one’s on sale! should we get it?” you giggled at his eagerness to shop your entire list. “put it in the cart jean, can’t miss out on the offer you scouted!” he blushed, walking to your cart and setting the bag of sugar inside. “i came here to help, not to be made fun off, y/n” he teased, taking the cart from your hands and pushing it away, making you follow him. “it’s a joke. i really appreciate you coming along. shopping alone in these huge stores is boring” you explained, placing one of your hands on the cart, barely grazing his own. “oh so that’s why you called jean? to crack some jokes?” he chuckled, making more space on the cart handle so you laid both of your hands on it. “drop it horseface, you’re having more fun than i am. we even got your special treats for later” he side-eyed you, a grin decorating his face. “me having fun is only partially true. i’m also doing half of your chore for you” he said as he elbowed you lightly. “you’re getting treats in return AND you’re having a blast!” “that i am” he said as hunched down a bit to reach your lips and kiss you, forcing you on your toes to get closer to his level. you were utterly dumbfounded at the kiss, a kiss you’d been hoping for a while now, but jean went on with your grocery list. once you’d paid, you made your way out of the store, still very confused about jean’s unexpected reaction to kissing you. it was almost as if he kissed you with all he had, and then forgot he did it. as you were loading the bags in the back of his car, you cracked the question, unwilling to wait any longer. “why are you being so cold right after our first kiss, jean?” he turned towards you in an instant, eyes wide, almost in terror. “after our what? what are you talking about, y/n?” “jean! you kissed me! in the cereal aisle? like 20 minutes ago?” “I DID?” he almost shouted before realisation reached his face. “but it came so naturally, y/n, i didn’t… god i just ruined our first kiss!” (what a bimpo, i love him)

“i can’t believe you dragged me to that bar, y/n! it was terrible!” reiner couldn’t hold back his laughter, his hand on his stomach as he reminisced your unexpected night at the bar. “you can’t complain, you were having a blast reiner! AND you had the cutest guy hit on you! he was so 2014 harry styles, i’d be drooling if i were you!” you managed to say in between your own fits of laughter. “Y/N! that guy made me feel so uncomfortable! he was so pushy! and also, i thought it was obvious i was on a date with you!” he explained, his laughter gradually falling silent. your own laughter was also cut short. staring back at reiner, you noticed the small, soft smile on his face. “were we really, reiner? cause you never like… asked me out properly?” “ah, yeah, i didn’t” he admitted, his hand rubbing the back of his neck. “it was heavily implied, though!” he exclaimed, chuckling. “too bad i didn’t catch the cue then, it would’ve been a killer first date!” you smiled back at him, scooting closer. “reckon? cause that guy was kinda stealing me from you” you both laughed again, the silence that fell between you feeling comfortable. “i can handle it. but, i’d rather know if we go on other dates from now on” you said, staring awkwardly at the ceiling. “you will, you will” he said, still giving you a small smile. “can i kiss you, y/n?” you felt your heart stop as you looked back at him. “you have to ask me this?” “what can i say, i’m the king of consent!” he said, lifting an eyebrow and reaching his fingers to lift your chin towards him before connecting his lips with yours. you spoke again after you’d pulled away from the kiss. “so… when’s our next date, self-proclaimed king of consent?” you giggled, softly bumping him with your shoulder. “quit it or i’ll go back to that harry styles guy!”

“is it okay if i hold your hand, y/n?” bertholdt shyly asked. your shift had finished a few minutes ago and you were walking to the bus stop together, a habit of yours since you two became closer. yet, the hand holding was a first and it made your heart skipped a beat. “i’d love to!” you responded and extended your palm towards him. he quickly intertwined his fingers with yours, as you walked the remaining distance. you continued to chat away as per usual, your connected hands not causing any change in his behaviour. you took your seats next to each other on the bus, still not breaking the link between you, not even when bertholdt tried to grab your backpack as well to set it between his legs, creating more space for you to sit. the air was comfortable between you on the way home and you were so stoked he’d finally made a move, but now it was your turn. “i love the rides home ever since we started taking the bus together, you know?” you admitted and it brought a smile to his face. he stared back at you with tender eyes as he nodded “yes”, rubbing his thumb on your soft skin. you reached your hand and traced his thigh, resting it between his legs. bertholdt flicked at the sudden touch, but didn’t do anything to remove your hand. “bert… look at me, please”. now that you had his undivided attention, you stood up as discreetly as you could to reach his face and, finally, kiss him, a thing you longed to do for a few weeks now. bertholdt returned the kiss, his hand leaving yours to rake through your hair instead. “y/n i didn’t… expect this to happen but wow” he said and giggled, pulling away from the kiss, his hand still caressing your hair and scalp. “you seemed like you wanted me to kiss you, bert” “i did, i… really, really did… but can we stop now cause that weird third floor lady is staring at us and licking her lips and i feel violated and exposed?” you panicked at his words as you turned the other way to see how that lady was indeed giving you some… questionable looks, to say the least. you couldn’t help but laugh out loud the moment your eyes met bertholdt’s again, hiding your face in his neck to hide your embarrassment. “wanna get off at my place instead? we can order take out!” “it’s a plan, y/n!” he said, still unable to conceal his laughter.

annie was always distant and that was a turn off for everyone. except for you. the more she’d tease you and then avoid you, the more you found yourself infatuated with her. “are you coming over, annie? still ignoring my texts smh” you text her, not expecting the “omw” prompt response. everything was ready, the way you felt annie would enjoy. red wine, soft blankets and her favourite take out, which you did your best to keep warm, as she was continuously running late. the knock on your door mere moments later was enough to pull you out of your trance. “i’m here. what now?” “someone’s moody...” you said, guiding her inside. “what’s the matter?” “not much, y/n. i just don’t understand why we couldn’t hang with everyone else like we normally do” she scoffed, kicking off her shoes and hanging her coat. “whoa, okay, i didn’t realise spending time with me was such a burden to you” you blurted, your words making her freeze. “don’t feel obliged to do me any favours, annie, i just wanted to have a quiet evening with you for once. you’ve been playing me for months and i thought this was just your way of expressing yourself, but i was wrong. you just don’t like me and this wasn’t teasing. it was you blatantly making fun of me in front of our friends” you couldn’t help but snap at her, her cruel reaction to you inviting her over finally doing the trick. “y/n, i-” she began, but you wouldn’t let her speak, wouldn’t let her humiliate you again. “y/n this and y/n that. you don’t like me and that’s fine. but don’t play me like rag doll, okay? i’ve been asking everyone what food you like and what kind of a date you might enjoy and i actually put effort into planning this tonight, and you’re only coming here to not even acknowledge the effort? to not even give me a chance?” she was staring at the floor, unable to meet your gaze. “enough of this annie, please go” you said as you handed her back her coat. “thay’s not it, y/n...” she said, fidgeting with her ring. “what is it then?” you tried to contain yourself, you were on the verge of tearing up. “it’s just… you’re so cool and beautiful and everyone loves you and they all said how you were so excited to plan this and i don’t feel like i deserve this… you’re too good for me, y/n and i don’t know what to do to be better for you...” she sniffed and you realised you might be on the verge of crying, but annie was already at it, as she used the outer side of her palm to wipe away her tears. “annie, i-” “no, y/n, you’re right. i’ve been nothing but shit to you because i don’t know how to deal with this, with my feelings… i’m so sorry, y/n… i’ll just go” she took her coat from your hands and turned around but you stopped her by not letting go of the coat, still grabbing onto it. “please stay, annie. i’d really like it if you did” you admitted, now crying your eyes out as well. you felt the tug on the coat loosening as she took a step towards you. “i know this won’t fix shit but can i kiss you, y/n? hope it isn’t too much to ask” she sniffed again, not quite returning your gaze yet. “i’d like that, annie” she half smile, as she wrapped her arms around you and crashing her lips onto yours.

[ven0moir]

Byler Analysis: Mike’s phone calls.

This analysis is going over why Mike’s phone calls were, without a doubt, for Will. Bylers have been talking about this for months now, but I’ve compiled all the evidence I could find. 

So, to start us off... 

Hawkin’s Lab is owned by the ‘Department of Energy’, which according to Mike, Ted has said is Government/The Military. 

In S1, the main antagonists in regard to Hawkins Lab were Connie Frazier and Dr. Brenner. However, by the season finale, Connie was killed by Eleven and Dr. Brenner’s status was unknown.

With the two of them out of the way, we are introduced to Dr. Sam Owens in S2. 

Now, whether or not Owens is truly trustworthy or not is a whole other can of worms, but for the sake of this analysis, we will follow his introduction as an ally to the Byers-Hoppers. He was the primary doctor looking after Will and investigating what was going on with him when he was possessed by the Mindflayer. S2 concludes by letting us know that Owens has pulled some strings to give Eleven a new identity and thus a new life: that of JANE HOPPER. 

Owens recommends to Hopper that Eleven should lay low for about a year before living freely, as a PRECAUTION (since, like he said before, ‘those people’ aka the bad ones, are gone), but overall, things are safe enough that Owens even approves of Hopper letting Eleven go to the Snow Ball. 

S3 starts in June 1985, about six months after S2, which means Eleven’s year of laying low isn’t done yet. But since Owens is in charge of the lab, Eleven and Mike can call on the phone. We also see them using walkie-talkies, so I’m assuming that they don’t call that often as a precaution as well, but they can do it as long as it’s not too frequent. 

It is important to note that the lab was not the main antagonist in neither S2 nor S3 (It was the Mindflayer & Russians respectively). 

Eleven can even afford to go out a couple of times to the mall with Max without consequence at all. It isn’t until things get bad enough with the ‘flesh flayer’ that the military immediately steps in to cover it all up (and despite their best efforts, the town is still suspicious). 

Owens is FIRED at the end of S3 as a consequence of the mall “fire”. This is significant because it means that he no longer holds the power to protect Eleven. Still, he managed to use his contacts (which include allies like Ellen, Wallace, and Hamon) to relocate Eleven + the Byers to Lenora and look after them very discretely. 

Because of this plan, Eleven is safe in Lenora enough to go out and have a life as Jane Hopper. However, that plan does NOT include calling Hawkins as that would be FAR TOO RISKY. 

She cannot call or be called from Hawkins as it is no longer just a precaution, like when Owens recommended Eleven to lay low for a year, just in case. Now, her staying away from Hawkins (which includes calling there since the phone-lines are tapped) is a NECESSITY for her long-term survival since the cover story is that ‘Eleven is dead’.

Powell’s call about Chrissy’s murder is enough to immediately summon Sullivan to investigate and pin the murders on Eleven. He even tells Owens that there are rumors of her being alive and receiving help from the ‘inside’ aka Owens. WHICH IS TRUE. So, they’re onto Owens and ALL OF THEM require to be extra careful with calling to Hawkins. 

Mike was likely not able to talk about Eleven/Jane much during his calls with Will either.

THIS is likely why we see a walkie-talkie on Eleven’s Mike box and why Mike spoke about stealing Cerebro from Dustin at the end of S3. 

HOWEVER, because the mail system isn’t under surveillance like phone lines are, LETTERS were established as Mike and El’s primary method of communication. 

Whether or not Mike truly did steal Cerebro from Dustin to call El a few times, we see Cerebro at the top of Dustin’s house in what seems to be a very permanent set-up. I personally think this implies Cerebro hasn’t been moved, and their communication happened solely through letters. 

But even if, say, Mike went to visit Dustin to use Cerebro (which wasn’t established, but is within the realm of possibilities) it doesn’t change the fact that phone calls were off the table, and thus, those were for Will and Will alone. 

So, as Will himself explained, the letters were for Eleven, and phone calls were for HIM.

Which means ... this was all about Mike being unable to reach WILL. 

Byler is endgame

[magicxc]

Pillow Talk

Pairings: Survey Corps x Black Reader - Things They Say In Bed

Word Count: 640

Warnings: just a tad bit of FUCKING

A/N: I’ve been directly inspired by the girlies and their idea of what these 2D men be saying in bed. I wanted to create my own version of that, but it turned out totally different than what I was going for; and for good reason too - cause this was so much fun!! Who had your favorite saying?

Headcannons Masterlist

Eren  - “a relationship should be 50/50. I give you my last name and you scream my first.”

You were praying to the high heavens that this wasnt your proposal. Knees touching your shoulders, Eren had the tendency to get lost in the sauce; uttering things he surely didn't mean, like the time he promised to bring you back the moon and the stars from outer space. 

Levi - “when did you realise the y in ‘your girl’ is silent?”

Eyes brimmed over with tears and mascara running, Levi couldn't have found you prettier than in this very moment. It's something about the drool slathered across your chin and your messy hair that looked so raw, so authentically pleasing. His dick slid past your lips once more, your cheeks hallowed and tongue flat. The bright light of the flash signaled that he was indeed recording; sending the video straight to Kenny you assumed. But you couldn’t be bothered to care. This can either go terribly wrong or terribly right. 

Erwin - “the baby factory is about to get its first employee.”

Hips tilted on pillows and legs wrapped around his waist, Erwin holds you like that for a little while longer trying his best to make sure that his seed takes. Small kisses get placed on your cheek, lips, and neck. Heavily sighing in content, it dawns on you that you could absolutely fall asleep like this. 

Connie - “if hot women are going to lie, it should at least be on top of me.”

Lmfao he's so damn dramatic. All this because girls night went a little longer than expected. You’d promise Connie a movie together when you came home, but things took a little longer than expected and it was too late. All he had the energy for now was cuddles; unable to fall asleep unless half your body was draped over his. 

Jean - “I've never kissed under the cameltoe or whatever it is that Santa said.”

On bended knee, Jean’s face stood eye to eye with your kitty cat. Mahogany legs on full display as you adorned his favorite black chemise set, he couldn't help but beg for a taste before you headed to bed for the night. You knew you’d be a bit of a tease wearing this to sleep, but the set was sexy and you really wanted the chance to enjoy your lingerie without having it ripped off of you. Just a taste though, you thought. It shouldn’t take more than ten minutes. But you knew better! Because although that's how it always started, that’s rarely where it ended. 

Onyankopon - “the only thing another nigga can take from me is notes.” 

His calloused palm pressed harder into your ass cheek, your face smushed deep into the pillows. The relentless driving of Ony’s hips into yours is another stark reminder that you were his and only his. This is surely the last time you’d ever dream of entertaining another man. 

Reiner - “if you dont have my children can you still be my mommy?”

Mommy kink alert!! Who would've thought that Reiner had a mommy kink? Who would’ve thought that it’d turn you on? Either way, the driving of his fingers into your cunt just got drenched in your approval. 

Armin - “we can watch the movie or make a movie.”

Is this not the meaning of Netflix and chill? Armin considers himself intelligent, but he couldnt have felt slower in this moment. Thankfully your endless cackling had put him to ease. However, his question did get you thinking. 

Floch - “my ears are always sore because your absence is so loud.”

Wrapped tightly in his arms, Floch languidly thrusts into you; his lips touching the shell of your ear as he professes his love. While this had started out as a fling, suddenly he was becoming too much to resist.

[jxfndm]

JEREMIAH FISHER ONE SHOT - READER x JEREMIAH FISHER

"i’ll keep you safe"

CONTENT - FLUFF, SOME ANGST

WARNINGS - PLEASE DO NOT READ IF THE FOLLOWING TOPICS AFFECT YOU <3 | self harm, mental health, mature descriptions/cussing

description - it’s another summer in cousins, youre about to indulge in your favorite fisher, except you’re feeling lost and tired. your anxiety is high, the depression has come back, and you’re just not up to it like you normally are. sweet boy jere might just be your one true escape from reality <3

JEREMIAH FISHER

I waited out on the porch for Y/N and the Conklin family to arrive. Y/N was Belly’s best friend, but was here every summer for the past 7 years without fail. She quickly became my best friend too. This was my favorite time of the year, and even more so this year because me and Y/N have been talking for the past few months. This summer, I was determined to ask her out, I wanted her to be mine.

Con stepped out and joined me, a smile plastered wide on his face, but his focus on his phone. I coughed, resulting in Con looking up at me.

"Belly texting you?" I questioned. He grinned, that was a yes. "I could tell."

"I’m just excited to see her, it’s been like a month." Connie said, a smile tugging at his lips with every word he said. "Better than me and Y/N, I haven’t seen her since New Year’s." I stated. Conrad just looked at me and shrugged.

"Well, maybe if you tell her how you feel.." Conrad started. I sighed and nodded. "I will, don’t worry." I said.

Conrad went back to his phone, we ended up sitting out on the stairs of the porch, waiting for their arrival. 15 minutes later, a familiar car had pulled up to the driveway.

"They’re here! Oh boys, there you guys are. Let’s greet them!" mom exclaimed, running past us. Me and Con exchanged grins as we watched the car unload with our favorite people. Connie went straight to Belly, while I high-fived Steven, catching up with his most recent mishaps.

"Dude, this summer is gonna be dope! Especially when my girl, Taylor, comes down for Belly’s birthday!" Steven stated excitedly, a smile was plastered all over his face. I nodded back in response, I had forgotten all about Tay and Steven. "Well man, it’s good to have you here. We should go out tonight, all of us." I suggested, earning a smirky approval from Steven.

While Steven was talking, I couldn’t help but notice Y/N clung to Laurel. That wasn’t normal, usually she would’ve saved me from Steven’s annoyance by now.

"Hey man, let me unpack real quick. I’ll catch you up on what’s been the move!" Steven yelled, lugging his suitcases into the house. I grinned at him, focusing my attention back on Y/N, who was not by Laurel’s side anymore. I was confused, where had she gone?

I jogged over to my mom and Laur, earning a wide smile from Laurel, cueing me to embrace her. "Jere! Look at how much you’ve grown! Ready to go off to college?" Laurel asked, a smile painted on her face the entire time. I smiled back, "Yup, dorming and everything." I responded. Laurel nodded, exchanging proud grins with my mom. I looked around, still no Y/N.

I was desperate to find her at this point, this just wasn’t like her to not mingle amongst us all.

"Hey, uh Laur, where did Y/N go? I saw her with you a few minutes ago, but now I can’t seem to find her. She didn’t even say hi." I said lowly, Laurel’s smile quickly fading.

That didn’t seem good.

"I’m sorry Jere, she’s just not feeling good right now. Her mom and Belly mentioned she hasn’t felt good the past few weeks. I wish I had more answers for you, but you’re her best friend. Maybe you can turn things around for her." Laurel explained. I was a little confused, was she sick? A small feeling of concern took over me. "She told me she was going to unpack, I’m sure she’s in her room somewhere. Don’t worry sweetheart, everything will be okay." my mom said, squeezing my arm with a small smile.

"Thanks, I’ll follow up with her." I said, giving them both hugs as I trailed off into the house. Everyone was occupied, I was focused on getting to Y/N as soon as I could.

Y/N

As I headed off from Laur and Susannah, I couldn’t help but feel all those emotions at once again. I wanted to cry, I wanted to ignore everyone and everything. The happiest part of the year felt so solemn to me, everything about my life felt so stagnant right now.

The past few weeks, my anxiety and depression have been terrible. I had yet to tell anyone why, even Belly, my bestest friend since the 4th grade. I couldn’t even look at Jeremiah, the boy I really really liked, my best friend.

I felt like the world was swallowing me every time I took a step. Getting to my room felt like a mission, but as soon as I shut the door, I broke into a million pieces.

Useless. A waste of space. You’ll never amount to anything.

The thoughts in my head kept running, my vision was blurred by the amount of tears I’d been shedding.

I knew how to silence them. A year ago, I would’ve said that this could never help anyone going through things, but here I was reaching for the small blade I kept tucked in my bag.

I stood up, facing my figure in the mirror. I had looked weak, all the nights I couldn’t sleep and the meals I was pushing away was showing as clear as day now. I fell to my knees sobbing, pulling up the sleeve of my sweater, taking in all the marks of my emotions. I sobbed so much, I wasn’t aware someone was with me.

JEREMIAH FISHER

As I approached her room, I heard light sobbing. My heart broke at the sound, and confusion rushed through my head. What the fuck was going on? I slowly opened the door to Y/N’s room, horrified at the sight I was seeing.

She was huddled over in front of her mirror, a blade small, but evident, in her right hand. Her left arm was scarred. Her sobs were consistent, the pain evident in each and every one of her cries.

I didn’t know whether to feel upset with any asshole who could’ve hurt our Y/N or sad at the idea that Y/N had been struggling in silence. I didn’t know any of this was going on, because every time we talked, she was nothing but happy and positive.

As soon as I saw her, I rushed over, grabbing the blade from her and kneeling down to her level. I pulled her into my chest quickly, rubbing the smalls of her back, embracing the scent of vanilla and flowers emitting from her hair.

I could tell she wasn’t aware of my presence prior, seeing she was just sobbing, hard now. Her body trembled in my arms, I was doing everything I could to get her to stop, but I knew she was feeling more than I’d probably ever be able to comprehend right now.

All I cared about, was her. Every cry broke me, and made me wonder why I hadn’t known. She was in pain and I didn’t know. Had I known, maybe there wouldn’t have been as many scars, maybe she wouldn’t feel so much right now. A million things were running through my head, but I just wanted to be there for her. I didn’t want her out of my sight, I wanted her in my arms, for as long as she needed.

"Y/N, shh. It’s Jeremiah. Calm down, what’s going on?" I cooed, carefully brushing away pieces of her hair, revealing her tear-stained face.

"I-it h-h-hurts." she choked, coughing as her sobs continued.

"What hurts? Y/N please talk to me. I’m right here, I promise I won’t leave your side. Please, just tell me what’s going on. I want to help you." I pleaded, desperate to know what could be hurting her so bad.

As soon as I knew who had done this to her, I was gonna beat their ass and ensure they wouldn’t have the privilege of seeing her ever again."

"Fuck, everything. E-everything fucking hurts Jere." she coughed out. I sat there silently, my full attention on her. "I was finally happy, I felt so good, so a-at peace. T-then I started comparing myself, to everyone. All the girls at school, all my friends, e-even the girls you’ve ever been with. A-and I fell so bad, I fell down a bad hole, of depression and anxiety. It-it’s been so bad, and the only thing that takes the p-pain away is cutting. I just-"

I slammed my lips on hers. I wanted to so badly take away the pain she was feeling. I wanted her to know that nobody, anyone in the world, could take away how special she was. To me, she was beyond everything I could ever want.

I didn’t expect her to kiss back, partly because I had caught her off guard, but she kissed back, hard.

The kiss was filled with passion, almost like a need from both of us. Our lips moved in perfect sync, the intensity rising between us both.

Her hands found ways to my chest, feeling my skin underneath my shirt. Calmly, without shaking, her hands made their way to my torso. My hands trailed down to her waist, softly grabbing her.

After a few moments, we finally pulled apart. We were breathing heavily, but her eyes looked at me pleadingly.

"Y/N, listen to me," I started, still rubbing her sides. "You are amazing, beautiful, everything I could ever fucking want. You mean everything to me, and nothing could ever change that. I know you’re hurting, but fuck, I love you so much that I will be here anytime you break down. I’ll hold you and remind you of what you mean to me. Please, I need you here, with me. Nobody else in this world could ever be you, I’m fucking crazy about you. I’ll keep you safe, that’s my promise."

A single tear dropped from her eye, but soon enough, a smile appeared on her face. Her eyes beamed with light, true light.

"I love you too, Jere. I want you, all the time. Please stay." she begged. A smirk pulled on my lips. I planted one soft kiss on her forehead.

"I’m here, baby. Don’t worry anymore." I said, nuzzling into her neck, letting her play with my hair and soak up my embrace. We stayed like that for a few moments, till she insisted taking a nap, in which I got under the covers and held her closely.

No matter how long she would need to heal for, I’d be here for every step.

~

a/n - first jere one-shot lol, s3 im ready for youuuuuu! im a team jere girly, but at the end of the day, i love the books, the show, the cast, all of it. hope you enjoyed! <3

[shiorihyugawrites]

The Ballad Of The Magenta Witch

After centuries of solitude and betrayal, the enigmatic and powerful sorceress Mea finds herself drawn to the war-torn lands of Paradis. With her loyal, sword-wielding companion Goldfish Levi at her side, Mea arrives in the midst of a brewing conflict between the Scouts and Marley. Her flippant demeanor and extraordinary magic disrupt the regimented lives of Eren, Levi, and the other Scouts, sparking chaos, curiosity, and alliances that none of them could have foreseen. Amidst the clashing of titans and nations, a forgotten legend breathes life into a new chapter that will shape the fate of Paradis itself. Will the Magenta Witch be a boon to their cause or a force of beautiful destruction? (Eren x OC)

Chapter Four

The early morning sun stretched over the training grounds, casting long shadows across the dirt and grass as the scouts worked tirelessly. Their training was relentless, their movements sharp and purposeful. Despite the seemingly impenetrable barrier that Mea had erected, they all knew that Marley could strike at any moment. Preparation was essential; their survival depended on it.

Levi stood off to the side, his arms crossed as his piercing gaze swept over the group. His sharp eyes missed nothing—the slackened grip on a blade, the hesitation in a maneuver, the faltering step of an exhausted scout. He barked corrections and critiques with his usual bluntness, his tone leaving no room for excuses.

But this morning, something unusual was happening on the training field: Goldfish Levi had taken up a position beside the captain, hovering just above the ground as he issued orders in a voice uncannily similar to Levi’s own.

“Connie, move your damn feet faster! You call that sprinting?” Goldfish Levi snapped, his tone sharp and biting.

Connie, panting and red-faced, managed a weak, “I’m trying!” before pushing himself harder.

“And Sasha, hold your stance! You’re leaving your left side wide open,” Goldfish Levi added, his fins twitching in irritation as he floated toward her.

Sasha blinked, clearly taken aback by being chastised by a floating fish, but she adjusted her stance nonetheless. “Yes, sir… uh, I mean fish?”

Goldfish Levi let out an exasperated sigh, muttering, “How is this my life?”

Levi watched the scene unfold with a mixture of annoyance and reluctant respect. He had to admit—though he’d never say it aloud—that his goldfish counterpart was surprisingly effective. The scouts seemed genuinely motivated to improve under his sharp critiques, and his observations were eerily accurate. Begrudgingly, Levi allowed himself a brief nod of approval.

“Not bad,” he muttered under his breath.

Meanwhile, Mea was lounging on her magenta chaise, as usual, a drink in hand as she watched the training unfold. Her oversized sun hat shielded her from the sun, and her magenta-tinted sunglasses sparkled as she turned her attention to Eren, who was practicing sparring drills with Mikasa. Her lips curved into a playful smile as she sipped her drink, clearly enjoying the show.

But then, as if struck by sudden inspiration, Mea sat up, setting her drink aside. “You know,” she began, her melodic voice drawing the attention of the nearby scouts, “this looks… interesting. Perhaps I should see what it’s like to be a scout for the day.”

Levi turned sharply toward her, his eyes narrowing. “This isn’t a game, witch.”

Mea waved off his words with a flick of her wrist, a shimmering magenta light enveloping her as she conjured a uniform for herself. It was a perfect replica of the Scout Regiment’s standard attire, complete with the Wings of Freedom cape emblazoned on the back. Her magenta gloves, however, remained firmly in place, a subtle reminder of her magical nature.

“Oh, lighten up, Levi,” Mea said with a smirk, adjusting the straps of her newly created gear. “I’m just curious. Besides, what’s the harm in a little… immersion?”

The scouts exchanged uneasy glances, their expressions ranging from skepticism to outright disbelief. Even Goldfish Levi paused mid-critique to stare at her, his fins twitching in what could only be described as exasperation.

“This is going to be a disaster,” Goldfish Levi muttered.

Ignoring the mounting tension, Mea floated toward the training field, her magenta hair flowing behind her like a cape. “Alright, darlings,” she announced, clapping her hands together. “Where do I start?”

Levi pinched the bridge of his nose, his patience wearing thin. “Fine,” he said tightly. “If you want to play scout, you’ll follow the training regimen like everyone else. No shortcuts.”

Mea grinned, her magenta eyes sparkling with mischief. “Oh, I wouldn’t dream of it.”

Her enthusiasm didn’t last long.

The moment Levi ordered her to run laps with the others, Mea’s expression shifted to one of sheer horror. “Run?” she repeated, as if the word itself was offensive. “Oh, darling, surely there’s another way.”

“There isn’t,” Levi snapped. “Move.”

Mea groaned dramatically but floated into position alongside the other scouts. As the whistle blew, she began to jog, her movements half-hearted and sluggish compared to the others. Within minutes, she was already lagging behind, her face a picture of exhaustion.

“I’m not cut out for this,” she whined, coming to an abrupt stop and conjuring a drink to “rehydrate.” “Who runs for fun, anyway?”

“Move your lazy ass, or you’re out,” Levi barked, his voice cold and unforgiving.

Mea pouted, taking another sip before begrudgingly starting to jog again. But her pace remained pitiful, and it wasn’t long before she threw up her hands in defeat. Spotting Eren running nearby, she floated over to him, her magenta eyes wide with exaggerated distress.

“Eren, darling,” she called, her voice sweet and pleading. “Be a dear and carry me, won’t you? I’m positively dying.”

Eren shot her a flat look, his green eyes narrowing. “You’re not dying, and you can run like everyone else.”

“Oh, but I can’t!” Mea insisted, draping herself over his back dramatically. “Please, Eren—don’t let me perish!”

Mikasa, running just ahead, turned to glare at Mea, her expression ice-cold. “Get off of him,” she snapped.

Mea sighed theatrically but reluctantly floated away, muttering under her breath about the “inhumanity” of it all. Instead of running, she decided to float lazily around the course, sipping her drink as the others trained.

By the time the sparring drills began, Mea was lounging on the sidelines, watching with mild interest as Eren and Mikasa squared off. When it was her turn to spar, she floated into the ring with a dramatic sigh, conjuring a new drink before taking her position.

“Alright, darlings,” she said, addressing the gathered scouts. “Watch and learn.”

Her opponent, Jean, stepped forward, looking more than a little nervous. “Uh, Captain,” he called, glancing at Levi. “Do I… actually have to fight her?”

“Yes,” Levi said bluntly. “And if she’s anything like her training, this should be over quickly.”

Mea’s eyes sparkled with mischief, and she grinned. “Oh, Levi, darling,” she purred. “You’ll eat those words.”

The sparring match that followed was a chaotic blend of laziness and raw power. Mea barely moved, relying entirely on her magic to deflect Jean’s attacks. Whenever he got too close, she would conjure a harmless but blinding burst of magenta light, leaving him stumbling in confusion.

The scouts watched in stunned silence, unsure whether to be impressed or horrified. Even Goldfish Levi seemed at a loss for words.

Finally, Mea declared herself “too exhausted” to continue and floated back to her chaise, flopping down with a satisfied sigh. “Well, that was invigorating,” she said, conjuring another drink. “I think I’ve earned a break.”

Levi’s eye twitched violently, and he turned away, muttering something about a “waste of time.”

Despite her antics, the scouts couldn’t help but exchange glances of grudging admiration. Mea might have been lazy, whimsical, and utterly unserious, but her power was undeniable. And as long as she was on their side, they knew they had an ally unlike any other.

….

Later on that evening at dinnertime, the mess hall was alive with the sound of clinking utensils, quiet chatter, and the occasional burst of laughter as the scouts gathered for dinner after a grueling day of training. The warm glow of lanterns illuminated the room, casting long shadows against the wooden walls. Plates were piled high with simple rations—stews, breads, and the occasional vegetable. But in one corner of the room, something decidedly less humble was taking place.

Mea lounged on her magenta chaise, floating a few feet off the ground, as she enjoyed a lavish meal she had conjured for herself and Goldfish Levi. The aroma of roasted steak, buttery potatoes, and freshly baked bread wafted through the air, making the humble offerings on the other scouts’ plates pale in comparison. Goldfish Levi hovered beside her, a steak knife in his mouth as he efficiently cut through his meal with an elegance that seemed almost impossible for a fish.

Sasha, seated a few tables away, was practically drooling as she stared at the steak on Mea’s plate. Her fork hovered mid-air, her eyes wide and longing. “That smells so good,” she murmured, her voice filled with envy.

Mea noticed Sasha’s hungry gaze and smiled, snapping her fingers. A perfectly cooked steak materialized in front of Sasha, complete with a side of mashed potatoes and a glistening gravy boat. “There you go, darling,” Mea said, her voice warm and teasing. “Enjoy.”

Sasha’s face lit up with unrestrained joy, and she immediately dove into the meal with fervor. “Thank you, Mea!” she said between bites. “This is the best thing I’ve ever eaten!”

Jean, sitting next to Sasha, raised an eyebrow as he watched Goldfish Levi deftly slice through his own steak. “Okay, I have to ask,” Jean said, leaning back in his chair. “How the hell does a goldfish even eat steak? I thought he eats… I don’t know… fish flakes or something.”

The room went silent for a moment as everyone turned to look at Goldfish Levi, whose fins froze mid-motion. Slowly, he turned toward Jean, his expression unreadable—but the ominous twitch of his fins spoke volumes. Before anyone could react, Goldfish Levi delivered a swift, surprisingly powerful slap across Jean’s face with his fin.

The sound echoed through the mess hall, and Jean recoiled, clutching his cheek in shock. “Ow! What the hell was that for?” he exclaimed, glaring at the floating fish.

“I am Levi Ackerman,” Goldfish Levi said coldly, his tone brimming with indignation. “I do not eat fish flakes.”

The room burst into laughter, Sasha nearly choking on her steak as Jean glared at Goldfish Levi, muttering something about “overreacting fish.” Even Levi himself let out a faint, exasperated sigh, though a tiny smirk tugged at the corner of his lips.

Meanwhile, at the far end of the room, Eren sat alone, his plate untouched as he stared down at the table with a faraway look in his green eyes. His thoughts were consumed by Marley, by the enemies who could strike at any moment, and by the heavy weight of his own plans—plans that he couldn’t share with anyone, not even those closest to him. The burden was suffocating, and the darkness within him seemed to swirl and grow with every passing moment.

Mea, who had been observing Eren from her chaise, tilted her head slightly, her magenta eyes narrowing with a flicker of understanding. She recognized that look, that heaviness. It was a reflection of something she had once carried herself—a weight that had changed her forever.

Setting her drink aside, Mea floated gracefully toward Eren, her magenta hair shimmering in the warm light. Without a word, she settled herself in his lap, as she often did, draping her arm around his shoulders with an air of casual intimacy. “Eren, darling,” she said softly, her voice breaking through his thoughts. “You’re brooding again.”

Eren blinked, startled out of his reverie. His green eyes focused on her, and for a moment, he looked almost annoyed. “Mea,” he muttered, his tone low. “Not now.”

But Mea wasn’t deterred. She leaned in slightly, her magenta eyes searching his. “What’s on your mind?” she asked, her voice gentle but insistent.

Eren hesitated, his jaw tightening as he glanced away. “It’s nothing,” he said gruffly.

Mea raised an eyebrow, her lips curving into a faint smile. “Oh, darling, we both know that’s not true. Come on—talk to me.”

For a long moment, Eren said nothing, his gaze fixed on the table. But then, as if something inside him cracked, he let out a quiet sigh. “Marley,” he admitted, his voice barely above a whisper. “They could attack any day now. And when they do… everything’s going to change.”

Mea nodded slowly, her expression softening. “The weight of the world,” she murmured. “It’s a heavy thing to carry, isn’t it?”

Eren’s eyes flicked back to hers, surprise flickering in their depths. “You wouldn’t understand,” he said, though his tone lacked conviction.

Mea smiled faintly, her gaze distant. “Oh, but I do, darling,” she said quietly. “More than you know.” Her voice softened further, and for the first time, the playfulness that usually defined her seemed to melt away, replaced by something deeper. “There was a time when I carried a similar weight. A day when everything I knew, everything I loved, fell apart. I changed that day… in ways I’m still coming to terms with.”

Eren’s brows furrowed as he studied her, sensing the truth in her words but unsure of what to make of it. “What happened?” he asked hesitantly.

Mea shook her head, her magenta hair falling around her like a curtain. “That’s a story for another time,” she said, her tone gentle but firm. “For now, all you need to know is that I survived. And so will you.”

Eren’s jaw tightened, his gaze dropping to the table. “It’s not just about surviving,” he muttered. “It’s about winning. About making sure this doesn’t happen to anyone else.”

Mea reached out, placing a hand on his cheek and guiding his gaze back to hers. “And you will,” she said firmly. “But don’t let that darkness consume you, Eren. It’s a dangerous thing, and once it takes hold, it’s hard to let go. Trust me—I know.”

Eren stared at her, the intensity in his green eyes softening slightly. For a moment, it seemed as though he might argue, but instead, he nodded faintly, the tension in his shoulders easing just a little.

Across the room, Levi and Mikasa had been watching the interaction with wary eyes. Levi’s sharp gaze flicked between Eren and Mea, his expression unreadable. “He’s listening to her,” he muttered, his tone filled with both surprise and unease.

Mikasa’s lips pressed into a thin line, her protective instincts warring with her cautious respect for Mea. “For now,” she said quietly. “But I don’t trust her.”

Levi didn’t respond, his steel-gray eyes narrowing as he continued to watch Eren and Mea. Whatever was happening between them, it was clear that Mea had a way of cutting through Eren’s defenses—a way that no one else seemed to be able to these days.

As the mess hall buzzed with conversation and laughter, Mea and Eren sat with their heads close together, their voices hushed as they spoke. For the first time in a long time, Eren’s expression seemed just a little less burdened, and the scouts couldn’t help but wonder: was Mea truly the whimsical, lazy drunk she appeared to be, or was there something far deeper behind that playful facade?

Sasha, still savoring her conjured steak, was happily humming to herself between bites, her eyes closed as if in a dream. Jean and Connie sat nearby, their gazes drifting longingly toward the food on her plate.

“Uh, Mea?” Connie called out hesitantly, leaning forward on the bench. “Any chance I could get a steak too? That looks… amazing.”

Sasha perked up at his words, swallowing a bite before chiming in. “Actually, Mea, could I have seconds? This is the best steak I’ve ever had in my life!”

Jean, never one to miss out, raised his hand lazily. “Yeah, me too. If you’re already making them, might as well make one for me, right?”

Mea, still perched on Eren’s lap, tilted her head with a dramatic sigh. “Oh, darlings, if I were to create steaks for everyone, I’d drain all my precious magic,” she said, her tone dripping with mock exhaustion.

Goldfish Levi, hovering nearby with a twitch in his fins, let out an incredulous scoff. “That’s a goddamn lie,” he said flatly, his tone as sharp as Levi’s own. “Your body is practically overflowing with magic. You’re just too lazy to do it.”

Mea gave him an innocent look, her magenta eyes sparkling. “Goldie, must you ruin the mystique?” she teased before snapping her fingers. In an instant, three perfectly cooked steaks materialized on the table in front of Connie, Sasha, and Jean, each plate complete with sides of golden potatoes and roasted vegetables.

Sasha’s eyes sparkled with joy as she immediately dug in, while Connie and Jean exchanged wide-eyed glances before diving into their meals. “Thanks, Mea!” Connie called out through a mouthful of steak.

“Yeah, thanks,” Jean added, though his tone carried a hint of suspicion. “But, uh… how do you even do that? I mean, steaks out of thin air? That’s not normal.”

At this, Hange’s ears perked up, and she practically bolted over to Mea, her notebook already in hand. “Oh, I need to know how you do this!” Hange exclaimed, her eyes alight with curiosity. “How can you just create food—perfectly cooked food—out of nowhere?”

Mea chuckled softly, getting off Eren’s lap as she floated back to her chaise. “Oh, darling, I don’t create these things,” she explained, her voice smooth and patient. “I conjure them. There’s a difference.”

“What’s the difference?” Hange asked, their pen poised over the page.

“Well,” Mea began, twirling a strand of magenta hair around her finger, “creation implies making something from nothing. I don’t do that. My magic works by summoning things—finding what I’m looking for and bringing it into this reality. These steaks, for example, could come from a completely different universe.”

The room fell silent at her words. Even Levi, glanced up, his grey eyes narrowing slightly. Mikasa frowned, her arms crossed as she regarded Mea with suspicion, while Jean froze mid-bite, staring at his plate as if it might vanish before his eyes.

“Wait,” Hange said, their voice rising with excitement. “You’re saying… other universes are real?”

Mea smiled, her magenta eyes glinting with amusement. “Oh, of course, darling,” she said lightly. “There are trillions of universes out there, each one unique and impossible to fully explore. Why, where do you think Goldie came from?”

All eyes turned to Goldfish Levi, who hovered mid-air with his usual stoic expression. “What’s that supposed to mean?” Jean asked, his tone laced with disbelief. “Wait you were serious when you mentioned he was from a different world? He’s not just a random goldfish who thinks he’s Levi Ackerman.”

Goldfish Levi bristled, his fins twitching as he glared at Jean. “I am Levi Ackerman,” he snapped. “Just not from your universe.”

Mea nodded, her smile widening. “Exactly,” she said. “Goldie here is Levi from a universe where he’s a goldfish instead of a human. It’s not so hard to understand, is it?”

The scouts exchanged uneasy glances, their skepticism written all over their faces. Hange, however, looked ready to burst with excitement. “This is incredible!” she exclaimed, scribbling furiously in her notebook. “Alternate universes, parallel realities… the possibilities are endless! Mea, have you explored these universes? What are they like?”

Mea laughed softly, shaking her head. “Oh, darling, I’ve only scratched the surface,” she said. “There are so many, it’s impossible to see them all. But I’ve seen enough to know that every universe has its own quirks.”

She paused, her smile turning mischievous as she regarded the group. “For example,” she continued, her tone light and teasing, “there’s a universe where Levi is mated to a  siren—a pretty lavender-haired creature of the sea. And another where he’s engaged to a princess from a faraway empire.”

Jean snorted, leaning back in his chair with a skeptical look. “Yeah, right,” he said. “Captain? With a princess? I don’t buy it.”

Mea’s grin widened. “Oh, and let’s not forget the universe where Levi is married to a shy baker who makes the most divine pastries you’ve ever tasted.”

That caught Sasha’s attention, and she looked up from her steak with wide eyes. “A baker?” she repeated, her voice filled with awe. “What kind of pastries?”

“Enough,” Levi snapped, his voice cutting through the growing murmurs. He fixed Mea with a cold glare, his steel-gray eyes narrowing. “This is bullshit.”

Mea simply smiled, leaning forward slightly as she met his glare head-on. “Is it, darling?” she said softly, her voice filled with a playful edge. 

The scouts continued to argue among themselves, their voices overlapping in a mix of skepticism and curiosity. Levi, clearly done with the conversation, turned away with a muttered curse, leaving Mea to her own devices.

And as the room slowly returned to its usual buzz of activity, Mea reclined on her chaise once more, her expression serene. The mysteries of the multiverse were hers to know, and for now, that was more than enough.

Sasha continued to laugh at the absurd idea of a Levi with a siren, while Jean scoffed at the thought of Levi as a doting husband to a baker. Hange, as expected, was still in her element, firing off question after question about multiverses, timelines, and the mechanics of Mea’s magic.

Eren, however, wasn’t listening. His green eyes were fixed on Mea as she reclined lazily on her chaise, casually engaging in conversation with Hange, Jean, and Sasha. She looked so at ease, her whimsical demeanor completely at odds with the depths of wisdom and sadness she had revealed earlier. Eren’s mind replayed their hushed conversation from dinner, her voice soft but weighted with meaning as she spoke of burdens, loss, and the danger of being consumed by darkness.

And then there was the other memory—her drunken outburst on the night of her arrival. The name she had shouted in her stupor, filled with venom and heartbreak: Jason.

Goldfish Levi’s warning echoed in Eren’s mind. “Don’t ever say that name around her. It’s a trigger. She’ll lose control, and you don’t want to see that.”

But Eren was nothing if not reckless and impulsive. The curiosity gnawed at him, a relentless force that demanded answers. Who was Jason? What had he done to someone as powerful and enigmatic as Mea? How had he managed to break her?

Before he could stop himself, Eren’s voice cut through the laughter and conversation. “Mea,” he said, his tone steady but probing. “Who is Jason?”

The room fell silent.

Goldfish Levi froze mid-air, the cutlery he had been holding clattering to the ground. His wide-eyed horror was immediate. “What the hell, Eren?!” he hissed, his voice laced with panic. “Are you out of your goddamn mind?!”

The scouts, sensing the sudden shift in the air, exchanged uneasy glances. Even Sasha, mid-bite, paused, her fork hovering in front of her mouth as she looked between Eren and Mea.

Mea, who had been mid-sentence in her conversation with Hange, slowly lowered her glass. Her relaxed posture stiffened, and the air around her seemed to darken, an oppressive weight pressing down on the room. Magenta sparks began to crackle and flare around her, dancing in erratic patterns as her fingers clenched the edge of her chaise. Her jaw tightened, veins becoming visible on her forehead as her teeth ground together audibly.

“Eren,” Goldfish Levi said, his voice rising in alarm. “I told you to never mention that name around her! What the hell is wrong with you?!”

Levi’s sharp gaze snapped to Eren, his steel-gray eyes narrowing. “Jaeger,” he said, his voice cold and dangerous. “Explain yourself. Now.”

But Eren didn’t move. His green eyes remained locked on Mea, his expression unflinching as the sparks around her grew more violent. It was as though she were holding back the raw energy of a storm, barely contained and ready to erupt.

“Eren!” Levi barked, stepping forward. “Stand down, you idiot! Back away before she blows this whole place to hell!”

Still, Eren didn’t move. His voice was calm but insistent as he addressed Mea. “You said his name in your sleep,” he said, his tone cutting through the tension like a blade. “We all heard it. I want to know—who was Jason? What did he do to you?”

Mea’s magenta eyes snapped to Eren, her gaze blazing with fury. For a moment, it looked as though she might unleash her magic on him right then and there. The sparks around her grew brighter, and the air crackled with raw power, sending a shiver down the spines of everyone present.

“How do you know that name?” she demanded, her voice low and venomous.

Eren met her glare without flinching. “Like I said,” he replied evenly. “You said it in your sleep.”

Goldfish Levi frantically floated in front of Mea, his fins twitching as he tried to placate her. “Mea, calm down,” he urged, his tone desperate. “He’s an idiot, okay? He doesn’t know what he’s doing. Don’t—don’t blow up the damn mess hall!”

The other scouts, now thoroughly alarmed, began to back away from the table. Levi raised a hand, signaling for them to keep their distance. “Everyone, stay back,” he ordered, his voice sharp. “She’s about to lose it.”

Hange, despite her fascination with Mea’s magic, looked genuinely concerned as she grabbed her notebook and edged toward the door. “This… this might not end well,” she muttered, glancing nervously at the swirling energy around Mea.

Mea’s hands trembled as she clenched her fists, the magenta sparks dancing dangerously close to the wooden floor. For a moment, the rage in her expression was all-consuming, and the scouts could see why Goldfish Levi had warned them about this. She was terrifying, a force of nature barely held in check.

But then, with visible effort, Mea exhaled slowly, her shoulders relaxing slightly as she forced the sparks to subside. The air around her remained tense, but the immediate danger seemed to pass. She leaned back on her chaise, though her expression was far from calm.

“Jason,” she said finally, her voice dripping with disdain. “Is someone I should have killed the moment I saw him.”

The room remained silent, no one daring to speak as Mea’s magenta eyes narrowed. She conjured a drink with a sharp flick of her fingers, the glass materializing almost violently in her hand. Taking a long sip, she fixed Eren with a pointed look. “Leave it at that,” she said coldly. “If you know what’s good for you.”

Goldfish Levi sighed in visible relief, his fins drooping as he turned to glare at Eren. “You’re a goddamn moron,” he muttered. “You’re lucky she didn’t vaporize you.”

Levi folded his arms, his glare icy as he addressed Eren. “Goldfish Levi told you not to provoke her,” he said, his tone deadly. “What the hell were you thinking?”

Eren, however, remained silent, his gaze lingering on Mea as she sipped her drink with an irritated look on her face. He had wanted answers, and while he hadn’t gotten the full story, one thing was clear: Jason had left a scar on Mea that hadn’t healed in thousands of years.

And as Eren returned to his seat, his mind churned with questions. What had Jason done? And why did someone as powerful as Mea still carry that pain?

The mess hall had descended into an oppressive, suffocating silence. The tension hung heavy in the air, as though a single misstep or careless word could set off another storm. Mea remained seated on her chaise, her expression dark and simmering with barely-contained anger. Her magenta eyes, usually sparkling with mischief or amusement, were hard and unyielding as she sipped from her glass. The drink didn’t seem to relax her this time—it was merely something to occupy her hands.

Goldfish Levi, however, wasn’t letting the moment pass quietly. Hovering near Eren, he repeatedly slapped the side of the young man’s head with his fin, each strike accompanied by a sharp, scolding remark.

“What the hell were you thinking?” slap “I told you—specifically told you—not to say that name!” slap “Are you actually trying to get yourself killed?” slap

Eren, stoic as ever, didn’t flinch from the blows. He merely sat there, his green eyes fixed on the table in front of him as he absorbed the reprimand in silence. His expression was unreadable, but there was a heaviness in his gaze, a weight that suggested he was already questioning his decision.

“Goldfish Levi,” Levi said sharply, breaking the silence. His tone was cold, but there was an underlying tension that betrayed his own unease. “That’s enough.”

Goldfish Levi turned to his human counterpart with an irritated huff, his fins twitching. “Enough? Enough?! Do you understand what he just did? Do you have any idea how close we came to disaster?”

Levi’s steel-gray eyes flicked toward Mea, who was still drinking in silence, her magenta hair spilling over her shoulders like a veil. Her calm was deceptive, a fragile mask barely hiding the storm that still brewed beneath the surface. “I understand,” Levi said quietly, his tone low and controlled. “But right now, she’s holding it together. If you keep making noise, you might push her over the edge.”

Goldfish Levi hesitated, his fins twitching again before he reluctantly floated back to Mea’s side. “I swear,” he muttered under his breath. “One of these days, I need a vacation.”

The rest of the scouts exchanged uneasy glances, unsure of what to say or do. Mikasa, her protective instincts on high alert, shot Eren a sharp glare. “Why did you have to push her?” she demanded, her voice low but heated. “You should’ve left it alone.”

Eren finally looked up, his expression hard. “I wanted to know the truth,” he said simply.

“You’re reckless,” Mikasa snapped, her tone icy. “And now we all almost paid for it.”

Jean crossed his arms, his voice tinged with nervous humor as he attempted to break the tension. “Well, at least she didn’t blow us all to smithereens. Small victories, right?”

“Not funny, Jean,” Sasha muttered, her eyes darting nervously toward Mea.

Hange, who had been quietly observing from the edge of the room, stepped forward cautiously, her notebook still clutched in her hands. “Let’s give her some space,” she suggested, her tone uncharacteristically gentle. “She’s clearly upset, and pushing her further won’t help anyone.”

As if on cue, Mea suddenly set her glass down with a sharp clink, the sound cutting through the heavy silence. She rose gracefully from her chaise, her movements slow and deliberate. For a moment, she stood there, her magenta eyes scanning the room with an unreadable expression. Then, without a word, she floated toward the door, her magenta hair trailing behind her like a comet’s tail.

“I’m going to get some air,” she said coolly, her voice devoid of its usual playfulness. The door creaked open, and she disappeared into the night, the faint hum of her magic lingering in her wake.

The scouts remained frozen for a moment, the tension in the room still palpable. Finally, Connie broke the silence, his voice barely above a whisper. “Should we… go after her?”

“No,” Levi said firmly, his tone brooking no argument. “Give her space. She’ll come back when she’s ready.”

Goldfish Levi let out a heavy sigh, shaking his head as he floated toward the table. “She’s unpredictable,” he muttered. “But when she’s like this… it’s best to let her cool off on her own.”

Hange nodded, their brow furrowed as they jotted down a few quick notes. “She’s clearly carrying a lot,” she said softly. “More than she lets on.”

Eren, still seated, stared at the door through which Mea had left, his green eyes dark with thought. He said nothing, but his mind churned with questions. Jason. The name lingered in his thoughts, heavy and unanswered. 

…

Outside, the night air was cool and crisp, the stars scattered across the sky like tiny diamonds. The faint hum of the barrier surrounded the HQ, a reminder of Mea’s power and the protection she had given them. Mea floated just beyond the edge of the training grounds, her magenta glow illuminating the grass beneath her.

She exhaled slowly, the tension in her shoulders easing as the cool air brushed against her skin. The anger still simmered within her, but it no longer threatened to consume her. She conjured another drink, swirling the magenta liquid in her glass as her thoughts drifted.

Jason. The name was a bitter weight in her mind, a wound that had never fully healed despite the millenia that had passed. Her fingers tightened around the glass, and for a moment, her usual composure faltered. The memories were always there, lurking beneath the surface, ready to strike when she least expected it.

She closed her eyes, taking another slow breath as she steadied herself. Not here. Not now.

The faint shadow of a figure on the grass drew her attention, and she turned to see Goldfish Levi hovering nearby. He said nothing, his fins twitching as he watched her with a mixture of concern and exasperation.

“You’re a fool,” he said finally, his voice quiet but firm.

Mea let out a soft laugh, though it lacked her usual warmth. “Aren’t we all?” she replied, her gaze drifting back to the stars.

Goldfish Levi hesitated before floating closer. “He didn’t mean to hurt you,” he said, his tone uncharacteristically gentle. “He’s just… reckless.”

Mea sighed, her magenta eyes softening slightly. “Recklessness can be dangerous, Goldie,” she murmured. “But it can also lead to answers.” She raised her glass in a mock toast before taking another sip, the bitterness in her expression fading just enough to reveal a glimmer of her usual self.

For now, the storm had passed. But the scars remained, and the name Jason lingered in the air, unspoken but ever-present.

The sound of approaching footsteps broke the stillness, and she turned her head slightly, her magenta eyes narrowing as she saw Eren walking toward her. Before he could get close, Goldfish Levi swam in front of him, his fins flaring dramatically as he intercepted Eren.

“Oh, no, you don’t!” Goldfish Levi barked, slapping Eren’s legs repeatedly with his fins. “You’ve done enough for one night! Go back inside before you make things worse.”

Eren frowned but didn’t move. “I need to talk to her.”

“You’ve already said enough, you idiot!” Goldfish Levi snapped, circling him aggressively. “Do you have a death wish, or are you just that stupid? Because I swear to everything holy, if you set her off again—”

“It’s okay, Goldie,” Mea interrupted softly, her voice carrying a surprising note of calm. She floated a little closer, her magenta glow illuminating her serene expression. “Let him stay.”

Goldfish Levi hesitated, clearly torn between his protective instincts and his respect for Mea’s wishes. Finally, with a dramatic huff, he floated away, muttering under his breath. “Fine. But if he screws this up again, I will drown him in his sleep.”

Mea chuckled softly, the sound light but tinged with weariness. “Thank you, Goldie,” she said, watching him disappear into the shadows. Then, her gaze shifted back to Eren, her expression curious but guarded. “Well, darling, what is it you wanted to say?”

Eren stepped closer, his green eyes searching hers. For once, he seemed hesitant, his usual stoic demeanor softened by an unfamiliar vulnerability. “I wanted to apologize,” he said quietly. “For earlier. I didn’t mean to… trigger you.”

Mea raised an eyebrow, her lips curving into a faint smile. “An apology from you? That’s rare,” she teased gently, though her tone lacked its usual bite.

Eren ignored her quip, his expression earnest. “I just…” He paused, searching for the right words. “I just don’t understand. You’re so powerful. You can do things I can’t even imagine. How could someone hurt you? Someone like you shouldn’t be able to be hurt, right?”

Mea’s smile faded, and she exhaled softly, her gaze drifting to the horizon. She took a moment to compose herself before speaking. “Ah, Eren,” she began, her voice tinged with a wistful sadness. “Power isn’t everything. It’s not some magical shield that protects you from pain or betrayal. In fact, sometimes it’s the very thing that makes you vulnerable.”

Eren frowned, his brow furrowing as he processed her words. “But if you’re strong enough,” he insisted, “you can fight back. You can make sure no one ever hurts you again. Isn’t that the whole point of power?”

Mea shook her head, her magenta hair catching the moonlight as she floated a little closer to him. “Power can help you fight, yes,” she said gently. “But it can’t protect you from everything. Some scars cut so deep that no amount of strength can erase them. Those wounds… they stay with you, no matter how strong you become. They change you.”

Eren’s gaze dropped to the ground, his fists clenching at his sides. “Then what’s the point?” he muttered. “If power isn’t enough, then what am I supposed to do?”

Mea reached out, her gloved hand lightly brushing against his shoulder. “It’s not about the scars themselves, darling,” she said softly. “It’s about how you let them change you. You can let them consume you, let them turn you into something bitter and cruel. Or you can let them teach you, shape you into someone stronger—not just in power, but in spirit.”

She paused, her expression darkening slightly as her gaze turned inward. “When I was younger… when my country fell… I let my pain control me. I did horrible, unspeakable things because I was blinded by it. I thought if I lashed out at the world, it would somehow ease the ache inside me. But all it did was create more pain.”

Eren looked up at her, his green eyes filled with a mixture of curiosity and something deeper—understanding, perhaps. “And now?” he asked quietly.

Mea smiled faintly, though it was tinged with sadness. “Now, I’ve learned to control it. Oh, I’m still triggered by certain things—Jason’s name, for one,” she admitted with a wry chuckle. “But I’m not reckless anymore. I’m not cruel. I’ve spent centuries trying to atone for the sins I committed in my anger. That’s why I’m here, on Paradis. You’re people who need help. And if helping you is my penance, then so be it.”

Eren studied her for a long moment, her words sinking in. For the first time, he saw beyond her lazy, whimsical facade, beyond the teasing smiles and alcoholic bravado. She wasn’t just powerful—she was someone who had endured unimaginable loss and come out the other side, scarred but determined to do better. It was a kind of strength he hadn’t considered before, and it left him with a newfound respect for her.

As Mea floated in front of him, her magenta glow silhouetted against the moon, Eren couldn’t help but notice how ethereal she looked. The moonlight framed her delicate features, her hair flowing like liquid light around her. The sight made his cheeks flush faintly, and he quickly looked away, his expression flustered.

Mea, ever perceptive, caught the subtle shift in his demeanor and grinned. “Oh, darling,” she teased, floating a little closer. “Are you blushing? How precious.”

“I’m not blushing,” Eren muttered, though his reddened ears betrayed him.

Mea laughed softly, the sound like chimes in the night. Reaching out, she pinched his cheek lightly, her touch playful. “You’re lucky I think you’re so handsome,” she said with a wink. “Otherwise, I might’ve turned you into a toad for earlier.”

Eren let out a quiet huff, his lips twitching into the faintest hint of a smile. “I’ll try to keep that in mind.”

As the two of them stood together under the moonlight, the tension from earlier seemed to fade, replaced by a tentative understanding. Mea’s words had given Eren much to think about, and for the first time, he found himself seeing her not as a whimsical nuisance, but as someone who might just understand him better than anyone else.

~

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[oxygenbefore1775]

teaching you how to play guitar

❧pairing: jean x afab!scout!reader

❧tags: smut (minors/ageless blogs dni), mid-timeskip

❧cw: fingering, one (1) petname used, overstim, weird as shit guitar imagery

❧wc: 1,4k

❧summary: while out on deployment you asked jean to teach you how to play a guitar

❧a/n: my first dab into the full-on smut; that's what the poll was about; posting it *unconspicuously* in honor of jeans bd; thanx to /hangeslefteye and /pisspope for fueling the shitshow that was my brain while writing this (not tagging directly cuz i dont wanna bother you to much)

"Do you mind teaching me how to play?" 

You finally collected enough courage to come up to him for the first time as your squadron was settling down for the night. Jean Kirstein — elite and revered member of the Survey Corps — took his eyes off the singing strings to meet yours. His quick with movements fingers though kept on fiddling, with precise pinches and harsh strokes to the cords eliciting a lively tune out of otherwise stiff metal. Truly fascinating you found this, alluring even, that his fingers were capable of creating such a lovely thing.

Service had become luck-luster and boring as of late with all the titans eradicated and Survey Corps having nothing better to do other than to sit around on the coast waylaying the currently non-existing Marleyan ships, as you explained to Jean. Then might as well entertain yourself and put the hours into a skill that you'd actually enjoy, you mused.

He agreed surprisingly easy. Amber of his eyes shimmering from the flames of the dying campfire as he suggested you two should meet after the lights-out in his tent. It was bigger than yours anyway and his only tentmate Connie was on the watch duty that night so you could have all the place to yourselves.

At that time you thought that the glint in his eyes was all anticipation at the sight of a near practice session, seeing as Jean found guilty pleasure in patronizing. That smile he gave you as you both parted your ways quickly morphed into an amorous smirk when you weren't looking anymore.

Who'd have thunk that it'd end up with you sprawled on the tarpaulin, mind fuzzy and body sheening with sweat, as Jean kept on spearing your sopping cunt with his fingers.

You'd give him that, he at least had a decency to actually start off with teaching you. Positioning himself behind you on the floor as you were holding a guitar, his arms going over yours to guide your movements. You were such a diligent student. Your eyes following each motion of his fingers in an attempt to recreate it afterwards, asking him to go through each chord step-by-step slowly this time and turning your pretty face to him in search of approval each time you got the sound right.

It wasn't like Jean wasn't enjoying teaching you. Just that his thoughts weren't exclusively dedicated to the process. Blame it on the pretty much non-existent distance between your ass and his crotch, your giddy with excitement wriggles coiling him even further. Jean nearly hissed at the feeling of his cock growing hard and heavy against the groove of your ass. The Scout uniform was already damningly form-hugging but now with the arousal taking form there surely wasn't a way for you to not notice it.

And notice it you did. Fucking hell. You couldn't help but to feel pleased with yourself. It's not every day that you get a chance to fuck Jean Kirstein. You leaned against him even more, trying to feel upon the outline of his cock.

Maybe you might've actually learned something about playing guitar this night. Too bad your body was pressing against his a little too hard for Jean's composure to last more than a few minutes before finally snapping. His mind giving way to the intrusive thoughts of your image he succumbed to the urge of planting hot wet kisses down your neck. Caught up by surprise you shuddered with pleasure each time his lips crushed into your supple skin, his mouth burning hot and greedy. Yet another avid caress captivating your lips, you felt Jean's hands pry the guitar away from your grasp and putting it aside as he intended on having you only to himself this night.

"Jean!" you gasped almost jerking at his mere touch to your core once he finally had you bare beneath him, "Your fingers, they're too rough"

The curve of his lips gained a feigned sympathetic expression as he brought his fingertips to his mouth to wet them.

"That's how it's gonna be though," he sweetened your sudden discontent with his tongue licking away at your entrance, "Playing the strings got my pads all rough. But these fingers are meant to last so by the time I'm done with you'll be numb with pleasure"

As you'd come to know very shortly he wasn't the one to be throwing promises around.

His touch remained just as rough. The callouses on his fingertips bullying your sensitive flesh to no end. The whimpers and mewls falling past the brim of your bitten lips Jean drank up with such poise and pleasure as if he wasn't the one to cause them with every drag of his digits against your gummy walls. The solace you found in seeing scarlet stripes your nails left on his shoulders was although sweet yet not enough to forget about your discomfort. All you were left to do is to writhe and whine in a futile attempt to escape his merciless caresses.

But the way he was putting his fingers to use — good grief. As if possessing a hidden knowledge of your body all this time, Jean knew the exact points to hit to make you a squirming mess under his touch. Avid precision to his strokes, he never missed that sweet spot, the pressure he applied just right for your pleasure to get at its peak.

"Now, is that what gets you going sweet thing?" He'd coo at you each time he brought your features to a new stage of twisted pleasure, "Keep those pretty eyes open for me, would you?"

Bliss and pain mixing together in a ontradictory concoction, you felt as if your body would soon shut down.

The first time you came on his fingers, it was unexpected. Orgasm creeping up behind the waves pain and crushing over you in shudders. Ever so gracious, Jean helped you ride out your high, his body towering over yours and his lips covering your contorted face in quick pecks as he indulges you into another kiss.

"Jean," you carded your clammy fingers aimlessly through his hair, trying to get your fleeing mind some sort of purchase, "That was so good"

"I know," through the squint of your eyes you can see him smirk down at you, beaming with benevolence, "Boring life of a Scout, my ass. Just come to my tent every now and then and see how quickly you'd forget your complaints"

Your orgasm leaving you still so sensitive, you quickly noticed how his fingers returned to rubbing circles round your bud of nerves. Your clit still angry and puffy, it hurt so much each time his rough fingerpads did so much as brushed up slightly against your core.

With an intruding kiss he shushed your huffs of protest, "Oh, sweet thing I'm not done with you yet. Haven't you heard me the first time?" his hot breath searing the shell of your ear. "You'll be numb with pleasure"

The man of his word, he kept you up in the tent for almost all night drawing orgasm after orgasm out of your feeble body. Prying you open and discovering the new layers of bliss in you you've never even known of before.

How beautiful he was looking down at you, lulling your distress away with his attentive touch and caress. Like a string of his guitar he had you pinned down, left at the mercy of his never-resting fingers. Impeccable strokes succumbing your body to his will, whimpers and moans chording a sweet melody to his ears.

And just as promised, your mind was a haze, your flesh a putty under his touch by the end of the night. It seemed as your body had no bones, so pliable for him. As he held your trembling form close to his chest he kissed away the salt from your cheeks — the only remnants of your former soreness on your otherwise painted with bliss features.

"Such a sweet thing for me," you smiled lazily at his words, "Coming undone on my fingers like that. The next time I'm teaching you playing guitar, you're going to be riding my dick all throughout"

[fullscoreshenanigans]

Gildayshe Musings (plus past one-sided Gildemma)

(Chapter 143)

Despite Ayshe only debuting in chapter 135 and not featuring in all of the subsequent 49 chapters of the series, Gildayshe is my favorite ship for both girls. This is for the very important primary reason of I think they look cute together.

Besides this crucial point, below the cut are some musings that act as the foundation for my interpretation of a potential relationship for them. (Somewhat of a complementary piece to this one speculating on what Norman said to Ayshe in chapter 160, doubling as a “this is how my default endgame ships coincide with one another” explanation.)

“I read a book one time; it said the outside world has hundreds of clothing designs and patterns, and I wanna wear them all!” (S1 Episode 1)

I love seeing Gilda’s growth across the series. When we first meet her, she’s not afraid to voice her opinion to most of her siblings, she’s competent enough to be considered a Mom candidate under Isabella’s specific standards that has only her and Emma interacting with the young infants in the plant

(Chapter 12)

in addition to being among the five decreed fit to serve as an offering to The One, and her younger siblings have a deep admiration and respect for her that becomes even stronger post-escape.

(Chapter 95 Bonus Sketch; she’s familiar with child care, cleaning, and laundry from Grace Field, but on top of all that she picks up cooking and gardening with ease.)

They trust her and feel safe in her presence, effectively thinking of her as a surrogate mother at points (we won’t get into how cruel it is she has to take up that role at the tender age of ten).

“The night that Conny left, Emma and Norman both went down to the gate. In most cases‚ even if you had broken the rules, you’d eventually come clean about it and things would go back to normal, but you haven’t done that yet.” (S1 Episode 4)

(Chapter 11)

But in the face of authority or those she views as being more capable than her, she’ll withdraw and become meek when pressed. She was scared about what would cause Emma and Norman to not come clean to Isabella, scared that something might have happened to Conny, and scared that Emma might be upset at her for asking, and she feels so stressed and guilty about it that she cries. Emma doesn’t hesitate to embrace and comfort her, even if at the time she’s not telling Gilda the full truth about their situation.

I mentioned in my post about Don and Ray’s relationship that while Don respects and admires all his older siblings, it’s Ray’s approval that he seeks the most. For Gilda, she wishes to be closest to and connect with Emma.

(S1 Episode 6)

(S1 Episode 7)

We see her cling to Emma, following her lead, looking to her for guidance and protection. Norman was also an option to hide behind here, but despite the respect and love she holds for her older brother, she still opts for Emma.

And it’s from her conversation with Emma in chapter 11/episode 4 that she draws strength from when meeting with Krone later that evening.

(The way her eyes shimmer here. She values their bond so much. ;;)

For Gilda, Emma has always been a safe, grounding presence, and it’s in her presence that she begins to sort out what she likes and admires in girls. She loves Emma’s drive and conviction—pointing out to Don that Emma must be serious about the claims regarding Isabella because “Emma loves Mom and this house just as much as the rest of us”—and, let’s be real, Emma’s adorable; it’s not hard to understand how Gilda could crush on her and be drawn to her magnetic personality.

(Chapter 35)

To watch her take to heart Emma’s core beliefs of prioritizing family and how no one should be sacrificed in order to ensure the survival of others, and then expanding beyond Emma’s original scope to include the children of the four other plants—something that Emma herself adopts and eventually wants to extend to every single cattle child in the demon world—even if she’s terrified about everything that could go wrong with the plan, how her voicing her thoughts could derail said plan, and the uncertainty of the world beyond the walls of Grace Field, is incredibly heartwarming.

We see Gilda’s growing confidence and sense of responsibility toward her family continue to be displayed post-escape.

(Chapter 44)

She’s the first to voice caution about Mujika approaching their group and confronts her about who she is and what her purpose is there (while protectively cradling Emma). After such a harrowing first day out in demon world, it’s no wonder she directly confronts Emma later either.

(S2 Episode 2)

I particularly like how in the anime they show a bit more hesitancy on her part as she walks up to Emma and then how she leans over her when addressing her, not only because she’s frustrated about Emma seemingly unable to conceive that everyone could be worried about her after their conversation in chapter 19/episode 6 of season 1 where she committed to being honest and sharing the burden with them along with Emma underestimating her personal limits, but it’s also the first time Gilda adamantly puts herself in conflict with Emma. While never quite putting her up on pedestal or seeing her as infallible, before she would ultimately defer to Emma and rely on her to make the most sound choice in a dire situation. She didn’t here—not out of malice, but maybe a bit of ego that could come off as her going back on what she said to Gilda back at the house—and the children are so incredibly lucky it was Mujika and Sonju they ran into instead of practically any other demon.

One could easily cite this and further instances of Gilda’s protectiveness over Emma as evidence of later Gildemma (e.g., threatening to blow up the shelter if she and Ray don’t come back from Goldy Pond alive, initially being happy with Norman’s plan to exterminate the demons while specifically citing the reason “this way, you won’t have to carry such a huge burden, Emma” [chapter 121], and pleading with Emma to tell her “why? why does it always have to be you?” when it comes to risking her life for everyone else [chapter 130]), but for the sake of my narrative here I interpret it as her crush beginning to fade alongside the arrival of the Goldy Pond children at the bunker.

For nearly her entire life, her world was the confines of Grace Field. Familiarity breeds content in this case, and being in proximity to Emma, someone she deeply admired who embodied warmth, caring, strength, and safety, Gilda felt safe and comfortable exploring her burgeoning feelings with her in mind, and this is how she sorts out she’s a lesbian fairly early on. When the truth of Grace Field is revealed to Emma and Norman, it hurts her to see Emma grow distant over the course of two weeks. When Emma lets her in on the horrible reality of their situation, Gilda is able to bear it because she finds a tremendous amount of solace facing it together with her. It’s just them and their siblings against a world filled with adults and demons.

But with the arrival of the Goldy Pond children it begins to sink in for her that there really is a world beyond the walls of Grace Field. Emma is still incredibly dear to her and she was absolutely foundational for Gilda being able to sort out some of what she likes in girls, but at the same time, it was a crush born out of proximity and convenience, and with the search for Cuvitidala and then the Seven Walls laid out before them, trying to avoid being eaten by wild demons and pursued by ones from the farms, the romantic bent of it fizzles out for her. (Emma, meanwhile, is oblivious. Despite having an acute emotional awareness of the people around her at such a young age, on matters such as these that concern herself, she falls a bit behind.)

Something that never fizzles out for Gilda, however, is her commitment to her family.

(Chapter 135)

Enter Ayshe, a girl who sometime between February and October 2047 arrived at the paradise hideout after Norman and co. murdered the demon who had raised her as his own daughter.

(Chapter 139)

Other than their dogs, he was the only family she had. The only other being she had extended conversations with in multiple languages for nearly thirteen years of her life. Even with the knowledge of the common language spoken by demons and humans alike, she refused to get close to anyone at paradise hideout, partially due to not wanting to give away that she could understand everything that was being said around her to have the upper hand when she enacted her revenge, and partially due to believing all humans hated all demons. Why would she want to get close to people who couldn’t or wouldn’t want to try and understand the bond she held with her father?

(Chapter 139)

Don and Gilda are the first humans to go against her assumptions. While expressing hesitancy at embracing Emma’s goal uncritically, they don’t want a demon genocide to take place because they don’t view them as a monolith deserving of harsh retribution. Despite the suffering they’ve endured under the farm system, after traveling and seeing how regular demonfolk lived, they know things aren’t as simple as that, plus they’re forever indebted to Sonju and Mujika and regard them fondly. Maybe not to the degree of fondness Ayshe held for her father, but more than she believed other humans were capable of holding for demons.

On top of all this, the duo’s open relief at the news that Ayshe isn’t an assassin is simultaneously an indication how they still value their relationship with Norman and would rather be in the least amount of conflict with him as possible, and this is after Ayshe just told them she was planning on killing him. He’s hurt her so very, very deeply, but she can conceptually understand where the two are coming from because she valued her bond with her father. Even if they’re obviously biased toward their brother, it still causes her to pause and briefly reevaluate the situation before voicing her worries. They didn’t rebuke her or try to argue against her plan to kill Norman and co. because they understand what the group did to Ayshe’s father was wrong, but they also, intentionally or not, showed her there was still something in that relationship that was worth holding onto for them.

(Chapter 144)

Even after Norman confirms their initial worries of being used as bait to lure Mujika and Sonju into a sense of false security.

(Chapter 144)

It’s far from an innately shippy moment, but this scene is what underpins Gildayshe for me. I like to think it serves as a character-defining moment for Gilda to Ayshe.

Gilda, who, even though she considered Norman’s betrayal a possibility before the wolf pack trio set off in search of Mujika, was still devastated about being used by him after she and her family believed he was dead for nearly two years and had only just reunited with him, and hoping for the best possible outcome of being able to stop the genocide after taking Emma’s stance to heart and saving the older brother she loved because she understands he’s suffered at Lambda.

Ayshe, who had a life filled with love from her adoptive father unwittingly stolen by Norman, is taken aback by this sorrowful reaction and heartfelt plea. She doesn’t look angry, though there’s obviously still some inner conflict over this based on her reaction to Norman in Ch160 (see this post and this post for further thoughts on that because I genuinely don’t believe she would have reacted the way she did if Don and Gilda hadn’t acted as a buffer for her vengeance), but this is different from the tears Gilda and Don shed in chapter 139 that are portrayed with a more lighthearted, humorous tone. She’s lived almost entirely isolated her whole life, her father becoming even more of a recluse than he was before in order to protect her from a society that, at large, wouldn’t hesitate to eat her. The only other heartbreaking display she’s witnessed in her life greater than this one was likely her father reaching out to her as he succumbed to his injuries.

But this girl she’s known for roughly four days not only holds compassion for the person who wronged her personally, but the entire demon race whose sentient existence is predicated on eating humans like her. I like to think it serves as a character-defining moment for Gilda to Ayshe that stays with her and provides a foundation for things happening between them in the human world.

[ninjadeathblade]

Moulin Rouge Discotrain AU (part eight)

Summary: (Post-game canon) The Conductor and DJ Grooves agree to finally work on a movie together. They come up with 'Moulin Rouge', a musical drama filled with romance. Over time the two directors grow closer and discover that maybe they don't hate each other as much.

Beginning | Previous | Next

Word count: 659

Warnings: None

Author's notes: Back at it again with this latest part. I don't know how it takes these two so long to realise their feelings for one another. Grooves has gotten a role in the movie! Not much else happens this chapter actually. Enjoy.

"This isn't working. Owlice isn't cutting in soon enough," Conductor whispered to Grooves, drumming his talons on the table as they watched the rehearsal of the scene again.

He turned back to the clamouring actors and Owlice's stammering.

"Cut!"

"Darling, I promise, I was sure she could play Christian superbly," Grooves replied, before standing and crossing onto the set.

Conductor was still trying to get used to seeing the penguin without his colourful jacket, making a mental note to return it later.

"Owlice, darling, don't be afraid to cut in! I know it can seem annoying to speak over your fellow actors but you must try! Or we'll have to award the role to another, which would be dreadful. You've been brilliant in your other scenes, what's wrong with this one?" Grooves asked.

"I- I'm sorry sir, I just…I'm not comfortable with singing," Owlice stuttered.

"But darling, your voice is like an angel's!"

"I don't like singing in front of people," Owlice sheepishly admitted.

"Yeah, singing in front of people isn't fun," Mustache Girl interjected, crossing her arms over her chest and looking at her fellow actors.

Hat Kid and Bow Kid nodded.

Conductor's patience had been wearing thin ever since the two other children arrived.

"Okay, darling, I'm gonna stand in and demonstrate what you should be doing, okay?" Grooves looked back and the Conductor and the owl gave a short nod of approval.

Maybe if Grooves stood in then they could actually get to work on the movie sooner.

"Alright peck necks, take it from the top!" Conductor yelled, watching as Owlice moved off of the set and sat down by one of the cameras.

He placed his head in his hand, knowing everything would probably go wrong.

Mustache Girl, Hat Kid and Bow Kid began yelling again as Grooves took his place on top of the ladder.

The penguin raised his flippers before singing.

"The hills are alive with the sound of music."

The Conductor raised his head, mouth hanging slightly agape as he looked at his co-director.

He'd never watched any of Grooves' movies so he didn't know if the penguin had ever sung before. But he nailed the notes of the song he'd composed.

"Alright, that's it, Grooves, come with me!" Conductor shouted, walking over to the rail of costumes at the side of the set.

"Is something wrong, darling?" Grooves questioned, taking a drink from his bottle of water.

"Christian is bein' recast," Conductor stated. "You're gonna take over as him."

Grooves spluttered and choked on his drink, eyes going wide behind his sunglasses.

"Connie, you- you can't be serious," Grooves laughed nervously, continuing in a panicky whisper. "I can't. It takes away from the possible talent the other actors have."

"Possible being the key word, eh? I'll have none of it. Owlice is a nice lass but she works in costumes and has nae acted before now," Conductor explained.

"Whereas you-"

Conductor paused, unsure about complimenting someone who was once his sworn rival.

"-you're a director and a…a good actor too. The movie will be better with you as Christian. Even if I have to put up with you callin' me Connie."

"But you were so against me even doing anything with his character before," Grooves pointed out.

"Because I didn't know the direction this movie was taking at that point. You'd be a good fit for him. But if you make a fool o' him then I'll have no choice but to change his casting," Conductor responded and Grooves chuckled nervously.

"I'll do my best."

"Good. Now get Owlice to fit you some costumes. Yer gonna need at least a couple suits," Conductor said, walking back over to where their table and scripts were.

"You're letting an owl do my outfit?" Grooves questioned, following him.

Conductor glared up at him.

"She'd do a better job than your penguins is all," Conductor grumbled, taking his seat again.

"If you say so, darling."

[strbymacaroon]

❀ After Last Night. (I Think I’m in Love With You.) ❀

❀ Armin Arlert x Reader ❀

Master-list: Here.

Previous Chapter (1): Me, Myself, and I… and Fine, Maybe, a Flower.

Current Chapter (2): My Bitchy Attitude, And Your Calm Understanding One.

❀ Sypnosis:

You loved your line of work… enough. That is if you could even call it a line of work.

It paid good, and you had your best friend Connie by your side. It could be worse. And now, you had another thing to worry about… Hiding this not-so approving line of work from your new roommate, Armin. A boy who rivals your own major, more than two academic weapons.

Tensions are high, and you are always one second away from clawing out his throat. And, for some reason, the way he's so patient with you, only furthers this emotion. To say this situation was less than ideal was to put it lightly. And, unfortunately, it wasn’t in the sexy way your classmate, Historia, romanized it to be.

But, you can’t shake the thought—why the hell does he look so familiar?

❀ Genre:

Alternate Universe - College/University, Questionable Job Choices, Double Life, enemies to lovers??

❀ Content Warning:

Gun Violence, Deception, Past Sexual Abuse, Psychological Trauma, Sexual Tension, Eventual Smut

❀ Word count:

7.6K Words.

A soft groan left you, the sun softly illuminating your face. Your legs felt heavy, while you reached over, who you addressed as, ‘Client 4,’ grabbing at your phone and turning it on, trying to get a glance at the time. Due to the morning blindness you couldn’t really see. 

If anything, you didn’t even want to see the time. You were too tired to function. The massive bed you were resting on was impossibly soft, sucking you into the sheets of internal sleep. If this is what death felt like, today would be your last day alive. Then again, your goal was to finish college, so death wasn’t acceptable as of right now. 

Client four grabbed your waist bringing you in closer to his body, his lips ghosting over the cleavage of your breast. A small shiver went down your spine as you wrapped your arms around his head, running your fingers through his messy hair. Planting a kiss on his forehead, “C’mon, babe, I have to go. I’ve overstayed my welcome.” You technically weren’t on the clock anymore. 

Client four groaned, making you roll your eye’s. He pointed to the corner of the room, saying something— but, it came out more like a jumble of words. Your guess was the bag contained the money he owed you. You gave him a final kiss, one where he kept you close. 

You pushed your legs off the bed, letting them hang off the side. The thick blanket sliding off your shoulders, making your skin prickle with goosebumps. Eyes sucking in the state of your thighs. Littered in various hues of red, and purple, all varying in size. 

You grimaced. 

Your body was decorated with a light purple lingerie set, with some black stockings to compliment the look. Your hair is messy from sleep, wavy and long around your body. I should really cut it. 

You pushed yourself off the bed, pushing your hair out of your face. Collecting it over your shoulder, being careful not to step on the assortment of fire-arms resting on the floor. It was something that made you cower inside. 

You grabbed your skirt, slipping it over your legs then to the center of your waist, zipping it up. You walked over to the bag, picking it up and looking at the context inside. 

Money. Your money. 

A stack of cash caught your attention, seeing it was stained with a single spot of dark red. You pressed your lips together, eyes softening every so slightly. How did this person get this money? 

You looked back to Client four, seeing him groggily wake up. He smiled, tilting his head. “You can keep the bag, just toss me your panties. Take care of your sugar daddy, yeah?” 

Pervert. You narrowed your eyes at him, suppressing a laugh. “Like hell, I did more than enough for you last night.” Both in bed, and in your actual profession. “You’re lucky I’m still here.” 

Client four raised his hand defensively, “Hey, just an offer.” He lowered his hands, resting them on the bed. Tapping the sheets, “You can keep the bag, since you did such a good job keeping me company last night, sugar baby.” 

You hated when he called you that, in fact, you hated when anyone called you that. Sure, it’s what people called what you did, but you didn’t think of it like that, at all. “If that’s what you want to call it, sure.” You responded coldly. 

Sure, it wasn’t good to be this rude towards Client four. But, you didn’t care, or, better yet, he didn’t care. He liked this side of you, and liked messing with you. Which you would do in return. It reminds him that you don’t see him as one of your clients, one where you need to project your fake persona to. Client four was just a friend, under weird circumstances. 

In retrospect… the two of you adored each other.

You hated to admit it, but it was true. 

Client four smiled at you, his perfect dimples denting into his skin. “C’mon, don’t be like that, babe.” He cooed, “Come give me a goodbye kiss before you go.” 

You couldn’t stop the very subtle smile on your lips, “You wish..” 

Client four noticed your smile, and could feel his heart flutter with pride. He managed to get you, the almighty, stone-cold bitch, to smile. That was an achievement that should be written in the Bible. The best part was, he was the only one to see it. “I do.” 

You looked around for your shirt, he pointed to the floor while sitting on the bed. “Thanks.” You walked to it glancing at the calendar, “You still keep a calendar, gross. Are you an old man, or something?” Your eyes skimmed over the weeks, landing on the date. You could feel your entire body freeze. 

You blinked a few times, “Hey.. what time is it?” 

Client four glanced at the clock. “Five, fifty six.”

You snapped your head to the clock, panicking. You quickly grabbed your shirt and slipped it on, shit— today was the day your roommate was moving in. You needed to be home to meet your roommate, and— let him into the damn house! You were a good forty minutes away from home as well. 

You looked down at your outfit, cringing. Of course, this had to be his first interaction with you. A girl who was wearing a short skirt, stocking, and a tight shirt that had a triangle cut to show off her boobs. You looked like a… 

The worst part of it was— you were littered in… marks. You didn’t even pass Client four a glance, just quickly made your way out of the massive house. Running into your car, and unlocking it as you threw your items in, turning it on and speeding down the driveway. You took another glance at the time. 

‘6:04’ 

Fuck. 

Your car sped down the freeway, while you tried to remove the jewelry, along with messed up makeup. You threw in a minty gum in your mouth, slowing down your car for a mere moment to get your real bag. The car’s GPS telling you how far you were from your location. Another glance at the time made you start to enhance your speed. 

‘6:23’ 

You quickly parked your car, while trying to grab at your bag, noticing a moving van. You took another glance in and noticed some more people. Your heart sank— “Please don’t tell me he brought his friends...” 

Another look at your outfit made a strangulated groan leave your mouth, as you slapped the car horn. You rubbed your face, grabbing your bag and getting out of the car. Putting your hair up in a messy ponytail as you did so. 

You let your head fall as you noticed that— your shoes. They were currently at Client Four's house instead of on your feet. Perfect. 

You slammed your car door shut. Making your way to the moving van, noticing three people, they consisted of two boys and one girl. The girl took a quick glance at you and smiled, then quickly went back to communicating. 

You walked closer to the van, catching the girl's attention again. You tilted your head at her complexion, it’s not everyday you get to see someone so pretty. 

Mikasa was slightly intrigued by your appearance, a hot girl that looked fed up. To Mikasa, when a person looked pissed, it made them even hotter. Despite that, a small voice was ringing in the back of her head, why did you look so familiar?

You on the other hand were mad, and embarrassed. You deep down were praying that, maybe— just maybe, this wasn’t your roommate. Maybe, these people happened to be random college students moving into this very rich area.

Mikasa rolled down the window, and smiled at you. You tried to return it, and started to speak. “Hi.” You placed a hand over your boobs, trying to hide the marks littered among them. You noticed you grabbed the attention of the two guys in the van. “Uh..” You could feel your eyebrows furrow, “So, are any of you?—“ You softly sighed, letting your hands drop to your side. The guys immediately looked at the newly exposed skin. “Armin Arlert?..” 

A small snicker came from one of the boys, as he slapped someone’s back. The door on the opposite side opened then shut, as someone walked to you. You could feel your eye twitch, forcing a weak wave. 

He waved back. 

So, this was Armin Arlert. 

You took a second to take in his appearance. He was tall, and had short blonde hair, with a few strands falling in front of his eyes. Then, there were his eyes, they were beautiful. Looked like a shade of painted-ocean blue. His shoulders were broad, arms and hands equally as large to match. His chest wide and long, this guy definitely works out. A button up shirt, with the sleeves rolled up his arms, revealing his forearms. Some plain gray pants, and nice simple shoes. It was his face that made you think, it looked sweet, almost innocent. 

You narrowed your eyes for a second, your brain running in laps. You've… seen this man before. His eyes are uniquely a different color from what you're used to, something you wouldn't easily forget. And, he wasn’t a past client, if he was, he would’ve been someone who you were currently with. Armin was more than you type.  

Some people are too hot to pass up. 

You reached out your hand, firmly grasping his hand, while he gently shook yours– immediately you noticed the size difference between the two. He was significantly bigger than you. 

You pulled your hand back, taking a step backwards. “Let– I’ll just show you to your room.” You led Armin into the building, looking back to see if he was following you. You gave another small wave as your eyes met again.

While you were silently cursing yourself out, Armin was taking in your figure. Not in a degrading way, but it was more genuine curiosity. He wanted to ask questions about what looked like a fun night. But, felt like saying such wouldn’t leave a good first impression. 

To Armin, first impressions are the most important when meeting someone. And, Armin can confidently say, you didn’t at all leave a very good impression. You were extremely late, and that left a bad taste in his mouth. It was mostly because Armin valued punctuality over anything. 

You placed your hand behind your back, “This was not the way I wanted to meet you.” Your voice was oddly still, almost bored. 

Armin laughed kindly, “I mean, at least you had fun with your boyfriend.” Armin’s eyes lingered to your neck, but looked away. A small voice was ringing in the back of her head, why did you look so familiar? Mikasa and Armin were weirdly psychic when it came to meeting new people.

You scoffed, a small pathetic laugh coming from you. “Yeah, right.” You seethed, only to shock yourself with your tone. Yet, you didn’t have the energy to correct it, more or less, cared to correct it. 

Armin’s eyebrows came together for a second, almost in shock and distaste. Huh. That bittersweet taste became stronger. 

“Oh.” You awkwardly laughed, toying with your neck. “I just got into a relationship, I’m not used to saying– you know, shit like that.” You stopped in front of a big door, glancing at the address number. 

Armin hummed, leaning at the wall while you dug into your purse for your keys. His eyes landed on your purse, a designer brand he knew he would never buy. Especially because of the price. Armin could feel his eyebrows furrow, maybe his mind was playing tricks on him, but Armin could’ve sworn he saw a stack of money. 

You unlocked the door and pushed it open, walking inside. You flipped on the lights, illuminating the entrance with light. You removed your stockings, tossed them to the side, and slipped on some slippers. “I can give you a house tour, or I can just hand you the keys. So, you and your friends can start moving your stuff in.” 

“I’ll just take the keys, I have something to do in a few hours.” Armin said, flashing you a kind smile.

You nodded your head. Internally rolling your eyes at his statement, it’s literally seven, you have to do something at twelve at night? Bullshit. “Sure, let me grab the spare for you.” You walked into the kitchen, pulling open a drawer and throwing the key at him. Something he caught with surprising ease. “I’ll just stay in my room while you pack, door’s unlocked if you need anything. Just knock.” You gave a quick wave, descending into your room, leaving Armin to himself. 

Armin made a call to Eren, walking back to the small moving van parked outside. Listening to the phone ring a few times, tapping his fingers against his thigh as he did so. The phone line picked up, “Hey, want us to start coming up?” 

Armin nodded, “Yeah, just open up the trunk for me.” He hung up. When Eren gave him the flier for a new place, he didn’t think it would be this. It was cheap, affordable, and allowed pets. Something he found a huge struggle when searching for houses. 

Armin couldn’t help, but wonder… How could you even afford a place like this? How rich were your parents? Sure, Armin had more than enough money to deal with, but he never considered spending more than he needed to. Most of the time, he spent more money on friends, and family, much rather than himself. 

Armin couldn't help but feel off thinking about how money you could be sending. Hopefully you weren't like his last roommate. Annoying. In all honesty, as long as you didn’t bother him everything would be good. Mikasa was leaning on the car door, scolding Eren for something she did when Armin tapped on her shoulder. “C'mon, let's just take my stuff up.“ 

Eren nodded, swiftly jumping out of the truck. Opening the first small box he could carry. He grabbed the stuffed animal, slightly glaring at Armin. “You’re going to have to let this go.” Eren lightly scolded. It was a gift from his ex. 

Armin grabbed it, stuffing it in his back pocket. “Try not to go looking through my stuff, I brought you here to help. Not snoop.” 

Eren playfully rolled his eyes. “Whatever. Just trying to help you.” He aspirated, before wrapping an arm around Armin’s neck. “Anyways. You’ve met your roommate, how is she?” Armin blinked a few times, bashfully looking away.

“She’s hot, but, besides that.” Mikasa added. 

Eren nodded in agreement, “You should give me her number, or introduce me.” Sure, he didn’t see your face, but he saw your backside, which was more than enough. Eren smiled, while Mikasa joined Armin’s side. “Me too, me too!”

Armin smiled kindly, shrugging off his friend's arms. “I don’t even know her, she could be like a– secret agent trying to out college students for doing drugs.” Armin laughed to himself, surprised by his ridiculous mindset. But, it was a real concern for him.

Mikasa smiled, “That’s a risk I’m more than willing to take.” She smiled, picked up a massive amount of boxes.

“Even then, she didn’t leave the best impression on me. Maybe, she’s having an off day, which correlated to her being bitchy to me.” Armin sighed, “But still, first impressions are important to me.”

“Bitchy?” Mikasa asked, placing a hand on her hip, while Eren wrapped an arm around her shoulders.

Armin shrugged, stuffing his hands into his pockets. “I don’t know.. That’s what I got from her though.”

Eren grabbed a few boxes, stacking them on top of eachother. “Did she at least apologize? You know, for being late.” He narrowed his eyes, “It’s the least she could do for making us wait.” He mumbled.

Armin thought back, not once recalling an apology leaving your lips. It made him swirl with disdain. Despite how Armin felt about you, he almost felt bad just thinking about it. You seemed so tense, and frustrated. It almost bothered him, and because of this, his friends weren’t going to like you. Armin looked to the side, placing a hand to his neck, and smiling slightly. “Yeah. She did, don’t worry about it.” 

Eren shrugged, picking up the box, bumping his hip into Armin. “Then, I guess she’s not that bad.” He smiled again, walking towards the house. Mikasa picked up her large amount of boxes, starting to skip next to Eren. 

Armin honestly didn’t know why he lied for your sake. He just– did. Maybe, it was his thanks for allowing him to live with you. Who knows. 

Mikasa beamed, “C’mon! I want to see what we’re dealing with. The house looks amazing from the front.” She admired the scenery.

Armin sighed, but couldn’t help the smile from building on his lips. Picking up a few boxes, and leading his two friends to the house. 

  ‿̩͙‿ ༺ ♰ ༻ ‿̩͙‿

Eren groaned, laying down on Armin’s bed, wrapping himself with Armin’s sheets. They had managed to get all of his belongings into Armin’s room. Which, due to the large size, looked as if Armin didn’t have enough stuff to decorate it. The room was massive. Eren let out a soft, “Damn, her place is huge.” 

Armin shook his head, replying with a swift, “I know.” As he continued to text someone on his phone. 

Eren looked out the window, his head tilted back. Armin’s cat laying against his face, sighing comfortably. “The view’s nice, definitely better than your last place.” 

Armin laughed, taking a seat next to the window. “Yeah, one hundred percent.” 

Eren pointed to himself, grinning at Armin. “See, if I didn’t give you that flier you’d still be cooped up in that small apartment with your ex.” He laughed, petting Armin’s white cat. 

Mikasa scoffed, “Yeah. That was horrible, the times we stayed over she was practically screaming at you to do something.” She shuddered, “I hated how she treated you.”

“She was just going through some things, she can’t help it..” Armin defended, “You guys get crazy when interacting with law students.” 

Eren rolled his eyes, “Because law students suck, especially that one from a few weeks ago.” Eren sat up in Armin’s bed, “Did you hear what she said to me?” 

Armin narrowed his eyes at Eren, “Eren, you bumped into her. Then, proceeded to insult her. She only retaliated.” He sat down on his bed, sinking into the soft bedding. Armin was going to need to get bigger bed sheets. Eren flashed Armin a look, which made him continue. “Still, I think she went too far.” 

Eren nodded his head in approval. 

Everyone heard a distant click, making the room go silent. Footsteps echoed through the house, before the front door opened. There were a few more sounds followed, but they were hard to make out from the distance from Armin’s room to the front door. Making everyone curious. 

Eren wanted to get a better look at you. 

Armin and Mikasa wanted to know why you looked so familiar. 

It was oddly silent. Making Eren speak up, “You think she got murdered.” 

Mikasa rolled her eyes, “No, of course she didn’t get murdered. How did you even come to that conclusion?” She said, almost amazed by Eren's thought process.

Eren pouted, looking at Armin. “Go check what she’s doing.” 

Armin rubbed his temples, answering her question. “Stop being so nosey, if you’re really curious, pretend to go to the restroom, and take a look.” 

Eren shook her head, “Naw, I’m too anxious for that.” He leaned on the palms of his hands, “Besides, if what you said about her is true, I don’t want to deal with someone who’s bitchy.” 

Armin rolled his eyes, slightly annoyed that Eren was constantly nitpicking at his words. “I thought you said she was hot.” He questioned. 

“Yeah, but there’s got to be some sort of balance.” Eren defended. “Which I don’t think any amount of ass if ever going to make up for bitchiness–”

A knock echoed through the room, making Eren fall silent. He blinked a few times, glancing at his friends, “Do you think she heard me?”

“I did.” You said from behind the door, “The walls here are surprisingly thin.” You added. 

Armin looked at Eren, and Eren looked at Mikasa. All giving him a silent look of, “Well now’s your chance.” Eren pushed himself off the bed, removing Armin’s cat from him, and walking towards the door. 

Eren stayed to the side, so when he opened the door, his friends would be able to see you. Despite them already getting to. He opened the door. 

Suddenly, his eyebrows furrowed, “You.” 

Your eyes landed on Eren, and they instantly hardened. You scoffed, “Dick.” You replied. 

Eren smiled, leaning on the door frame. “Miss public defender, good to see you.” He cooed, leaning down to your face. Suddenly, Armin and Mikasa knew why you looked so familiar. 

You blinked a few times, a scoffing laugh leaving your lips. “The dick who can’t save lives, you have the video for me?” You responded, narrowing your eyes at him. Naturally, you looked into the room, peering at the other two people inside. 

When it hit you like a shotgun to the heart, that’s why he looked so familiar. Armin was the friend laughing at you, while the boy in front of you was the one who rudely bumped into you, making you spill all your papers. Oh, fuck them. Of course a medical student had to be your roommate, and one who happened to be friends with a huge dick. 

You looked to the side, mumbling, “I can’t believe I’m roommates with a gunner.” 

“And, I can’t believe Armin’s forced to deal with a bitchy roommate.” He shot back. Armin quickly got up from the bed, silently scolding Eren for his tone. 

You scoffed, eyes averting to the side. Looking away from the three friends, “I bought three boxes of pizza. They're all pepperoni, I thought it’d be nice.” You added. 

“We don’t want it.” Eren rebutted, slamming the door in your face. “I can’t believe you’re going to have to deal with that bitch. Sorry, man.” 

Armin shook his head, “No, it’s okay. She’s probably going through something, she’ll lighten up to me.” But, Armin couldn't help but feel a bit of distaste for the situation he was in. Of course, his roommate had to be a law student. God really did punish him for all his horrible actions. 

You rolled your eyes, and picked up Fluff, rubbing her tummy. “And, they say I’m the bitchy one.” You lightly scrunched your nose, cooing at your small dog. You rolled your eyes looking back to the boxes in the kitchens. You lightly sucked on your bottom lip, feeling your mood become sour. 

You didn’t like your roommate. He was too full of himself. And, a gunner. Would that be hypocritical to say? Considering how you were? Probably. But, you didn’t care.

A soft whimper came from you, as you picked up your phone, dialing Connie. Shutting the door behind you, flopping on your bed. 

“Hey muchacho, what’s–“

“Let’s hang out, right now.” You sighed into your bed, “Please.”

An amused laugh left him, “That's the first time you’ve said that in a long while.”

“Connie.” You said, flipping over to your back. “Just— hurry up. Please.” 

Connie scoffed, laughing. “Yeah, I’ll be there— let me just finish some things up. I’ll buy some snacks as well.” 

You nodded, hanging up the phone.

You honestly didn’t know why being called a bitchy got under your skin so much, you been called much worse. Especially back in highschool. You also didn’t care if men catcalled you either, of course it made you uncomfortable. But, it wasn’t something that got under your skin. 

Heaven forbid them If they ever tried to approach you, you’d just tase them with your taser. It’s happened before, easily one of the scariest moments of your life. Not. 

So, why’d it bother you so much? Was it because it happened to be a group of people? Maybe, it was the fact that it was someone hot called you that. Even then, it didn’t make sense. 

Someone knocked on your door, making you push yourself off your bed and open it. You blinked at him, “Hey—“

Connie pushed you in, closing it behind you. He looked panicked, “Why didn’t you tell me your roommates' friends were here?!” He whisper-shouted.

Your eyebrows furrowed, looking to the side. “When did you get here? I didn’t even hear you walk in?”

Connie slapped your shoulder, shaking you lightly. “Answer the question.” 

You shook your head offendly, “That's why I asked for you to come. And what's wrong?—“ You looked him up and down. “You look fine.” 

“That's the point.” Connie emphasized, “I just look fine.” You laughed, shrugging off his hands. 

“Calm down, I doubt they think badly of you. If anything, they hate you because you’re friends with me.” You tapped his shoulder, “Besides, you look good.” Not. 

Connie's mood lighted instantaneously, as he let out a soft— “Really?” 

You nodded your head, “Anything to calm your nerves.” You sat back down on your bed, “Now that you’ve seen them, do you know who they are?”

Connie sat down with you, “I know who Eren is.” He tapped his fingers against the bedding. “He’s known for his multiple affairs with college campus girls.” 

“Don’t talk like that.” You looked to the side, a finger lifting to your bottom lip in thought. “Eren’s the brunette, right?” 

Connie nodded, “I’ve even heard he’s slept with a teacher for a good grade. Don’t know if it’s true, though.” 

You rolled your eyes, “Just tell me the shit you do know. I’m not for that rumor bullshit.” You slightly scolded. 

Connie nodded, “Alright, alright.” 

“What about Armin?” 

“I think he falls into the same crowd, heard his name from a few of my girl-friends.” Connie pulled up his phone. “From what I remember, I think he’s worse. I’ve seen more girls cry over him, than Eren.” 

Your eyes widened, “Really? But, he looks so sweet.” 

“Who knows.” Connie shrugged, “Again, I’m not completely sure. Could be some girls having a hard day, or something.” 

You nodded, “I told you to tell me the stuff you do know.” You shook your head, “Whatever.” You walked towards your drawer, pulling out a board game. “Now, time for Monopoly.” 

Connie smiled, “I’m so ready to beat your ass.”

 ‿̩͙‿ ༺ ♰ ༻ ‿̩͙‿

“I just don’t want things to be horrible for however long he’s going to be here.” You sighed, taking the dice. “Maybe, I should evict him.”

Connie laughed, “Naw, you just gotta’ be polite for the time being, he’ll leave eventually. You don’t wanna’ live with someone you can’t stand.” He leaned his cheek in his hand

Another roll of the dice had you moving seven spaces on the board, landing on one of the free spaces. “I’ll buy it.” You handed Connie the money, to which he took it and grabbed a house. “I don’t know, after how he treated me. I think the best Armin’s going to get from me is a fake ass-smile.” Maybe even a small shank to the side. 

Connie nodded, “And, that’s fair.” He reached his hand out, “My turn, pass me the dice.” You handed it to him, leaning on your hand. 

Thinking to yourself for a split second. “Be polite?” You scoffed, turning your head. “Last time I was polite, I got exposed.” 

Connie scoffed, moving his character conveniently on the new property you just bought. “Damn, how much?” 

A quick glance at the card gave you the answer. “Eight hundred.” 

Connie’s eyes widened slightly as he handed you the money. You took the dice rolling it yourself. “Y/n, you know what I mean. Like, at least try to be likable.” He watched as you tossed the die.

You looked up to him, slightly scoffing. “I am likable.” 

Connie looked to the side, giving a ‘weeell,’ face. “You’re a very hard person to get along with, Y/n. Do you know what people call you on campus?” 

You shrugged your shoulders, taking your eyes off the board. “I don’t know, I don’t really talk to people.” 

“People call you the ice princess.” Connie laughed, “It's so funny, I’m surprised you haven’t heard it.” He watched as you moved your character three times. Landing on a chance card. “But, do you know why that’s your nickname?”

“No.” You picked a chance card, nodding to yourself, and pushing your character to the ‘go’ space. Handing the dice to Connie, watching as he rolled it, and moved spaces. Handing the dice back to you.

Connie tilted his head at you, “It’s because everyone thinks you’re an ice-cold bitch. No emotions, nothing. A rich girl and stuff.” He thought to himself for a moment. “In the most respectful way possible, and again. You still have your amazing moments.” 

You readjusted your sitting position, taking in the information. “Is that how people see me?” You almost felt bad. You never really wanted to come off as hostile to others, but you just couldn’t necessarily be ‘buddy buddy’ with just anyone. “Good to know people in my own department hate me.” 

Connie sighed, “I mean, nobody hates you. There’s just small talk— but nothing big. It’s just, you’re more reserved, is how I should put it, hard to approach, almost.” His face softened, seeing you slightly grab at yourself. “But, that’s not the point here.” He breathed out, trying to turn away from the subject. “What I’m trying to say is, you can’t just assume everyone’s gonna to be against you just because of what happened back in highschool.” 

You moved spaces, “But—“

Connie continued, “What happened, happened. And, you shouldn’t let that bother you now. Remember whatever happens, I’ll always have your back.” 

You nodded weakling, looking at the property and thinking for a mere moment. “I’ll buy it, how much is the rent?” 

Connie looked at the price, “Nine hundred.” 

Your eyes widened, and you grabbed some money. “Jesus, this place is dying to make me go broke.” 

Connie shook his head, “You have a lot of property, are you sure you need more?” His tone was condescending, making you overthink. Did you need this property? Wait, wasn’t that the whole purpose of the game, to get properly? Then again, did you really need that property?

You nodded your head, handing him the dice. “You're right, I don’t need it.” You said matter-of-faculty. 

Connie smiled, shaking the dice, landing the exact square you did. “One of the most expensive squares to land on for rent, now sold to me.” Connie smiled, cashing out the small red house. 

Your jaw dropped, looking at the rent of the place. Seeing the prices only skyrocket once you bought a hotel. You should’ve just bought it, wait— “Did you-“ 

Connie smiled, looking straight at you. “One must do what one must to succeed. You just happen to fall into my trap.” You were beyond shocked, this little fucker just finessed you. You scoffed, licking your teeth. “’I’ll always have your back, my ass.” 

Connie shrugged, handing you the dice. “Anything to win monopoly.” Despite that tiny drawback, the tears, and the begging, you won. 

 ‿̩͙‿ ༺ ♰ ༻ ‿̩͙‿

Another glance at the time had you moaning in regret. You were half sprawled over Connie as he drooled onto your pillow.

A quick glance at the clock made you sigh.

‘4:46 AM.’

At least you got up a little early, you could at least shower since you didn’t get to yesterday. You fixed your tank top, with your boobs somehow finding a way to spill out of them, and fixed your shorts. 

Having class in the morning was a blessing and a curse, usually no one was on campus around this time so you could grab breakfast and go. 

You walked to your closet, pulling out a sweater, some underwear, and some shorts. You took a moment to think— Does this mean I don’t get to blast my music anymore, because of my roommate? 

You quickly opened your door and silently closed it behind you, walking to the restroom. All the lights were off, making the atmosphere eerie. The only thing that illuminated the house was the crack of light splitting from underneath the restroom door. 

Goddamn it. You really didn’t want to deal with social interaction right now. You lightly knocked on the door, hearing some shuffling on the other side. You backed away, giving the person a good amount of space.

Were Armin’s friends still over? Hopefully, the fuck not. 

The door was slightly pulled open, where Armin stuck out his head. It surprised you. A smell of vanilla, and cedarwood hitting your nose. It smelled surprisingly good. His hair was damp, and messily draped over his eyes. 

You narrowed your eyes at him, concealing a grimace building on your lips. You ended up saying the first thing that came to your mind. “Why the hell are you up?” It might have come off a little more hostile, but you didn’t care. In fact, good. No, not good. You needed to be polite, you’re going to be living with him for god knows how long. It’s not good to create unnecessary attention. 

Armin furrowed his eyebrows. “Uhm. Getting ready for class?” He had this tone that pissed you off, almost a— are you dumb, tone. 

“Oh.“ You blinked a few times, “Well, hurry up. I need to get ready for class too.” You needed to be polite. Which was surprisingly hard for you. Harder that you’d thought it would be. 

Armin’s grip around the door knob tightened, he gave you a small laugh. His eye twitching, “If you need to use the restroom that bad, c’mon in.” 

You looked him up and down, your nose wrinkling in distaste. “No..” You were going to leave it at that, when you added, “Thank you..”

Armin’s eyes looked down at your hands, before looking at your face again. “Are you sure?” 

You nodded your head.

Armin smiled, leaning his shoulder on the door frame. “But, you have a towel?” He pointed at the few items in your hands, an eyebrow raising. “And, a change of clothes.”

You looked at the towel in your hand, “It’s for decoration.” I guess Connie was right about Armin being a ‘scandalous’ man. 

Armin felt a gust of air escape his lips, turning his face away, while his hand cupped his mouth. Trying not to laugh. “Right.” He mumbled, “I’ll be out in a few, give me a moment.” 

You nodded your head, watching as he shut the door. Your eyes immediately hardened, flipping the door off, muttering a small, “Gunner.” 

Armin kept his back to the door, rolling his eyes. “Bitch.” Unfortunately, the walls were thin, and the two of you heard each other's insults. Armin shook his head, a small smile forming on his lips. 

So fiesty. 

By the time Armin opened the door, you were gone. Some noise coming from the kitchen, were you making something?

You slicked back your hair, and sighed. Closing the fridge door after you grabbed a Capri-Sun. You tugged your short skirt down, smoothing it down your thighs. 

Be more ‘likable.’ You were likable, right? Connie thinks so. You rolled your eyes, leaning on the counter, checking the time again. Luckily, you still had more than enough time to drive to school, and pick up breakfast. 

Armin rounded the corner, peeking at you. His eyes drinking in your body, and outfit. A short skirt, and a tight zip-up sweater. Your hair was messy, but voluminous. He never really thought about it, but you were extremely attractive. 

Your eyes flickered up from your drink, “What do you want?” You coughed, picking up on the small shocked expression he made. Along with your tone you didn’t intend to be rude. You’re trying, okay?  

Armin didn’t really think much off it, but your tone definitely caught him off guard. But, it amused him further. 

You took another sip of your drink, “Uh, what’s up?” You tried fixing your tone, but this time you sounded impatient. 

Armin nodded his head, placing his hands together. “Right, could you give me the key?” He tilted his head, smiling slightly. 

You mimicked his stance unintentionally, “Yeah, let me go get it. It’s in my room.” You pushed yourself off the counter, passing Armin. 

Instantly, your perfume blinded him. An expensive vanilla scent, decorated with a hit of sweet fruit. Suddenly, Armin had a favorite scent for women. 

You quickly came back into the kitchen, tossing the key to Armin’s back. Watching as in less then a second, his hand came behind his back, catching the key perfectly. Armin finally turned his head over his shoulder, peering at you. 

Your eyes flickered to his hand, then to his face. You furrowed your eyebrows, “How did you do that?” 

Armin shoved the key into his pocket, twisting his body to you. A smile on his lips, “Would you believe me if I said, lucky guess?” 

You shook your head, “No.” 

Armin smiled, “Force sensitive.” 

You raised an eyebrow, before shaking your head. “You know what, I don’t care.” You walked away, “If my friend comes out, don’t mind him.” You pulled open the door, a gust of wind blowing your hair out of your face. “Just, don’t talk to him.” 

“Alright then, see you after class.” He waved goodbye, his kind smile never leaving. You rolled your eyes, walking out of the house. Armin’s smile immediately dropped, while he bit the inside of his cheek, looking at the side. 

“Hm.” Armin shook his head, “It’s fine, we’re just warming up to one another.” 

Connie strolled in behind him, arms stretching over his head, while he obnoxiously yawned. “She’ll warm up to you, it’ll just take time.” 

“Until then?” 

Connie laughed, scratching the back of his head. “Trying to avoid getting killed by her.” He walked up the fridge, opening it up and grabbing an apple. “Y/n’s the type of person to hold grudges, but she’ll get over them.”

Armin smiled, leaned his back on the counter. “That’s fair, we didn’t necessarily have the best first impression.” He tapped his finger on the counter. 

Twice. Once. Twice. Thrice. 

Connie looked at Armin’s hand for a moment, before nodding in agreement. “That’s fair.” He pushed himself away from the fridge, shutting it and taking a bite of his green apple. “Anyways, I’ll see you on campus, dude.” Connie smiled, and waved to Armin. 

Right when he reached the door, he paused. Snapping his fingers a few times, before turning back to Armin, “Oh, and, try to be more discreet about your hatred towards Y/n.” Connie took another bite of his apple, speaking with his mouth full. “She’s not the best when reading people, but she’s got a good intuition. She’ll take it to heart, then Y/n will never warm up to you.” Connie waved for a final time, then left. 

A small laugh escaped Armin’s lips, running a hand through his hair. “Damn.” Sure, Armin wasn't too fond of you, and that was fair. But, you were supposed to like him. That’s how it always is, that’s what Armin’s used to. Then again, he wasn’t too worried, you’ll warm up to him, eventually. Hopefully. 

And, Connie was wrong, Armin didn’t hate you. So, there was nothing to worry about. 

You rolled out of your driveway, glancing at the house one more time. Armin didn't sit right with you. Sure, he was a cute boy, with an amazing body. But, something was throwing you off. 

Maybe, it was the way you were being a bitch when Armin hadn’t done anything, but been polite to you. Or, it could be your intuition telling you something about him.

Then again, it’s not like you had to communicate with him. Maybe that was the win-win scenario, just two people that happened to live together that didn’t talk to one another. 

What a good idea! 

Historia snorted, placing a hand to her stomach. “What a stupid idea, Y/n! Not communicating with each other?” She laughed, wiping away a tear, “You’re too funny sometimes.” 

You hushed her, turning away, “I’m being serious.” You slammed your computer shut, “I seriously don’t like him, so why would I talk to him.” 

Historia slowly stopped laughing, giving you a weird look. “What are you going to do? Ignore him?” You nodded your head. She furrowed her eyebrows, “Y/n, do you know how stupid you sound? You can’t ignore someone that lives with you.” 

You placed your head to the desk, feeling the cold sensation against your cheek. “I know, but it’s this, staying out of his way, or, I evict him.” 

Historia scoffed, “And, how will that make things better?” 

You sighed, “I heard that I’m unapproachable. Maybe, if I stay out of his way, he’ll get bored and leave.”

“Settle his nerves?” Historia sighed, “Y/n he’s not a child, I doubt he's scared of you.” She placed her elbow to the desk, propping a hand to her cheek. “If anything, you should be scared. You’re the girl in this situation.” 

You looked at her, almost as if the statement didn’t process. “Me? Scared?”

“Hmp.” Historia nodded in agreement. 

You shook your head, “No, I doubt it.” You slowly skimmed your fingers over the table, “I’ve dealt with men far scarier than Armin.” You grabbed something from your bag, showing it to Historia. “And, if things come down to it, I have this thing.” 

Historia huffed, shaking her head. “No believe, I know you’re more than capable of protecting yourself, I’m just reminding yo—” She paused, “Wait, did you just say Armin?” 

You nodded, “Yeah, I’m pretty sure you were there when I opened the email.” You tilted your head, “Why?”

Historia practically jumped out her chair with excitement, “Oh my gosh! I love Armin, he tutored me back in my medical school days.” She pressed her hand to her cheek, “Sweetest boy I ever met.” 

You raised an eyebrow at her, “Did you sleep with him.” 

“I’m a lesbian.”

“Oh yeah.” You shrugged at her glare, “Just making sure your opinion is unbiased.” 

Historia looked at the side, “You’re acting weird, Y/n.”

This is one of the first times Historia’s ever seen you so annoyed by a person. If anything she was shocked by how you’ve been acting, it was sort of out of character for you. Speaking from experience, you’re not the very approachable type, let alone the type to display full on hatred. Sure, when something shitty happened to you, that was a different story, but most of the time you were collected and indifferent. 

What the hell did Armin do to get this far under your skin? 

Historia was worried, and she wanted to express that, “Why do you hate Armin so much?” 

A scoff came from you, as you smiled. “He was one of the gunners who laughed at me, and he called me bitchy.” Your voice was almost toneless. 

Historia looked to the side, “Well, you must’ve done something to earn that title.” Historia’s laughed.

You shrugged, leaning on the palm of your hand. “Maybe.” 

Historia smiled, “You guys have only been roommates with this guy for like what a day? You’re probably just overthinking it, I doubt it’s as bad as you think.” 

You looked away, sucking on your bottom lip. “I don’t know, I just get that vibe from him.” You paused for a second. Looking back to Historia. “I'm pretty sure he thinks I’m a bitchy.” 

A small laugh came from her. “And, how do you know that?” 

You raised an eyebrow, “He called me bitchy.” 

Historia's eyes widened as she hummed out, slightly laughing. Very blunt on his end, but she still stuck to her words. “Well, I don’t think you should avoid him. Maybe, give it a few more weeks.” You nodded your head, looking at her computer. 

Historia leaned her head on your shoulder, smiling brightly. “And, who knows. Maybe you two will fall in love.” 

“You, and your fanfics.”

Once you arrived home from class, you tossed your things on the counter. You heard a small sound, making your head snap in the direction. Only to see Armin sitting on the couch, watching some random show. 

You honestly didn’t know whether to approach him, or leave him be. Considering he looked rather peaceful sitting on the couch. You leaned on the counter, taking a look at what he was watching. Then, quickly back to him.

You couldn’t shake that thought, he looked so familiar. You thought it was because of seeing him with Eren, but you could’ve sworn you’ve seen him before that. You just  don’t know where. 

You’re slowly losing your mind over this stupid gunner. 

You hung all your things near the door, walking towards your room. Quickly gaining the attention from Armin, he smiled at you, “Welcome back.” 

You passed him a weak wave. One that seemed satisfying enough for Armin. 

You hated to admit it, but you were almost interested in Armin. You wanted to figure out why he set off the alarm in your head, why he seems so familiar. Why Connie didn’t think so well of him, and why Historia thought the complete opposite. Your interest was clearly justified. 

You pressed you back to the door, thinking about Historia. 

Just talk to him, Y/n, you thought to yourself. Your heart stung recalling Armin’s and his friends' words. Maybe, another day. 

You locked your door.

Next Chapter: .....

[peace-coast-island]

Diary of a Junebug

Accepting the transient nature of life and the dangers of holding on to what no longer exists

Sango City is in full bloom thanks to the Ikebana Festival. After visiting Kaede, I was looking forward to finally visit Tsukiko and meet up with the rest of the Sango group.

Connie and Pai have some downtime again so they’re making the most of it before things pick up again soon. I remember last time, when I was in Adrikha, they were in the process of finalizing the paperwork for Marippe. Assuming that everything goes through and no issues stand in the way, Connie and Pai should be able to travel to Marippe in a couple weeks. Fingers crossed that things go smoothly this time!

For now, since everything’s submitted and they just have to wait for the final approval and other stuff, Connie and Pai are hanging out in Sango for the festival. Unless something else’s going on, they’re probably gonna stay here until it’s time to be up and about again. Since things will soon get hectic again for them, it’s a good idea for them to take it slow so they can mentally prepare themselves. Given how their journey and adventures have gone so far, there’s no telling what Connie and Pai will get themselves into next.

In terms of Connie and Pai’s journey, Jamie brought up some concerns, specifically about Pai. It’s hard to believe, but the duo has been traveling together for a long time now. And eventually, whether they like it or not, their time together will come to an end. Connie’s made it clear that they don’t expect to make it out alive - that’s kinda expected from someone like them, not in a pessimistic way, but kinda like accepting the inevitable.

Like I said before, what happened with Raiden, Qingmei, and Dainn was a miracle - or a freak occurrence, as some have called it (though I don’t like the word freak because it seems kinda mean, but I get what they’re saying) - so the chances of Connie and Pai having the same, or even a similar outcome, is unlikely. Jamie and I agree that Connie’s accepted their fate, but the same can’t be said for Pai.

Pai has always been a bit of a mystery to me. She seems like an open book, but at the same time I feel like I don’t know too much about her. Prior to Connie, the only other person who was able to provide some background on her is Jamie, and they aren’t that close. Jamie’s not exactly friends with her, more like acquaintances through other people, so that’s really the extent of their relationship.

What we know is that before tagging along with Connie, Pai was involved in some incident at the Thundering Badlands, which was how Jamie met her. Prior to that, Pai was living with an adventurer named Alistair, who had taken her in when she was out on the streets.

Their relationship, in Pai’s words, was toxic on both sides. Jamie had described him as controlling, the kind of person who tends to play the victim in order to get his way. Pai, by many accounts, can be manipulative herself, but she doesn’t seem to be that way out of malice. She, by her own admission, can’t be left to her own devices for too long, which is why she can come across as needy and clingy. I can get why that makes her sort of unlikable and hard to get along with for some people.

I don’t know if it would be right to say that Pai can be polarizing, but, at least in my personal experience, she’s someone I can only handle in short bursts of time. I don’t mind her company, but she can be tiring to be around after a while. That’s not necessarily a bad thing, just a difference in personalities that can be hard to see eye to eye with.

I wouldn’t be surprised if most of Pai’s issues stemmed from Alistair. Jamie was involved in investigating the incident that ended in Alistair’s suicide. He had opened up a portal, causing a catastrophe that took three years for the city to fully recover from. The locals called him the apocalypse as he almost destroyed a part of the world. As for the rift he created, it’s still there, just contained and completely closed off to the public as they’re still trying to figure out how to close it for good.

Pai’s involvement remains questionable, but I think the general consensus is that she wasn’t entirely involved, she just merely enabled him. Connie had also looked into the incident, so it’s safe to say that they probably know more about it - otherwise they wouldn’t have agreed to let Pai tag along. All they’ve said is that what’s past is done and Pai has the present to prove herself.

Connie and Pai have proven to be a good team, much to Jamie’s relief. She was a bit hesitant at first when she heard they were traveling together as she felt that a duo as that could be either very beneficial or very harmful to each other. In terms of their personalities, it’s kinda like opposites attract. They can bring out the best in each other or enable their worst traits, and maybe that’s why they play off each other so well.

And with all relationships, there are ups and downs. While hanging out with Ayaka, Mamoru, and Hanzou, we had a feeling that something was off with Pai. Mio was the one who had the guts to ask Connie if something was going on. Connie had nothing to hide, but they weren’t quite sure themselves other than speculations that probably aren’t too far from the truth.

Basically, Connie says that Pai’s been unusually clingy lately, and it’s getting to a point where it’s a problem. And not just for Connie, it’s becoming an issue for other people too. But above all, it’s not a major problem, just a minor thing that can potentially lead to a bigger problem in left unaddressed.

There’s also Pai’s smoking habits, which is something we don’t pay too much mind to. It’s just one of those things where we’re aware of it, she disclosed it to us, and we minded our own business as long as it doesn’t interfere with her performance. It’s one of those things she kinda keeps to herself as she prefers to smoke alone, though occasionally Connie joins her.

As for why she does it, all she said was that she’s well aware of the harmful risks, and that’s kinda the reason. Jamie said Alistair was a heavy chain smoker, so she must have learned the habit from him. In my experience, I don’t mind smokers as long as they’re respectful about it, which Pai is. I mean, when she’s at the camp she always asked if it’s okay for her to have a smoke break, and I just tell her to be safe and not wander off too far.

In the past few days since I’ve been here, it seems like either Pai’s stuck to Connie or going off for a smoke break. Maybe that’s also why she seems more irritable than usual. Ayaka’s trying her best to distract Pai with the festivities, even if it meant sacrificing her own free time.

I think it is sort of working since today Ayaka’s able to have time to spend with her brother, who also doesn’t have a lot of free time. Connie’s also able to have some time to spend with Hanako and Michi without Pai hanging over their shoulder. As for me and Daisy Jane, we tagged along with Mamoru and Makoto and explored more of Sango City.

Despite being dragged down by Pai, Connie says they’re not too concerned. Maybe it’s just stress, which makes sense. I can imagine that Pai isn’t probably the best with high pressure, a complaint about her that comes up every so often.

Mei also brought up a good point about how Pai might be holding on too tightly. After all, the fun and adventures can’t go on forever. Connie’s already accepted that sooner or later their time will come to an end. Pai, on the other hand, I’m not sure if she’s accepted that. And that’s probably why she’s being more clingy and overbearing lately.

What happens once the journey is over? More specifically, what will Pai do with herself? I’d hate to think that she wouldn’t care anymore if Connie dies. I mean, she already lost one companion. And even it was a toxic relationship, it was still someone close to her. Who knows how much more she can take?

Like it or not, time will pass, and things will come to an end. It’s not good to keep holding on to something that no longer exists. By doing that, you’re just setting yourself up for disappointment.

I think out of all of us, Mei probably is the closest to understanding what might be going on with Pai. She mentioned that she was once to caught up with the past after dealing with one too many losses, and that pushed her into a corner. She had become so fixated on the past that she became out of touch with the present. In other words, she clung on so hard that she ended up pushing everyone away.

Makoto also said that Pai’s the kind of person who needs to be taken care of. Sure, she could stand to be more independent, but I think some people are more naturally inclined to be dependent on others. Part of the reason why Jamie decided to let Pai tag along with Connie is because she knew that Connie will be able to push Pai a bit so she’d learn to stand on her own. And according to her, it did work, especially since I have seen them on separate occasions.

So, while it kinda looks like Pai’s regressing, it’s not all that surprising or unexpected. I mean, stuff like that does happen. Sure, it’s inconvenient, but it’s just a phase - at least that’s what we’re looking at it like. Again, not too surprising considering how it’s like that sometimes. Just as long as it’s addressed and something’s done about it, hopefully things will go back to normal.

I just hope that when the day comes, when Pai and Connie have to go their separate ways, Pai will still have the will to live and make a life for herself. I mean, it’s her life and she has the right to choose her own fate, but I’d rather she choose to move forward and learn how to stand on her own two feet instead of living off of someone else’s shadow.

Aside from that, the festivities have been good for all of us. I’ve learned a lot about ikebana from Ayaka and it’s a lot of fun. I’ve always been interested in the meaning behind flowers. Plus, making flower arrangements has always been an enjoyable activity for me. There’s nothing like making something that looks pretty, as well as say a message or tell a story.

The Tsukiko side of Sango is different from Kaede, almost contrasting in terms of their environment and color - it’s fascinating! Sango City’s definitely a lot busier than the villages in Kaede. Compared to Adrika, Sango’s a bit more compact and straightforward in terms of navigation.

Of course, the streets were busier than usual because of the festival, though Mamoru says it’s not too different on a normal day. The sakura petals floating around the streets really add to the atmosphere and I can’t help but reach out to grab a few when they come my way.

Mamoru took the lead when it came to exploring the market street. He’s the kind of person who knows how to get the best deals, so he’s pretty popular in these parts. We did a lot of shopping and snacking that day, like we did in the bazaar. Definitely a good way to get to know a city and its culture.

There’s a famous food stall that shows up three times a week and the menu changes depending on what’s available. That day, their signature taro mochi boba was on the menu so we stayed in line for half an hour, which was worth it in my opinion.

We also tried other snacks like gochujang tofu fries, butter crab fried rice onigiri, and salmon croquettes, all which were good. Like I said, the wait was worth it. And since Mamoru’s familiar with everyone, we got a little extra. That part was a bit unplanned so we decided to set up a picnic in a quiet spot.

And of course, I brought a lot of stuff, because, why not? I got some clothes from a popular local designer that looks exquisite while also practical for everyday use. Ayaka mentioned that there’s a seamstress turned fashion designer from Marippe who was originally from here. If I recall, she’s the same person Sumi talked about when she said that she knew someone in Marippe. Knowing Connie, it’s likely they’ll run into her someday.

The book store isn’t on the market district, but it is a place worth checking out. Mio isn’t there, much to Mamoru’s relief. Though, while she is the boss, she actually doesn’t show up in person often as she’s usually busy with other matters. Light novels and manga are huge in these parts, so there’s a lot of those. There’s also stationery, so I had to get a notebook, which was handmade and looks very pretty.

For lunch we stopped by a ramen stall, where we ran into Connie, Michi, and Hanzou. Pai was surprisingly nowhere to be seen as Connie said Aoi and Shiori, a friend of theirs who makes fireworks and lanterns, managed to keep her busy. So we all hung out and caught up before meeting up again hours later at the festival.

It was a nice surprise to see Hanzou again. With Lan spending a couple weeks back home in Yuexing, Hanzou decided to go home too. That happened to line up perfectly with Connie and Pai being in Sango as Connie’s able to train him when it was time for his orientation after being cleared by the guild. Up until then, the last time Connie was able to train and orient a new team member themselves was Amina, back when they were just setting foot in Adrikha.

So far, Hanzou says the training’s going well. Since things are slow at the moment, most of the training has been the running errands type, which isn’t unusual. Connie felt kinda bad that Hanzou couldn’t have come at a better time, but he says it’s fine, especially since things will pick up soon. He’s just glad that he could finally join the team officially after waiting for so long.

Michi’s happy too, especially since he and Hanzou actually applied together, and he was surprised to find out that Hanzou didn’t make the cut. Now, Michi’s bugging Connie to assign both of them on a mission together, which Connie is working on. The way they explained it is that there’s a lot of considerations when dispatching people for missions, so that’s something to keep in mind. Jamie and Raiden have said similar things - in other words, you can’t just send people out on missions just because you can, is what I’m understanding.

Before coming to the stall, Connie, Michi, and Hanzou were with Hanako and Shinobu. Hanako’s busy with work as usual, she’s been patrolling the streets whenever I saw her. Michi also has to work, though he happened to be off that day and was finally able to check out the festival with Hanzou.

After the festival, Hanzou plans to stick around Tsukiko for a couple more days before heading to Kaede with Makoto to hang with Shino. Michi wanted to tag along too, but, of course, he has work. Such is the life of an adult.

The ramen was really good, and thanks to Mamoru, there was a discount. They also gave us some side dishes for free, like natto, tempura, and sashimi. You can’t really go wrong with tempura and sashimi. The natto, on the other hand, it’s a lot better than the first time I tried it - which was from a grocery store - but it’s still not really my favorite.

I think my issue with natto is the slimy texture. The bitterness isn’t really something I like either but I can tolerate that. And seasonings like soy sauce and mayo do make a difference. Mamoru suggested that I add those to make it taste better, and it did. However, the slime is just something I can’t get used to. So, my verdict on natto is that I’ll eat it if offered to me, but it wouldn’t be something I pick for myself. Still, I’m glad I tried it again.

And then we went off our separate ways before meeting up at the festival again later that night to see the fireworks show. Ayaka wasn’t exaggerating about the fireworks being unforgettable. Ever since Shiori took over her family’s shop, her fireworks and lanterns have become a staple in Sango’s festivals.

Later that night, Connie introduced me and Daisy Jane to Shiori, and we ordered a couple crates of fireworks and lanterns to take back to the camp. It’s one of those mystery box type things so I don’t know what’s in there other than it’s all handmade by Shiori and her family. After seeing her work with the fireworks show, I’m definitely intrigued!

I haven’t seen much of Pai today as she was with Shiori and Aoi, but I think they managed to get through to her as she seems a lot happier and more at ease. she actually spoke about making plans with Aoi and some other kids for tomorrow, leaving Connie to be free to do whatever they want.

Shiori did say that fireworks and flowers are similar in terms of their beauty and transience. In other words, stuff like those aren’t meant to last forever, so you only have the present to appreciate them. The same can be said for almost all aspects of life, I think.

Nothing last forever - and nothing should last forever - so we gotta make the most out of the time we have now because once it’s gone, we can���t go back.

Read on AO3

[cassi-misc-art]

Brightwine

8:46AM BRIGHTWINE CHILDREN’S CARE CENTER For Working or Otherwise Occupied Parents

Caroline Connely, known as Miss Connie to the children, sat on the edge of the desk, silently studying the bandage wrapped around the hand of Brightwine’s head administrator. Her eyes eventually flicked to the pen in that hand, and then the papers the pen was writing on. “So this is it, then?”

“Yes…” Kerry Lean had been in what she called an almost-abusive relationship for just shy of a decade. “I told him, right from the start… He wanted to change, and he was trying to change, but I told him… If he ever did anything that left marks the children would see, I’d leave him. And he did. And I am.”

“Still, though. Biting you! And not even a word of apology like usual. Are you sure that you don’t want to…”

Kerry smiled, shaking her head. “Sending the police would only aggravate him. He’s been seeing an anger management counselor recently, and if I start attending with him, that ought to be all it takes to keep him out of trouble, even with the stress of the divorce.” She sighed, rubbing her forehead and setting the pen down. “Now go on, Sheila can’t watch your kids forever. I’m feeling a bit shaken, still, but I’ll be here all day. And the nurse is still here, too.” Shaking was a bit more accurate than shaken, and pale as well. But Kerry had been through a lot in the past nine years, and it was finally ending.

“All right. You know I’m bringing my cell phone with me, so give me a call if you need me.” And with that, Caroline left the office, waving to the nurse as she passed, and headed back down the stairs and outside. Four other teachers, and five classrooms worth of children – her own class included – were inside the Brightwine Center’s fenced-in yard. Four small buses were just settling in the parking lot, which wasn’t quite right. There should have been five, one for each class. As the teachers began rounding up their classes, one of the drivers stepped out, approaching the waiting groups with an apologetic expression on his face.

“Ey, ther. The other guy, he weren’t feelin’ so well. He pulled over some ways back, radioed us about it. Another bus is on the way but’ll be… Mebbe twenny minutes. Sorry ‘bout it.”

The other teachers were informed. The teachers told the students. A vote was taken. The teachers told the students who hadn’t paid attention the first time. A second vote was taken. Four classes were herded into the four buses, leaving Caroline and a dozen six- and seven-year-olds in the yard waiting for bus number five. The kids didn’t mind having to wait. Bus rides were boring, even if they did end at the aquarium to see all the neat fish. The longer it took the bus to arrive, the longer they could play in Brightwine’s playground, which had just gotten a brand-new, bright-colored, super-awesome domed jungle gym of small metal bars arranged into triangles, which they could crawl through or climb on, and the more athletic kids could even climb up the inside to hang from the higher bars.

Somebody clutched at Caroline’s sleeve. She yelped, startled – all the children were in front of her, so she hadn’t expected to be grabbed from behind. “Oh! Oh, um, can, can I help you?” A pale-faced boy, likely a high school or college student, was pawing confusedly at her arm. He had circles under his eyes, and didn’t seem to be quite focused on her. “Are you all right..?”

The boy didn’t answer, swaying very slightly. Caroline frowned, putting her hands on his shoulders and looking him directly in the eye. While he would have been taller than her standing straight, he had a looseness to him that brought his face down to the same level as hers. After a moment, he finally seemed to focus on her properly, but the dull look and slack jaw didn’t change.

“Oh, my. Hold on just a moment, hon, our nurse is right inside.” She released one of his shoulders, nodding in concerned approval as he finally reacted again, reaching up to brush at her hand on his other shoulder. She turned, opened her mouth to tell the children to behave for just a minute, and paused as she noticed another ill-seeming man shambling around the perimeter of the fence, heading towards a gap caused by a branch dropped during a storm over the weekend. The branch had been removed, the gap not repaired. The man outside the fence had the same pale, distant look as the boy beside her – who, without warning, suddenly grabbed her wrist and bit her hand.

Caroline screeched in shock, yanking her hand away and turning to slap the boy across the face. “You..!” Language! Don’t swear in front of the kids! “What’s wrong with you!? That was completely uncalled for!” The boy regarded her with the same slack expression as before, eyes unfocusing and then focusing again, looking down at her hand. She was bleeding, she realized, and pulled a tissue from her pocket, pressing it to the puncture. The boy had bitten HARD. “What on earth did you do that for!?”

The boy didn’t respond. His eyes were still gazing towards the injury he’d inflicted, as if he didn’t understand that what he’d done was wrong. Caroline took a step back warily, studying him. Aside from his poor social manner, he wasn’t displaying any outward signs of mental deficiency. He certainly seemed ill, from his expression and sluggishness. Either way, he’d hurt her, and was a threat to her students. She needed to get him away from them. He took a step forward. She took another step back. He didn’t seem to be in much of a hurry, but he was definitely intent on following her.

In her concern, Caroline had forgotten about the man by the fence. Her attention was recalled back to him as one of the children screamed. Her head whipped around. The man had bitten one of the children! The victim was shrieking hysterically, held by the wrist, bleeding from the arm. The other children had turned to run towards Caroline, crying.

What was going on!? The sick boy was still advancing on her, slowly but steadily. Caroline gave him a shove, and he crumpled, but he’d barely hit the ground before he rose again. “Everybody get inside! Inside! Now! Close the door behind you!” Pushing the boy again, Caroline waved the kids towards the building, and then rushed at the man who held the last child.

He didn’t even seem to noticed her, which made it much easier to kick him in the head. He turned his face up to her, and let the child go, rising slowly. The victim, too terrified to even move, curled into a ball around the injury. The man’s jaw was working slowly as he stood. With shock, Caroline realized that he was eating the flesh he’d ripped from the child’s arm! Horrifying! Did he think that he was some sort of zombie!?

Zombie…

The boy and the man were both pale. Verbally unresponsive. Slow reflexes but lacked any sort of hesitation after being pushed or struck. And they’d both attacked by biting… Stepping back carefully, Caroline gave the man a more thorough lookover. Blood stained his sleeve by the wrist, too old and dry to be from the child he’d injured. The teacher swallowed hard, and bounced forward, ramming her shoulder into his chest. He stumbled and fell on his rear. Like the boy, he didn’t even blink before rising back up, but now Caroline at least had time to grab the child and pick her up.

The boy was between Caroline and the building now. She dashed a short distance, towards the playground. Let the equipment come between them. As long as both of them came around the same side of the obstacle, she could run out the other way. They hadn’t moved very fast so far, but their victims hadn’t been fleeing at first. The boy moved faster than the man… but they were both coming around the same side of the jungle gym. Caroline turned the other way and ran back to the building.

She could hear the children crying inside. And screaming. So scared. She yanked the door open and slipped inside, scrambling at the handle near the top of the doorway to lock it.

“Miss Connie~ Miss Connie!” The children were terrified. And not all present. Counting the child in her arms, she had twelve students. They’d all made it inside by now, but only eight were waiting in the hallway. “They went up for the nurse and didn’t come back.”

Why hadn’t the children who’d gone upstairs come back? Nobody was up there but the nurse and Kerry.

Kerry’s husband had bitten her. She’d been pale and tired when Caroline last saw her.

NO…

“Everybody get into the classroom! Go! Into the classroom!” She pointed, loud and authoritative. The children obeyed hesitantly, still crying. Bracing herself, Caroline headed up the stairs with the little victim still in her arms.

Two of the three missing children were sitting on the floor, crying, bleeding from various wounds. The nurse’s door was closed, and there was blood streaked on the little window. Nothing was visible through it, and the noises inside were not encouraging. Caroline realized she’d been crying, but couldn’t recall for how long.

“Down… Back downstairs. Come on…”

So it spread by biting. Just like in the movies. The children here had been bitten. The last missing child – there was no telling what had happened. The children waiting downstairs needed to be protected. And the bitten children?

“We’re going into Miss Penny’s room, okay? We don’t want to scare the other children. I’ll wrap you up myself with the first aid kit, just like we practiced when the ambulance visited us, remember? The nice men who drove it showed us how to wrap up somebody who got hurt.” Small blessings, that the demonstration had happened recently enough for the children to remember it. She bundled the victims into the room next to her own, pulled out the first aid kit, and wrapped their wounds hastily.

She was still crying as she stood up again. “Good. You’re all such brave little children. Lie down and… lie down and take a nap, now. You all look so tired. Resting makes you all better.” Sleeping means you’ll miss your own death… “I’m going to go take care of everyone else. Go to sleep, go to sleep.” She grabbed a chair as she left the room, and closed the door, wedging the chair under the doorknob so that the door couldn’t be opened again from the inside.

The boy in the yard had bitten her. That’s how they’d all been turned. Kerry had been bitten by her husband three hours ago. But Kerry hadn’t been bleeding very much. Caroline was. Kerry had been dizzy after two hours. Caroline was dizzy now. The front door was locked now. The back door was always locked. Nobody could get in.

But Caroline and Kerry were already in here, and the nurse’s office hadn’t been locked.

“There are… bad people outside,” she told the uninjured students. The supply closet had turned up a simple latch and a hammer. A hole in the door and another in the doorframe were a small price to pay to keep her students safe. She was shaking, and could barely hold the pegs straight to pound them in. “And one of the bad people got inside, so I’m putting a lock on the door.” Crooked, but they held fast when she yanked on them, and were too high for the children to reach. She fumbled with the little hook, slipping it through the hole. “I have to… I have to leave out the window, now that the door is locked. The bad people outside… move slow and look sleepy. If you see somebody who looks awake and moves right, before I come back, yell for help. Okay? But for now, let’s all have snacks! You each get an extra cookie today for being so brave.” Please don’t fight over what’s left if you get hungry before I get back. Be good and share.

The windows only opened from the top, as a preventative measure to keep more adventurous children from escaping. Caroline swayed as she stood on her chair, fumbling with the latches that kept them closed.

The room blurred suddenly.

“Not now… please not now… two more minutes…”

The room blurred again. Spun. Went black.

“Miss Connie?”

. . .

“…Miss Connie?”

[104thsquadfam]

ssatxr​:

The Satyrian’s gaze shot up to Connie in that instant, her ears moving back more and more in surprise the more he mentioned. She looked down at her chest, gripping the middle of her chest to hide it a little. She didn’t respond right–not until Sasha mentioned her exile. It was then that Midnight sighed in a sort of defeat, unbuttoning a button of her shirt to reveal…a huge scar. A scar that traveled up to the middle of her neck like lightning.

Of course, it lead to this huge, clean cut blue crystal in the middle of her chest, the gem deep inside. The gem still glowed dimly inside the cavity as she looks up. “This…Is a crystal to show my Patronage to the God of Flow and Time. It’s complicated to explain all of what he is, but I got it shortly after I returned to my time from here…fell right on me in a shrine. Safe to say, he doesn’t like not choosing his Patrons.” She mumbled, a glow of approval flashing quickly, before fading completely.

“As apart of keeping my people safe, I have to keep Time in accordance too…thus, me being sent to random places. It’s not that I’ve been exiled, it just seems that he wished to send me here, but there have been times that he’s abandoned me.” She buttons up her white shirt, letting her ears fall down. “…He’s very unkind, but I still try to smile like I did before.”

The Satyrian looked up to the two humans, giggling a little to ease the tension. “He at least gives me gifts, like his Scimitar that I can use at will–and the dust from the crystal can revert things only slightly, or I can manipulate how things move if the dust is on my hands! It’s useful, it just…comes at a cost.”

The Satyrian waves her hand, a small dismissal of the offer. “And that’s fine…I’d rather help with the mission for now…I can say goodbye to Marco later.” She mumbled aloof.

     Connie and Sasha watched as Midnight slowly revealed the scar and crystal that was embedded into her chest and looked to one another with a frown before looking back to Midnight as she explained what the Crystal was, and how it ended up where it was today “ God of Flow and Time...” Connie mumbled a bit, he didn’t even know such a god existed....in fact he didn’t even know gods existed to begin with so this was a bit of a shocker.

     Despite this crystal being some god, it didn’t stop the two from getting furious at the fact that this god was a complete asswipe to Midnight “ So...you’re telling us...that prick lives in you and he treats you like trash? Where the hell does he get off acting all high and mighty ?! It’s not your fault he stupidly fell over and got stuck inside you it’s his own fault maybe he should be grateful.” Connie huffed glaring a bit at the crystal. He didn’t know if it could hear him and if it did he couldn’t care less, they had to face death every day and if this stupid glowing rock wanted to kill him fine but he was still saying his part.

     “ Connie’s right, it’s wrong for it to treat you like that. If they’re a god they should have a little more compassion don’t you think? Especially when they landed on an unwilling host that didn’t even want any of this to happen.” Sasha agreed crossing her arms before sighing “ I mean I get it they’re some higher being so why listen to a bunch of humans....doesn’t kill them to show you some gratitude atleast. If a titan suddenly decided to protect me instead of eating me I wouldn’t go slicing its nape I’d be convincing the others to let it live it’s the right thing to do.” 

     “Some gift that is...comes with a cost they have no regard for your safety and health do they? So have you thought about getting rid of the jerk? Or is it one of those life and death scenarios?” Connie now asks his eyes still glaring a hole into the crystal. Jerk treating their friend like some mule to carry them around!

ssatxr​:

“Titan shifter…? So they can–can change into the…theee…” Her voice trailed off just the tiniest bit. It made a lot more sense in that minute as to why they needed him–to deprive a military of their ace is certainly going to lower morale…or even turn the tide in their favor. No wonder they were so powerful, recalling the day her and Reiner were in the closet… She shook her head to clear her thoughts of it. Until Jean told her of Marco’s death…it just made her eyes widen more with a grave frown. “Marco’s dead; I didn’t even get to say goodbye to him at all…” She mumbled, looking back down at the ground. If finding out about the betrayal was the icing on the cake, then the deaths were the deep meat that she needed to keep that fire going. That goodness for Sasha then, snapping her out of those desolate thoughts. The crystal in her chest seemed to glow the tad bit brighter from it…

She just hoped the walk could snap Jean out of it too…for now, she looked at Sasha with a sort of calm relief. “Sasha…Should have known it was you from the smell of bread,” She mumbled, a small smile forming on her lips.

“What of me? Not much has changed, aside from the age and status. I’ve been busy these past three years, protecting my people just like you have been– until I was thrown here, that is! It’s so nice to see you again…” She mumbled, slightly downcast. “I…I’m sorry for leaving you all without warning…and, my condolences.”

     Smell of bread? D-do I smell like bread?

     Sasha thought to herself with a raised brow, she wasn’t aware the smell of food clung to her like that none of the others ever mentioned it...well it was probably because of how strong Midnights sense of smell was...oh right...her sense of smell...god it must have been torture smelling all the corpses burn and now Sasha felt bad, they should have offered her something to cover her nose.

     “ Thats a lie, you clearly have changed a lot even your care free demeanor that we knew is gone you look and act way more mature....and on top of that you have something weird on your chest that keeps pulsating light...what is that anyways?” Connie asks as he approaches Midnight but didn’t reach for her shirt...that would be weird if he did that, he may have been curious to know but he wasn’t a peeping tom. 

     “ You were thrown here? Why ? Don’t tell me your people exiled you again!” Sasha gasped “ Thats so unfair why do they keep doing that if you’re just helping them.” there she goes jumping to conclusions...but it wouldn’t be the first time “ Huh? Ah...don’t worry about it you don’t have to be sorry midnight. If you want maybe when this is all over we can take you over to visit Marco’s grave...he may not talk back but...I’m sure he’d be happy if you visited.” 

[spliffymae]

barber!sukuna

synopsis: armin and ejirou usually handled the kids that came into the shop. but of course there would be a day when both call in sick, and only sukuna is available to cut your son’s hair.

⚠️ bit of anime crossover, reader is a single mother, fluff

kio’s notes - listen, i be taking my brother to his barber and be getting so many ideas 😭 also got my old school music on so yaktv !!

⊱ ──────── {.⋅ ✺ ⋅.}──────── ⊰

barbersukuna who literally goes to the shop to work and leave. he works alongside his friend geto, and five other barbers—armin, connie, aran, ejirou, and sero. he doesn’t really chop it up with the rest of the guys like that. he’s a bit more to himself, often chilling in the back room with his headphones on in between appointments.

“man, you so lame. you don’t ever smile? laugh at some shit?” connie pesters sukuna as he sits against his station, watching him give a man a box cut.

“say something worth laughing at then, springer.” sukuna says with a gruff, focusing on the back of the man’s neck instead of connie’s comment.

barbersukuna who is very particular about his work station. everything is in its designated spot, where he likes it by order of what he uses most. he changes it according to his appointments for the day. it’s something he takes great pride in and everyone knows not to mess with his shit.

seriously don’t! one time as a prank connie went to each station and swapped their tools. he put sukuna’a clippers with ejirou’s station and the pink haired man nearly killed the younger coworker, connie watching in fear from the background as sukuna held ejirou in a submission leg hold with his red man bun inbetween hair shears.

“why the hell do you have my shit!?”

“please! i just got here!” eji cried, begging geto to remove sukuna and save his hair.

barbersukuna who gets a bit irritated everytime eji or armin have a kid in their chair. the appointment can either go very well, with the child behaving and sitting still, or it can go horrible, with the kid doing anything other than that.

barbersukuna who liked all his clients to be relaxed and able to sit still through a haircut. he would make small talk here and there, but he often was just quiet and let the rest of the shop hold conversations as he made grunts of approval or disapproval.

barbersukuna who specialized in fades, and was the go to for clean and crisp cuts with the utmost precision.

barbersukuna who would hold his breath in suspense whenever sero’s son would wander around the shop and come anywhere close to his station.

barbersukuna who regretted telling armin he would cover his clients for the day when the blond suddenly gets sick from food poisoning, and sees you and your six year old son walk in, asking for armin.

“all armin’s appointments gotta be rescheduled for the day, but if it’s urgent sukuna can take you.” sero points his thumb back to the pink haired man, who was fiddling with his comb in annoyance.

he had seen your son before in armin’s chair. he was squeamish, often playing a “stop, go” game with armin when cutting his hair. a simple high bald fade haircut that should take no more than fifteen minutes, stretched to nearly forty-five because your son had the fidgets.

“he really can’t come in? is the other guy here then…the red one?” you ask sero, a worriedsome look on your face. you had been working double shifts all week and it had slipped your mind friday (the next day) was your son’s school picture day. you had made the appointment last night with armin, begging him to take your son last minute. your son was one of armin’s favorites, so he accepted you with no problem.

the raven haired man clicked his tongue on the roof of his mouth, “sorry, love. both of them out sick. the next best for lil’ man would be connie but…” sero turned around from the desk to check connie, who was having a very heated conversation with his girlfriend over the phone. he was speaking spanish, and unfortunately sero heard and knew all of what he was saying.and it wasn’t pretty. “he’s caught up right now.”

you were chewing on your bottom lip, looking down at your son who was sitting on the sectional. he was playing around with an action figure, unaware of your dilemma.

“sukuna is good, (y/n). armin can vouch for him.” sero reassured you.

“s’not like i doubt his capabilities,” you said, looking at sukuna to see him sitting in his chair, scrolling through his phone. “i just don’t trust miles to sit still. armin has a good amount of patience with him.”

and sero completely understood. you had more than enough faith that sukuna could cut hair, you just wanted to make sure he was comfortable with the fact your son would be a handful.

most barbers couldn’t last past ten minutes, so it was a hassle to find armin, who was the best when dealing with miles.

“kuna has patience.” sero lied. he honestly could’ve just stopped helping you, but you were a regular and one of the shop’s favorites. he wouldn’t just give up. frankly, had he not have someone coming in right now he would’ve cut your son’s hair.

“yeah, okay fine. i’m already here and i have no other option. i’ll just tip him extra for the inconvenience.” you shook off your nerves and flashed deep a smile.

“great. sukuna! c’mere!” sero called out. when sukuna came, he gave you a quick glance before looking behind you to your son.

“this miles?” his voice was gravelly, deep. he spoke like he was uninterested, nodding to the direction of your son.

“yeah. i’m his mom, (y/n).” you extended your hand to him, which he shook with a curt nod. he made note of how soft your hands were, and how it was comfortable to hold. as quick as that note was made, he dropped your hand and turned to walk back to his station, gesturing for you to follow him. you got your son off the couch and you two followed sukuna.

“where’s armin?” miles asked sukuna as he crawled in his chair, sitting on the cushion to make him taller.

“he’s sick, baby. but he left sukuna to take good care of you, ‘kay?” you smiled at him, hoping he could understand and not be too effected by the switch in barbers.

“can we still play ‘stop, go’?” he looked back at sukuna. sukuna glanced down at you, looking to you for help. but you were looking at him too, silently pleading he doesn’t ask you to tell your son no.

sukuna had planned to not play the game. he just managed to make a plan that’s fits in all of his and armin’s clients, while still giving him the right amount of break time. he figured you would have rescheduled once hearing armin was out.

but you know the game was the only way miles could sit still. you had forgotten his ipad because you were coming straight from getting him from school, having no time to bring the backup distractions. the action figure wasn’t enough.

“m’not good at games.” he said to miles, who didn’t say anything after sukuna’a rejection. sukuna noticed a pout was now on your brown glossed lips, and he tsked before looking away. you pouting was stirring something within him.

“mommy i want arminn.” your son started to get fussy, his legs shaking and fingers tapping the arms of the seat. if his feet could touch the ground, your sure he’d be spinning around in the chair.

barbersukuna who for the life of him, will do anything if your son could just keep his head still. miles had started to whine and even slide on the chair every time sukuna touched his shoulder, or brought clippers to his hair.

barbersukuna who finally gets your son to cooperate ten minutes later after bribing him with candy, just for the six year old to yell “mommy! i gotta pee!”

barbersukuna let’s out a tiresome sigh as he helps miles down to go to the bathroom. he pulls his phone from out his apron and sends his client a text to come thirty minutes later than his appointment time.

“i’m really sorry about this, i can tell from the times i’ve watched you before you have a very…specific clientele. miles just,” you looked back to the bathroom to see your son hasn’t come out yet, “he just takes a little while to adjust to changes, s’all. armin had made up the game to help him redirect the energy.”

barbersukuna who sees the fatigue in your eyes when you look back at him. you also had bags, your hair was a messy puff of coils with flyaways sticking out. you were wearing a pencil skirt and blouse with black flats. you had to have just been coming from work. he also noted your son was in his school uniform, so you clearly never went home to take a break and change you two out of the day’s clothes.

barbersukuna thinks about how tired you must be from working. he doesn’t know what you do, but he can imagine not getting a break between work mode and mom mode has overwhelmed you.

barbersukuna who shrugs off your apology with a wave, “kids’re kids. s’not bothering me, hun.” the pet name was deliberate. he realized he had come off a tad bit…cold towards you guys. he was used to clients being silent and much older, so miles’ energy was rather new to him. he felt the tip of his ears burn as you put your hand on his forearm, smiling and thanking him for his patience.

when miles came back out, he sat back in his chair but was more to himself. he had his arms crossed and looking at his mom, who was trying to make him to crack a smile by making funny faces as him.

from the corner of his eye, sukuna could see you stick out your tongue and cross your eyes, your funny face getting miles to giggle.

“mama,” miles called out to you suddenly, getting you to stop. “i got a snack for you from school.” he pointed to his black spider-man (miles morales’ spider-man) backpack at your feet. “wendy b. brought cookies for her birthday. i saw the sugar ones you like.”

you held a hand to your heart, looking at your angel of a child. it was heartwarming that he thought of you. so much so that it even touched sukuna.

you reached into the bag to pull out the blast ix bag of treats, two sugar cookies amongst a snickerdoodle and chocolate chip. “oh my goodness! look at these cookies!” you looked over at his smiling and giggling face.

the cookie was soft, it looked to be the consistency you like of hard on the outside but soft on the inside. when you bit into it, your eyebrows raised in surprise. “oh my gosh, this is really good.”

sukuna looked over at you to see you tearing up the homemade cookie. “mm thank you miles. mommy didn’t have time to eat her lunch so this hit the spot.”

from across the room in his chair, connie couldn’t help but perk up as an impulsive thought came to his mind, “yo (y/n),” you looked over at him. his call to you also got the eyes of sukuna, who was trying to get miles to hold his head up. he looked at connie through his mirror.

“y’know kuna is a real stickler when it comes to baked goods. especially sugar cookies, his all time favorite.” he winked at sukuna, who felt that burning feeling in his ears travel down to his cheeks.

he had noticed the way sukuna was looking at you. he had never seen him look at someone that way before and was dying to know if sukuna had an inner dog in him.

“mom give him the other one.” miles directed you before you could speak. connie’s tongue poked out from between his teeth, silently chuckling to himself. he wanted to catch sukuna off guard and make him flustered. a shy sukuna was a rare sighting, and connie felt like seeing if today he’d get lucky.

“feed to em, so he doesn’t stop lil’ man’s cut.” connie suggested, nodding to the way miles had stopped moving once he was focusing on sukuna eating the cookie.

“yeah mommy do it.” miles cheered, swinging his feet in excitement.

“ya don’t have to do that.” sukuna reassured you.

“oh come on, kuna. didn’t you say the best time to eat a cookie is as close to the baked time as possible?” connie continued to push, getting sukuna to narrow his eyes. from the hair washing station, sero couldn’t help but snicker at the situation.

you cleared your throat, “uh i’m good with whatever you want. miles seems to be still so…” you didn’t know what to say. you were getting hot and felt the air become thick.

you had always thought the barbers in this shop were a good set of lookers—some batting from a pretty scale, like armin, to a charming scale like sero, and a mysterious scale like sukuna.

but there was something about sukuna that had him at the top of your list.

sukuna looked down at miles, who was looking up at him with big eyes, “if i eat this cookie and promise to play stop and go w’chu…will you sit still so i can get your hair right?”

his change of heart had come from watching you interact with your son, and the fact he was starting to take an interest in you. you were beautiful, kind, and considerate. you had a sweetness to you that drew him in. he knew he needed to get in contact with you after this. he just knew it.

at the mention of the game, miles’ eyes widened. “really?” he couldn’t believe it. he looked at you to see you were also surprised.

“yeah. but you gotta sit still so that mommy can feed me, okay?” sukuna looked at you with a smile, one that was sly but also endearing.

from across the room, connie turned away from the scene, upset he did not achieve his goal of getting sukuna flustered, and instead managed to help him out in securing a potential date with you.

miles agreed without hesitation, smiling and sitting still as possible with his hands in his lap, under the gown sukuna had over him. “mommy, you ready?” sukuna spoke softly to you, his words creating a shiver to roll down your spine.

“mhm.” you just barely made the sound, smiling nervously as you reached in the bag for the second sugar cookie.

“tell me when to go miles” sukuna said, pretending to get warmed up for the game. he jogged in place, pumping his arms up to ‘feel the burn’. his antics were amusing, and while miles cracked up, you felt your heart swell a bit.

“go!” your son’s scream snapped you out your thoughts, and you instantly brought the cookie to sukuna’a mouth. you held your other hand under it to catch any fallen crumbs.

barbersukuna who takes a small bite from the cookie, smiling as he also starts working on the left side of miles’ head. he had just finished the back before deciding to play the game.

“stop!” miles called out after thirty seconds, giggling as sukuna quickly played it off like he was just checking the time.

“that cookie is good.” he said to you, breaking out into a laugh same time as you. you nodded in agreement.

“okay go!” miles called out, excitement in his eyes as he watched sukuna go back to his hair, while also eating more of the cookie from you.

barbersukuna who texts his next client that he’ll have to reschedule with the haircut but that it will be free of charge due to the sudden inconvenience.

barbersukuna who spends forty five minutes playing “stop, go” with your son while cutting his hair, and understanding why armin takes his time with you two.

[shingia]

cuddling after they’ve had a bad day

↳ don’t even ask what’s up with me and hugging these characters lmao i just know they all deserve the tightest hugs ever

↳ jean, eren (HE’S FINALLY HERE YAY), pieck, connie

— JEAN

it’s really easy to know when jean has had a bad day, he doesn’t even try to hide it. so as soon as you catch him rubbing his tensed neck, or sighing more than usual, you know. “come here”, you say, sitting on the couch next to him with your arms wide open. “oh my god, yes please” he sighs in relief as he quite literally falls into your arms. it’s almost comical for you to be holding someone as big as him, and you know that he’s trying his best not to put all his weight on you. your fingers start to gently comb his hair, and in that moment you’re both very thankful for his decision to let it grow. “wanna talk about it?” you ask, and he shakes his head no against your shoulder: “right now i just wanna sleep for twelve hours and never leave that couch”. satisfied with his answer, you keep on combing his hair until his breath becomes steadier, occasionally kissing his temple: “sounds like a nice plan”.

— EREN

he won’t explicitly ask for cuddles, but will drop a few hints here and there, like laying down abnormally close to you. in that case, it’s usually your job to initiate something. “let me in” you tell him, shaking his arm to make him understand that he needs to lift it. and when he does, you’re quick to crawl under it and rest your head on his chest. “bad day, mmh?” you ask, your hand stroking his side. “the worst” he eventually admits, and you can feel his arm tighten around you, “stay here”. you smile at his words, it’s almost like he doesn’t know you: “i’m not going anywhere, you know that”. but just to be sure, he turns around on his side, holding you so close that you have no choice but to lay down on your side as well. his embrace is more secure now, and you notice that he’s closed his eyes - but he’s not planning on sleeping, if anything, he’s just waiting for his bad mood to slowly evaporate, like it always does when you’re so close to him.

— PIECK

pieck is a clever and sensible woman, if she feels that she needs physical affection after a particularly bad day, she will ask for it. “can i?” she tells you, but doesn’t really wait for your answer to rest her head on your lap, “thank you”. then she starts to absentmindedly fiddle with the hem of your clothes, and you can already feel her neck muscles relax. “anything you wanna share with me?” you ask, your fingers gently tracing the outline of her face. it doesn’t take much more to get her to talk. there’s something almost soothing in her way to tell you about her day; it’s a very matter-of-factly tone, because she knows that you’ll be able to guess which parts of her day were annoying to her. “i’m sorry to hear that” you tell her when she’s done, “wanna snuggle a bit closer?”. she nods in approval, turning around to face you. and her sleepy eyes look filled with love when she loosely wraps her arm around your waist, while your fingertips start to trace circular patterns on her scalp.

— CONNIE

he’s always so dramatic whenever you’re around, so you should expect the same energy when he asks for cuddles. “worst. day. ever. i think you gotta hug me hard enough to squeeze all the negative emotions out of me”, he tells you in a muffled voice since he’s already snuggled against you. “i see” you chuckle and wrap your arms around his chest, grabbing your own wrists to squeeze him as tight as you can, “is that enough?”. you’re surprised to notice that his answer is nothing but a light-hearted laugh, as he breaks your hug with disconcerting ease: “you’re so cute. A for effort. but let me show you what i meant”, he tells you, then proceeds to hug you so tight that you’re pretty sure there isn’t a single gap left between your bodies. “oh” is the only answer you can articulate, at least until he loosens his embrace, “i didn’t know today had been that shitty”. he sighs against your neck, and it sends a shiver down your spine: “yeah. but i think the hug i just gave you made me feel much better…”. it sounds like his sentence is left unfinished, so you give it a try: “… you wanna do it again, right?”. and he looks guilty as charged: “i kinda do”.

reblogs are always appreciated!

also- HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY <3 (i’m 20mn early tho)

[shiorihyugawrites]

A Soft Place

In a post-Rumbling world, where the threat of Titans no longer looms, Vanessa Sinclair finds herself living a quiet life, working at her family’s bakery in Wall Rose. Curvy and self-conscious, Vanessa has always faded into the background, overshadowed by her more outgoing friends. But everything changes when Captain Levi Ackerman, Humanity's Strongest Soldier, begins visiting the bakery regularly. What starts as a simple exchange of tea and pastries quickly evolves into something more. Levi, drawn to her quiet strength and beauty, takes Vanessa on a journey that forces her to confront her insecurities, while learning that sometimes, what lies beneath the surface is more than enough. (Levi x Plus Sized OC)

Chapter Seventeen

Levi had been in serious battle mode before, but this felt entirely different. The sun hung high over Scout HQ as Levi stormed through the halls, barking orders at anyone within earshot. His usually calm and collected demeanor had been replaced by an intensity that only those closest to him had seen. This time, though, it wasn’t about a mission or a battle—it was about planning something far more nerve-wracking: a romantic dinner for Vanessa.

“Jean, those candles should be evenly spaced! Don’t just throw them wherever!” Levi barked, his sharp eyes scanning every detail.

Jean grumbled under his breath but quickly obeyed. He was used to Levi being demanding, but this was a whole new level of perfectionism. “It’s just candles, Captain.”

Levi glared at him. “Just candles? Are you an idiot? The lighting needs to be perfect.”

Meanwhile, Sasha and Connie were huddled in the kitchen, tasked with preparing the food. Sasha, ever the food enthusiast, had volunteered to help, but even she seemed a little intimidated by Levi’s exacting standards.

"Do you think this chicken is too salty?" Sasha asked, nervously stirring a pot while glancing at the door, half-expecting Levi to storm in any moment and critique her cooking.

Connie, on the other hand, was leaning against the counter, trying to sneak a taste of the meat. "I think it’s fine, Sash," he muttered with a mouthful, before swallowing quickly as the sound of boots approached.

Levi entered the kitchen, eyeing both Sasha and Connie with his usual, unrelenting stare. “Connie, stop slacking and help her with the plates. We don’t have all day.”

Connie threw his hands up, wiping his mouth on his sleeve. "Captain, I’ve been running around all day! You’ve got us working like it’s a military drill just for a dinner."

Sasha, already nervous under Levi's watchful eyes, mumbled, “We’ve still got to finish the dessert, too.”

Levi’s expression darkened. “Then finish it. And don’t screw it up.”

He left them to their work and made his way to the large dining room where Armin and Jean were finishing up the decorations. The room had been transformed with long, draping cloths and softly flickering candlelight that cast warm shadows across the stone walls. Jean was adjusting the placement of the flowers while Armin set the table with the finest dishes they could scrounge up from the stockpile.

“Good. Looks clean enough,” Levi muttered as he inspected the room, his fingers brushing over the tablecloth to make sure there wasn’t a speck of dust.

Jean rolled his eyes as soon as Levi turned his back. “You act like you’re about to host a royal banquet.”

Levi paused for a moment and glanced over his shoulder at Jean. “I heard that.”

Jean stiffened. “Right, sorry, Captain.”

Armin, ever the peacemaker, smiled a little nervously. “I think it’s coming together nicely, Captain. Vanessa’s going to love this. It’s really thoughtful.”

Levi grunted in response. He wasn’t doing this for their approval—this was for her. Vanessa deserved the best, and he wasn’t going to leave anything to chance. He needed everything to be flawless because tonight, he was going to ask her to be his girlfriend. The thought made him feel more tense than any battlefield ever had.

“Armin, the napkins are crooked,” Levi muttered, ignoring Jean’s muttered comment about perfectionism.

As Levi barked more orders, Connie wandered in from the kitchen with a mischievous grin on his face. He couldn’t resist poking fun at Levi in moments like these, especially when he was so wound up. “Uh, Captain? You’ve got the whole place set up and everyone working like it’s a military op, but there’s one small problem.”

Levi shot him a sharp look. “What?”

Connie crossed his arms, leaning against the doorframe with a smirk. “You haven’t even asked Vanessa if she’s free tonight for dinner. How’re you going to pull off this whole romantic thing if she’s not even coming?”

The silence that followed was deafening. Armin and Jean exchanged wary glances, Sasha peeked out of the kitchen, and even Hange, who had been silently observing from a distance, raised an eyebrow in amusement.

Levi’s eye twitched. “Shut up, Connie,” he snapped, though there was a trace of hesitation in his voice.

Connie shrugged, still grinning. “I’m just saying, Captain. You might want to check in before you set up a whole candlelit dinner.”

The weight of Connie’s words hit Levi like a thunder spear. He hadn’t asked Vanessa. In his flurry of planning, preparing, and barking orders, it had somehow slipped his mind. Levi’s usual composure faltered, and for a brief second, he felt a rush of panic.

Damn it.

Connie’s grin only widened as he added, “I mean, I wouldn’t want to waste all this effort, right?”

Levi straightened, his jaw clenched. “Keep working,” he muttered, glaring at Connie. But as Connie turned back toward the kitchen, Levi sighed internally. Connie was right. He hadn’t asked Vanessa, and he didn’t have time to waste.

Hange, always quick to jump in at moments like these, wandered over, smirking as she leaned in toward Levi. “Nervous, huh? You’ve fought Titans, Levi, but asking a girl out—that’s the real battle.”

Levi shot her a look, but Hange just laughed, nudging him. “I’m just teasing. Go ask her. The worst thing she can say is that she’s busy.”

Levi muttered something under his breath but knew there was no avoiding it. He needed to ask Vanessa—and he needed to do it before everything was ready.

With his typical determination, Levi marched toward the door. As he stepped out of HQ, the cool breeze hit his face, giving him a moment to collect his thoughts. He wasn’t nervous about the actual question—he knew how he felt about her. But it was the thought of messing this up that had his chest tight. He wanted this to be perfect.

He didn’t waste any time, walking with purpose toward the bakery. His mind was racing with possibilities, thinking about how she might react, but he kept his composure. He had a mission now, and this was just one more thing he had to get right.

Vanessa’s bakery was just within sight, and Levi steeled himself as he approached the door. As he entered, the familiar smell of fresh bread and tea wafted through the air, but all he could focus on was her—Vanessa. She was behind the counter, talking to Emma and Robin, her smile bright and genuine as she worked. Just seeing her there, so at ease, made the tension in his chest ease slightly.

When she spotted him, her eyes lit up, and she walked toward him. “Levi! What brings you here? I wasn’t expecting to see you until later.”

Levi cleared his throat, his usual stoic mask firmly in place, but inside, his heart was pounding. “Vanessa,” he began, his voice steady. “I... wanted to know if you were free tonight.”

Vanessa blinked, a bit surprised. “Tonight?”

Levi nodded, his eyes serious. “I’ve got something planned. A dinner. Just you and me.”

Vanessa’s cheeks flushed, a soft smile spreading across her face. “I’d love that, Levi. I’m free tonight.”

Levi felt a weight lift off his shoulders, but he didn’t let his relief show. Instead, he gave her a small nod. “Good. I’ll pick you up at sunset.”

As he turned to leave, Vanessa called out to him, her voice soft but filled with warmth. “Levi, thank you. I’m really looking forward to it.”

Levi gave her a brief glance over his shoulder, the faintest hint of a smile tugging at the corner of his lips. “Me too,” he muttered, before stepping back into the street, heading toward HQ.

He had everything he needed now. Tonight, he was going to ask Vanessa to be his girlfriend, and as long as nothing went wrong, it would be perfect.

The moment Levi left the bakery, Vanessa felt a flutter in her chest. She didn’t know what he had planned for the evening, but she could sense something different in his demeanor. Before she could even dwell on her thoughts, her mother, Vivian, appeared behind her like a whirlwind of energy, her eyes sparkling with excitement.

“Vanessa!” Vivian’s voice was practically a whisper-shout, her tone giddy with anticipation. “Did you hear that? Did you hear him? Tonight is the night! I’m telling you, Captain Levi is going to ask you to be his girlfriend, I can feel it!”

Vanessa blinked, startled by her mother’s sudden outburst. “Mom, relax! You don’t know that. It’s just dinner,” she said, trying to sound calm, though her own heart was racing with the same hopeful thoughts.

Vivian, however, was undeterred. She clasped her hands together, her eyes wild with joy as if she were already planning the wedding. “Dinner, shminner! A romantic dinner planned by Captain Levi? This is it, Ness! I’m telling you, by the end of tonight, he’ll ask you to be his girlfriend. I can smell it!”

Vanessa sighed, flustered but trying to ground herself. “Mom, don’t get carried away. I mean, I don’t even know what’s going on yet. Maybe it’s just—”

Vivian cut her off, shaking her head fervently, as if Vanessa’s doubts were impossible to comprehend. “Oh, no, no, no. Trust me, I’ve been around long enough to know when a man is ready to take things to the next level.”

Before Vanessa could argue any further, Vivian’s expression shifted from excitement to determined action. “We have no time to waste. You need to look your best! Tonight is the night!” With that, Vivian moved with the speed of a woman on a mission.

Vivian darted toward the bakery’s entrance, her wild energy palpable. There were a few lingering customers inside, sipping tea and nibbling on pastries, completely unaware of the storm about to hit them. With a decisive clap of her hands, Vivian announced, “Bakery’s closing early today, everyone! Important matters to attend to!”

A group of customers looked up, confused and startled. A few murmured in protest, but before they could even ask why, Vivian was already ushering them toward the door. “Thank you for coming! Hope you enjoyed everything, but we have to wrap up now!”

Vivian’s enthusiasm reached its peak when she noticed a group of MPs approaching the door, likely on their way in for a break. Without hesitation, she slammed the door shut before they could enter, turning the lock with a final click. The MPs exchanged puzzled looks, their hands hovering in mid-air before one of them shrugged and led the group away.

Vanessa stood there, completely flabbergasted, her jaw dropping. “Mom!” she exclaimed, half in disbelief, half in embarrassment.

But Vivian paid no mind to her daughter’s reaction, her eyes already gleaming with purpose. “Vanessa, listen. We don’t have time for your doubts. You’re about to become the girlfriend of Humanity’s Strongest Soldier, and you need to be ready. Emma! Robin! Get over here!”

Robin and Emma, who had been standing off to the side during Vivian’s outburst, exchanged amused glances before rushing over. They had seen this side of Vivian before, but even they were surprised by her level of intensity today.

“What’s up, Miss Vivian?” Robin asked, still grinning.

“We’ve got a lot of work to do, girls,” Vivian said with a sharp clap of her hands. “We need to get Ness all dolled up before Captain Levi returns to pick her up. This is the night. The night I’ve been waiting for.”

Vanessa groaned, already knowing she was in for a long and chaotic few hours. “Mom, please... It’s just dinner.”

Vivian spun around, her expression serious, though her excitement hadn’t diminished one bit. “No, Ness. This is your moment. You’ll thank me later.”

Robin and Emma, always down for a makeover mission, wasted no time springing into action. “We’re on it!” Robin shouted, grabbing Emma by the arm as they raced out of the bakery.

“Wait—what are you doing?” Vanessa asked, raising an eyebrow.

Emma looked back over her shoulder, grinning. “We’re going to your place to grab your best outfit, shoes, jewelry—everything you need. Levi is going to be speechless when he sees you tonight.”

Robin nodded in agreement. “Trust us, Ness. You’re going to look amazing.”

Vanessa opened her mouth to protest, but it was no use. Her mother and her friends were already too far gone, too caught up in the whirlwind of excitement. She could practically see the wheels turning in Vivian’s mind as she mentally organized the entire plan for her daughter’s transformation.

“Mom, this is ridiculous,” Vanessa muttered under her breath, still trying to maintain some semblance of skepticism, though a part of her couldn’t help but feel the same nervous excitement bubbling up inside.

Vivian, however, was far too focused on the task at hand to be deterred by Vanessa’s doubts. She turned back toward her daughter, her eyes twinkling with motherly pride. “Don’t worry, Ness. Tonight, everything is going to be perfect. Captain Levi will finally make it official, and you, my dear, will look like a dream.”

Vanessa slumped against the counter, resigned to her fate. She could already hear Robin and Emma rummaging through her wardrobe at home, picking out the best possible outfit. She couldn’t even begin to imagine what the next few hours were going to be like.

Vivian bustled around the bakery, cleaning up as fast as she could while humming happily to herself. She glanced at Vanessa and smiled, clearly in her element. “Trust me, sweetheart. By the time we’re done, Captain Levi won’t be able to keep his eyes off you.”

Vanessa groaned, her cheeks flushing with embarrassment, but she couldn’t help the small smile that tugged at the corners of her lips. Her mother’s enthusiasm was contagious, and despite her nerves, Vanessa couldn’t help but feel a tiny spark of hope. Maybe tonight was going to be special.

…

Later on that evening, Levi felt an unusual tightness in his chest as he walked through the quiet streets of the district, heading toward the bakery. The night air was cool, a soft breeze rustling the leaves overhead, and the sky above was a deep, velvety blue, dotted with stars. Everything had gone perfectly at HQ. The dining hall was ready—transformed into something that felt like it belonged in a dream. Soft candlelight, neatly arranged flowers, an elegant table set with care. Levi had made sure every detail was just right, down to the placement of the silverware.

But despite his meticulous planning, Levi wasn’t used to feeling this... nervous. His heart pounded harder than it had before battles, and for the first time in years, it wasn’t because of fear or danger. It was because of her—Vanessa. Tonight was different, and he knew it. He had dressed in civilian clothes for the occasion, making sure to pick something he thought she might like. It wasn’t his usual uniform or his rough Scout gear—this was him, Levi, outside of the soldier, outside of the fight. He hoped she’d like what she saw.

As he approached the bakery, he took a deep breath, steeling himself. He wasn’t usually one to get caught up in appearances, but tonight mattered more than anything had in a long time. He wanted Vanessa to feel special, to feel appreciated. And more than anything, he wanted to ask her the question that had been on his mind for days now.

When Levi reached the door, he hesitated for just a moment, his hand hovering over the handle. He could feel the weight of the evening pressing down on him—this wasn’t just any dinner. This was a turning point for them. After tonight, things would change. He wasn’t sure how Vanessa would react when he asked her to be his girlfriend, but there was no turning back now.

He pushed open the door and stepped inside, the small bell above the door jingling softly. The warmth of the bakery greeted him, but it was the sight of Vanessa that stopped him in his tracks.

Just like that night of the ball, when he’d first seen her in that stunning emerald gown, Levi found himself utterly speechless.

Vanessa stood by the counter, dressed in a pale pink dress that hugged her upper body before flaring out elegantly at her ankles. The soft fabric swayed gently as she turned to face him, the color perfectly complementing her skin. Her hair was pulled half up, with delicate tendrils framing her face, a large pale pink bow adorning the back of her hair, adding a sweet, feminine touch to her already breathtaking appearance.

She looked radiant—absolutely perfect. Her makeup was subtle but flawless, accentuating her natural beauty, and her jewelry shimmered softly under the bakery’s lights, golden and delicate against her skin. She wore nude-colored heels, and Levi couldn’t help but notice how effortlessly graceful she looked, standing there like she belonged in the fairytale he had tried to create for tonight.

For a moment, all Levi could do was stand there, his mouth slightly parted, his thoughts racing but completely incoherent. The tension he’d felt earlier melted away, replaced by a feeling of awe that he couldn’t quite explain. He had been so focused on planning the perfect evening that he hadn’t prepared himself for how she would make him feel when he saw her.

God, she’s beautiful. The thought slipped into his mind before he could stop it.

Vanessa smiled softly when she saw him standing there, her own nerves evident in the way she gently fidgeted with her dress. “Levi,” she said quietly, her voice warm and soft. “You look... amazing.”

Levi blinked, shaking himself out of his daze. “I... you...” He trailed off, struggling to find the right words. When had he become so tongue-tied? He cleared his throat, straightening his posture, trying to regain some of his usual composure. “You look incredible, Vanessa.”

Vanessa’s smile widened, a soft blush coloring her cheeks. “Thank you.”

Levi walked toward her, his eyes never leaving hers. He noticed the small details—the way her bow matched her dress perfectly, the softness of her hair, the way her makeup highlighted the delicate curve of her cheeks. She looked so beautiful that it almost made his chest ache. She was more than just beautiful, though. The way she carried herself, the way she smiled at him—it made him feel something he hadn’t felt in years.

He stopped just in front of her, his gaze lingering on her face. For a brief moment, the words he had planned for the night vanished, leaving him standing there, caught in the gravity of her presence.

“Are you ready?” he finally asked, his voice lower than usual, almost gentle. He didn’t want to rush this moment—it felt important, like the start of something.

Vanessa nodded, her eyes meeting his, her smile soft but bright. “I am.”

Levi extended his hand toward her, offering it wordlessly. Vanessa hesitated for only a second before placing her hand in his. Her fingers felt warm and soft in his calloused palm, and as she stepped closer to him, he felt his heart skip a beat.

Vivian, Emma, and Robin exchanged satisfied glances from across the room. They had spent the past hour pulling everything together, and now, seeing Levi’s speechless reaction, they knew they had nailed it. Emma was the first to let out a quiet giggle, nudging Robin with her elbow.

“I told you she’d take his breath away,” Emma whispered, grinning like a child who’d just won a game. Robin nodded in agreement, her own smile wide as she watched Levi and Vanessa.

Vivian, ever the proud mother, couldn’t resist stepping forward, her face glowing with pride as she leaned in and gave Vanessa a soft kiss on the cheek. “You look perfect, sweetheart,” she murmured, giving Vanessa’s hand a gentle squeeze before adding with a playful wink, “He can’t keep his eyes off you.”

Vanessa, her face already warm from the blush that had settled in her cheeks, gave her mother a shy smile. She was still trying to wrap her mind around Levi’s reaction, how he had looked at her like she was the only person in the world.

Before Vanessa could even say anything, Levi gently squeezed her hand, his grip firm yet gentle as he guided her toward the door. “Let’s go,” he said softly, his usual stoic tone softened by something deeper.

Vanessa nodded, unable to suppress the butterflies fluttering in her stomach as she followed him outside. The moment they stepped onto the street, Vanessa could feel the eyes of passersby turning toward them. It wasn’t just Levi who was stealing glances at her—others were, too. Men and women alike noticed the way she carried herself, the grace in her step, the confidence that seemed to radiate from her as she walked beside him.

Vanessa felt the heat rise to her cheeks, not just from Levi’s attention but from the way strangers were staring at her. She wasn’t used to this kind of attention, but there was something different about it now. She didn’t feel self-conscious or awkward. Instead, she felt a warmth growing in her chest, a quiet sense of confidence she hadn’t had before.

It was Levi. Ever since he had started coming to the bakery, spending time with her, kissing her... he had made her feel special in ways she hadn’t known were possible. He saw something in her that she hadn’t seen in herself, and that belief, that quiet assurance, had been like a balm to her self-esteem. Slowly, but surely, Vanessa’s confidence had blossomed, and now it was as if the world was finally seeing her the way Levi always had—from the very first moment.

Vanessa squeezed Levi’s hand gently as they walked, her heart swelling with gratitude for everything he had given her without even realizing it. Levi had a way of making her feel grounded, important, and beautiful. And now, walking through the streets, she felt like she could finally stand tall, knowing she was more than enough—not just for him, but for herself.

Levi, of course, was barely aware of the attention they were drawing from others. His focus was entirely on Vanessa. Every so often, he’d steal another glance at her, his lips twitching into a small, rare smile. She was glowing tonight, and he couldn’t help but feel a swell of pride knowing that she was walking beside him. He had always seen her beauty—her quiet strength, her resilience, her grace. But tonight, it was as if the rest of the world had finally caught up.

As they made their way through the streets, Levi’s mind wandered back to what he had planned for the evening. He had never been one for grand gestures or romantic dinners, but for Vanessa, he wanted to do this right. She deserved something special, something that showed her just how much she meant to him.

Vanessa glanced at him out of the corner of her eye, her lips curving into a soft smile. “You keep staring at me,” she teased gently, her voice barely above a whisper. “Is everything okay?”

Levi blinked, his grip on her hand tightening slightly as he gave her a sidelong glance. “Yeah,” he replied, his tone calm but filled with an underlying warmth. “You just look... good.”

Vanessa’s smile grew, and she let out a small laugh, her heart fluttering at the simplicity of his words. Coming from Levi, “good” felt like the highest compliment in the world. She knew he wasn’t one for flowery language, and the fact that he had even said anything at all made her heart swell with affection.

As they walked together, hand in hand, Vanessa couldn’t help but feel like she was in a dream. The world around them seemed to fade into the background, leaving just the two of them in this quiet, intimate moment. And though she could feel the curious eyes of others following them, she didn’t care. For the first time in a long time, she felt completely at ease in her own skin, and she knew that it was because of Levi.

With each step they took, Vanessa felt her confidence growing. She wasn’t the same girl who had once shied away from attention, who had let her insecurities hold her back. She was different now—stronger, more sure of herself—and it was all because of the quiet strength Levi had given her through his unwavering support and affection.And as they continued toward HQ, Vanessa couldn’t help but wonder what the night had in store.

 …

Levi led Vanessa through the corridors of HQ, his usual calm, stoic demeanor masking the nervousness that fluttered in his chest. He could feel her warmth beside him, the soft pressure of her hand in his, but all he could think about was whether everything would go according to plan. He’d spent hours, days even, orchestrating every detail. And now it was time.

As they reached the entrance of the dining hall, Levi paused for a moment, stealing one more glance at Vanessa before pushing open the heavy wooden door. The door creaked open, and the soft glow of candlelight spilled into the hallway.

Vanessa gasped audibly as she stepped inside, her eyes widening in awe. She could hardly believe what she was seeing.

The entire dining hall had been transformed into something out of a fairy tale. Twinkling candles lined the long table, casting a warm, golden light over the room. The usually cold, utilitarian space now felt intimate, almost magical, with soft drapes hanging from the high windows and bouquets of flowers strategically placed around the room. There was no trace of the military mess hall it usually was—this was something far more grand, far more personal.

Vanessa turned to Levi, her eyes bright with surprise and wonder. “Levi... this is... this is beautiful,” she whispered, her voice filled with emotion. She couldn’t believe it. It felt like she had been transported to another world, far away from the grim realities of their usual lives.

Levi, still trying to maintain his usual composure, simply nodded. “I’m glad you like it,” he said quietly, though his heart was racing from her reaction.

As they stepped farther into the room, Vanessa noticed movement near the entrance to the kitchen. To her utter surprise, Eren, Connie, and Floch—dressed in hastily put-together waiter outfits—were standing at attention, ready to serve. Their expressions ranged from mildly annoyed to completely bewildered.

Floch, holding a small tray of appetizers, leaned over to Eren, muttering under his breath, “I can’t believe we’re doing this.”

Eren shrugged, looking equally as unimpressed. “Do you want to be on latrine duty for a month? Didn’t think so.”

Connie, balancing a stack of plates, snorted. “Captain Levi’s scary when he’s mad. Just play along.”

Meanwhile, Sasha was in the kitchen, cooking like her life depended on it—because in many ways, it did. The smell of freshly prepared dishes wafted through the air, and Vanessa could hear Sasha mumbling frantically to herself as she moved from pot to pan, her pace frantic. She knew better than anyone that Captain Levi wasn’t one to tolerate mistakes, especially tonight.

Sasha peeked through the kitchen door for a second, eyes wide with nervous energy. “Please let everything be perfect,” she muttered to herself before ducking back inside.

Levi, seemingly oblivious to the small chaos he’d unleashed among the scouts, turned his attention back to Vanessa, leading her to the center of the room where a beautifully set table awaited. He pulled out a chair for her, his movements surprisingly gentle for someone so known for his rough exterior.

“Sit,” he said simply, though his voice had an almost uncharacteristic softness to it.

Vanessa, still in awe, took her seat, feeling a bit like a princess in a fairy tale. She glanced around the room again, unable to stop the smile that spread across her face. She had never seen anything like this before—especially not from Levi. It was... enchanting. And it made her heart swell with warmth, knowing that he had done all of this for her.

As she sat down, Eren, Connie, and Jean quickly took their positions, awkwardly trying to appear professional as they stood by to serve the courses. Their discomfort was clear, but none of them dared to disobey Levi’s strict instructions.

Levi sat across from Vanessa, his sharp eyes watching her every move, though there was something different in his gaze tonight—something softer. For a brief moment, he allowed himself to relax, knowing that everything had gone according to plan so far.

Mikasa, Armin and Jean had been posted outside the doors, making sure no one disturbed their evening. Levi had made it clear that if anyone so much as peeked into the dining hall, they’d be scrubbing latrines for weeks.

And as for Hange... well, Levi had ensured she wouldn’t be anywhere near the dining hall. His threats had been clear: go anywhere else or suffer his wrath. He wasn’t taking any chances tonight.

Vanessa caught Levi stealing another glance at her, and her smile grew. She couldn’t believe how thoughtful he had been, how much effort he had put into making tonight special. The Levi she had come to know was often quiet, guarded, and sometimes even brusque. But tonight, he was different—there was a vulnerability in him, a side of him she hadn’t seen before.

She reached out across the table, her hand brushing against his. “Levi,” she whispered, her voice filled with emotion. “This is... I don’t even know what to say. I never expected something like this.”

Levi’s gaze met hers, and for a moment, the usual coolness in his expression melted away. He looked at her with such intensity, but there was something deeper beneath it—something raw, something real. “You don’t need to say anything,” he said quietly. “Just... be here.”

And in that moment, Vanessa felt her heart swell. She was here, with him, and that was all that mattered.

Meanwhile, Eren, Connie, and Floch shuffled around the dining hall, their faces pale with anxiety as they carried the trays of food to the table. Levi’s cold, piercing stare followed their every move, and his silent glare said more than any words could. The message was crystal clear: screw up, and you’re dead.

Vanessa watched with barely concealed amusement as the three scouts fumbled to set down the dishes as carefully as they could, trying not to make a single sound. Every now and then, Eren would shoot a panicked look toward Levi, as if waiting for the inevitable scolding. Even Connie, who normally wasn’t fazed by much, was tiptoeing around the table like he was navigating a field of landmines.

When the last dish was placed before them—some sort of beautifully prepared chicken dish courtesy of Sasha’s frantic efforts—Floch practically sprinted back to the kitchen, eager to escape Levi’s terrifying presence. Eren and Connie followed, though not without sharing a quick glance of sympathy toward Vanessa, as if they pitied her for being the subject of Levi’s intense focus.

Vanessa stifled a laugh. It was hard not to be amused by the situation, especially considering how tense Levi seemed to make everyone around him. But then her eyes drifted back to Levi himself, who was now staring at his plate with an almost distant expression, his usual sharpness dulled by... something else.

Vanessa wasn’t sure what it was, but he seemed distracted, as if his mind was somewhere else. She wondered if it was just nerves. After all, Levi had gone to such great lengths to prepare this evening—transforming the dining hall, getting the scouts involved, making sure everything was perfect. And now, as they sat across from each other, she couldn’t shake the feeling that there was more to this night than just a romantic dinner.

As they began eating, Vanessa kept sneaking glances at Levi. He was quiet—quieter than usual, if that was even possible—and though he appeared composed on the surface, there was a subtle tension in his posture, as if he was bracing himself for something.

What she didn’t know was that Levi was rehearsing his speech over and over in his head. The same speech he had practiced in front of the mirror the night before, trying to find the right words to express what he felt for her. He wasn’t good with words. He never had been. But this was important. He needed Vanessa to understand that she wasn’t just another person to him—she was his person. He wanted her in his life, not just as a fleeting presence, but as something permanent.

He stole a glance at her across the table, noticing how the candlelight reflected in her eyes, making them look even more stunning than usual. His heart tightened in his chest, and for a moment, he felt the weight of the words he had been rehearsing settle heavily in his throat.

I want you to be my girlfriend.

The phrase seemed simple enough, but for Levi, it carried so much more than that. It meant letting her into the parts of him that no one else had ever seen. It meant giving her a piece of his life that he had kept locked away for years.

But before he could speak, Vanessa’s soft voice broke through his thoughts.

“Levi,” she said, her voice gentle but curious. “This whole evening... It’s so perfect. I don’t know how to thank you for all of this.”

Levi cleared his throat, suddenly feeling self-conscious. “You don’t need to thank me,” he replied, his voice a little gruffer than usual. “I wanted to do it.”

Vanessa tilted her head slightly, her hazel eyes searching his face for something more. “You’ve been a bit... distant tonight,” she said, her tone careful, as if she didn’t want to pry too much. “Is everything okay?”

Levi blinked, momentarily caught off guard by her observation. He hadn’t realized how transparent his nervousness must have been. He shifted in his seat, suddenly feeling the weight of the moment pressing down on him.

He couldn’t back out now. This was the moment he had been working up to.

“Vanessa,” he began, his voice a little softer now, as he forced himself to meet her gaze. “There’s something I need to talk to you about.”

Vanessa’s heart skipped a beat. She had seen how much effort Levi had put into tonight, how meticulous every detail had been. And now, the way he was looking at her—nervous, vulnerable, and something else she couldn’t quite place—it made her wonder if her mother’s wild suspicions had been right all along.

Is he... going to ask me to be his girlfriend?

The thought made her stomach flip, but she remained still, her breath caught in her throat as she waited for him to continue.

Levi took a deep breath, trying to gather his thoughts. He wasn’t good at this. He wasn’t the type to spill his emotions, to bare his soul. But this was Vanessa. She deserved to know how he felt.

“I’ve been thinking,” he said slowly, his voice careful and deliberate. “About us. About... everything that’s happened over the last few months.”

Vanessa nodded, her heart beating so fast she thought he might be able to hear it. “Okay,” she whispered, encouraging him to go on.

Levi’s hands rested on the edge of the table, his fingers curling slightly as he continued. “I’ve never really had time for this kind of thing before,” he admitted, his tone surprisingly vulnerable. “Romance, relationships... it wasn’t something I ever thought about. But then... you happened.”

Vanessa’s breath hitched slightly, her hands trembling slightly in her lap as she listened intently.

Levi’s gaze softened as he met her eyes fully, his usual guarded expression fading away. “I wasn’t expecting any of this,” he continued, his voice quieter now. “But you... you’ve changed things for me. You make me want more than just surviving. You make me want to... be better.”

Vanessa’s eyes widened slightly, her heart swelling with warmth as she listened to the rare vulnerability in his words. It was a side of Levi she had never seen before, a side he rarely showed to anyone.

“And I don’t want this to be just another fleeting thing,” Levi said, his voice firmer now, though still laced with that quiet vulnerability. “I want more with you. I want you in my life... permanently.”

Vanessa’s heart was pounding now, her eyes beginning to mist with emotion as she realized what he was saying. She couldn’t believe it—he was actually going to ask.

Levi’s gaze didn’t waver as he spoke the words he had been rehearsing for days. “Vanessa... I want you to be my girlfriend.”

The words hung in the air, thick with emotion. For a moment, time seemed to stand still as Vanessa took in what he had just said, her heart racing with a mixture of shock and overwhelming happiness.

She sat frozen for a moment, her heart racing so fast she could barely catch her breath. Levi’s words echoed in her mind, louder than the gentle clink of silverware or the soft crackle of the nearby candlelight. He had just asked her, plain and simple, in the most Levi way possible. His usual bluntness was there, but behind it was a tenderness she had never imagined.

Levi had asked her to be his girlfriend.

A whirlwind of emotions ran through her—joy, disbelief, even a touch of nervousness. But more than anything, she felt warmth. It filled her from the inside out, washing over her like a gentle wave. The look in Levi’s eyes, steady yet vulnerable, told her everything she needed to know. This wasn’t just another night for him. He had opened himself up in a way that she knew wasn’t easy for him. He was putting his heart out there for her, and the weight of that realization made her eyes mist with emotion.

She reached across the table, her fingers trembling slightly as they found Levi’s hand. His rough, calloused fingers closed gently around hers, steadying her as she spoke.

“Levi... I—I don’t even know what to say,” she whispered, her voice soft and shaky, but filled with emotion. “You’ve... you’ve changed my life too. I never imagined I’d meet someone like you, someone who... who makes me feel seen. And more than that... someone who makes me feel wanted.”

Levi’s thumb brushed gently over the back of her hand, his expression softening. “You don’t have to say anything,” he murmured. “I just need to know... if you feel the same way.”

Vanessa’s chest tightened with emotion. Did she feel the same way? Absolutely. More than she ever thought possible. She had fallen for Levi, this stoic, tough, resilient man who had shown her more kindness and care than anyone in her life. He had made her feel beautiful, inside and out, even on days when she struggled to see it herself.

“I do,” she whispered, her eyes shining with sincerity. “I feel the same way, Levi.”

Levi’s lips twitched into the faintest of smiles, relief flickering across his face as he squeezed her hand a little tighter. He didn’t need to say anything more. The silence between them was comfortable, full of understanding. They had both laid their hearts bare, and it felt right.

Vanessa’s emotions welled up again, her cheeks flushed with happiness as she let out a soft laugh, her nerves finally beginning to settle. “I was starting to think maybe my mom was right after all,” she admitted with a small, teasing smile. “She’s been saying for days now that you were going to ask me.”

Levi raised an eyebrow, his expression somewhere between amusement and exasperation. “Your mom... she’s persistent, I’ll give her that.”

Vanessa laughed again, the sound light and free, and Levi felt a warmth in his chest. It wasn’t often he heard her laugh like that, and it only made him feel more certain that this was what he wanted—what they both wanted.

“Persistent is an understatement,” Vanessa said, her eyes sparkling with humor. “She’s probably already planning our next date in her head.”

Levi shook his head, but there was a fondness in his eyes. “Well, she’s not wrong. I’ve got more plans for us.”

Vanessa blinked, surprised but thrilled. “You do?”

Levi’s gaze softened as he leaned in slightly, his voice quiet but full of intent. “Of course. I’m not going anywhere, Vanessa. This is just the beginning.”

Her heart skipped at his words, the promise behind them clear. The future seemed brighter now, filled with possibility and the warmth of what they had just shared. She smiled, squeezing his hand gently as she nodded.

“I’m glad,” she whispered. “Because I’m not going anywhere either.”

The rest of the dinner passed in a blur of soft conversation and shared smiles. Eren, Connie, and Floch continued their awkward waiter duties, though their anxiety seemed to lessen as Levi’s mood lightened. Sasha, still working away in the kitchen, peeked out every so often to make sure everything was going smoothly.

Levi and Vanessa’s connection only deepened as the night went on, the unspoken understanding between them growing stronger with each passing moment. There was no need for elaborate declarations or grand gestures—everything they needed was right there, in the quiet comfort of each other’s presence.

As they finished the last course, Levi leaned back in his chair, watching Vanessa with a contented expression. He had never been one for fancy dinners or romantic gestures, but for her, he’d do anything. And seeing the happiness in her eyes, the way her face glowed with joy, made it all worth it.

Levi stood and, without a word, extended his hand to her once more. Vanessa looked up at him, her heart swelling with affection as she placed her hand in his. He helped her up from the table, his grip gentle but sure.

“Come with me,” he said softly, his voice steady as he led her out of the dining hall.

Vanessa followed him, her curiosity piqued as they stepped outside into the cool night air. The stars were out, twinkling above them, and the soft breeze ruffled the hem of her dress as they walked through the garden behind HQ.

Levi brought her to a small clearing, where the moonlight bathed the grass in silver. He turned to face her, his expression unreadable for a moment, before his hand reached up to gently tuck a stray strand of hair behind her ear.

“I meant what I said earlier,” he murmured, his voice low but filled with meaning. “I want this with you. Us.”

Vanessa’s heart fluttered at his words, her breath catching as she looked into his eyes. There was something so raw, so real about the way he spoke, and it made her feel like the luckiest person in the world.

“I do too,” she whispered, stepping closer to him, their faces just inches apart.

Levi’s gaze flickered down to her lips, and before either of them could say another word, he leaned in, capturing her lips in a slow, tender kiss. It wasn’t rushed or urgent—just the two of them, lost in the quiet moment, their emotions laid bare.

When they finally pulled apart, their foreheads rested against each other, and Vanessa let out a soft, contented sigh.

This was just the beginning, but for the first time, Vanessa knew that everything was going to be okay. Because she had him, and he had her.

They stood in the quiet, moonlit garden, wrapped in each other’s arms. The warmth of their closeness, the soft murmur of their breaths mingling in the cool night air—it was perfect. Levi, who had always kept a distance from the chaos and noise of the world, found himself lost in the peace of the moment. Vanessa’s lips had softened into a smile against his, their kiss lingering, slow and tender. His hand rested gently on her waist, pulling her closer as the world outside seemed to fade away.

But just as Levi leaned in for another kiss, an earsplitting bang echoed through the night, startling both of them.

They pulled apart in surprise, eyes wide, just in time to hear a familiar voice—one far too loud and excited for Levi’s liking.

“LEVI! VANESSA! I HOPE YOU’RE READY FOR A CELEBRATION!” Hange’s voice rang through the garden, followed by a deafening series of pops and bangs.

Levi’s eyes immediately narrowed in suspicion, and he turned toward the source of the commotion. Sure enough, standing in the clearing with an absurdly wide grin on her face, was Hange. And behind her was a large box filled with fireworks, brightly colored and crackling as they shot into the air one after another.

Hange waved excitedly, practically bouncing on her heels as she lit another fuse. “SURPRISE! This is to celebrate your new relationship!”

Vanessa blinked, half in awe and half in disbelief. “Hange...”

Levi groaned, pinching the bridge of his nose. Of course, Hange would pull something like this. Fireworks? Really? His peaceful, romantic moment with Vanessa was now filled with whistling rockets and colorful explosions. He couldn’t believe it.

“Really, Hange?” Levi muttered, though his voice lacked its usual bite. He was too distracted by the fireworks lighting up the sky above them.

“I just thought you two deserved a proper celebration!” Hange shouted over the noise, beaming like a child who had just won a prize. “What better way than fireworks?!”

Vanessa couldn’t help but laugh, her heart lightened by the chaos of the moment. “It’s... sweet in a very Hange kind of way,” she said softly to Levi, her hand still resting against his chest.

Levi grunted, though a small, rare smile tugged at the corner of his mouth. “She’s a lunatic,” he said, but there was no real malice in his voice. Just the resigned acceptance that this was the kind of thing that came with being around Hange.

But then, just as Levi was about to wrap his arms around Vanessa again, something went terribly wrong.

One of the larger fireworks, which Hange had set up a bit too close to the garden, suddenly misfired. Instead of shooting up into the sky, it launched sideways—directly into a nearby tree. There was a brief, tense moment of silence before the unmistakable sound of leaves catching fire filled the air.

“Oh no...” Vanessa gasped, her eyes widening in horror as the flames spread quickly through the branches.

Levi’s entire body tensed, his usual calm composure dissolving into a rare flash of alarm. “Hange!” he barked, whipping around to face her. “What the hell did you do?!”

Hange, for once, looked genuinely panicked. “Uh... I didn’t mean to do that!” she stammered, already scrambling to grab a bucket of water.

Before anyone could fully react, the scouts came rushing out from inside HQ, having heard the commotion. Eren, Connie, Floch, Jean, Armin, Sasha, and Mikasa all skidded to a stop, their eyes wide as they took in the sight of the burning tree.

“WHAT HAPPENED?!” Connie shouted, his voice shrill with panic.

“FIREWORKS,” Sasha exclaimed, grabbing a bucket of water from the kitchen door and sprinting toward the growing flames.

“We need to put that out!” Jean added, already running toward the nearby fountain to fill whatever he could with water.

Levi, his patience now completely gone, threw off his jacket and began barking orders like it was a battlefield. “Jean, Eren—get more buckets from the supply shed! Connie, Armin—grab anything that holds water and help Sasha! Move it!”

Vanessa, still standing by Levi’s side, watched in disbelief as the peaceful evening turned into a chaotic scramble. The once-beautiful garden was now a scene of disarray as the scouts rushed around, trying to put out the fire before it spread any further. The flames were climbing higher, licking the lower branches of the tree and threatening to ignite the nearby shrubs.

Hange, meanwhile, was running back and forth with a panicked expression, trying to douse the flames but only succeeding in making things worse. “I thought fireworks would be fun!” she wailed, dumping another bucket of water onto the tree, only to see the fire flare up even more.

Levi, with his sleeves rolled up and his hair slightly tousled from the sudden rush of activity, finally managed to grab a bucket himself, joining the fray. “Hange, I swear, if you burn down HQ, I’m making you scrub every floor in the building for the next month,” he growled, though his voice was drowned out by the crackling of the flames and the frantic shouts of the scouts.

Vanessa, realizing that things were getting out of hand, quickly ran to grab more water, doing her best to help in the madness. As she hurried back to Levi’s side, she couldn’t help but laugh, despite the chaos unfolding around them.

Here she was, in the middle of a garden fire, helping Levi and the scouts put out a blaze that Hange had accidentally started with fireworks—all while on what was supposed to be a romantic evening. It was absurd, yet somehow, in the midst of it all, it felt so perfectly fitting. Nothing ever seemed to go according to plan, but as long as she was with Levi, she didn’t mind.

After what felt like an eternity, the fire finally began to die down. The scouts, covered in soot and sweat, stood back and sighed with relief as the last of the flames flickered out. The tree was scorched, the garden a mess, and everyone was exhausted—but the fire was out.

Levi, still holding an empty bucket, turned to Hange, his glare sharper than ever. “You’re cleaning this up tomorrow,” he said flatly.

Hange, who looked like a scolded child, nodded sheepishly. “Yeah... fair enough.”

Vanessa, still trying to catch her breath from the excitement, stood beside Levi, wiping a bit of soot from her dress. She glanced up at him and, despite everything that had happened, couldn’t help but smile.

Levi, noticing her smile, raised an eyebrow. “What’s so funny?”

Vanessa shook her head, laughing softly. “Just... this night. It was supposed to be romantic, and now look at us—covered in ash, putting out a fire.”

Levi sighed, his usual seriousness returning, though there was a faint glimmer of amusement in his eyes. “It’s never boring, I’ll give you that.”

Vanessa reached for his hand, squeezing it gently. “It’s perfect,” she said quietly. “Because I’m with you.”

Levi’s expression softened, and despite the chaos of the evening, he felt that same warmth in his chest. He wasn’t much for romance, but Vanessa made even nights like this feel special.

And with that, the two of them stood together, hand in hand, watching as the last few sparks from Hange’s fireworks flickered out into the night sky.

~

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