Eren Jaeger (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
dreamsofwings) wrote2021-07-13 03:17 am
dreamsofwings) wrote2021-07-13 03:17 am
ic contact;
text | audio | in person
text | audio | in person
[Separate from his other, more formal present, comes a smaller gift in a small gift bag. The note says;
Silencer Orb; An orb that forms a space around two to four people that stops sounds from going out (perfect for private conversations). It can also be ejected around a tent. It's charged with magical energy (for five uses) and one use of the orb gives 30 minutes of soundproofing.
And Jean's message is:]
"Use this next time we go camping, and you get horny."
- Jean
Silencer Orb; An orb that forms a space around two to four people that stops sounds from going out (perfect for private conversations). It can also be ejected around a tent. It's charged with magical energy (for five uses) and one use of the orb gives 30 minutes of soundproofing.
And Jean's message is:]
"Use this next time we go camping, and you get horny."
- Jean
un: abnormalitylover, text - backdated to pre-event for ease
abnormalizes
2024-01-20 12:49 am (UTC)(link)
Hey, Eren, you know that crystal shard you gave me? Have you given Reiner one of those?
[ Sometime after the talk with Hange, Levi's going to beckon Eren over to the kitchen table when he next spots him around the house. ]
Oi, Eren. Got a minute?
[ He even slides a cup of tea over to him. Is he in trouble? But he hasn't done anything new, has he?.. ]
Oi, Eren. Got a minute?
[ He even slides a cup of tea over to him. Is he in trouble? But he hasn't done anything new, has he?.. ]
[ Armin goes home. ]
[ Levi feels some ways about it. On one hand, just like with Gabi, he knows the world still needs the brat, he knows that he will do a lot of good, carry on the hope for the future entrusted to him by everyone's wings. He will have to be a leader, a diplomat, a peacekeeper. His life will likely be difficult for a while, but ultimately, he will find a new happiness in it. ]
[ On the other hand, it hurts that he's gone. It hurts that he couldn't have stayed longer, especially after that heart-to-heart they've shared, where Armin admitted he doesn't even know how to live without Eren. Levi saw firsthand how happy he was to be here with him, how grateful. To have their stolen time together cut so short is unfair. ]
[ Life isn't fair, but perhaps he'd held higher hopes to this world than theirs. ]
[ Whatever he feels about it, though, can't be even a fraction of what Eren must be going through at the moment. Mikasa, too, but she's had three whole years away from home to carve out another life, another circle for herself; Levi's not too worried about her. She has support and loved ones. Eren is... as always, Eren is A Possible Problem. ]
[ At least he seems to be somewhat handling it. He disappears for a day or few -- Levi's sources confirm he's at Reiner's, which is fine, or as fine as it's going to get. He lets him be, do whatever it is he needs to do, cry or fight or fuck it out, but he does keep a closer eye on him once he finally makes it home. ]
[ It's only when he realizes that Eren hasn't been washing the mug for maybe three minutes now but he's still staring down at the sink that he deems an intervention finally necessary. ]
Oi. [ He tries to call out first, respecting the somber matter, but he's not above kicking him if it doesn't have an effect. ] Still here, brat?
[ Levi feels some ways about it. On one hand, just like with Gabi, he knows the world still needs the brat, he knows that he will do a lot of good, carry on the hope for the future entrusted to him by everyone's wings. He will have to be a leader, a diplomat, a peacekeeper. His life will likely be difficult for a while, but ultimately, he will find a new happiness in it. ]
[ On the other hand, it hurts that he's gone. It hurts that he couldn't have stayed longer, especially after that heart-to-heart they've shared, where Armin admitted he doesn't even know how to live without Eren. Levi saw firsthand how happy he was to be here with him, how grateful. To have their stolen time together cut so short is unfair. ]
[ Life isn't fair, but perhaps he'd held higher hopes to this world than theirs. ]
[ Whatever he feels about it, though, can't be even a fraction of what Eren must be going through at the moment. Mikasa, too, but she's had three whole years away from home to carve out another life, another circle for herself; Levi's not too worried about her. She has support and loved ones. Eren is... as always, Eren is A Possible Problem. ]
[ At least he seems to be somewhat handling it. He disappears for a day or few -- Levi's sources confirm he's at Reiner's, which is fine, or as fine as it's going to get. He lets him be, do whatever it is he needs to do, cry or fight or fuck it out, but he does keep a closer eye on him once he finally makes it home. ]
[ It's only when he realizes that Eren hasn't been washing the mug for maybe three minutes now but he's still staring down at the sink that he deems an intervention finally necessary. ]
Oi. [ He tries to call out first, respecting the somber matter, but he's not above kicking him if it doesn't have an effect. ] Still here, brat?
sometime after Armin left, before metaverse, idk time is fake
rustyhonesty
2024-03-31 12:08 pm (UTC)(link)
Meet me at the Summer Guild when you have time.
[ Whether or not Eren decides to do anything to celebrate his birthday -- or perhaps someone else does it for him, similar to how Levi's "dinner party" ended up happening -- Levi will make an effort to catch him today. ]
[ He'd been going back and forth about it. Eren is unforgivable. Eren is a kid they all failed. Eren almost destroyed the world. Eren is one of the kids he's watched grow up. ]
[ He'd expressed several times now that he wants things to be different here. That he doesn't want to do what he did -- will do -- even if he still would; that he wants to be someone better. Levi had chosen to believe him. He chooses to believe him every day. ]
[ So far, he has not betrayed that belief. Levi is a little worried he may be in a more destructive mood now that Armin has gone home, but perhaps some positive reinforcement is exactly what he needs to stay on the path. ]
[ Either way, it's something he feels he should say. ]
[ No regrets, right? ]
[ He stops in front of Eren, pausing with that usual awkwardness of his, and holds out a brown paper bag for him. This time, whatever is inside is soft. Definitely bigger than a peach. ]
...I don't know if it still means as much to you as it used to. But, Eren.
[ Eren does love saying how he's the same as he's always been. Perhaps that extends to his feelings about the Survey Corps and Humanity's Strongest, feelings that Levi had experienced firsthand in the metal titan. And if not, well... surely he can still appreciate the familial sentiment behind it. Levi makes sure to stare right at his face. ]
[ Inside the package, there's a forest-green Scouts' expedition cloak with the emblem on the back. ]
You're still one of us.
[ If Eren tries it on, he will find that it seems somewhat shorter than it's ought to be, even if they were always a bit short by design to make sure the gear didn't catch in them. After all, the Wishing Dandelion only allows you to regain items that you have possessed yourself in the past. But whatever name had been stitched on the hem originally had been meticulously stitched over to say Eren. ]
[ Happy birthday, brat. Don't make him regret this. ]
[ He'd been going back and forth about it. Eren is unforgivable. Eren is a kid they all failed. Eren almost destroyed the world. Eren is one of the kids he's watched grow up. ]
[ He'd expressed several times now that he wants things to be different here. That he doesn't want to do what he did -- will do -- even if he still would; that he wants to be someone better. Levi had chosen to believe him. He chooses to believe him every day. ]
[ So far, he has not betrayed that belief. Levi is a little worried he may be in a more destructive mood now that Armin has gone home, but perhaps some positive reinforcement is exactly what he needs to stay on the path. ]
[ Either way, it's something he feels he should say. ]
[ No regrets, right? ]
[ He stops in front of Eren, pausing with that usual awkwardness of his, and holds out a brown paper bag for him. This time, whatever is inside is soft. Definitely bigger than a peach. ]
...I don't know if it still means as much to you as it used to. But, Eren.
[ Eren does love saying how he's the same as he's always been. Perhaps that extends to his feelings about the Survey Corps and Humanity's Strongest, feelings that Levi had experienced firsthand in the metal titan. And if not, well... surely he can still appreciate the familial sentiment behind it. Levi makes sure to stare right at his face. ]
[ Inside the package, there's a forest-green Scouts' expedition cloak with the emblem on the back. ]
You're still one of us.
[ If Eren tries it on, he will find that it seems somewhat shorter than it's ought to be, even if they were always a bit short by design to make sure the gear didn't catch in them. After all, the Wishing Dandelion only allows you to regain items that you have possessed yourself in the past. But whatever name had been stitched on the hem originally had been meticulously stitched over to say Eren. ]
[ Happy birthday, brat. Don't make him regret this. ]
Eren,
I'm moving out. We spoke about this. If you left anything here make sure to pick it up by the end of the week, or let me know so I can pack it with my things and you can get it back later.
[ There's an address along with coordinates included for a house in Coldreach. Probably a picture, too, just to make sure it's as easy to identify as possible. ]
[ It is, in fact, the house he bought with Hange; he feels some ways about moving in without them, but in a way, it will serve as a shared memory, too. Besides, he himself only agreed to move because Hange and Erwin wanted more space, and the latter is still here. It's just as well that they honor their shared effort. ]
As promised, there's a room for you, too. You are always welcome here.
You don't have to stay, but I still expect you to visit often.
Levi
[ Who's starting to feel that empty nest vibe, huh? Couldn't be him. ]
[ Jean, Mikasa, Sasha, Historia and Falco will have received similar messages. Reiner and Marco will probably be informed as well, if with less (relative) familiarity. ]
I'm moving out. We spoke about this. If you left anything here make sure to pick it up by the end of the week, or let me know so I can pack it with my things and you can get it back later.
[ There's an address along with coordinates included for a house in Coldreach. Probably a picture, too, just to make sure it's as easy to identify as possible. ]
[ It is, in fact, the house he bought with Hange; he feels some ways about moving in without them, but in a way, it will serve as a shared memory, too. Besides, he himself only agreed to move because Hange and Erwin wanted more space, and the latter is still here. It's just as well that they honor their shared effort. ]
As promised, there's a room for you, too. You are always welcome here.
You don't have to stay, but I still expect you to visit often.
Levi
[ Who's starting to feel that empty nest vibe, huh? Couldn't be him. ]
[ Jean, Mikasa, Sasha, Historia and Falco will have received similar messages. Reiner and Marco will probably be informed as well, if with less (relative) familiarity. ]
Birthdays are complicated. That's true for anyone who holds the power of a Titan, no matter how long or short a time it's been. In the beginning, it was easy for Reiner to ignore the passing of years, so focused was he on his mission. As time wore on, that became more difficult.
Is it the same for Eren? Reiner hasn't asked. Not in so many words. It isn't as though Eren understood the gravity of each year—at least not until later. Not until Eren has already said farewell to a decent chunk of thirteen.
Here in Ellipsa, they've been assured that the Curse of Ymir is absent or dormant. They're supposed to have time here. They should have time.
Still, birthdays remain complicated for Reiner. So he does what he can to make Eren's birthday something good. (Just in case? Or just because he wants to? It amounts to the same thing in the end, doesn't it?)
Food features prominently in Reiner's plans for the day. ("Plans" being a generous description; he hasn't planned much beyond "food" and Eren's gift.) He cooks things he thinks Eren would like, trying recipes new and old. Some probably go over better than others; some simply taste better with the (frankly ludicrous) amount of spices Reiner dumps in, well aware of his Eren's preference for heat.
It's late in the day when Reiner decides to give Eren his gift. Late, because Reiner couldn't figure out precisely how to do so earlier. He still doesn't know—but time is a luxury they may or may not have. And even if Reiner isn't sure how to present it, this was the most meaningful gift Reiner could think to give.
"Hey, Eren," he says, a hand reaching out to touch Eren's elbow. They're in private, or at least private enough as far as Reiner is concerned. No eavesdroppers, at least. (Not that Reiner is good at spotting those.) "I have something for you."
In his other hand, Reiner holds a crystal that Eren may or may not recognize. Reiner won it back in October during the so-called "Renewed Test of Courage" quest. It holds the power to share a memory with someone else, but only one and only once.
Is it the same for Eren? Reiner hasn't asked. Not in so many words. It isn't as though Eren understood the gravity of each year—at least not until later. Not until Eren has already said farewell to a decent chunk of thirteen.
Here in Ellipsa, they've been assured that the Curse of Ymir is absent or dormant. They're supposed to have time here. They should have time.
Still, birthdays remain complicated for Reiner. So he does what he can to make Eren's birthday something good. (Just in case? Or just because he wants to? It amounts to the same thing in the end, doesn't it?)
Food features prominently in Reiner's plans for the day. ("Plans" being a generous description; he hasn't planned much beyond "food" and Eren's gift.) He cooks things he thinks Eren would like, trying recipes new and old. Some probably go over better than others; some simply taste better with the (frankly ludicrous) amount of spices Reiner dumps in, well aware of his Eren's preference for heat.
It's late in the day when Reiner decides to give Eren his gift. Late, because Reiner couldn't figure out precisely how to do so earlier. He still doesn't know—but time is a luxury they may or may not have. And even if Reiner isn't sure how to present it, this was the most meaningful gift Reiner could think to give.
"Hey, Eren," he says, a hand reaching out to touch Eren's elbow. They're in private, or at least private enough as far as Reiner is concerned. No eavesdroppers, at least. (Not that Reiner is good at spotting those.) "I have something for you."
In his other hand, Reiner holds a crystal that Eren may or may not recognize. Reiner won it back in October during the so-called "Renewed Test of Courage" quest. It holds the power to share a memory with someone else, but only one and only once.
On December 24th, a package is delivered by fairy delivery services. The package card says "From Jean. I hope this will bring some fond memories for you. I painted it from memory so feel free to tell me if I got it wrong."
Inside there is a painting. It's done as accurately as possible, but it's of Eren, Mikasa and Armin smiling about something. There's a tree in the background they're all sitting nearby. Both Armin and Eren look more like they do now, but their outfits are from Survey Corps.
There's a small signature of Jean's in the right down corner.
Inside there is a painting. It's done as accurately as possible, but it's of Eren, Mikasa and Armin smiling about something. There's a tree in the background they're all sitting nearby. Both Armin and Eren look more like they do now, but their outfits are from Survey Corps.
There's a small signature of Jean's in the right down corner.
[Using the fairy delivery services, Hijikata sends Eren a big box of chili pralines, along with a card wishing him and Reiner a happy Yuletide. It looks like he assumes that they'll share! There's a small bag of pokémon snacks for Yamask, too.]
As per tradition, Ozymandias sends Eren a present. It's a box wrapped in golden paper and inside Eren will find a beautiful silky robe with some bird symbolism, meant to be worn after a bath or a shower. There's also a fancily written invitation to join him for a bath at the Pyramid House whenever he wants.
"I thought this might suit you. Happy Yuletide, Eren. - Ozymandias"
"I thought this might suit you. Happy Yuletide, Eren. - Ozymandias"
Edited 2024-12-26 11:24 (UTC)
[ On the Solstice, Eren will find a present from Reiner beside his breakfast. Inside is a hair tie/bracelet made of crystal created by Reiner's Armor. The crystal has been manipulated to be extremely flexible, and can bend, twist, and stretch.
With the present is a note written in Reiner's neat Eldian script. ]
Eren,
You can use this in your hair or wear it as a bracelet. It won't break.
I love you.
- Reiner
With the present is a note written in Reiner's neat Eldian script. ]
Eren,
You can use this in your hair or wear it as a bracelet. It won't break.
I love you.
- Reiner
[They're hanging out at Evangeline's house, and the topic o February plans comes up.]
Well, my birthday's next month! So the plan right now is a karaoke party on the 8th, and then on the 15th I'm having a orgy again this year.
[Said like it ain't no big.]
Well, my birthday's next month! So the plan right now is a karaoke party on the 8th, and then on the 15th I'm having a orgy again this year.
[Said like it ain't no big.]
[Out of the blue.]
Reiner told me. Congrats.
Reiner told me. Congrats.
There is a history to this dream. One of blood, bone, and pain, tears licked away, soothing kisses pressed to stumps. How clear that history is depends on them. Maybe it's crystalline, an event perfectly preserved that preceded this. Or maybe it's murkier, the details fallen away, only the facts remaining.
Once, Eren said he wanted pain. Once, Reiner said he would give Eren that.
Here, that is what they have done.
Here, Eren is laid out on a large wooden bed in a cabin far removed from anything and anyone. A space just for them, a green meadow and blossoming trees visible through the bedroom window. Reiner is kneeling beside the bed, tugging off Eren's abbreviated trousers. He slides a large hand down Eren's thigh, stopping at a knee—where Eren's leg stops.
Smiling, Reiner presses a kiss to the crook of Eren's knee, then to the tender skin of his stump. "Need anything?" he asks, his deep voice colored with desire.
Once, Eren said he wanted pain. Once, Reiner said he would give Eren that.
Here, that is what they have done.
Here, Eren is laid out on a large wooden bed in a cabin far removed from anything and anyone. A space just for them, a green meadow and blossoming trees visible through the bedroom window. Reiner is kneeling beside the bed, tugging off Eren's abbreviated trousers. He slides a large hand down Eren's thigh, stopping at a knee—where Eren's leg stops.
Smiling, Reiner presses a kiss to the crook of Eren's knee, then to the tender skin of his stump. "Need anything?" he asks, his deep voice colored with desire.
[This envelope is postmarked from Evangeline! That's weird - she doesn't usually send physical mail, preferring to text for convenience.
Inside is a photo of Reiner and Eren - but not as they are now. They're older. Both in their mid-forties, at least. Long past the age where a curse should have taken them both.
They're sitting next to each other in quiet companionship. Reiner is smiling, and Eren is almost smiling. They're content, and they're alive.
There's also a note.]
Riki's sells a camera that shows people in the future. I wanted you to have this.
-Evangeline
Inside is a photo of Reiner and Eren - but not as they are now. They're older. Both in their mid-forties, at least. Long past the age where a curse should have taken them both.
They're sitting next to each other in quiet companionship. Reiner is smiling, and Eren is almost smiling. They're content, and they're alive.
There's also a note.]
Riki's sells a camera that shows people in the future. I wanted you to have this.
-Evangeline
On Eren's birthday, Reiner does his best to make it an unforgettable day. He tries to make it loving. Sweet. Sexy. Exciting. He may overcompensate, too determined to make it good. Or maybe his determination helps, adding sincerity to each action, his focus on his Eren's happiness.
But at some point, he becomes distracted. A photograph he received intrudes on his thoughts, golden eyes growing distant even as he gazes into green, his brow knitting. The desire inspired by that photograph isn't bad—far from it. It's just… It's impossible. Isn't it?
Maybe Reiner and Eren are getting ready to go out when it happens, or else returning home. Maybe Reiner is cooking, the scent of meat and vegetables filling their house. Or maybe Reiner is unwinding a long-unused soft rope with shibari in mind, his distraction all the more apparent.
Whatever the case, Reiner comes back to himself with a fresh intensity filling his eyes, pain and longing making him blurt:
"I want to keep this."
Which makes perfect sense in his head, but may not make much sense coming out.
But at some point, he becomes distracted. A photograph he received intrudes on his thoughts, golden eyes growing distant even as he gazes into green, his brow knitting. The desire inspired by that photograph isn't bad—far from it. It's just… It's impossible. Isn't it?
Maybe Reiner and Eren are getting ready to go out when it happens, or else returning home. Maybe Reiner is cooking, the scent of meat and vegetables filling their house. Or maybe Reiner is unwinding a long-unused soft rope with shibari in mind, his distraction all the more apparent.
Whatever the case, Reiner comes back to himself with a fresh intensity filling his eyes, pain and longing making him blurt:
"I want to keep this."
Which makes perfect sense in his head, but may not make much sense coming out.
Do you want to do the Trust Weapon thing? Might be useful, whenever we fight together.
[Is this out of the blue? Yes. Does Jean care? No.
Also saying 'I trust you' is lame when you can prove with a spell.]
[Is this out of the blue? Yes. Does Jean care? No.
Also saying 'I trust you' is lame when you can prove with a spell.]
A light rain is falling over Amberfall when Reiner returns home in the evening. It's been a long, emotionally charged day. He didn't expect to see Annie again. He certainly didn't expect even a fraction of what she revealed to him. Now, with a bit of distance between him and all that she told him, it's starting to sink in.
Falco and the Jaw. Porco's death. His mother's survival. Getting people out of Liberio. A final fight. The end of Titans. Building a better future.
'Stopping' Eren. Eren lying.
He finds Eren in the house they share. Stands there for a long moment, just watching him: a beautiful storm in the form of a boy. How much of what Eren didn't tell him was intentional? How much was because of how Eren experiences reality?
He remembers how betrayed he felt after Armin told him about Bertholdt. Betrayed by Armin, yes, but also by Eren for not telling him. He remembers how he wondered if Eren had done so to hurt him. If it had all been part of some elaborate revenge.
Reiner doesn't feel betrayed this time. He knows better. Knows that Eren wants what they have, always. Knows that Eren only kept Bertholdt's death from him because he didn't want to hurt Reiner even worse.
Did he do the same thing this time…? How much hasn't Eren shared?
Maybe Reiner is watching Eren unobserved. Maybe Eren is staring back. Either way, Reiner folds his arms. Speaks into the silence.
"I ran into Annie. She had a lot to say."
Falco and the Jaw. Porco's death. His mother's survival. Getting people out of Liberio. A final fight. The end of Titans. Building a better future.
'Stopping' Eren. Eren lying.
He finds Eren in the house they share. Stands there for a long moment, just watching him: a beautiful storm in the form of a boy. How much of what Eren didn't tell him was intentional? How much was because of how Eren experiences reality?
He remembers how betrayed he felt after Armin told him about Bertholdt. Betrayed by Armin, yes, but also by Eren for not telling him. He remembers how he wondered if Eren had done so to hurt him. If it had all been part of some elaborate revenge.
Reiner doesn't feel betrayed this time. He knows better. Knows that Eren wants what they have, always. Knows that Eren only kept Bertholdt's death from him because he didn't want to hurt Reiner even worse.
Did he do the same thing this time…? How much hasn't Eren shared?
Maybe Reiner is watching Eren unobserved. Maybe Eren is staring back. Either way, Reiner folds his arms. Speaks into the silence.
"I ran into Annie. She had a lot to say."
Page 2 of 2