Attack on Holidays

[hometown]

WHO: the Attack on Titan cast and their +1s
WHAT: holiday shenanigans
WHEN: around the Solstice
WHERE: an inn in Stormreach
WARNINGS: tba; please check subject lines



Sometime after a less than stellar conference call, Reiner sends an invitation to everyone from his world. "You're Invited to a Holiday Party," the store-bought invitation reads in swirling seasonally decorated letters. How very fancy!

The invitation specifies three things. Number one: it is a celebration of the holidays. Number two: it is a celebration of a year of a successful non-aggression pact. Number three: everyone is invited to bring a "plus one."

Surely, nothing will go wrong with this plan. Surely!

The party itself takes place at an inn in Stormreach, part of which has been reserved by Reiner. The inn is made of stone and wood, its aesthetic closely resembling buildings in Paradis. There are several spacious rooms available: places for eating, places for mingling, cozy corners for more private conversations, and access to the inn's bar.

• In one of those cozy spaces, one might find a lit candle known as a Candle of True Feelings. In its presence, people understand their feelings better and feel inspired to talk about them. How very curious!
  
  
• Of note: magic supersedes technology in Stormreach. One is far more likely to run across potions and crystals than gaming systems… But that hasn't stopped Reiner from setting up a gaming system in a corner, anyway.
  
  
• If one steps outside for a breath of (cold) fresh air, they'll find themselves close to the clock tower. Local legend claims that those who kiss on top of it are destined to never breakup. However, that legend has not been tested … yet.
  
  
• During the party, a table is filled with various gifts for the "+1s," created by those from Paradis and Marley. The gifts include knitted clothing (scarves, mittens, socks), chocolates, sweet baked goods, and fidget toys made of wood or stone. Feel free to partake, +1s!

Naturally, there is a wide assortment of food—some of which is best described as "ungodly spicy"—with a particular focus on potato-based foods. Also, peaches and pineapples, for Reasons™.

Have fun, and try not to break anything!


( ooc: this is a mingle! top-level, tag around, etc. put any warnings in subject lines, and if a thread heads toward smut, please take it to an inbox or something. ♥ )

Comments

[hometown]

Reiner is messing with the gaming console's settings, adjusting controls to make things more forgiving (read: easier) for those who have never played, when he spots Hakkai's interest.

Smiling, he gestures with the controller. "Hey, Hakkai. Do you wanna play a round?"

[hometown]

During one of those times when Bertholdt isn't standing nearby, Reiner goes searching for him, missing the soothing presence at his side. He knows this sort of event isn't Bertholdt's favorite. He knows, too, that all the different faces (new and especially old) can't be easy for Bertholdt to deal with. It makes the fact that Bertholdt agreed to attend all the more special to Reiner.

He finds his partner out on a balcony, a tall and quiet presence above snow-hushed streets.

"There you are," Reiner says—happily, not accusingly. He moves to Bertholdt's side, their arms brushing as he takes his place. "It's nice out here, huh?"

It is, in fact, very cold. But that's all the more reason to stand close. (As if Reiner needs an excuse.)

[urtitan]

Could you at least still talk? Or did someone figure it out?

[She'd have no problem kissing a frog, but if she thought it to be a regular one, there'd be little incentive!]

[urtitan]

[She knows that it's not easy. She and Eren agreed that it would be best for everyone - them and their world - if they and their Founding Titan never returned, but who knows what will become of their homeworld in that case? Even without the Founder, the curse of the titans will presumably remain... or will it? She remembers what Levi told her, not sharing many details besides Mikasa being the one who'll eventually do away with it. Now Mikasa, too, is here... are they, in fact, dooming their people through their escape from their world?

Neither she nor Reiner know the answer, so she tries to push those thoughts away for the moment. As she turns back to look at the warm light inside, her wistfulness increases, though she keeps a smile on her face.]

I wish Historia were still here with us.

[Living with Jade helps a lot, but she still misses her sister almost every day. She can hardly express how much pride she feels whenever she reflects on the person she grew up to be, so different from herself.]

[roundandaround]

Thanks, Frieda-chan! We're all gonna do our best ♪ You're a nice person, you know. Even when you say you're not.

[roundandaround]

[Rinku's sparkling eyes widen, and she scoops Hina into her hand and moves her toward the toy. Hina squeaks at the toy, leans into it, bites it... and absolutely lights up. If Zubat had eyes, they'd be sparkling too.]

Thank you, Reiner-san! I think she really likes it!

[abnormalizes]

"Looking forward to it. Do I get a hint what it is?"

She's excited already...!

[urtitan]

[Oh, that earns her another hug.]

You always believe in me! Thank you, Rinku, truly. And thank you for attending this party with all of us.

[Having Rinku as a friend is good for all of them. God knows the Eldians need the optimism and encouragement!]

[roundandaround]

[snug snug] Of course! It's been so much fun. And I want to be everyone's friend, after all.

[urtitan]

[How can anybody be this friendly? In a way, Rinku is the perfect embodiment of all the virtues Frieda preached to her inner circle back home, just with a good amount more spunk.]

I shouldn't hog you all to myself, then. Let me see if I can find out a thing or two about what Reiner likes!

[She wants to lend him a hand, anyway - as usual, he's trying to take care of everything!]

[roundandaround]

Okay! I'll try and help you with that too! I gotta find something he likes! Thanks, Frieda-chan.

[wingbound]

As ever, Levi's expression remains mostly unreadable, but Reiner may catch the way his eyes seem to soften at the sound of Gabi's name. He knows she had wanted to go home, he's certain their world will be lucky to have her -- but it's still a little melancholic, thinking about her being here and then not.

"Alright," he says, and makes his way toward the free spot on the couch. He seems to shift more weight on his cane as he sits, but once he's settled, he finally takes the offered controller, turning it over in his hands a few times curiously.

He's probably going to need some instructions.

[hometown]

[ Reiner grins, pleased by both Rinku and Hina's reactions. ]

You're welcome. I'm glad she likes it. If you want, I can make her a few more like that one.

[hometown]

[ The tension that has crept into Reiner eases when Frieda lets the subject drop. The prospect of remaining in Ellipsa isn't an easy thing for Reiner to address at the best of times, even in his own head. Discussing it at a party seems like asking for trouble.

(Or so he tells himself. The truth is, discussing it is no more dangerous here than elsewhere. It's just that here, more people might overhear. Here, Reiner can use the party as an excuse to avoid the subject.)

His voice isn't as wistful as Frieda's when he speaks, but it carries an undeniable fondness. ]

Yeah, I miss her being here. We didn't spend a lot of time together, but it was always nice to see her. Do you think she would've liked this party?

[hometown]

Usually, Reiner finds Levi's expression difficult to read; he was never able to practice doing so back in their world like his peers. But he notes the way Levi's eyes soften, and his lips quirk into a faint smile in turn.

Not a day goes by that Reiner doesn't miss his cousin. He knows she got what she wanted; he knows she can take care of herself; he knows she isn't alone there. Still, he misses her. He always will.

Once Levi takes his seat and the controller, Reiner sets about instructing him on the basics. Thankfully, Reiner is a good teacher, clear without being patronizing. It may provide a hint as to why so many members of the 104th looked up to him.

[hometown]

Reiner hums, tapping his chin as if in thought. "Well, it's detailed, and I made it myself."

Both the gift and the Armor that acted as its model.

[roundandaround]

Really? I'll see how this one goes! I bet she'd be happy.

[Hina squeaks and chews excitedly.]

Can Mecchan have one too? [She motions her Sobble over from where he's wallflowering at a table with a colouring book.] He doesn't chew, he'd probably play with it normally.

[urtitan]

Of course. All her friends are here.

[Reiner, of course, is included in that. Despite how difficult it must have been to live through the events back home, to find out that not everyone was who they seemed to be, Historia (who, in fairness, was likewise forced to partake in a charade) never once spoke ill of anyone present here.]

...

I'm not like her at all, but... I want to try and stand in for her. In terms of contributing, I mean.

[Historia showed incredible courage to face all the hardship and dangers of her life, not to mention her ascension to the public throne, with no Founding Titan to temper her mind and judgement - just as herself, a human being. In the face of such strength, Frieda doesn't want to remain a passive observer and awaiter of the destiny to come. Already, Historia, along with the friends she herself made here, encouraged and emboldened her to the point where she's been physically fighting alongside others.

She hesitates for a moment. Should she really ask Reiner..? But who else would know more about the matter?]

When I used those magical candles earlier this month, I received a bottle of titan armour substance. I want to put it to good use.

[abnormalizes]

"Oooh. If it's a handmade gift from you, then I'm sure I'll love it whatever it is."

She's expecting - jewelry, maybe? He knows she likes the jewelry he makes.

[abnormalizes]

I could still talk, thankfully - I don't know that I would've ever been cured otherwise! Even I don't go around smooching nonverbal frogs.

[And she is notably a weirdo.]

[hometown]

Of course he can have one.

[ Reiner turns to the table again, selecting three different toys: one that dangles, one that twists, and one that is simply a pleasing shape. ]

If he doesn't chew, these should be fine. Wanna see which one he likes best?

[hometown]

"I hope so. If you don't, that's all right; I'll make you something else."

Reiner means it, too. He wants Evangeline to be happy with whatever gift she receives.

[hometown]

[ All her friends… Reiner isn't sure if he counts among that number. Once, yes, but he was never sure how things stood here in Ellipsa. He supposes he'll never know for certain, but imagining he was one of Historia's friends is a nice thought.

Reiner doesn't know much of Historia's contributions back in Paradis, having been forced to flee before she ascended her throne. (Hell, he didn't even know she was Queen until fairly recently.) He could say a few things about Frieda's contributions, though. Maybe give a little advice about talking things through one-on-one before any more conference calls. But he's sure that "Max" person was taking advantage of her, and he doesn't want to beat the subject into the ground—much less at a party.

In any case, her next words thoroughly distract him from any 'big brother' lectures. ]

Titan armor substance…?

[ A question, to make sure he heard that right. Then he frowns, thinking. ]

… There aren't many of us who could use it. The Armored's holder receives it on inheritance. [ That covers him and Falco, or so he thinks. ] Eren's Titan can already do the things it would allow. That leaves your Titan and Bertholdt's.

[roundandaround]

Sure! Mecchan, do you wanna come over here?

[Mecchan looks up nervously and blows a bubble. He closes his book, and Rinku goes to pick him up and takes him over to Reiner.]

Don't worry, Mecchan! Reiner-san just has a Yuletide present for you. Do you wanna pick one?

[Mecchan looks over hesitantly from Rinku's arms. She holds him out when he seems to relax, and he reaches over to the dangling one and pokes it curiously.]

[urtitan]

[Her smile fades a little at the mention of Eren's titan. How did he attain the armour ability? It shouldn't have come naturally with any of his titans... but then, perhaps he figured out a way to utilise the Warhammer's weapon creation ability in a similar manner, or else he may have attained some of the substance itself. A reserve of it was kept by Frieda's father, however the Reiss family's intent to never use the Founder for warfare left it unused. She can only assume that she received it now as a result of her changed conditions here in Ellipsa.

Her eyes search for Bertholdt, but he, seemingly having endured rather than enjoyed the get-together thus far, appears to have managed to find a hiding place for the time being.]

My Founding Titan is... not very battleworthy, right now.

[There's no way around admitting that. While Evangeline taught her the basics of self-defence, which she's been able to translate to her titan form, she's still a far cry from the combat prowess of the Warriors and Survey Corps members.]

I think the armour would help me. But if Bertholdt can put it to better use, I'll give it to him. Which titan does he hold?

[It's hard - all the more for her, whose sense of time is so distorted - to not think of her future and Reiner and (presumably) Bertholdt's past, of the devastation of Wall Maria wrought by them. Any boon she affords to Marley will only enable them further to hurt the people of the Walls. That aside, is it not more important to ensure her own survival? Armour mightn't help her beat Eren's father - not if the Attack Titan really is beyond the Founder's control as Eren said, which will only be compounded by her ancestor's vow limiting her options -, but perhaps it could enable her to hold until until support arrived - Kenny and his Anti-Personnel Control Squad, she hopes, just maybe--

But in the end, she owes the Warriors more than she can ever repay. They've been carrying the burden of the Eldian atonement alone in her and the Paradisians' place. If she can give any of them a valuabe boon, she wants to at least extend the offer. Should they decide that it's more valuable in her hands - for her to survive so they can capture her without resistance, for the timeline to be rewritten without Eren's war, if such a thing is indeed possible -, she'd be able to accept it with a lighter conscience.]