[semi-open] meppy birthmas

[wingbound]

WHO: Levi & his CR!
WHAT: Levi's birthday
WHEN: December 25th
WHERE: the underground mall (morning), Erwin's apartment (noon), Solarpeak beach (evening), Coldreach observatory (night)
WARNINGS: probably just Levi's potty mouth, but blanket AoT warnings (child soldiers, trauma no therapy, so much death, etc)

::

--1. Return To The Underground (Not) - open to anyone!

It's not Levi's favorite destination, but the expansive subterranean shopping district happens to offer all of the mall delights he had wanted to engage with today in one spot. Having his friends with him makes him more comfortable about the whole ordeal, too. But while he spends most of the time there together with Erwin and Hange, you may still catch him alone for a quick chat if you happen to be there!

Maybe the commanders were taking too long reading every instruction manual in the sprawling department store, maybe somebody had to go to the bathroom and agreed to meet later, maybe Levi just needs a moment to rest his leg and he doesn't feel like he needs company for that.

But you may find him sitting on a bench waiting for his friends in front of some store, or standing in front of the giant aquarium near the restaurants, staring at the fish with some unabated wonder in his eyes despite his otherwise dull expression. Feel free to say hi.


--2. Holiday Dinner - open only to other shingekis (and u may also make open TLs and tag each other if you'd like)!

Over the last few days, the present Scouts (and potentially their dates if applicable), plus Gabi, may have received an invitation for a sort of small, informal holiday get together at Erwin's place. Except he and/or Hange may have also snitched that it is, in fact, Levi's birthday rather than any ol' solstice celebration, encouraging the kids to simply be there. There's not much in the way of decorations (for now at least), but there's probably stew (not the raisin pizza kind!), peach bruschettas sandwiches, some sweet pastries and of course lots and lots of tea.

(And, probably, some boiled or cooked chicken that Shadow the Void Cat is gradually stealing from the plates.)

Levi himself, apparently, hadn't been expecting anybody else to be coming in, but he doesn't look annoyed, just a little surprised. He's happy to exchange some words with anyone, though he may retreat to the balcony if he starts feeling overwhelmed-- or try to put his foot down if he catches you trying to put up any excessive birthday decorations (pinning you with a glare and telling you to take it down).

Best time to approach him for a chat, as always, is when he's nursing a cup of tea, especially if he's perched somewhere comfortable like the couch that he may be reluctant to move from.


--3. Ocean Blues - open to anyone!

At some point later in the day, Levi decides that he has spent enough time indoors, and that it's time for a nice walk somewhere with plenty of sky visible. Solarpeak beach is one such place, with the added bonus of having a lovely view of the giant lake that might as well be The Sea (TM), considering the other end isn't visible especially in the dimming daylight.

If you're one of his people, Levi might have invited you along -- and if not, you might still run into him by accident as he takes a slow stroll along the shore, seemingly deep in thought, staring off at the horizon and the warm hues of the sunset. There's a lot of memories, and a lot of emotions invoked by this sight, and while it hurts more often than not, he feels the need to just be with it for a little while.

This world, constricted by the barrier keeping out the Darkness, enclosed not unlike the Walls back home. He wonders what it used to look like, beyond, if it's as beautiful as what's left of it. Now that so many of them are here, it's worth fighting for with everything he's got, however unimpressive amount it may be nowadays.


--4. Under The Stars - open to CR who'd come with him and/or anyone who'd have a reason to be at the observatory at fuck o'clock!

It's not news that Levi doesn't sleep, or at least doesn't sleep enough, even if he's been getting a little better about it lately thanks to some underwater discoveries. So, of course, his day isn't over at a reasonable time. Tired of walking by the coastline, he'll be returning indoors -- sort of. He intends to get a proper view of the Ellipsa sky without it being drowned out by the city lights, because of course he wants to finish off his birthday with stargazing, and what better place for that than the specially designated observatory?

Considering most starwatching happens at night, it should hopefully be open, but if not, he's absolutely not above simply picking the locks or breaking a window to get in. Just like the good old days!

While his plans mostly include staring at the night sky in silence, he also wouldn't mind some company. Maybe even a little talking, as long as you're reasonably appreciative of the beautiful view above. Not everyone is so lucky as to see it, or as to be alive to see it, after all.


--5. Wildcard

If you'd like to pester him somewhere else or in a different way, hit me up on disco or jigglyballs and we can hash something out!

Comments

[CLOSED to Erwin & Hange] smoothies -> mistletoe -> photobooth -> we'll make more up as we go along~

[wingbound]

Levi's probably the first one up, that is if he'd gone to sleep at all -- or maybe he's crashed on one of theirs couches the day before. They may or may not be ready to sleep in a pile yet, but it doesn't take long to get the gang all together, have some breakfast (tea) and then, as per Hange's established birthday rules, it's up to Levi to decide what he wants to do.

He has a pretty good idea that he's thought about for a while, perhaps even more than one. But he'd spent enough time being sad of having barely anything to remember them by. Now he's got them both back, and he's over the world for it, but he's not going to take it for granted... and it might still be nice to have something they all can look at years down the line if things do work out for the best somehow.

And so, he's dragging his two best friends to the exquisite underground mall where he remembers seeing a box that took pictures of you and friends at the press of a button -- silly and serious ones, but both looking so much more alive than the portraits usually taken for documents that he's also seen around. No, he wants that one -- but first, there's a little detour they must do.

They'll be taking up a table in one of the restaurants right next to the giant aquarium, filled with colorful fish of all sorts that all three of them will no doubt enjoy gawking at, and ordering peach smoothies. (Okay, Levi is definitely getting one for Erwin because he hasn't tried it yet, and one for himself because it's nice and familiar, but if Hange wants to get some kind of a rainbow colored monstrosity again instead, they're free to do so.)

They might both be staring at Erwin once the time the drinks arrive, at least Levi certainly is, curious for his opinion and to see the way his face looks when tasting it for the first time. The smoothies are decorated with some fruit slices and colourful straws, and maybe even tiny umbrellas - the staff seemed eager to go all out once they heard this was a birthday outing.

"...So? What do you think?"

[offeredhearts]

Some things are less strange now than they were a few months ago, but very little stops being wondrous, including the fact that he is here at all, with both of them. The more they tend to mix between their living spaces, the more Erwin considers proposing that they find someplace that can house them together in some way, or at least somewhere more...like a home. This is the sort of life he never expected to have, and if he was no longer a soldier, he didn't see the need to continue to live somewhere that still somewhat reminded him of the barracks.

It's not all that important - the time with Levi and Hange is what makes each day brilliant and wonderful. Especially today.

Truth be told, Erwin is pleasantly surprised that Levi wants photographs of them together, as once he learned of photographs, Erwin didn't expect Levi to be very interested in having his likeness captured. But memories are important, to all of them, and so he's more than happy to participate, to go along with whatever Levi wanted for the day and more.

Truly one of the best things about this new world is the food. The new fruit, the ice cream, all sorts of spices and new flavors. He's tried taking up cooking to experiment a little, making breakfast for them all, dinner, trying new things. Erwin is always more than happy to try something new, especially on any recommendations, and so eventually he finds himself with something called a smoothie in his hand and two pairs of intense, curious eyes staring at him. It's peach, of course, because that has now become their starting point for everything - for good reason, because it remains one of the best flavors he's ever tasted.

He takes a sip (the straws are still an interesting and amusing experience), and the flavor is undeniably peach while the texture is - smooth, of course - nearly like drinking ice cream, but a little sharper with less cream. Blue eyes light up in amazement and delight.

The sip goes looooonnngg.

Finally when he comes up for air, Erwin licks his lips, almost laughing a little.

"That is delicious. I'll have to learn how to make it."

[titanscience]

Hurray! The peach smoothie is a success! Hange lets out a small cheer before digging into their own, letting out a prolonged sluuuurp as they enjoy the beverage.

"It's really easy! They sell smoothie-makers, so all you need is the fruit and a few extras, and you can make all the smoothies that you want!"

So what they're hearing is that after the roombas, now they all need matching smoothie makers... the department store stocks are about to rise once again..

Continuing to work on the drink and a little teacake with a happy hum, Hange is content to listen in on their two friends chatter away, interjecting here and there when necessary but for the most part simply enjoying that all three of them are here, together, and alive to celebrate Levi's birthday.

Speaking of which...

"So, Levi? Have you decided what else you want to do today? If you need ideas, I heard they got a new catfish exhibit next door..." It's his day so Hange will happily agree to whatever Levi suggests, but if he is need of ideas... what the heck is a cat-fish....

[wingbound]

Levi makes a little hum of approval, pleased that the beverage has been received well, bumping their knees gently under the table for encouragement. He hadn't quite expected to put Erwin on the quest to learn to prepare more kinds of food, but he's not about to complain, especially if it saves them some money in the long run. He's not entirely sure how it's made, though, well obviously the fruit is ground into fine paste somehow but there seems to be more to it.

Before he can voice his doubt, though, it seems Hange already has an answer, so he just lets them share that info, but of course he's contractually obliged to curb their enthusiasm a little.

"We don't need to buy up the entire department store, Hange."

(They don't need matching smoothie makers! Just one of them having one would be enough! They're going to need matching jammies soon though...)

He sticks his own straw back in his mouth too, taking a long drag, still sort of staring at his friends, but they know better than to find it unsettling at this point.

The thing is, it doesn't really matter to him. Sure, he has a few ideas, but he's happy to do just about anything as long as they're together, and he thinks he should maybe try expressing that, but words keep coming up short.

"Just the picture room," he says, frowning slightly into his smoothie. "I don't want to stay here too long but a couple hours is fine. We can go look at the - catfish?"

He's definitely thinking about some unholy sewer mutant combination of a fish and a cat. What the heck kind of creature is it?

Maybe he could look into getting some new clothes, too, while they're here. His uniform pants can be a bit of a struggle to get into with his knee, and he's seen all sorts of soft fabrics around this place that would probably make the garments more malleable. Somebody get this man an Adidas trackie-

[offeredhearts]

His eyes widen a little. "Is there anything they don't sell here?" Cleaning pancakes somehow modeled after Levi, toasters, something called a microwave he's been endlessly fascinated by, now a machine that can make him smoothies at home?? Erwin's kitchen will soon be full of every gadget imaginable.

Whenever they've been close like this, Erwin tries to find a casual point of contact with them both; knees together, ankles hooked around one another, some way to hook his arm around the shoulders of at least one of them. Now that touch is so much more important, he keenly feels the loss of his arm again in a way that hadn't really mattered before. Holding them both would be so much easier, so much better with both arms.

Maybe somehow, they can find a way here. Especially for a place that can make smoothie machines? Surely replacing his arm with something functional should be doable.

Erwin just watches them both, warm and fond. "I admit I'm also curious about this creature. Is it a cat that can live underwater? A fish that looks like a cat somehow?"

Truly the possibilities seem endless. Eventually they shuffle from the table and over the aquarium, which is just incredibly fascinating for Erwin in the first place. He could spend the entire day there, but as that's not why they're there, he'll be happy to explore it again another time.

They arrive at the creature in question and. Huh. That is one ugly fish.

"Maybe this is a strange thing to say, but I thought it would be...cuter."

2

[dreamsofwings]

Eren also tends to bail after awhile of having too many people in the apartment at once. Maybe they should get a bigger place, considering how many people are just here now. He notices Levi scoot out to the balcony, which seems like a good cue to go out there too.

He gives the captain a few minutes so it's not weird and also so Levi has time to just breathe. Then he goes outside too, taking a little box with him.

"I never thought there would be so many of us again," Eren says. His own feelings are a mess at any given time, and now is no exception. There's always a question in Eren's mind of how much he even deserves to be here with everyone, but what people deserve and what they get are not ever the same. Levi is a good example of that, getting so much worse than he ever deserved. At least he gets to make up for some of that now, with his friends here, with all the now-grown kids still around him.

Eren holds the little box out to Levi. It's wrapped very nicely (he got that done at the store; he has no idea how to wrap anything) with just a tag that says CAPTAIN on it. Will Eren ever graduate to calling Levi by his name? We just don’t know.

"Here. Happy birthday, Captain. I wasn't sure what to get, but…I hope you like it anyway."

Inside is a bolo tie with silver wings. Whether they're all still military or not, Eren will always associate this symbol with Levi, remembering the first time they met, the first time Levi saved his life, the wings on the captain's cloak visible even through the dust and confusion.

[wingbound]

Maybe they should. Erwin seems to be thinking the same thing lately, not that Levi is aware of it just yet.

Levi leans against the wall in the balcony and watches the buildings nearby, his eyes inevitably drifting up toward the clouds after a while. He didn't know anybody would come, and if he had, he wouldn't have expected them to - but a bunch of them are here. For... him. That's quite a bit to wrap his head around, and his expression is soft, almost teetering on a barely-there smile.

That's how Eren will find him -- and his expression doesn't really change, only his eyes turn to him, a little more alert, but it seems whatever fondness he has for this entire situation is extended to him, too.

"Me neither," he admits. He hopes everyone gets to stay, at least everyone who wants to. "This place is full of surprises."

His eyes widen slightly in surprise at the sight of the box offered to him. He stares it down for a few moments, as if uncertain whether he's supposed to actually take it.

"You didn't need to get me anything," he says. "Just don't shit the bed again." Really, Eren just behaving (sort of) is the best gift of all. Still, he sighs and accepts it; this would better mean that Eren is serious about the whole doing better and staying here and not mindfucking everyone again thing.

He's a little reluctant to tear the wrapping; instead he retrieves a knife from somewhere on his person and slices through the small pieces of tape holding the paper together, then carefully unfolds it to reveal the box and opens it.

The design is delicate yet simple, and he realizes he's staring again, both griefstruck and elated. It's a mix of emotions he feels - the wings on the pendant are technically just that, unrelated at all to his burdens from home, but he sees it as the Scouts' emblem anyway. All of their wings resting on his back one by one by ten by hundred. Just when he thought he was free from it all... but was he, really? In a way, perhaps, having fulfilled their mission and given them purpose the bone-breaking weight has finally been lifted off of him, but he knows he'll be carrying everyone's hearts with him until the day he dies.

And that's not a bad thing, is it? Remembering. He would rather be sad thinking about them than forgetting any of them.

The dead-yet-alive boy, no, young man now in front of him included.

He makes a small noise of acknowledgement, takes the bolo tie out of the box and puts it on, slipping the silvery centerpiece up until it rests against the last closed button on his shirt, an acceptance hopefully more clear than anything he could manage to say.

lmk if you don't wanna have the fingers convo here

[dreamsofwings]

A few months ago, Eren might not have wanted all these people here. He didn't really think he'd see any of them again, after all, and he'd accepted that as much as he could.

And now here they all are. When he'd first followed Thirteen to a different world, he never could have dreamed up everything that would follow, especially in yet another world. He doesn't think he'd change it now. He still loves all of them, after all. That was always true.

That little almost-smile on Levi's face doesn't go unnoticed. Eren's spent a lot of time with Levi, especially now. It's good to see him happy, or as close to it as he gets. Eren himself…is still working on the whole having expressions again thing. Strange, for a kid who was overly expressive to have turned himself into what he is now. It could be worse, as they all know.

"I know I didn't," he answers with a shrug. Aside from the Paths thing — which was a bunch of bullshit but at least an honest mistake and not animosity — he's been good! Eren's never been good at not fucking things up, even back before he knew he would end the world. Maybe it's a character flaw.

He watches Levi open the gift, carefully (WITH A KNIFE, captain pls). The look on his face is complicated, but it's…gratifying, in a way. It was a gift Eren actually bothered to put thought into. It's not some weird apology for the Paths, or for the hell of their world, it's just something that reminded him of Levi that he thought the captain would like. He's glad it hit the mark, though even he doesn't really know the full gravity of it.

Levi puts the tie on, and that's the best result Eren could hope for.

But.

"Captain, your hand," he says. Maybe this is the first time he's noticed, maybe not, but he finally points it out. He's aware of the extent of Levi's injuries, aka, the reason he had to scrub all the floors for the first months they lived together.

naw it's all good

[wingbound]

It could be worse. He's been worse. The progress may be slow, but he's still better than when Levi found him in their kitchen in this world first. And sure, it would be so much more assuring if there weren't hiccups -- such as the whole Paths mess -- on the way, but then, when haven't there been?

Even before Eren had decided to flatten the world, he had the penchant to make things difficult.

Or perhaps it was trouble that usually found him. Hard to say.

He glances down at his hand, almost startled by the question, as if until Eren mentioned it he had entirely forgotten about it. He's not wearing any gloves today, knitted or rubber or otherwise, so the two shadowy fingers are on plain display, dark and slightly transparent, perhaps not unlike their slightly eldritch cat when she's in the middle of melding with the shadows.

He turns it over, curling and uncurling his fingers.

"Yeah. Weird, huh?"

[dreamsofwings]

Some of Eren's bullshit has always been his own fault, long before he was aware of it, long before his past caught up with his future and the world turned him into more monster than boy. But even Eren has never controlled everything; sometimes his temper and his anger and even his too deep love for other people just attract other bullshit.

This place has a lot less of it, recent events aside, and he has the sense to be grateful for it. Sometimes he thinks it's too peaceful for him. He hates war but fighting has been part of him for so long. He doesn't know what to do to just live. It's something he and Levi have both been figuring out, maybe.

He stares at Levi's hand, the shadowy fingers reminding him of the cat. Was this magic somehow related to her? No, that can't be right. It's not an Ackerman thing as far as Eren knows, either. Ackerman blood is probably why Levi lived through the explosion, but he can't heal injuries like a titan shifter can or it wouldn't ever have been an issue.

"How did that happen?" he asks.

2, OTA

[rustyhonesty]

It's a really "funny" coincidence that Full Moon happens to be straight on the holiday dates. Jean wasn't actually planning on going anywhere, but seeing as the dinner was early enough for him to get back before the moon would rise, he decided to come anyway. Especially since it was also Levi's birthday.

He had already sent his presents to Levi a day earlier, since he was sending presents to others anyway. So he doesn't arrive with anything, other than Mikasa by his side.

What is fun to note, however, that he's focusing mainly on food that has meat in it. Even if his werewolf traits weren't out in the open yet, he had the meat craving urge upon him (has had for a few days now). So while he usually has a variety on his plate, he now looks like he's stolen Sasha's. It's not even completely a conscious choice - it's more of an instinct, to get the foods with meat rather than anything sweet. At least he's still eating it in moderation, rather than wolfing (heh) it down.

(He does end up in a glaring contest with the void cat when it tries to steal his chicken.)

Otherwise, he's mostly enjoying the atmosphere of having so many familiar people in the same space. This was far less awkward than the previous family dinner was.

Jean's definitely retreating back home a little early this time around, just in case. He doesn't entirely trust his curse to look at the clock.

[wingbound]

The void cat, naturally, does not give up so easily and attempts to stick its paw right into Jean's plate again, glaring right back, though the next time Jean turns, he will find that the void cat's intense stare has been replaced by a man's who apparently snuck up on him while he was distracted by the Christmas holiday ham.

It seems Levi hasn't entirely figured out how to not be unnerving still, even when he's trying to be friendly.

"Jean. Good work on the blades." Because while he didn't think to send anything back to him, he still wants to express his gratitude for the gifts. "Didn't get to try them on the monsters yet, but it cuts training dummies like butter."

[rustyhonesty]

Levi's jumpscares never get easier, no matter how many times they happen. And once Jean's attention is focused on Levi, the void cat successfully steals some of the chicken and leaves to bother someone else. There were other plates to steal from.

"Ah, thank you. I don't think anyone has tested them on monsters yet, but the research center staff assured that this particular steel is good against most of them."

Of course, there would always be exceptions to the rule, just like their normal blades couldn't pierce armor or whatever the crystal was made from (he still had no idea).

[wingbound]

The cat slash shadow happily trots away, carrying a piece of chicken in her mouth. Success! Levi rolls his eyes at it a little, but he's fond of the critter and there's plenty more food Jean can take, so he leaves it be.

"I'll let you know when I get the chance," Levi says. He does quests fairly regularly, after all, and it's only a matter of time when he'll be fighting monsters again. He still has one or two pairs of the original blades, so he'll make sure to have those too just in case, but he's quite sure that the new ones will actually prove to be better for this world's creatures. Ultra-hard steel seemed a little too... brittle.

[rustyhonesty]

Thus began the rivalry between werewolf Jean and Shadow the void cat. Over chicken. It might be explained later why Jean is acting this way.

"I appreciate it. I'll be able to make more adjustments based on your experiences, if needed." He has the formula and methods carefully written down, so he can remake the blades anytime he wants, as long as he has the materials. "I might also make blades from different metals, for different situations. Or at least look into it."

2

[meliorated]

( While birthdays weren't exactly -- not acknowledged at home -- it feels a little more of something to celebrate here. They're somewhere safe (for the most part), and people can be in a place where they can find happiness. How could more time passing by here not be something to celebrate, especially when birthdays are concerned?

Besides, Levi and Historia have become a bit closer during their time here. She can't help but feel as though it wouldn't feel right to miss today. Maybe that's why it's unsurprising to her that others would want to visit, too.

Once Levi seems settled down, Historia approaches him, a box containing her own present held carefully in her hands. )

Happy birthday.

( She holds out the box for him to take, when he's ready. )

[wingbound]

[ It's already more than he hoped for to have all of them -- so many of them -- here, choosing to spend time with him. But it seems that they have all decided to also bring him gifts, and that's just... a little too much. Did Erwin or Hange put them up to this? They've certainly snitched about his birthday, that's for sure, but-- ]

[ He shifts a little uncomfortably, peering at Historia and then the gift, and then her again, and finally reaches out to take the box with a sigh. ]

...thanks. You didn't need to.

[meliorated]

I wanted to.

( Historia responds honestly. But... she understands how he feels, too. She'd likely respond the same way if she were in Levi's shoes. Despite her position, it'd feel a little odd to receive presents -- muchless be the center of attention. )

And... it's the least I can do. You've done so much for everyone here.

[wingbound]

[ Well, at least she gets him. ]

Wasn't a lot. [ He mutters, frowning slightly. He certainly hasn't done enough for Eren, at the very least, seeing how he ended up. Sure, most people would say that wasn't Levi's fault of responsibility, but just like Hange (and perhaps even Erwin), he doesn't feel that way. ]

[ He sets the box on his knees and starts opening it methodically, without tearing the paper or string if it's wrapped up in any, and just overall careful if it's a simple box. He actually looks a little stunned for a moment when he finds the beautiful tea set inside. ]

[ He loves it. ]

[ He's already thanked her, though, so he takes a moment to conjure up something more elaborate. ]

Looks like I'll be enjoying my tea time even more from now on.

[meliorated]

( None of them were particularly Levi's responsibility here, but despite that, he's looking out for them. Maybe he wouldn't outright say that he was friends with anyone, but it wouldn't be a farcry to say that either. )

I'm glad. ( She responds softly.

And though the mumble was quiet -- enough to where she almost hadn't heard him. )

You've looked out for us here.

4

[rollcharisma]

[Armin hasn't spent all that much time at the observatory - gone maybe once or twice, and always alone. But after a day spent celebrating, it just makes sense to follow Levi to the last stop. There inside, he comes to stand next to him, smiling up at the celestial scene above.]

We're under the stars again, Captain.

[With this, a little smile, half-teasing. The fireflies weren't stars themselves, but they'd seemed like it, pulled down to the earth all around them.]

These ones you can't put in jars.

[wingbound]

[ Levi doesn't move as Armin walks up to him, still staring up at the sky. Out here, unobstructed by city lights, it looks much like it did back home - even if the star patterns are most likely different. ]

[ And while he's certain he has no wish to ever go back there, that doesn't mean there aren't some things he still reminisces about. ]

[ He hums quietly in agreement. ]

Mm. And you're not twelve this time.

[ HE WASN'T TWELVE THE LAST TIME, CAPTAIN-- ]

[ But, oh, he might be... half-teasing back? As always, it's hard to tell from his face or tone, but there does seem to be a hint of amusement in his eyes. ]

[rollcharisma]

[It is hard to tell if Captain Levi is teasing, but Armin chooses to believe that he is, even letting out a short laugh. As if reading the Captain's mind, eyes going up to the stars, Armin says:]

It almost looks like home.

It's easy to forget how many stars you could see without a city like Nightwake nearby. If only they were the same stars...

[wingbound]

Yeah.

[ Almost. He can tell the differences; he's seen some of Erwin's star charts, and of course spent too much time staring up whenever he could, day or night. And who could blame him? For the bigger half of his life, he's been denied the sky. He doesn't think its magic will ever run out on him at this point. ]

[ It makes him think of the times with all of them -- his friends, his subordinates, his kids. Sitting on top of the HQ roof, or on top of the Walls, or by the campfire way outside of them, covered by starry night. It feels like an ache and a salve at once. ]

...The first time you get to see it without any Walls in the way. Hits different, doesn't it?

[rollcharisma]

Here? Without those walls?

[Armin's smile is such a terribly, terribly sad thing.]

Of course. Everything does.