Levi "rudeboi" Ackerman (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
wingbound) wrote in ![[community profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/community.png)
seasonsrpg2023-12-22 04:54 pm
wingbound) wrote in seasonsrpg2023-12-22 04:54 pm
[semi-open] meppy birthmas
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!), peachbruschettas 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 locksor 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![[plurk.com profile]](https://plurk.com/favicon.ico)
jigglyballs and we can hash something out!
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
(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
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
( ͡ᵔ ͜ʖ ͡ᵔ )
Whatever they try doesn't quite seem to be it, though frankly, Levi thinks they haven't really given it enough time--
"Oi, you haven't tried it the usual way yet-"
Seems that's not on the agenda anymore. He glances between them and takes a little step back. He doesn't look apprehensive, exactly. More like whenever one or both of them tried to drag him into some sort of a social activity back when the times were simpler. He does vividly remember how he used to be adamant about not joining in and then ending up enjoying himself, and honestly, that's the problem right now-
But no, Hange's right, it's not that big a deal, right? He's done worse for less, he reminds himself. And yet, somehow, it still feels important. Honestly, part of him suddenly wishes they'd somehow ended up doing this earlier instead of letting a fucking plant dictate their pace, but it is what it is.
He sighs in defeat and lets Hange guide him into the middle. He does put a hand over his face with a small groan, though. This is ridiculous, he can't believe this is happening, he can't believe he's feeling all sorts of ways about it.
"Fine. Fine. Go ahead."
no subject
...and apparently it wasn't enough.
"Ah."
Hange's conclusion really does only seem logical - they're all three of them stuck here together, so it would follow that all three need to be involved somehow. Levi's hesitation is plain, but despite his rather determined efforts to destroy the plant rather than trying its proscribed solution, he doesn't seem especially... put out, the more he watches him as Hange coaxes him between them.
Well that's...something. Yes.
And now having all three of them close together like this definitely isn't making his heart do funny little flip flops in anticipation, definitely not.
Without thinking, his hand has already floated to Levi's shoulder, steadying...although if he were asked, it's unclear which of them he was doing it for.
Catching Hange's eye, Erwin nods, although his expression is somewhat softer.
"Yes, together, on my count." Is this ridiculous? He feels a little ridiculous, but also a little...giddy, which just makes it extra ridiculous.
"One, two..." and he ducks down to leave a gentle kiss on Levi's soft, round cheek.
no subject
Hange's lips only linger for a moment before pulling back, and for all that work-up, the kiss itself is over rather quickly. Now would be the perfect opportunity to test the consequences and to see if they have been freed, but instead they stay in place, elbow still leaning on Levi's shoulder as Hange can't help but chuckle over how ridiculous this scenario was.
"Wasn't so bad, right?"
It wasn't— far from it. Despite the minor internal freakout beforehand, the kiss itself felt... well, normal. Nothing bad happened and it's not as though it was unpleasant. Despite being something new, there was also a familiarity to be found within it, as if it had been done a dozen times already, and therein lies the problem...
The three of them are friends— best friends— and this world has certainly made them closer, but that's what they've always been. Friends. And being friends means you don't feel giddy and happy by planting a stupid platonic kiss on a bestie to get out of a trap— because that would be weird. Friends don't do that! And it certainly doesn't happen anywhere else! They hug and it isn't weird, they all fall asleep in each other's company because it makes sense. Hell— Hange has been stripped and bathed by Levi a dozen times by now and that never felt weird, and—
"Huh."
Sudden flashbacks to that little freakout Eren had in the apartment a month or so before Erwin's arrival, when he stumbled upon his two commanding officers in the bathroom.
Oh. Okay then. Were they being weird?! Feel free to ignore the weird stares as Hange glances from one man to the other, cogs turning inside their head...
https://images.plurk.com/5QwPzVn29LU6CRljBH7qZ4.png
In fact, he almost finds himself lamenting that it's over so soon.
Which isn't right... probably? He can't claim to know a lot about normal things, relationships and friendships included. But then, if it feels right... what's the harm? Haven't they long moved over the need to adhere to any arbitrary rules or expectations, after facing death together so many times, after ending up in this weird little world without Titans or military or the need to give up anything else?..
He still feels the weight of their hands on his shoulders, and almost instinctively he reaches out before either of them can fully pull away.
He's not sure why; maybe he needs the reassurance that it's alright, that they're still alright, or maybe the utterly ridiculous situation just reminds him of what he had and lost and found again.
But his hands find the backs of Erwin and Hange's heads and holds them close for a moment longer, firm but gentle, making their foreheads rest against his temples in something like a huddle or a hug, or maybe he's just making sure they can't see the color in his cheeks before it starts fading.
It's okay. We're okay.
I love you.It's just a couple seconds, though; then he's letting go as if nothing happened and taking a few determined steps forward; it seems there's no invisible wall stopping him this time.
"Good thinking, four-eyes," he says, glancing back once he thinks his face isn't betraying him too badly anymore.
It's really... a little like it used to be, isn't it? Hange coming up with something that sounds entirely outlandish but is actually fucking smart, Erwin shaping it into something that can realistically be executed and taking the lead.
(And Levi's the weapon in their hands, ready to strike, to be whatever is needed to make it work, and the heart to connect it all together).
(It feels right, and maybe it is.)
no subject
How simple, how right it felt.
It didn't stop his own heart from hammering in his chest, feeling heat unfurl over his cheekbones. The air feels cool when Levi steps away, and Erwin lets his hand softly drop from Hange's. He looks at his successor, perhaps looking to see if the moment had been affecting to them, or if he is the only one of the three of them who has soft, pleasant flutterings of butterflies migrating between his stomach and his chest.
The expression on their face is somewhat indecipherable. Levi's is decidedly less so, the lines of apprehension completely evaporated, the lingering tinge of a flush still there.
Erwin laments that he lacks both arms to draw them both close again. The end of his fleshy stump tingles as nerves try to send a signal to the missing limb to move, to reach out, only to be met with nothing. His left hand flexes, fidgeting the sensation away, and he briefly wets his lips before finding a smile.
"What is it, Hange?"
no subject
That's the only explanation the two of them get for now, there will be plenty time later to pick apart and analyze the nature of their friendships, relationships, the revelation that sharing a kiss or two is not as scary or intimidating or weird as it may have once seemed...
For now Hange is content to live in the moment, to simply appreciate this time with their two closest friends, their two favourite people in this whole entire world. With a light chuckle, Hange skips forward to loop an arm around Erwin's, dragging him forward by a few steps to catch up with Levi and slinging their other arm around his shoulders before pulling them both in to a sort of half-hug as the trio continue walking forward.
"You know.. you two really are my best friends! I'm glad we get to live here!"
Letting go, Hange skips forward a couple steps, just enough to get ahead of them before turning around to face the two men, walking backwards to continue moving while addressing them.
"And maaaaaaybe I like you guys almost as much as I like Titans. Hah! Don't let it go to your heads!"
1/2
Levi exhales something like a huff but nonetheless leans into the somewhat-hug as Hange pulls him in. He sort of wants to put an arm around them so he could reach Erwin, too, but he also doesn't want to make a scene out of this -- and then their words just freeze him up for a moment.
I'm glad we get to live here.
It's the only place they can live. Both of them. They're dead and this is their second chance, possibly the only chance they will get. This is the only place where all three of them can live together. His eyes burn suddenly and he blinks it away.
"Yeah," he says quietly, voice a little raw, but loud enough for them both to hear. "Me too."
2/2
"...Gross." Because that's the reaction that titan confession deserves. "Oi, watch where you're going-"
no subject
So many possibilities, lost.
I'm glad we get to live here.
Their second chance. A new world, a new life, free of their old burdens and responsibilities. Together.
Even without touching, Erwin senses Levi react to those words. He leans a little more into Hange, holding onto that closeness for just a moment longer to utter a soft agreement: "Yes."
Suddenly they're bounding away. Cool air rushes into the space they leave behind, but with his arm free once more, it drifts automatically to Levi, closing the distance and settling at his back between his shoulders.
He's about to shoot Hange a wry smile, opens his mouth to say something -- but immediately aborts it to yell their name in warning-
"Hange!"
-- because they're about to collide with a stand of dozens of...rubber ducks??
no subject
Like clockwork, Hange begins to rattle off all the reasons why Titans are amazing and awesome and thrilling and how this world let them play with metal titans once and how it was literally the best day ever, so it should come as no surprise that they are paying zero attention to their surroundings as they continue the backwards walking.
Erwin's warning comes too late, giving Hange only enough time to turn their head before their face is filled with rubber ducks, and down they go along with the entire stand, the thud of hitting the mall's floor muffled by the rather comical, sad little squeaking coming from the poor unfortunate ducks given the honour of breaking Hange's fall.
"Ow!!"
no subject
He's still keeping an eye on them, though, because yeah, he's anticipating that collision the moment the stand with the pile of... yellow rubber chicks or something comes into view.
As soon as Hange is starting to tip over, he reaches out to grab them by the front of their shirt, fully intending to keep them from plummeting to the floor ass-first. Unfortunately, with how sudden it is, his bad leg ends up bracing the brunt of the bracing impact, and some part of the crumbling stand also bumps against it, and his balance at the moment is just not enough to hold up their similar weight.
Down they go, pulling Levi, who's still grasping their clothes, down with, both crashing into the pile of rubber duckies on top of each other (unless they do a full live chain with Erwin grabbing Levi-)
no subject
Well, at least they both landed on something relatively soft? Dozens of bits of yellow are scattered in all directions across the floor, and Erwin kicks a few out of the way to kneel down next to both of them, touching each of them in turn with mild concern.
"Are you all right?" he asks the pair, plucking a duck dressed in a black cape, a top hat, and...fangs?...from the top of Hange's head.
no subject
"Ow! I think something broke....."
Before either of them become too concerned, Hange reaches down and shoves a hand behind their back, pulling out a rubber ducky that got wedged under them— or to be specific, a duck's head. What happened to the rest of its body? Who knows...
"Sorry, Levi. Are you alright?" Checking to see if he's okay before he can even give an answer, Hange just sort of jostles his head around to make sure there are no obvious cuts or bruises or anything like that.
"Erwin! Give us a hand!" To get up from the floor of course, though as soon as the request leaves Hange's mouth, the poor choice of words become glaringly obvious....
...and within a few seconds Hange is no longer trying to sit up, instead laying there on the ground cackling over it, (un)fortunately drowning out the calls coming from the irritated vendor...
no subject
As soon as Hange's puppetting his head apparently to look for injuries, he tuts and swats their hands away in annoyance.
"Fine," he answers both them and Erwin, sitting up and kicking Hange lightly in the shin, both for the whole situation and those little jokes they just made. "I told you to watch where you're going."
Still scowling, he holds a hand out, apparently expecting Erwin to pull him up.
no subject
"As I've only got the one, Hange, I'll do my best."
Once everyone is back on their feet, Erwin begins apologizing profusely to the vendor, who seems pissed off enough that he prefers to chase the troublemakers away rather than allow them to help clean up. So instead he starts ushering them all in a different direction, quickly, before they make it worse, somehow.
"So...where to next, Levi?"
no subject
Taking a second to scoop up the shopping bags from earlier (a stray duck may have found its way in there, something Hange will not discover until at home much later) they give out an embarrassed chuckle, rubbing at the back of the neck while feeling grateful that Erwin took it upon himself to ask... hopefully giving Levi the choice on what to do next will save them from yet another lecture on their carelessness..
"Right! Where are we going next, Levi?"
no subject
"Pictures. We're taking pictures." After a moment, he clarifies; "Of us."
He's still not sure how it works without a photographer, but he's not going to question it now. They have an opportunity to finally have a tangible memory, just in case, and Levi hopes he'll be able to keep it if he's ever forced to return home.
He pauses by a stand with the mall's map, quickly doublechecking their route and scowling at an unfamiliar word. He's probably not pronouncing it right, but whatever.
"There should be a booth near-- Ikea."
no subject
"That's a wonderful idea, Levi."
The map really shows just how large the place is, and Erwin can't help being a little fascinated by it, all of the different shops and names (some which he can guess at the type, others he has no idea. Including this "Ikea" place - its footprint on the map is extremely large, and apparently multiple stories. How could one store furnish so many things for sale at once to take up that much space? He can't help but be curious.
"Ikea," he repeats it the same way Levi pronounces it, because it sounds right to him. "Down that way, it seems. Have either of you been?"
handwaved;
(( after that they'll head home, as Levi doesn't want to spend more time underground than he needs to. then they have a party with the kids, levi takes his walks and visits to the beach and observatory, and at the end of the day they come together again so they can sleep in a pile as usual. maybe they wear the matching pjs that hange bought earlier! ))