video/action.

[titanocidal]

[Eren's leaning against what would appear to be the kitchen counter. Fingers pinching the bridge of his nose, it takes him a moment to collect enough composure to look up at the feed. There's something cooking on the stove in the background, and by the way the pan pops and sizzles, one would almost suspect bacon. When he finally speaks, his words sound a little forced.]

Wow. It's been hectic around here lately, hasn't it? Is everyone alright? Everyone back where they should be? I got a little banged up before, but I--

...You know what? No. No. I can't just not say this: 

'The fuck was that?! She just sends the sword off on her stupid pig?! She's lucky I didn't find that piece of junk. I would have shoved it so far up her-- [Right on time, the fire alarm goes off. Who even knew the kitchen had one? Eren, for one, doesn't even know what a battery powered fire alarm is.]

Uhg. I hate this place.

Comments

[strategisch]

Alice's Adventures in Wonderland & Through the Looking Glass by Lewis Carroll.

[He bumps into Eren's back while following him. Several times.]

They're all in the book. Alice. The Queen on Hearts. The Cheshire Cat. The Doormouse. The Duchess. The Lizard. Tweedledee and Tweedledum. They're all in the book...

[titanocidal]

What? That's a little creepy. It's like we're stuck inside a book world then.

[He probably isn't doing poor Armin any favors when he stops abruptly, trying to take in this disturbing, new information.]

[strategisch]

[THUNK.]

Ow.

[titanocidal]

[Oops. He quickly steadies himself with the railing.]

Well? What happens at the end of the book?

[strategisch]

[Armin rubs his stubbed nose.]

Both of the books end by Alice waking up from Wonderland like it was a dream.

[titanocidal]

Oh.

[Eren begins walking again. He's so wrapped up in thoughts that he doesn't think to apologize.

...He's no stranger to weird, oddly realistic dreams, himself.]

Do you think that's what this place is? Everyone's dreams getting all wrapped up in each other's?

[strategisch]

I've considered it. Leaving and coming back myself was sort of like how dreams sometimes re-occur.

[titanocidal]

If you want a riddle to solve, isn't this one more interesting?

Forget about some stupid sword, I want to know the answer to this stuff!

[strategisch]

That's one of my orders too. Captain Smith told me to ask around about the book... I was just putting priority on the riddle.

[And then he put more priority on it out of spite, although it no longer means anything, which has driven him to this state. His eyes are nearly blinking separately.]

[titanocidal]

I guess I should give it a read, too.

[Finally making it to the first floor, Eren leads them to the door that goes out to the garden.]

-But no more talking about that now. You'll never get any rest if we don't shut your brain off of work mode.

[strategisch]

It's nonsense. Pure stupidity...

[Armin follows dumbly, wondering whatever Eren means to do now.]

[titanocidal]

I think that's the problem. Everything here is.

[At the edge of the garden, atop a small hill, stands a single tree. It's become a common resting spot for Eren because no one else ever seems to spend time there.

He doesn't mind sharing it with Armin.]

You're too used to thinking like a smart person.

[He sits down at the base of the tree, patting the spot next to him.]

[strategisch]

I don't choose how I think... I think.

[He obeys, and sits with a whumpf. Huh. He never noticed this place before. The hill is high enough to give him a nice view of the Mansion's ground, and in the distance, the ocean.]

How idyllic.

[titanocidal]

[A small grin on his face, he scrunches up his nose at that.]

That means "nice," right?

[strategisch]

Very nice.

[Armin smells the fresh air, looks at the dappled patterns of light on his body from the sun filtering in through the leaves, feels the breeze on his skin... It's relaxing. They never get a second's peace in their world either, and it feels like he hasn't savored such a moment since they were children. He heaves a sigh that he feels in his bones and leans his head back against the tree.]

[titanocidal]

[Relieved to see Armin respond so well to the fresh air and calming scenery, Eren settles himself in as well.]

If you want to rest your eyes a while, I can wake you up later. [That is... If Eren doesn't fall asleep himself first. Even if he did get a decent enough amount of sleep last night, it really is relaxing here.]

[strategisch]

Mmm...

[He yawns widely. That does sound very tempting, as distractions fall away. He remembers the trees that grew huge right outside Wall Maria.]

I know it's been a long time, but... May i borrow your lap?

[titanocidal]

[Pfff- The request catches him off guard, but in a nice way. It really has been a long time.]

Talk about nostalgic. [He shifts his position slightly, trying to make the most comfy lap he can manage. There we go.]

[strategisch]

[Armin isn't really running at full capacity, so his tongue is a bit looser than usual. And his self-control... He's going to be embarrassed when he wakes up.]

Thank you.

[Regardless, your lap is still very nice Eren. The grass is soft too. He likes the smell, and the sound of it rustling. It's all so peaceful. He closes his eyes.]