(no subject)

[sacrificusdux]

WHO: Erwin Smith, and you!
WHERE: Heropa, FL: grocery store, Residence #028, other places?
WHEN: Various times,April 19th and onward
WHAT: Enjoying the modern world.
WARNINGS: Possible canon spoilers. Angst.
Prose or brackets are fine.



A. Grocery Store

[Who knew eggs came in red, blue, green, all the colors of the rainbow. It almost seemed like a waste of perfectly good eggs to just paint them colors and hide the, at least that was the gist of what Erwin seemed to think this holiday referred to Easter was about. How the rabbit with the big ribbon tied around its neck was involved, that was another mystery.

His mission here today was something far more important than investigating colored eggs- they had run out of tea and were running low on coffee. Obviously, this meant that a trip to the store was in order. He had found he was rather particular about his coffee here, there were so many choices though, with different kinds of beans and roasts. There was nothing like it back home.]

B. Residence #028- open to roommates

[One of his new habits Erwin found himself indulging here was being able to grab a few peaceful moments with a cup of hot coffee, straight from what was now becoming is favorite piace of technology, the coffee machine, along with the various books he had managed to get his hands on. Everything from nature, to history, to politics, there was a stack of a few books by his elbow.

Tonight's reading? A book on the history and myths of the Great Wall of China. Fascinating stuff, at least to someone who had always lived behind walls before.]

C. Wildcard

Anything you want! This can be used as catch all for any logs if necessary.

Comments

b.

[alofts]

It's possible we're European. [ It was the made the comment with the same off-the-cuff air reserved for predictions of tomorrows weather. Levi approaching the tangled mess that was their history with the same import he would give guessing at if he whether or not he needed an umbrella tomorrow was not beyond the pale. ]

If that was why you were reading about some big ass wall. [ Coffee was his last choice but it was hot and ready. The mug Levi seemed to prefer, a worn white and blue ceramic thing with a chipped handle, was set down on the table before Levi fell into the chair opposite Erwin. ]

[sacrificusdux]

It is, there are similarities. Yet I wonder why there is nothing in the history which could refer to the Titans other than vague mythology. [ It's something that he wonders about, especially considering his own theories about their own history, theories which were dangerous to say the least. ]

It's an interesting history, though it turns out the wall was not exactly efficient at keeping anyone out in reality. [Erwin commented thoughtfully as he closed the book to look up at Levi.]

[alofts]

Think I read about that. Greeks? All of it was bullshit, but it gives us some insight where the name came from.

[ Without Hanji fueling their need to pull at the fraying threads that held the mystery behind titans together slowed progress. It only felt right they should make any and all ahead in her unfortunate absence. Levi was left to mull over if it would do them any good in the long run between periodic breaks for coffee. ]

It's been difficult. [ Levi admitted as he retreat behind his coffee mug. Though not without breaking the steady gaze Erwin kept him in. ] Forcing myself to bother with what could very well be our history.

[sacrificusdux]

Yes, the Greeks. There are no references to them devouring other than one Titan devouring his offspring in fear of being overthrown by one, however. It is a start though.

[There is that glint in Erwin's eyes once more, his gaze never wavering.]

We have to know. If it was covered up once more, it can give us an indication of how they were able to change history a century ago as well.

[alofts]

Devouring their offspring. [ Levi repeated in a distant voice. And without losing that dreaminess to his voice fell back onto wholly Levi-like behavior. ] Maybe we just solved the mystery behind shifters. Titans just shit them out.

There was some woman at the store that asked me if my parents were religious when I handed her my card. Something about my name, but I ignored her. [ It was the first time Levi spoke of himself or implied to even having a past. Even if it wasn't in many words. ]

Still, I got curious. [ He shrugged with still red shoulders poking out through the loose collar of the long sleeved he always wore when he had no intention of leaving the house. ] 'Erwin' is of German extraction, apparently.

[sacrificusdux]

It's something to look into. [Erwin said with a raised eyebrow. The mystery of the shifters in the 104th training class was still gnawing at him here, there was that itch to know just how and why they were behind the walls. What was their goal?]

Religious? She didn't explain the meaning? [he asked, curious as he leaned forward.] If our names have meaning here then it stands to reason this could be humanity's future.

[Which brings up even more unanswered questions, however.]

[alofts]

[ Levi shook his head. ] I didn't ask because I thought she was rude and obnoxious.

[ Not the answer Erwin wanted, but Levi knew he wasn't going to hold his inability to put away with some random stranger against him. Pulling rank each and every time Levi acted out would turned Erwin grey years ago. ]

Or its past. [ Shit. Regretting it the moment he said it, Levi twisted in his chair until he faced the bay windows that made the living room feel vacuous. Frown more severe, highlighted by the street lamps that faced the front the house. ]

You're right. We would have had a leg to stand on if this is the state of the world before everything went to shit.

[sacrificusdux]

Of course. [No, not the answer he wanted but it was the answer he expected, there is the hint of a smile on his lips.

But all hints of amusement vanished at Levi's next words and silence falls between them for a moment. Erwin's expression is dark as he bowed his head slightly.

It's more than a sobering thought if this was their past, if humanity was simply doomed to live, and die, imprisoned by not only the Titans for the rest of their existence.]

The Central Military Police have gone to great lengths to conceal the truth from us, what that truth may end up being. It was not the Titans who have taken this away from humanity, if this is true.

[alofts]

[ Thumb pressed tight over the rim of the mug with his knuckles bone white in the vice-like grip he held the chipped ceramic handle in. The recoil from the shadow that fell over Erwin. ]

Central Branch is the omnipresent knife in the dark. [ Levi agreed in his own, cautious way. He didn't look at Erwin right away, but when he did he leaned over with elbow on his knees and mug hung between his legs in his still firm grip. Eye contact unwavering when he spoke. ]

I'm an aberrant person. I can't fully appreciate the opportunities these strange circumstances have allotted us, or think far enough ahead to know what to do with this information. [ He made a breathy noise through his nose; an almost laugh. ] But you can.

[sacrificusdux]

If this is our past, even more reason to be aware. The knife may yet still be at our backs even now. [Erwin said slowly before picking up his cup of coffee.

His eyes settled on Levi's once more, holding his own mug with both hands. He didn't say anything until he took a long drink of coffee, it was starting to get a bit cold.]

Even if it's true we will not remember any of this upon return to our own time and place, I fully intend to make use of these advantages we are afforded here nonetheless. [Because even if they forgot, there was still the chance, however small, they could change the course of humanity's future in some way.

A pause, and then-] Is there anymore coffee left?

[Never mind the late hour, it seems he's staying up tonight.]

[alofts]

Even if what's true? [ Levi jerked forward; coffee spilled over the the rim of his mug. In his sudden loss of equanimity failed to notice coffee staining the carpet at his feet. He thought perhaps Erwin assumed he already knew, but that was unfortunately not the case. ]

No this is... [ His gaze dropped to his mug. Any other time he might have felt a twinge guilty for killing the last of the coffee at an hour when everything was closed. Any other time when Erwin hadn't thrown that new information at him he might have even apologised. ]

Before I wait for the other shoe to drop [ The mug was put on the table and Levi pushed off his chair. ] Maybe now would be a good time to inform you of the single malt I acquired a short time after your arrival.

[sacrificusdux]

I have not yet verified this information. There would be only one way for us to test it first hand and that is to somehow find a way to return to where we were before. [Erwin said calmly, looking up as Levi jerked forward. His eyes watched the coffee slosh to the floor, it was unfortunate but it seemed tomorrow he would have to get some more.

He set his own now empty mug down with a bit more care, nodding.]

I believe you may be right.

[alofts]

You do that. [ Levi griped, already a foot in the open kitchen that shared the floor space with living room. Duty was one thing, but no one had to pretend they were eager to return.

Glasses were dug out from the depths of some seldom used top shelf and a cork popped. Pixis drank like a fish and Nile always looked like he was walking off a bender, but Erwin never seemed to have that privilege as commander. Which Levi found deeply ironic because of the three of them, Erwin was one with the reason. Neither of them were partial, but they knew good liquor. ]

We'd never see this shit outside of Sina. [ Marching backing into room Levi hastened to comment before his lips were wrapped around his own glass. Wordlessly he handed Erwin a glass then dropped into another chair. This one further from the coffee stain he now both acknowledged and loathed, and catty corner to Erwin. ]

c. Let me know if you need me to change anything!

[incendere]

(It was easy to tell imports from natives here. They were usually dressed differently, walked in a different manner, and no matter how long they may have been there, it always seemed like they were still trying to figure out where they were. Not to mention the way the civilians reacted around them.

So when Roy sees a group of natives whispering to each other and acting like tourists in the park, it doesn't take him long to realize who they're looking at. Well, he's been around kids for far too long today. It would be nice to have the company of another adult.

With a plastic bag in hand, he walks over.)

Mind if I join you?

it's perfect!

[sacrificusdux]

[No matter how long he was here, Erwin would always be on on his guard. There were no Titans here but after a lifetime of constant threat, of living each day like his last, some habits were hard to break.

The stares and whispers each time he set foot out of the residence are simply ignored- after enduring shouts and pleading from people looking for their loved ones, demanding answers from him, such things didn't trouble him in the least.

Today he was enjoying sometime outside with some Starbucks, watching the ocean with the book he had been reading sitting beside him on the bench. It was s sight which would never be taken for granted. As soon as he heard the sound of someone approaching, he glanced behind him to see Roy, nodding.]

Not at all, please [He said, gesturing for Roy to sit beside him.]

:D

[incendere]

I thank you.

(He takes the seat next to him and crosses his legs with a small sigh. Even after a month of being here, it was still strange to see the ocean. Being in a landlocked country meant such sights were impossible to visit. The sound of the waves crashing in the distance is a calming change.

Well, in comparison to the excited whispers behind them at least.)

It seems you have quite the amount of fans. I'm shocked they haven't been asking you for pictures.

[sacrificusdux]

[Erwin glanced back for a moment, raising his eyebrows in surprise. Either way, he didn't want to encourage it as he turned away, looking back at Roy. Let them fawn over someone else.]

Perhaps they are here for you, I can't say I've ever had such vocal fans before. [He commented, teasing just a little.] I take it you are another Import as well?

[incendere]

(He glances back at the crowd as well, an amused smirk on his face.) Well, I suppose I'll just have to introduce myself to them later, then.

(Getting to know every single civilian who stopped him was difficult, but Roy did his best to hold a conversation with as many as he could. They were a good way to get to know the city, after all. Not to mention the number of potential dates.

At the question, he turns his attention back to Erwin.)

That's right, my apologies. The name is Colonel Roy Mustang. (He holds out his hand.) It's a pleasure to meet you, mister...?

[sacrificusdux]

I am sure they would appreciate a few pictures. [Erwin is more than happy to leave the adoring fans to Roy. So his attention is fully on the other instead of the whispers behind them as he picks up the paper cup. He's going to have to talk to Levi if there is some other alternative to carry around hot beverages with them.]

It's a pleasure, Colonel. [There is respect there for a fellow military officer. H] Commander Erwin Smith.

[incendere]

Commander? That's quite a title. (It's not shocking to find another military officer, especially considering the reason why they were all brought here. So the tone in Roy's voice is more admiration and respect than anything.) Did you recently arrive here?

[sacrificusdux]

I have, around a month now, I believe? [Erwin remarked thoughtfully, without the pressing danger of their very survival looming over their heads every day, time seemed to move slower, dragging out. He wasn't used to so much down time.]

And you? I take it you have been here longer, Colonel. [He remarked curiously, he was interested in the other worlds and realities, especially from someone who seemed to be of a similar background.] You almost seem quite at ease here.

[incendere]

I suppose that's one way of putting it. I've been here for a little more than a month now. While it's certainly a little easier than when I first arrived, I doubt I'll ever be completely used to the idea of being taken from my own world.

(There was still too much to do. They had won the battle, but they still had so much to do. He was so close to achieving his goal, to fixing the mistakes they had made in Ishbal, and now he was brought to a world that hoped to bring people into another war.

He shifts in his seat, and sets the plastic bag he was carrying down on the bench next to him.)

You seem as if you're adjusting well yourself, Commander.

[sacrificusdux]

I don't believe I will ever be as well. Leaving behind ones home, responsibilities, and duty there is never any task even if it's not by choice.

[Erwin said heavily but dwelling on the battle of an enemy which wasn't present at the moment was not something he preferred to do.]

Thank you, I must admit it hasn't been the most simple task considering the technology and particulars of this world are quite different from my own.

[incendere]

I can't say I disagree.

(He takes a water bottle from the bag and slowly unscrews the top.)

That's right. I never believed that I would be able to see technology such as this. For instance, did you know the cars here are capable of hovering off the ground? It's quite a sight to see. (He takes a sip of his water. Dwelling on what couldn't be helped was not something he preferred either, but if they were brought here, then there must be a way back as well. He takes another sip before speaking again.) I've heard of a few other interesting ones from the locals as well.

[sacrificusdux]

Is the difference in technology very different than from your world? [Erwin asked, he had never seen a car in any form before coming here.] Transportation without relying on horses, it is a significant advancement for humanity, I must say.

[Though, he misses his horse. Cars aren't the same, he barely can resist the impulse to twitch at every backfire, every time one races by.]

Oh? Please, I would be curious to hear what they are.