[Whoa, Eren actually agreed to stay? He'd been half-expecting him to tell him no way, since this was more than a little weird. But the thought that he agreed to stay...well, it makes him feel a little giddy inside, he has to admit.
Also nervous, because this is a weird situation and he's worried about screwing things up. But, giddy!]
T-Thanks. [That might have been an affectionate squeeze of Elliot's arms before he thinks better of it and loosens back up. Right. No. Keep your head on straight Craig. ] Yeah, just let me-
[He'll try to shift a little, to make himself more comfortable, being careful to make sure Eren doesn't have to let go-- I mean, to make sure Eren's not uncomfortable either. Jeez. He's a mess. And also feeling really hot-]
The squeeze is felt, making Eren give an unthought pat of reassurance just over Elliot's shoulder, where one of his arms still hung across. This isn't gay. If it were gay, Elliot would be super uncomfortable. And so would he, right? Like, too close for comfort! Eren knew he wasn't into guys. He was never really attracted to anyone! Except, in some weird way, for this guy, and he can't seem to get away from it.
If he can't say it, then he can just, perhaps, accept it a little more each second he wasn't getting thrown out. It didn't mean he was going to blurt something by word of mouth any time soon, or maybe neverā alright, never is pretty drastic, but let's say Eren's not ready to get on his bike. He prefers just watching it and acknowledging it's there. He doesn't want to fall and break it.
Ohh, there, he's trying to move, and if Eren kept to his swimming thoughts he would've crammed Elliot under his weight. With sudden surprise, as if he had just noticed, his arms are quick to loosen up and hover over him. A quiet choke of a laugh comes, that awkward and nervous sort you make at a comedy bar when no one laughs at your jokes. Ah, shit, the window, er. ]
[Elliot will look to make sure his eyes are closed and- yep. Can always count on Eren to be true to his word. He'll look away and pull himself up-- taking caution not to look over at his friend. He rather not invade his privacy either.
A quick walk across the room brings him to the window, he draws back the curtain and unlatches the window. It's evening now, so a cool September breeze comes gently blowing into the room. Elliot takes a moment to enjoy the cool air against his hot skin.]
[ It really did feel good. Eren makes an animal-like sound of relief, slumping back against the bed's foot with his neck tipping back onto the mattress. He needs to breeze to get his neck, get everything. Of course, if Elliot looks backā his eyes are still nice and shut.
He was thinking about speaking to Ryoji himself, but that'll have to wait a bit. For one, he's here, and he he still needs to carry out a duty in making sure Elliot's alright until his departure.
Ah he grunts, remembering a thing he saw when he came in. ]
Hm? [He looks puzzled for a moment before it clicks- oh, Eren must've seen his music stand] - Aha, yeah. Well, trying to.
[As good as the breeze feels though, he supposes it's not fair to just leave Eren hanging there. So he'll walk back, doing his best to look down at the ground so he can't see Eren's thoughts. When he gets close enough, he'll shut his eyes and kneel down- trying his best to hug like before but with his eyes closed.
It's semi-successful, his hands and knees bump into Eren (with him squeaking "sorry!" as it happens). Eventually though, he's back to more or less the sideway hug they were in before. He'll try to keep the conversation going as normal, to cut down on the awkward.]
I keep getting writer's block. Everything going on makes it a little hard to focus.
[College, the app, living in the same town as your crush, the weird anomalies, roommates dying...stuff like that]
[ He was half expecting him to either sit by him again with his eyes closed or stay a little more by the window for some air. When it occurs to him that he's coming back for hugging position, Eren hurriedly jolts upright, his own limbs bumping around those that weren't his. S-sorry, Iā he mutters, perhaps one of the few times he stutters and lifts his arm to accommodate him back, resting over the entirety of Elliot's shoulder and folding by his neck.
Please don't look at him, he's still a tomato-faced mess, teetering around the "is this okay, is this not okay" line. He's still glaringly not used to many hugs, or really giving them, butā He had to admit, this was pleasant. And it wasn't because hugs were generally pleasant! It was this one that was pleasant. Just this one.
Their professional lives, resurrection, glitches, and . . . yeah, a crush, is a lot to think of at once. It's what he's afraid of (some quickie crush this was, it got worse the minute Elliot embraced him. Soleil, you betray him). ]
Maybe you just need some inspiration.
[ But he tries not to let the ball drop. Acting like something's wrong would only make the both of them nervous, more nervous, and trying not to let the subtle giddiness show like fireworks was a tough feat to accomplish. He has to keep this going. ]
ā Name your favorite places to go to around here.
[The thought of keeping his eyes closed had crossed his mind, but...it was too easy for one of them to slip up that way. All it took was something to catch them by surprise, or a moment of forgetfulness- and their eyes might open. At least with a hug, you were holding onto another person and therefore kept in better check.
And well...honestly, deep down? There was a small bit of him that wanted to indulge. This was in many ways embarrassing and he plans never to breathe of this to another soul .... but it was also nice. Nice to indulge, just a little. ]
My favorite places? [He gives a soft laugh] Well, the beach was really nice. A lot cleaner than what you get back home. But I haven't much chance to really explore the city enough to have a favorite place yet.
[Has he seen stuff? Sure. A number of places now. But it's not like there was one place he had in mind as a favorite- not like the places he could name back in NYC. It was too soon for that]
What about you? You've lived here a lot longer than me. Tell me about your favorite spots.
[ It was worth the shot— and mission accomplished. He can feel Elliot smiling, and peeks his head up just a bit to see it in action. Nothing above that, just . . . Just enough of an eye swerve to see some of him, no thought bubbles included.
He starts thinking back on what everyone's said already, and, honestly, they had something of a point. Why was there anything wrong with something good? Sure, he might have to take this at molasses pace to figure himself out, butā maybe he did like him.
And maybe he could let himself explore it a bit more, just to be sure. He didn't want to break his face, and natural worries still remained. Ask him out? Nooo no way. Too much. Too sudden. Too weird on his part, and it might be for his friend, too. They were still friends, above all. That came above everything for Eren.
It's time for him to give a smile of his own, a propped up knee falling sideways. ]
Honestly? The beach, when it's empty. [ That's. Not helpful. Memories and the marathon that earned him a new nickname aside, he really had enjoyed the beach, the ocean view, that massive straight road he can speed downā and the last time, with the violin. ] And there's a road you can speed nearby, with a view like that . . . Last time wasā really great, too. [ Speaking of his car! ] Guess I gotta show you around more?
[ Eren would see a smile on Elliot's face. It's not a huge smile, but it's clear enough to tell that Elliot is at least a little happy - entirely thanks to Eren. Not only that, but he's still got a pretty prominent blush on his cheeks. Though with his eyes shut right at the moment, he doesn't catch Eren looking at him.
And even if Eren doesn't think it's helpful, Elliot does. With his eyes shut, he tries to visualize the beach the way Eren might see it, and what melody that might sound like.]
Heehee, I thought last time was great too. [Aside from the whole...sudden memories coming back. The rest of it was perfect. A memory to cherish.] I'd really it if you showed me around. You can even take me speeding on that road.
[ He'sā he's all red . . . Well, he was too. Hard not to be (and on that day, Eren still didn't get it). This airman is also grateful for eyes being closedā having them open up to a guy staring at you might be a little more than ungraceful. Time to look ahead, into nothing as the doof smile stretches. ]
It's a dā [ When you quite verbally go kjhgfd. Mind, no. It's not a date. ] Deal.
There's the woods, too. I used to go hiking with Titan around there all the time.
[ God did he just suggest that uHRM. Backpedal, backpedal all the way. Sure, the stars are beautiful when there isn't too much city light taking the thunder, but, wow, geez, he doesn't want to give Elliot the wrong idea, not that it was a wrong idea, but he swears there is a mOVIE ABOUT THIS. ]
Nā nah, I mean, not, uhā maybe just, hiking around, y'know? [ Does this still sound suspicious, or is it just him. ]
[Hilariously what Eren is thinking about giving the wrong idea didn't even cross Elliot's mind. He's not even near that ballpark. He's just worried about exerting that much physical activity because he's a total weakling.]
Hiking? W-Well, okay. I guess I should try to get some exercise.
Hope you like trail mix and bug spray. [ And the rather hilarious image of Eren stuffing his pockets with jerky and creating some sort of scenario. It's a true fact, he reincarnates as Bear Grylles. ] You don't see that many trees in New York City, right?
[ Hah, marching songs? Never. What goes on at the fort stays at the fort. ]
You've been missing out. The woods, not the marching songs. [ One thing's for certain, during this whole sit aroundā Eren's losing that tense edge to him. He's . . . Actually what a calm and soothed Eren would look like. It was good. It was nice. He's not moving at all, and if you let it he might even stay past his hour. ] Promise we'll take it easy.
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
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Also nervous, because this is a weird situation and he's worried about screwing things up. But, giddy!]
T-Thanks. [That might have been an affectionate squeeze of Elliot's arms before he thinks better of it and loosens back up. Right. No. Keep your head on straight Craig. ] Yeah, just let me-
[He'll try to shift a little, to make himself more comfortable, being careful to make sure Eren doesn't have to let go-- I mean, to make sure Eren's not uncomfortable either. Jeez. He's a mess. And also feeling really hot-]
...T-Think we should open a window?
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The squeeze is felt, making Eren give an unthought pat of reassurance just over Elliot's shoulder, where one of his arms still hung across. This isn't gay. If it were gay, Elliot would be super uncomfortable. And so would he, right? Like, too close for comfort! Eren knew he wasn't into guys. He was never really attracted to anyone! Except, in some weird way, for this guy, and he can't seem to get away from it.
If he can't say it, then he can just, perhaps, accept it a little more each second he wasn't getting thrown out. It didn't mean he was going to blurt something by word of mouth any time soon, or maybe neverā alright, never is pretty drastic, but let's say Eren's not ready to get on his bike. He prefers just watching it and acknowledging it's there. He doesn't want to fall and break it.
Ohh, there, he's trying to move, and if Eren kept to his swimming thoughts he would've crammed Elliot under his weight. With sudden surprise, as if he had just noticed, his arms are quick to loosen up and hover over him. A quiet choke of a laugh comes, that awkward and nervous sort you make at a comedy bar when no one laughs at your jokes. Ah, shit, the window, er. ]
It'sā hot, right. [ eren ] Want me to get it?
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N-No, that's okay. I can get it. Just- close your eyes?
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But, if he says so; Eren closes his eyes and ducks his head down a little, just an extra precaution. You can trust him on this! ]
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A quick walk across the room brings him to the window, he draws back the curtain and unlatches the window. It's evening now, so a cool September breeze comes gently blowing into the room. Elliot takes a moment to enjoy the cool air against his hot skin.]
Ahh...that feels good.
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He was thinking about speaking to Ryoji himself, but that'll have to wait a bit. For one, he's here, and he he still needs to carry out a duty in making sure Elliot's alright until his departure.
Ah he grunts, remembering a thing he saw when he came in. ]
You're writing something new?
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[As good as the breeze feels though, he supposes it's not fair to just leave Eren hanging there. So he'll walk back, doing his best to look down at the ground so he can't see Eren's thoughts. When he gets close enough, he'll shut his eyes and kneel down- trying his best to hug like before but with his eyes closed.
It's semi-successful, his hands and knees bump into Eren (with him squeaking "sorry!" as it happens). Eventually though, he's back to more or less the sideway hug they were in before. He'll try to keep the conversation going as normal, to cut down on the awkward.]
I keep getting writer's block. Everything going on makes it a little hard to focus.
[College, the app, living in the same town as your crush, the weird anomalies, roommates dying...stuff like that]
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Please don't look at him, he's still a tomato-faced mess, teetering around the "is this okay, is this not okay" line. He's still glaringly not used to many hugs, or really giving them, butā He had to admit, this was pleasant. And it wasn't because hugs were generally pleasant! It was this one that was pleasant. Just this one.
Their professional lives, resurrection, glitches, and . . . yeah, a crush, is a lot to think of at once. It's what he's afraid of (some quickie crush this was, it got worse the minute Elliot embraced him. Soleil, you betray him). ]
Maybe you just need some inspiration.
[ But he tries not to let the ball drop. Acting like something's wrong would only make the both of them nervous, more nervous, and trying not to let the subtle giddiness show like fireworks was a tough feat to accomplish. He has to keep this going. ]
ā Name your favorite places to go to around here.
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And well...honestly, deep down? There was a small bit of him that wanted to indulge. This was in many ways embarrassing and he plans never to breathe of this to another soul .... but it was also nice. Nice to indulge, just a little. ]
My favorite places? [He gives a soft laugh] Well, the beach was really nice. A lot cleaner than what you get back home. But I haven't much chance to really explore the city enough to have a favorite place yet.
[Has he seen stuff? Sure. A number of places now. But it's not like there was one place he had in mind as a favorite- not like the places he could name back in NYC. It was too soon for that]
What about you? You've lived here a lot longer than me. Tell me about your favorite spots.
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He starts thinking back on what everyone's said already, and, honestly, they had something of a point. Why was there anything wrong with something good? Sure, he might have to take this at molasses pace to figure himself out, butā maybe he did like him.
And maybe he could let himself explore it a bit more, just to be sure. He didn't want to break his face, and natural worries still remained. Ask him out? Nooo no way. Too much. Too sudden. Too weird on his part, and it might be for his friend, too. They were still friends, above all. That came above everything for Eren.
It's time for him to give a smile of his own, a propped up knee falling sideways. ]
Honestly? The beach, when it's empty. [ That's. Not helpful. Memories and the marathon that earned him a new nickname aside, he really had enjoyed the beach, the ocean view, that massive straight road he can speed downā and the last time, with the violin. ] And there's a road you can speed nearby, with a view like that . . . Last time wasā really great, too. [ Speaking of his car! ] Guess I gotta show you around more?
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And even if Eren doesn't think it's helpful, Elliot does. With his eyes shut, he tries to visualize the beach the way Eren might see it, and what melody that might sound like.]
Heehee, I thought last time was great too. [Aside from the whole...sudden memories coming back. The rest of it was perfect. A memory to cherish.] I'd really it if you showed me around. You can even take me speeding on that road.
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It's a dā [ When you quite verbally go kjhgfd. Mind, no. It's not a date. ] Deal.
There's the woods, too. I used to go hiking with Titan around there all the time.
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Heehee, okay.
The woods huh? Haven't been there. [What a surprise] - You're not suggesting camping, right?
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Nā nah, I mean, not, uhā maybe just, hiking around, y'know? [ Does this still sound suspicious, or is it just him. ]
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Hiking? W-Well, okay. I guess I should try to get some exercise.
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Hope you like trail mix and bug spray. [ And the rather hilarious image of Eren stuffing his pockets with jerky and creating some sort of scenario. It's a true fact, he reincarnates as Bear Grylles. ] You don't see that many trees in New York City, right?
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[Because eff marching songs tbh. Marching songs take something he loves and twists it into a sickening form.]
Not really. I mean there's parks and Central Park, but I don't think that really counts for "woods".
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You've been missing out. The woods, not the marching songs. [ One thing's for certain, during this whole sit aroundā Eren's losing that tense edge to him. He's . . . Actually what a calm and soothed Eren would look like. It was good. It was nice. He's not moving at all, and if you let it he might even stay past his hour. ] Promise we'll take it easy.
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Okay then, I'll look forward to it. Just try to make sure I don't walk into a poisonous thicket or get eaten by a wolf, okay?
[.....Elliot might have no real idea what actually happens in regular woods]