[ At least his laugh gets him to loosen up rather than tense further! It's a happy, enjoyable chortle that has Eren giving a slight haha along with it. He doesn't go the extra mile to laugh that hard at himself, but it's all in good humor.
He's visibly happy, beaming even, and Eren's wow'd that he could cause a bit of that. Elliot's done the same after all, just look at him. He could stay here all night if he could, just sit here and count the stars, or just make each other laugh like that— it's been a while since he's laughed.
He wishes he can stay longer, but a look at the moon has him giving a sigh, the light hold on Elliot's hand earning a squeeze. In a matter of seconds, his phone begins to vibrate in his pocket, and he hangs his head as he sits up. That's his curfew alarm, to a rockin' version of the Air Force melody. ]
Gotta go.
[ The first time in probably ever: the look in Eren's eyes to go back to the Fort isn't an excited one. He's—disappointed. At least there's only one week left until freedom to roam. He'll only have to go to class and train in the mornings at much more flexible hours, like any college student. ]
[Hearing Eren's phone brings Elliot back down to reality again, his laughter finally tempering off. He uses his hand to wipe the tears in his eyes made from all the laughter. He knows he heard Eren laughing too, which is alone to make him happy. Eren doesn't laugh nearly as easily as he does. ]
Oh...that late already?
[Eren's look of disappointment is matched by Elliot's own. It's hard not to feel disappointment. No one would want to leave a moment this wonderful. There's a quick thought in his head that tells him to encourage Eren to ignore the alarm. To stay out here a little longer. By the look in Eren's eyes, it probably wouldn't be a hard sell at all.
But even if that's tempting...Elliot dismisses the thought. He didn't want to get Eren in trouble. Not when he was so close to achieving his dream. So he'll blink away his own disappointed look, and offer Eren a small, empathetic but understanding smile. His free hand will reach over and very lightly touch Eren's shoulder.]
You can do it. I'll wait. It's just one more week.
[ It's actually quite early going by normal hours— but he still had to leave his car elsewhere, bound up to the fort by foot and help organize the dorms and clean himself up before its lights out. It wouldn't be difficult to sell at all, what would five extra minutes do?
But if he didn't have the discipline here, he wouldn't have it anywhere. He knows it's important, and when Elliot's hand is on his shoulder— he couldn't be happier with the understanding, warmth bubbling in his smile. ]
. . . Promise I'll make up for it. [ He just wants to— spend time with him, now. Spend time and talk and just be around him. Make up for all that time he lost. ] And— there's a surprise coming up.
[Ah, just seeing Eren's warm smile made it all the worth it. In some ways, this still almost felt like a dream. Like he was going to wake up in a moment because he drifted off while studying. But that hand holding onto him, the feeling of the fabric on Eren's shoulder- it reminded him very much that this is happening]
Heehee, I'll hold you to it. [He's not really serious about that. Eren didn't have to make up for anything, as far as he was concerned. But good luck convincing Eren that.
[ His whole flight agreed to present only at the ceremony— so no sneak peaks. While a group thing, each one would have something unique to it to represent each wingman. And honestly, he's always wanted to do something like it.
It is a mystery, but putting his free hand against his shoulder, he loosens the hold he had on Elliot's hand to roll his dominant shoulder blade. ]
[ Sliding off the car hood to Elliot's side, he'll push himself back into his feet to get the door for him. At least, that's what it looks like. He's standing in front of the door so you can't get in. Of course, he'd rather be inviting him to another extra few hours of stargazing, but . . . Here's the next best thing. ]
Ready for part two?
[ The road's pretty clear from here to that straight . . . . ]
[ You heard right! Part two. With a nod, and cocking his head for Elliot to get into the opposite side (that's certainly the driver's side) Eren clicks the door open and— plops right into the passenger seat.
[Wait what is he doing why is he sitting in his spot-
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
No way.
He jumps a little, his face in total shock as his hand goes to his chest. He doesn't move yet, but instead tries to talk to Eren before he shuts the door]
Wait! You're gonna let me drive?!
[Elliot knew how to drive. He didn't own a car because of expenses, but he had a license. But still, this was Eren's baby]
[ And the time has come for Elliot to give it a go— seal the night with something that made them look more than forward to the next meet up. Regardless, Eren was already looking forward to it. He might have shut the door, but he immediately lowers down the window for Elliot, especially to hold a fist out to him. ]
That's the plan.
[ Lies, there was no plan— he just felt it'd be a cool thing to do. And from his fist falls into the other's hand: the keys. ]
[The keys fall into his hand, and he stares for a moment with his jaw opened. This is happening. Eren is going to let him drive. Eren's going to let him drive his super nice car.
It takes a moment for him to overcome his shock before he shuffles over to the driver's side. He's both really anxious and really excited. Eren was sure though- so he might as well focus on the excitement right???
He'll get into the driver's seat and-- well obviously, have to adjust the seat so he's closer because he's shorter than Eren. Then he buckles his seatbelt and puts the keys into the ignition, turning it on so the engine comes to life]
[ He probably wouldn't use the word "cute", but something akin to how Elliot's excitable reaction makes him light up like a genially lit Christmas tree. Buckling up, Eren gives a light chuckle as he reaches for the media screen to tap at one of the playlists. Maybe some classics . . . AC/DC Essentials.
You're really gonna feel it asking for it, so don't hesitate to floor those straights.
[ He's got safety mechanisms to make the curves and keep the car stable, so there really was nothing to worry! Just have a little sense and the car was completely safe. The vibrations against the wheel alone show the motor's potency, and with every rumble it makes, it's tempting. It was made to run. ]
[When the song comes on, Elliot gives a grin and a thumbs up. Good choice. His head bobs along with the music as he puts the car into reverse and starts pulling it back onto the road. Luckily, this must be a road that's not used a whole lot, because there's not a single car around.
He'll drive it at normal speeds for a little bit until he's sure he's got the hang of the car. It really does handle nicely- better than anything he's ever driven. When he's ready and near the straights that Eren sped earlier, he'll clutch the wheel tightly and count to himself:]
3...2...1-
[He hits on the accelerator and the speed of the car shoots up. 80...90...100..higher and higher. Elliot is focused entirely on the road, doing everything he can to make sure he doesn't veer off and crash. Fortunately, if all the forced police courses taught him anything useful? It was how to handle high speed chases- so crashing is a pretty low chance here.
And from the grin on his face? He's having the time of his life. What a perfect way to end a perfect evening.]
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He's visibly happy, beaming even, and Eren's wow'd that he could cause a bit of that. Elliot's done the same after all, just look at him. He could stay here all night if he could, just sit here and count the stars, or just make each other laugh like that— it's been a while since he's laughed.
He wishes he can stay longer, but a look at the moon has him giving a sigh, the light hold on Elliot's hand earning a squeeze. In a matter of seconds, his phone begins to vibrate in his pocket, and he hangs his head as he sits up. That's his curfew alarm, to a rockin' version of the Air Force melody. ]
Gotta go.
[ The first time in probably ever: the look in Eren's eyes to go back to the Fort isn't an excited one. He's—disappointed. At least there's only one week left until freedom to roam. He'll only have to go to class and train in the mornings at much more flexible hours, like any college student. ]
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Oh...that late already?
[Eren's look of disappointment is matched by Elliot's own. It's hard not to feel disappointment. No one would want to leave a moment this wonderful. There's a quick thought in his head that tells him to encourage Eren to ignore the alarm. To stay out here a little longer. By the look in Eren's eyes, it probably wouldn't be a hard sell at all.
But even if that's tempting...Elliot dismisses the thought. He didn't want to get Eren in trouble. Not when he was so close to achieving his dream. So he'll blink away his own disappointed look, and offer Eren a small, empathetic but understanding smile. His free hand will reach over and very lightly touch Eren's shoulder.]
You can do it. I'll wait. It's just one more week.
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But if he didn't have the discipline here, he wouldn't have it anywhere. He knows it's important, and when Elliot's hand is on his shoulder— he couldn't be happier with the understanding, warmth bubbling in his smile. ]
. . . Promise I'll make up for it. [ He just wants to— spend time with him, now. Spend time and talk and just be around him. Make up for all that time he lost. ] And— there's a surprise coming up.
[ He knew it was going to be hella cool. ]
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Heehee, I'll hold you to it. [He's not really serious about that. Eren didn't have to make up for anything, as far as he was concerned. But good luck convincing Eren that.
The last part perks his interests though]
A surprise? What kind of surprise?
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[ His whole flight agreed to present only at the ceremony— so no sneak peaks. While a group thing, each one would have something unique to it to represent each wingman. And honestly, he's always wanted to do something like it.
It is a mystery, but putting his free hand against his shoulder, he loosens the hold he had on Elliot's hand to roll his dominant shoulder blade. ]
But it's guaranteed to be cool.
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[He'll pull his own hand off Eren's shoulder, still smiling at him.]
I'll look forward to it.
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Ready for part two?
[ The road's pretty clear from here to that straight . . . . ]
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Part two?
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Bye Elliot. ]
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!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
No way.
He jumps a little, his face in total shock as his hand goes to his chest. He doesn't move yet, but instead tries to talk to Eren before he shuts the door]
Wait! You're gonna let me drive?!
[Elliot knew how to drive. He didn't own a car because of expenses, but he had a license. But still, this was Eren's baby]
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That's the plan.
[ Lies, there was no plan— he just felt it'd be a cool thing to do. And from his fist falls into the other's hand: the keys. ]
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It takes a moment for him to overcome his shock before he shuffles over to the driver's side. He's both really anxious and really excited. Eren was sure though- so he might as well focus on the excitement right???
He'll get into the driver's seat and-- well obviously, have to adjust the seat so he's closer because he's shorter than Eren. Then he buckles his seatbelt and puts the keys into the ignition, turning it on so the engine comes to life]
O-Okay! Buckle up and pick the music!
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We've got a winner. Turn down for what! ]
You're really gonna feel it asking for it, so don't hesitate to floor those straights.
[ He's got safety mechanisms to make the curves and keep the car stable, so there really was nothing to worry! Just have a little sense and the car was completely safe. The vibrations against the wheel alone show the motor's potency, and with every rumble it makes, it's tempting. It was made to run. ]
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[When the song comes on, Elliot gives a grin and a thumbs up. Good choice. His head bobs along with the music as he puts the car into reverse and starts pulling it back onto the road. Luckily, this must be a road that's not used a whole lot, because there's not a single car around.
He'll drive it at normal speeds for a little bit until he's sure he's got the hang of the car. It really does handle nicely- better than anything he's ever driven. When he's ready and near the straights that Eren sped earlier, he'll clutch the wheel tightly and count to himself:]
3...2...1-
[He hits on the accelerator and the speed of the car shoots up. 80...90...100..higher and higher. Elliot is focused entirely on the road, doing everything he can to make sure he doesn't veer off and crash. Fortunately, if all the forced police courses taught him anything useful? It was how to handle high speed chases- so crashing is a pretty low chance here.
And from the grin on his face? He's having the time of his life. What a perfect way to end a perfect evening.]