So much that you wouldn't eat something you hate? I'm impressed.
[ Delivered in a complete deadpan, of course, because he is in fact not impressed at all. That's not how being a good friend works! Hange is one, though, just not for that reason. But it's petty bitching hours o'clock, so it is what it is. ]
[ HE'LL BE LOOKING FORWARD TO THE KALE JUICE AND HIS SWEET RELEASE, THANKS. ]
[ He waves a hand dismissively, generously letting them have the rest. ]
[In goes the last forkful of brownie.. actually it's a bit too much, so Hange can hardly keep their mouth closed while chewing it, and then it ends up being hard to swallow so the entire cup of tea gets gulped down in one go...]
You know, if you ever get bored of doing missions, I reckon you could sell chocolate bread for a living! Though it may not pay as well...
[ Levi is definitely grimacing slightly and judging them but it is their birthday so he doesn't admonish them and instead leans over to dab at Hange's mouth with a napkin where the thinks some of that tea and chocolate mix may have leaked out due to lack of space. Don't mind him. ]
Ha. Maybe if I get too old for action. [ Or too injured. Though honestly it's super weird to think about it, and he quiets abruptly after that. Never in his life has he been in any situation to consider "when I get old", but now... he kind of is? And he doesn't know what to do with it. It feels alien. Unreal. Terrifying and calming at the same time. ]
[ Being able to retire? Could it actually happen?.. ]
[ He clears his throat, looks away. ] ...actually, I was thinking of trying to make a new tea blend. Not for a job, just...
[Hange leans forward to let him dab at their mouth once they notice that he's doing it, giving a quick 'thanks!' before swallowing the rest of it.]
[An elbow rests on the table, its hand propping Hange's head up as they listen to their friend talk about tea blends. Of course it would be tea related, that's so Levi, and the thought of it causes a sincere smile to grow on Hange's face.]
As a hobby, you mean?
[One could say that Hange has too many hobbies, simply because they often find something that interests them and delve right into it, but Levi seems much the opposite, in that regard. If he wants to blend tea, then he deserves to have access to all the tea in the world!]
Have you thought about growing some? I have some pots on my balcony that I'm trying to grow, just various things, so if you want to plant some I don't mind. I have to water everything anyway.
[ Levi does notice that smile, of course. It seems that Hange is excited about the idea of tea cultivation? Makes sense, he supposes. They did always enjoy studying plants especially, and this is basically that, if with a bit more artistic freedom than pure science. Well then. Guess he'll just have to keep them in the loop about all of his new tea discoveries so they can keep smiling like that. ]
[ (And so, the mirror of "roomba face" is born...) ]
Yeah. A hobby.
[ Has he even had a hobby before now, aside from cleaning? He's not sure. But, well, this place was supposed to be all about a new life, so he supposes it's par for course. Still surreal, though, just like the idea of an achievable retirement. ]
Naturally. That's the point, isn't it? Starting from scratch. [ He could probably just buy the leaves and herbs and spices and experiment with that, but it didn't seem as fun as knowing exactly where everything came from. Okay, and maybe he didn't entirely trust the novelty stores. ]
[ He seems to perk up when Hange mentions sharing their little garden. ] ...I'd like that.
[ With how often he's in their apartment anyway, it probably wouldn't be any trouble for him to water it himself, but this would let Hange feel involved and they were clearly eager to take part in it, judging from that serene, warm expression on their face. ] Just let me know which ones are empty so I don't uproot one of your projects.
[Hange is a little excited for tea cultivation- that ongoing curiosity of theirs enables them to easily conjure up enthusiasm when a new potential project makes itself known after all- but the cheerfulness is mostly due to Levi's own interest in it.
Something that has nothing to do with missions, or combat, or worrying about the state of affairs at home. Something simple, and relaxing, the cultivating of new life. It's why Hange likes growing plants too, and they are more than eager to share any knowledge they possess.
Alright! Operation: Tea Growing is officially in business!]
Of course! It's more fun that way. I have a few pots that are already empty, but they need soil. We could get some tomorrow- er, I mean later today- if you want?
[No point in waiting on it. Hange has the tools available at least to get the project up and off the ground, and since Levi has a key to the apartment already he will be able to come and go as he pleases, unless he decides to move it over to his own place.]
[ Cultivating life without sending it off to die in water later, at that. Yeah, having their own garden really sounds nice, doesn't it? There's not a lot of space for plants here, but maybe if they lived in the outskirts of the city, with a plot of their own land, maybe-- ]
[ He shakes it off, focusing on the present, and the present is that they're just fine where they are, aren't they? ]
Tomorrow is fine. We should do what you want today.
[ He surely went a long way from "Who cares about the day you were born", huh... ]
[A little cottage by the edge of the forest... perhaps a stream nearby... a nice dream, right?]
Hmm..
[Well, that answer comes easily enough. Hange had mentioned it briefly earlier, before the unexpected nap.]
I wanted to go to the gardening shop anyway, to see if they had a particular plant. The one I saw on the picture box.. it eats insects! A plant that eats animals, that's crazy, right Levi? I want one!
And if we're going there anyway... we can buy other supplies. That's what I want.
[Birthdays only carry meaning if you are able to share them with the people you care about, after all. This way, they can both get things they want.]
[ So nice... too nice for someone like them, right? ]
[ But wait. They're not at war anymore, not in a world that tries to tear them down in every which way. Would it really be so terrible to try to follow it this time?.. ]
[ Levi blinks at the sudden information blurb about the apparent insect-eating-plant, not quite following but happy to hear Hange be excited about anything anyway, his expression softening a little again before he's giving them a suspicious look. ]
How big is this animal-eating plant?
[ HE'S ALREADY SUSPECTING THEY WILL USE IT FOR SOMETHING NEFARIOUS but it's all in the name of banter of course. He's definitely coming with them. ]
[This really is the second chance none of them thought they would receive. What better way to spend it, chasing after all the wonderous things that can give life meaning, be it creating new memories with your best friend, being able to try peaches for the first time, or in this case growing murder plants.]
Huh...? It's small, like this.
[Hange holds out their hands, forming a gap between them that is maybe eight inches wide, give or take.]
It's too small to eat anything substantial! So things like Parsley will be safe. They eat bugs! Like I said- neat, right?
As far as I know nothing like that happened.. but you never know with the magic in this world, right? What if there's somehow magical soil that I don't know about! Then it might grow to be three meters tall!
[Just imagine Levi! Isn't it great!]
Heh.. just a thought. If something like that really exists, I'll be sure to use it on your tea, too.
[ YEAH HE'S ALREADY WINCING from the mental image of a titan-sized carnivorous plant but the rest is just a punch below the waist. He gives Hange a long, hard stare. ]
Oi. Spoken like somebody who wants to take more baths.
[ Has he spent a disproportionate amount of time trying to convince Hange that baths are nice and fun? Yes. Is he still going to use it as a threat? Also yes. ]
[ He doesn't sound certain. Maybe it is a thing. It's not like he knows shit about birthdays. Besides, he supposes the Commander doesn't stink yet so they can decree a non-bathing holiday on such an occasion. ]
[ He'd probably have some opinions about being called funny -- or maybe he thinks he is funny, just like he thinks he's talkative -- but luckily Hange keeps it themself. ]
[ He gives them a flat look. It's not even a question, is it? ]
[ He frowns, trying to recall that particular episode. ]
...that was immunity to her chambermaid's negativity, not dunking. [ Pause. ] How many different immunities does it include?
[ Oops, he's just rolling with it?! ]
...tch.
[ He won't say things like "you're welcome", but he certainly will accompany them to the store and then they can dig around in pots of soil together. Nice and peaceful. ]
It includes everything that the birthday-person wants it to include! That's why it's birthday immunity!
[there is no way this can backfire when it comes to be Levi's birthday, and Hange is trying to get him to do annoying things because of it!]
[The little 'tch' only makes Hange smile even more, such a typical response but they know he cares. Hehe.]
I'm going to make a list of what we need.
[Hange takes a moment to grab a notebook and pen from the living room before coming back, grabbing another square of the chocolate bread and working on a list of what they want from the garden shop.
Once that is over with, Hange talks some more about the carnivorous plants, eventually succeeding in getting Levi to join them in the living room to rewatch that part of the plant documentary they had on, so he can also see it in all its bug-squishing glory.]
[ But yes, he's totally filing this information away to use on his birthday because he's sure Hange won't agree to just pretend to having forgotten it. On another hand, he's not even sure if he wants that anymore, either. This place is... different, and perhaps it's fine to give that day some significance here. ]
[ He'll let them handle the list, then, and make him suffer through the documentary (he honestly kind of gets into it after a while though, probably even cracking some inquiries about whether the plants also shit, since they're eating the normal way). ]
[ And then they'll probably head to the store to get the things on the list and spend the rest of the day digging in the dirt (and then cleaning everything because of course). ]
no subject
Date: 2023-10-14 11:47 am (UTC)[ Delivered in a complete deadpan, of course, because he is in fact not impressed at all. That's not how being a good friend works! Hange is one, though, just not for that reason. But it's petty bitching hours o'clock, so it is what it is. ]
[ HE'LL BE LOOKING FORWARD TO THE KALE JUICE AND HIS SWEET RELEASE, THANKS. ]
[ He waves a hand dismissively, generously letting them have the rest. ]
I'm good.
no subject
Date: 2023-10-17 05:16 am (UTC)[In goes the last forkful of brownie.. actually it's a bit too much, so Hange can hardly keep their mouth closed while chewing it, and then it ends up being hard to swallow so the entire cup of tea gets gulped down in one go...]
You know, if you ever get bored of doing missions, I reckon you could sell chocolate bread for a living! Though it may not pay as well...
no subject
Date: 2023-10-18 07:29 pm (UTC)Ha. Maybe if I get too old for action. [ Or too injured. Though honestly it's super weird to think about it, and he quiets abruptly after that. Never in his life has he been in any situation to consider "when I get old", but now... he kind of is? And he doesn't know what to do with it. It feels alien. Unreal. Terrifying and calming at the same time. ]
[ Being able to retire? Could it actually happen?.. ]
[ He clears his throat, looks away. ] ...actually, I was thinking of trying to make a new tea blend. Not for a job, just...
[ For fun. Shit. Now that's a new one for them. ]
no subject
Date: 2023-10-18 11:16 pm (UTC)[An elbow rests on the table, its hand propping Hange's head up as they listen to their friend talk about tea blends. Of course it would be tea related, that's so Levi, and the thought of it causes a sincere smile to grow on Hange's face.]
As a hobby, you mean?
[One could say that Hange has too many hobbies, simply because they often find something that interests them and delve right into it, but Levi seems much the opposite, in that regard. If he wants to blend tea, then he deserves to have access to all the tea in the world!]
Have you thought about growing some? I have some pots on my balcony that I'm trying to grow, just various things, so if you want to plant some I don't mind. I have to water everything anyway.
no subject
Date: 2023-10-19 12:05 am (UTC)[ (And so, the mirror of "roomba face" is born...) ]
Yeah. A hobby.
[ Has he even had a hobby before now, aside from cleaning? He's not sure. But, well, this place was supposed to be all about a new life, so he supposes it's par for course. Still surreal, though, just like the idea of an achievable retirement. ]
Naturally. That's the point, isn't it? Starting from scratch. [ He could probably just buy the leaves and herbs and spices and experiment with that, but it didn't seem as fun as knowing exactly where everything came from. Okay, and maybe he didn't entirely trust the novelty stores. ]
[ He seems to perk up when Hange mentions sharing their little garden. ] ...I'd like that.
[ With how often he's in their apartment anyway, it probably wouldn't be any trouble for him to water it himself, but this would let Hange feel involved and they were clearly eager to take part in it, judging from that serene, warm expression on their face. ] Just let me know which ones are empty so I don't uproot one of your projects.
no subject
Date: 2023-10-26 05:48 am (UTC)Something that has nothing to do with missions, or combat, or worrying about the state of affairs at home. Something simple, and relaxing, the cultivating of new life. It's why Hange likes growing plants too, and they are more than eager to share any knowledge they possess.
Alright! Operation: Tea Growing is officially in business!]
Of course! It's more fun that way. I have a few pots that are already empty, but they need soil. We could get some tomorrow- er, I mean later today- if you want?
[No point in waiting on it. Hange has the tools available at least to get the project up and off the ground, and since Levi has a key to the apartment already he will be able to come and go as he pleases, unless he decides to move it over to his own place.]
no subject
Date: 2023-10-28 08:49 pm (UTC)[ He shakes it off, focusing on the present, and the present is that they're just fine where they are, aren't they? ]
Tomorrow is fine. We should do what you want today.
[ He surely went a long way from "Who cares about the day you were born", huh... ]
no subject
Date: 2023-10-30 07:33 am (UTC)Hmm..
[Well, that answer comes easily enough. Hange had mentioned it briefly earlier, before the unexpected nap.]
I wanted to go to the gardening shop anyway, to see if they had a particular plant. The one I saw on the picture box.. it eats insects! A plant that eats animals, that's crazy, right Levi? I want one!
And if we're going there anyway... we can buy other supplies. That's what I want.
[Birthdays only carry meaning if you are able to share them with the people you care about, after all. This way, they can both get things they want.]
no subject
Date: 2023-11-01 12:38 am (UTC)[ But wait. They're not at war anymore, not in a world that tries to tear them down in every which way. Would it really be so terrible to try to follow it this time?.. ]
[ Levi blinks at the sudden information blurb about the apparent insect-eating-plant, not quite following but happy to hear Hange be excited about anything anyway, his expression softening a little again before he's giving them a suspicious look. ]
How big is this animal-eating plant?
[ HE'S ALREADY SUSPECTING THEY WILL USE IT FOR SOMETHING NEFARIOUS but it's all in the name of banter of course. He's definitely coming with them. ]
no subject
Date: 2023-11-05 07:57 am (UTC)Huh...? It's small, like this.
[Hange holds out their hands, forming a gap between them that is maybe eight inches wide, give or take.]
It's too small to eat anything substantial! So things like Parsley will be safe. They eat bugs! Like I said- neat, right?
no subject
Date: 2023-11-05 04:53 pm (UTC)Sure. And it's not going to grow ten times that size if you feed it something weird?
[ JUST MAKING SURE. ]
no subject
Date: 2023-11-06 01:26 pm (UTC)[Just imagine Levi! Isn't it great!]
Heh.. just a thought. If something like that really exists, I'll be sure to use it on your tea, too.
no subject
Date: 2023-11-06 02:21 pm (UTC)Oi. Spoken like somebody who wants to take more baths.
[ Has he spent a disproportionate amount of time trying to convince Hange that baths are nice and fun? Yes. Is he still going to use it as a threat? Also yes. ]
no subject
Date: 2023-11-09 02:46 pm (UTC)[Is birthday immunity even a thing? It is now, by declaration of the commander!]
[After letting out an exasperated huff, it quickly morphs into a soft laugh. Levi, you're actually a funny guy.]
So you'll come with me, right?
To the garden shop, I mean.
no subject
Date: 2023-11-09 09:53 pm (UTC)[ He doesn't sound certain. Maybe it is a thing. It's not like he knows shit about birthdays. Besides, he supposes the Commander doesn't stink yet so they can decree a non-bathing holiday on such an occasion. ]
[ He'd probably have some opinions about being called funny -- or maybe he thinks he is funny, just like he thinks he's talkative -- but luckily Hange keeps it themself. ]
[ He gives them a flat look. It's not even a question, is it? ]
Of course I'll come with you.
no subject
Date: 2023-11-15 07:37 am (UTC)[Yes we are taking social rules from our period era soap operas now.]
Yay! I'm glad! [Seriously! Just look at that beaming smile!]
This is already the best birthday I've had in years, so thanks Levi!
wanna wrap it up or do garden adventures? :')
Date: 2023-11-15 11:29 pm (UTC)...that was immunity to her chambermaid's negativity, not dunking. [ Pause. ] How many different immunities does it include?
[ Oops, he's just rolling with it?! ]
...tch.
[ He won't say things like "you're welcome", but he certainly will accompany them to the store and then they can dig around in pots of soil together. Nice and peaceful. ]
i WANNA do it but lets wrap else i wont do anything new this month hah ;; future botany arc tho
Date: 2023-11-16 01:45 am (UTC)[there is no way this can backfire when it comes to be Levi's birthday, and Hange is trying to get him to do annoying things because of it!]
[The little 'tch' only makes Hange smile even more, such a typical response but they know he cares. Hehe.]
I'm going to make a list of what we need.
[Hange takes a moment to grab a notebook and pen from the living room before coming back, grabbing another square of the chocolate bread and working on a list of what they want from the garden shop.
Once that is over with, Hange talks some more about the carnivorous plants, eventually succeeding in getting Levi to join them in the living room to rewatch that part of the plant documentary they had on, so he can also see it in all its bug-squishing glory.]
secret continuous botany arc offscreen
Date: 2023-11-16 10:52 pm (UTC)[ But yes, he's totally filing this information away to use on his birthday because he's sure Hange won't agree to just pretend to having forgotten it. On another hand, he's not even sure if he wants that anymore, either. This place is... different, and perhaps it's fine to give that day some significance here. ]
[ He'll let them handle the list, then, and make him suffer through the documentary (he honestly kind of gets into it after a while though, probably even cracking some inquiries about whether the plants also shit, since they're eating the normal way). ]
[ And then they'll probably head to the store to get the things on the list and spend the rest of the day digging in the dirt (and then cleaning everything because of course). ]