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[abandonhumanity]

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[abandonhumanity]

It's like I told you. It's not good for anything other than drooling. It's apparently supposed to have powers, but it doesn't.

Hythlodaeus likes it though. He comes and takes care of it, so who cares?

I haven't called it anything else. I guess I should ask him.

[neighsaying]

[ What luxury, to keep an animal that serves no purpose. ]

Just making sure I account for how much hay I'm getting.

Hm.

Looks like a Daisy to me, if he hasn't named it already.

[abandonhumanity]

Daisy? What made you think that?

[neighsaying]

Sorta pink, reminds me of flowers. Plus I feel like she should have one on her head.

[ Attached: a picture of the ketos again, only Jean has drawn a little flower 🌼 on top of her head. ]

[abandonhumanity]

[What a stupid joke...]

You're quite the artist lately. I saw your stupid note.

[It's fond, at least.]

[neighsaying]

I don't have much to add, nor do we really need more employees right now. I was there and bored, so I drew it.

I'll draw you next, if you want :)

[ it WILL be a stupid caricature with its tongue out. ]

[abandonhumanity]

For the bulletin board?

[That's one way to announce his return, he supposes.]

I can't say I'm not curious.

[neighsaying]

You're probably going to regret it, that's all I'm saying.

[abandonhumanity]

Don't actually post it.

[neighsaying]

Who's going to stop me from doing it?

[abandonhumanity]

I'm not going to fight you over a bulletin board. You'll just make an idiot of yourself.

[neighsaying]

Maybe, but it's the little things that I enjoy. Like drawing stupid pictures of you and the cat.

I'll put something nicer in your lunch.

[abandonhumanity]

Draw more, then. You like it, don't you?

[He recalls a trip to the Labyrinth, and a sordid art class. Jean's didn't look all that bad, did it?]

[neighsaying]

I do. I'm not as good as Mikasa at it, but it's fun anyway. Can't get better without practice, either.

[abandonhumanity]

[It never gets easier to hear her name, nor does it get any easier to see it written out. Eren's gotten a lot better at taking a punch, at least.]

It's like I said. Draw, then. More than those stupid doodles. I'd like to see it.

[neighsaying]

[ He tries not to bring her up too much, but he doesn't want to pretend as if she was never here, either. ]

What if I drew you? Properly, not a little sketch.

When you leave, eventually, I'll have a picture of you, then. Not just a photo.

[abandonhumanity]

[Eren feels embittered - thinks to himself that Jean probably would rather remember him than have him close. It's an unfair thought, maybe, but it crosses his mind nonetheless.]

You'd value that more?

I suppose it makes sense. We aren't used to things like photos. They still seem strange to me even now.

I'd let you. If you wanted.

[neighsaying]

A photo is good. But there's something special about a drawing. You put a part of yourself into it, and it reflects what you love most about the person.

I'd rather just have you. But can you truthfully say you wouldn't leave this place if you had a chance?

I don't want to hold you back. So instead, I'll draw you.

[abandonhumanity]

[No, Eren can't truthfully say he wouldn't want to stay in this place. He wouldn't lie about it either. Anyone who asks would get the same answer. The brief period of time where he considered something different was based entirely on fear. He isn't made for walls.]

I hadn't brought up leaving. If you want to draw me, you can.

I get it.

[Plenty of people have left them behind. He gets it. He just knows that it will be a relief once he is gone for good.]

Just tell me what to do.

[neighsaying]

Eren.

I know I don't know you the best, but I do know you. I love you as you are. You fought with Mikasa, once, about last names. You thought we'd be happier if you were gone and we could be together.

We weren't. We told you we missed you and that's why we wanted to be with you here.

Come over when you can. I'll be in our room.

( > action )

[abandonhumanity]

[Jean's reassurances seem to come out of nowhere. Eren hasn't exactly been forthcoming with his feelings lately. He feels nearly cornered, confused. He doesn't bother responding. He isn't doing much, so he heads back to the farmhouse. When he steps through the bedroom door, he looks half-annoyed, uncertain. He closes it behind him.]

What's gotten into you?

[neighsaying]

I want to draw?

[ He's playing a little obtuse, a sketchbook sitting on his lap with a pencil. He tilts his head at Eren, giving him a half annoyed look in turn. ]

You're the one who offered to pose.

[abandonhumanity]

[Eh...?

[Eren...blinks.]

You meant right now. [Statement, not question, but also? A question?]

I just...stand here?

[neighsaying]

[ Sarcastically: ] Unless you're busy.

[ He shifts over, patting the bed where the sunbeam hits it. ]

I won't make you stand that long, come lay down. It'll be easier on you, and you can rest a while.

[abandonhumanity]

[It feels sudden - casual conversation converted to action. Eren hadn't thought too deeply about the could-be portrait session. It's a uniquely exposing feeling. He feels awkward, uncertain; hesitates at the door in a stalled fluster, then comes inside and sits on the bed. He kicks off his shoes, then takes off his coat and his shirt. Jean can make fun of him for showing off his abs all he wants, but if he's going to be drawn, he wants to look...good.]

How am I supposed to lay?