ellipsanet | text; un: farlan

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text; un: farlan

[Farlan isn't very sure about this whole network thing, but he figures it's the easiest way to gather some intelligence and possibly help.]

I'm looking for anyone who could fix some belts. They're pretty special and hard to replace by just any leather belts. Maybe some of my clothes, too, if possible. As long as you don't mind looking at blood or get nauseous over the implications of what happened.

And I mean fix in a more magical way. I can sew, but that's not going to help these.

I can't offer a lot in return yet, but I will definitely pay you back when I'm able. I don't like leaving stuff unpaid.

[How does he ask for his friends so he doesn't just smack their names onto the network. Levi surely wouldn't appreciate that.

Aha-]

Also let me know the best places to get cleaning supplies from. If a friend of mine appears, he would be disappointed if my place wasn't spotless. I wouldn't hear the end of it. Save me.

Thanks in advance.

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[Ohhh. What a coincidence how much so many things on this post remind her of home... (yes, honey, it's truly just a coincidence indeed.)

She can't really help with the belts and even though she's curious about everything in that part, she decides to at least start with the other thing on this... post?? That's what these are called, right??? Well, his is a post and hers isn't but anyway!!]

Oh, I should get as many cleaning supplies as I can for similar reasons too, so could you please let me know if you find anything?

♥ Petra

[ ... or she could (and will) just watch this space, but she's new and this is all still brand new to her too. ]

[ did someone tell him about this? did his spidey senses tingle? is this conveniently one of those days where he just happens to actually look at the network? any of those, really, but the important part is that he's here and he's reading this. ]

[ He's reading it over and over, as if he expects the little post to disappear right in front of his eyes, nothing more than a mirage conjured up by his guilt and longing. ]

[ It has to. It has to be him. How many guys are there who are named Farlan who are also friends with clean freaks and own special leather belts and have all their stuff messed up by something that sounds a lot like being bitten in half? ]

[ He still sees it, in his dreams, he'd used to see it in his messed up eye. He tries not to dwell on it, because he can't go back and change the past. But he'd made damned sure their sacrifices had meaning. It's what had kept him going all these years, more and more broken wings piling on his back as he went. ]

[ If Farlan is here, for real this time, then he has a second chance, he can get to know the world that had been denied to them -- an even bigger, more confusing world than the one they saved back home, but just as fascinating. They may not be entirely free here, not until the Darkness is defeated, but it's a hell of a lot more freedom than they ever had at home. There are so many books, gadgets, concepts that he's sure Farlan will find fascinating, and now he'll be able to do anything he wants with it, as he always deserved. ]

[ He knows better than to think Isabel is also here with him, but he does hope for a moment. Even though he does know this place rarely would bring two people from the same place at the same time. ]

[ It must be him. He's been here before, perhaps that helped in some way, or it truly is just luck, but... It would be too cruel of a joke if it wasn't. ]

[ He... has to be sure. ]

[ His fingers tremble a little as he types out the message. ]

How many MPs does it take to change a cart wheel?

[ It's something from their youth -- his youth; it won't have been that long for Farlan if it's truly him -- a series of code phrases and secret knocks to be used if they ever got separated and had to make sure who was on the other side of the door. In a moment like this, of course he remembers the silliest one first. ]

[ But it's enough; it will tell him what he needs to know. ]

The grocery store, I think mostly? There's stuff in the Underground Mall, too, but that's HUGE so you might get lost. I dunno about cleaning blood off things, but maybe I could ask my sister? She knows everything.

[Post, entry, something. Farlan doesn't know either.]

Of course. We have to keep our clean freak friends satisfied, right?

[Clean Freak, he says.]

[That username is already something that makes Farlan's heart beat race a little faster.

Could he really have gotten a second chance and even found his friend here? If so, would it be possible for Isabel to appear, too, one day? That would be the dream, wouldn't it. Having all three in a place without titans (or so he assumes).

The question confirms that yes, this was the Levi he knew. Farlan grin to himself as he types the answer.]

One, who makes a passerby do it.

Those are rather unknown words to me. Are they similar to a market, by any chance?

[ Must be just a coincidence! ... unless... ]

Thank you! And yes, of course. Which reminds me, I'll have to get some tea to him too while I'm getting those cleaning supplies.

[ Nope, surely still a coincidence even if he also knows a Clean Freak, who likes tea. ]

[Definitely Just A Coincidence.]

What a coincidence, I should do the same. And I need to make sure it's none of that cheap stuff.

[Indeed! Surely all of this is just a coincidence, nothing else going on here.]

Yes, that's a very important detail for me to keep in my mind too though I wonder what counts as cheap in this world's - universe's whatever's - currency... Well, I could always get the most expensive one to avoid that unless something else sounds much better.

[ It's him. ]

[ Levi stares at his phone for a few long moments, his expression gradually softening. He had been ready to give up anything to bring him here, and now it's happened and they don't even need to be separated for it. He blinks away the sudden surge of emotion, drops whatever he's doing, grabs his coat and nearly runs out the door. ]

[ He's also given up on typing and instead dials to call him, heart beating so hard he wouldn't be surprised if Farlan can hear it. As soon as he hears the call connecting, he speaks. ]

I'm on my way. Where are you?

Yeah! Just different places to buy stuff. Lots of people here don't have them back home, that's fine. There's all sorts of fun things here!

[ Did you say cleaning supplies?! ]

If you need cleaning supplies I can give you some from the clinic. I have some overstock that could go to a good home.

[ Shigeru is also a clean freak so he understands. But, yeah, the whole thing with blood on clothes?! ]

Is everything okay?! I mean...with the clothes. No one's hurt, right?! I could clean them for you, but I just want to make sure everyone is okay.

You know, we could go shopping together and figure it out. That is, if you trust a total stranger met through these things.

Completely understandable if not, though.

[Bold of you to assume he knows how to answer a phone call.

He somehow does figure it out.]

It's good to hear your voice. And uh... I'm at the apartment they give you, trying to decide if it's fine to go shopping in the white clothes you arrive in or not.

Good to know I'm not the only one lost with these things.

Sounds good, though. I could probably pick up some clothes while at it.

[ . . .

Any other day she would have agreed to that. Probably. Hell if she knows anymore. But today? After all of that ?]

Obviously I don't and no one ever even should trust anyone just like this, so that's a no.

[Come to think of it, why did she use her first name as her username? That just makes her easier to find. She should have put a flower or anything else to it, but well, that just goes into a pile of mistakes, that she has made today.]

[How many clean freaks will he attract? Remains to be seen.]

That would be great.

[What's better than free, really. An old thief would know.]

The magic that brought us here healed pretty much everything, so I'm fine. It's just my clothes and the belts I was talking about that are damaged anymore.

Like I said, completely understandable. Honestly, you're wiser than most people are.

[Farlan grew up in the underground, so he doesn't have problems with meeting strangers. As long as he had a weapon on him and a plan for escape.]

But I'll definitely let you know about good places to buy cleaning things and tea.

Yeah, there's all kinds of stuff! Like all different styles and everything. I know a lot of people are like "whoa, all these things exist?"

Yes, and I'm really glad to hear that.

[ ... the understanding part, that is, she doesn't actually say anything to the wise part because she sure as hell isn't feeling wise at all today even if that is a wise thing to do here. But she's only doing it because all of that happened... ]

Great, thank you so much!

I've definitely had to stop and stare at many things. Even things inside these apartments. I think the beds even are fancier than back home! Amazing.

You gotta go to SEAKEA! Even if it's the budget furniture store and the little expensive ones are way fancier, there's still so much stuff there! And it's fun to wander around! You might get lost, though, I do sometimes.

[ If he can figure out how to post text that you create by pressing tiny squares with letters on the network, he can certainly figure out to press something that pops up flashing on his screen, right? He's smart, he's got this. Levi believes in him. ]

[ Not in vain, as it turns out. ]

[ Those first words just about squeeze all the air out of Levi's lungs, and he's left mute and aching for a moment. Everything that happened... it may not have been as long for Farlan since they saw each other, but instead his death also must feel so fresh and raw. Maybe some part of him is still in that titan's grasp, where he'd witnessed Levi arriving just moments too late. If only he had turned around faster -- ]

...Yours, too. [ If it comes out a little choked, he's done his best effort to mask it. It's been years since he's heard him, since he's seen him -- if it weren't for the Metaverse, his face would be a little fuzzier in Levi's mind by now. It takes a moment before he manages to continue. ] Okay. You're safe there. What's the number on your door?

[ He is conveniently not too far from the area at the moment, so it shouldn't take long for him to get there! He'd rather have all of these conversations and explanations face to face. ]

I have some skill with magic, if that should be what you require.

A whole place for just furniture? Man, I never would have imagined that.

If it's not a bother, that would be great. I only arrived with one set of clothes, after all.

[Farlan can guess it's been a while. Otherwise, how else would Levi be so good at using these devices that are so weird. Sure, he's good at adapting, but it's weird.]

It's 109. On the third floor. My name is on the plate too.

[At least he hasn't had time to make a mess of his new apartment, though his clothes are. Well. A mess.]

Edited (html my eternal nemesis) 2025-02-16 20:24 (UTC)

Yeah, and it's huge! I bet you'd have fun just looking around at all the stuff and the display rooms.

Were it a bother, I would hardly have offered.

[ He'll be shocked to know that Levi isn't, in fact, particularly good at using them. Of course, it all depends who you compare him to... ]

I'll be right there.

[ ...and he hangs up, because of course he does. ]

[ Never fear, though, because at most fifty minutes later there's a rap on the door, and Farlan can probably recognize one of their Patented Secret Knocks. ]

[ Opening the door and actually seeing Levi, though, well, that might be something of a shock. ]

[ He's obviously older, by at least ten years, two deep scars running down the right side of his face and across one eye which has been clouded to pale silver instead of stormy gray. He's wearing a simple button shirt and slacks rather than his uniform, though he does seem to have the 3DMG gear on under his coat -- still wary of any potential assassins coming after him when out in town -- except rather than just the usual straps, there's a shell of some sort encasing most of his left leg. ]

[ He raises a gloved hand as if to reach for Farlan as soon as the door opens, but appears to hesitate for a moment, resting it on the frame instead. ]

...you're really here.

They have rooms, too? So you could technically just buy a whole room?

That's true.

Should we meet somewhere?

[Levi does look a lot different from before, which only applies to the 'it must have been a while' thought.

It's strange to see Levi with scars. Strange and painful, considering Levi had always been the best of them. Whatever has managed to hurt him had to have been strong.

Farlan smiles though, despite the worries and questions he might have.]

In one piece, even.

I don't get it. Where else would they put the display models?

[ Probably the most ironic part is that he wasn't even injured in a fight. A miscalculation, one he made freshly blinded by rage and grief. He's better now, though. But not all of his scars are flesh. ]

...

[ He remembers. Viscerally. Farlan in the titan's grip, raising a hand in a resigned salute, or perhaps a goodbye, and the titan's teeth closing on his middle. Levi was just a few moments too late. He'd cut the damn thing open to pull him out... half of him. He couldn't undo what happened. ]

[ But here he stands now. ]

[ Here he stands looking just as he did the day he died. They used to be around the same age. Levi has lived ten years without him, twelve counting Ellipsa. It's oddly displacing to now think of him as someone younger than him, yet it's undeniable. ]

[ Levi reaches again, this time with his good hand, pressing it somewhere against Farlan's chest and drawing it down slowly to somewhere around his navel, as if checking that he really is all in one piece. ]

[ Then he steps over the threshold and pulls him into a hug, just slightly crushing one but he's of course careful to not actually hurt him. ]

That's a shittier joke than even your plan to join the Survey Corps.

[ Grumbled somewhere into Farlan's shoulder, because of course he hides his face in a moment like this. ]

It would be the simplest method to facilitate such a request. Where should be convenient to you?

... what are those?

[What do you mean, it was a hilarious joke. Farlan does smile though, at the hug. He puts his hands around Levi's much smaller frame, patting his back.]

Without it, we wouldn't have been able to experience the world above. I think it was worth it.

[Even more so now that he has a second chance... or whatever this was.]

Would you mind coming to the building that has newcomer apartments? That would probably be the best idea.

Stuff to show what's for sale.

[ It's not. It's not hilarious at all when Levi has literally seen him in pieces, definitely more than one. It still haunts his dreams sometimes, even if he's learned to live with it. ]

Was it? [ He knows Farlan's right. He knows things could not have played out any other way. He knows those few days or weeks had been the best in their lives. But he still hates to think of the lives of his loved ones being a cost to pay for anything. His voice grows quiet. ] If it kept you two alive, I would've stayed in that hole the rest of my life.

[ Except it wouldn't have, he knows it, and he has no doubts Farlan knows that he does. The Underground was hardly any safer than beyond the walls; if they'd continued on the path they were, especially if Levi had kept growing more cold the way he had been, they'd likely would have gotten killed somehow, eventually. Not to mention that without his contributions, the world above would have been destroyed by titans or bombs, and the Underground would have followed sooner or later. And, in the end, they never had a choice in it, anyway. ]

I have no objections to doing so. Had you any specific location there to mind?

[Farlan shakes his head.]

Nowhere is safe, Levi. I could have slipped on soap and cracked my head or gotten shot by a random thug... I rather took the chance of breathing fresh air and let the sun shine on my face than die in a dump like that.

[He knows Levi knows all of this, but sometimes it helps when it's said out loud.]

Isabel, especially, deserved the chance of something better.

[No matter how short lived it was.]

...

[ He's right. Of course he's right. But knowing that does little to ease that twist in Levi's chest that tells him he should have been able to do something more, that it was his carelessness and tunnel-vision that had gotten them killed. It was the Titans, he reminds himself, but it doesn't make anything easier. ]

[ He's always done his best to stay alive, but he doesn't necessarily fear death, either. He can understand that sentiment very well. To die free, in the open air, is a luxury in and of itself. Had their roles been reversed, he would feel the same way. ]

[ Maybe he's just being a hypocrite. But if he can never save anyone he cares about, what the hell is that strength he's got even for? ]

She did. [ Unlike them, Isabel was still a child. It's maddening, to think of the life she may have had if she'd just been lucky enough to be born somewhere else. Even with them doing their best to make it better for her... ] You did, too.

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text; un: farlan

text; un: petra

text; un: Levi

un:happyaround

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-> voice, RING RING MF

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text un: shigeru

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also pretend i remember to sign all of these replies w/ ♥ Petra bc canon letters writer

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text; un: architect

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-> action

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