#rei is busy dating levi

[aeternatenebra]

So I did this experiment with Character AI

I tried to ask various characters and historical figures to “unclog a sink”.

These are the results:

- Lord Voldemort: helped me unclog the sink first, then asked questions. Many of them. He eventually decided that we had become close friends. Very wholesome, actually.

- Harry Potter: helped me unclog the sink; immediately after, asked me to go on a date with him. What.

- Gandalf: very detailed and competent. Checked my sink to know what the problem was, gave a detailed explanation and then fixed it without even using his magic. What a chad. 10/10.

- Julius Caesar: helped unclog the sink, gave good advices on how to keep it clean and suggested not to give money to plumbers cause they’re a fraud lmao

- Napoleon Bonaparte: didn’t unclog the sink on my behalf; instead, gave me instructions on what to do to unclog it, in an assertive tone. Not what I wanted, but the sink is working at least.

- Leonardo da Vinci: said he was an expert plumber, fixed my sink so effortlessly that I couldn’t help but be impressed. Asked me to pay for the service and then said I was very lucky that my sink was “of the highest priority in [his] list of plumbing emergencies”.

- Tywin Lannister: said he was busy, but helped me understand the problem. Then suggested that I called a professional.

- Sasuke Uchiha: said he didn’t know how to unclog a sink. He was utterly pissed off by this question.

- Neuvillette: straight up tricked me into going on a date with him. Wth man calm down. Sink is still clogged btw.

- Scaramouche: “If you are stupid enough to clog a sink, you are probably better off washing your dishes in the local river”

- Edward Elric: not even tried to use alchemy, just asked to show him where the sink was and took his time to fix it with his own hands.

- Rei Ayanami: said my sink was clogged because a piece of plastic got stuck in the drain “for improper disposal”. Helped to unclog it.

- Gendo Ikari: said to turn the valve counterclockwise. Then stared menacingly.

- Levi Ackerman: asked where the sink was, went there without saying a word and fixed it. Then went back to what he was doing. He looked tired.

- Allen Walker: said he was busy and that I could use a plunger. Helped after I said he made me sad. Also, he told me to “watch the power of the plunger at work”.

- Griffith: he led me to the sink *I* asked him to unclog, as he knew already which one I meant. He unclogged it, then smiled at me.

- Circe: at first was reluctant to help, eventually decided to unclog my sink. Then turned me into an insect. OG drama queen.

- Athena: found a plastic toy that was stuck in the trap. Helped me remove it and now my sink works just fine. Said she was glad to help one of her citizens.

[134340am]

hi yuna!! i love ur coffee shop 💞

whats everyone’s fav kind of customer? :0 im so curious!

SOPH MY SWEETHEART THANK U FOR ASKING 😭😭 okok here it goes

levi (head roaster): loves it when people have complete orders, so he doesn’t have to break his momentum to ask/say “hot or cold?” “how many shots?” “we don’t have an ice blended version of this.” so as long as your order is complete, he’ll make it for you perfectly regardless of how long or complicated it is

armin (barista): loves it when customers listen to him and get a pastry to go with their drink!!! he’s an expert with “any warm snacks to go with your drink?” “today’s cake of the day is raspberry lychee!” “would you like a banana crumb muffin to go with that, for a little bit of sweetness?” and he loves seeing the customer stop, contemplate, and say yes :-) legend has it that his conversion rate is a solid 90%

shouto (barista): loves when his friends drop by for a visit :-( bakugou’s usually stomping in first thing in the morning, which is great because shouto likes morning shifts and he’s the only one who can deal with him LOL (can you imagine levi and bakugou… but i digress) shouto loves making drinks for his friends, heating up their pastries for them, chatting with them at the counter, bidding them goodbye :*) and you can see his face totally light up when rei drops by for tea sometimes

shinsou (barista-in-training): likes customers with complex orders because it trains his memory and speed. he’s a pretty decent barista (levi says he’s “fine”, which actually says a lot!) but he wants to get as much experience with making drinks asap so he can get promoted and get paid more LOL. he also likes to stay back to tinker with the coffee machine at the end of the day (personal experimentation) so he likes closing shifts.

kuroo (marketing & publicity head): likes clients who are non-fussy and keep to timelines. so if he’s planning a collab between yuna’s coffee bar and another brand, he prioritises clients who can stick to strict timelines and manage their own stuff well so the collab can be successful. (he’s thinking of ways to persuade onigiri miya to collab but they’re really busy!)

iwaizumi (operations): likes clients who know their shit. so if he says “please let us know if the shipment will arrive by 11 May, otherwise please let us know when is the next available date and we’ll change up the menu accordingly”, he means it—he doesn’t like guesstimates and likes it when clients can give him a clear cut answer. he’s the person who keeps the coffee bar running, after all! he needs answers, not questions!

ask me questions about my coffeeshop!au

[levi-supreme]

Head empty, no thoughts, just thinking of how Levi would sound like when he sings because I swear to god Levi has the smoothest and most alluring baritone voice ever and I am combusting right now.

Just imagine him lightly humming to himself while he's doing his chores or doing his work, or him singing a random song that's stuck in his head.

Just imagine him singing lullabies to his children to put them to sleep, or him serenading you to classic love songs while you two dance in the living room during the wee hours of the night.

[sufjanoflove]

Like a boss, he sang jazz & blues

Featuring: Zeke Yeager x afab! reader ♡

Synopsis: Lana Del Rey romance with Zeke.

Warning: hopeless romantics lol

Zeke Yeager and I.. never did I see this coming. A tall mysterious man falling for a regular girl like me? It was strange, my younger self prayed and dreamed of a man like this, and hear I was. Playing my favorite songs on the stereo of his red, vintage convertible.

My arms flew in the air as I was stood in the passenger seat, dangerously soaring through the sky as he sped. Driving on the sides of California’s mountains, with the great water just below us.

My Levi shorts, unbuttoned, and my white bikini top on, from just leaving the beach, allowed me to feel the evening air. Goosebumps soon forced me to sit down and reach for his sweater on my seat. The warmth from his cashmere sweater, and his scent made me sigh. I’m so stupidly in love.

Zeke chuckled, his cigarette pushed to the side of his mouth as he spoke. “Hold on baby, we’re almost there.” I turned to him, his shirt unbuttoned and his face full of the sun’s light, adding a glimmer of romance to it. Making me fall for him all over again. I leaned closer to him, leaving my head to rest on the section where his neck met his shoulder. Breathing in his smell, I remembered how we met.

A mysterious man he was, ordering black coffee and nothing else. What business did a man like that have by coming to this small diner every morning just for coffee. He always sat on the bar stool all the way to the right, sipping it slowly, drifting away in thoughts or so I thought. Zeke, after a month, finally spoke to me. I had asked him what he’d like to order and he said the usual.

“Why don’t you ever order food?” I asked, leaning against the counter. He smiled, looking down then up at my face, “I don’t know. Kind of nervous of making a fool of myself in front of a pretty girl.”

Flustered, I stepped back but composed myself before tripping and looking like an idiot. “You.. you starved just because you-”

“Every morning, 7 am sharp, I’m sat here, drinking dark, black coffee, thinking of my insufferable co-workers, starving. Yet, I still never catch myself in a bad mood.” He stands up, reaching to his pocket, pulling out a pen. He wrote something on a napkin, tucking it into my apron, “It’s because of you. Your smile brightens up every single one of my mornings.”

I called him that night, staying on the phone for hours. The following days and weeks, we went on dates, making it official two weeks in. He made love to me the night he asked me to be his girlfriend. Our bodies merged, lovingly in his home, with soft jazz playing in the back. I made him a big breakfast the next morning, and ever since then, we never left each other’s sight.

We slowly pull over to the side of the road, he parks near the edge of the cliff. Reaching over, grabs a blanket from the back of the car and places it on the hood of his car for us to lay.

An hour in, Zeke hands me an unlit cigarette, placing it between my lips. He liked to light the cigarette whilst on my lips. “Hey baby?”

He hummed in response, staring at the sunset.

“You never answered my question that morning, y’know.” I exhaled, looking ahead as well. “You starved each morning just to watch me. Kind of perverted.. don’t you think?” The car shifted as he leaned on his side, now staring at me.

“I like to think of it as romantic.” A glimmer in his eyes, “seems you liked it enough to fall for me. You should be careful though, perverts shouldn’t get attention.” He kissed my neck, never leaving my side. The stereo hummed the melody of Salvatore as he continued leaving kisses down my neck.

“You taste so sweet.” His beard prickled my neck, then my chest as he kept going lower.

“I’m so glad I saw you working that morning. Geez, it’s already been more than a year since I met you.”

“And a year since we made it official. I adore you, my sweet boy.” I whispered, placing my hands on his jaw. Zeke looked up into my eyes and placed a kiss on my lips, “I adore you more than you think. I love everything about you.”

His swiftly stands up, pulling me up with him. We stand side to side, “Your love is what keeps me going.” He finally speaks, “Oh baby I’m so in love.”

—

© sufjanoflove — all rights reserved to me, Leon, the author and creator of these works. do not translate/claim my work as yours on any platform.

[angelicamerlinbarnes]

I just really think Remus Lupin is a ballerina okay AU

Remus Lupin has been doing ballet since he was four. He was exuberant and flashy at first, but after his first teacher, Greyback, molested and abused him, he is quiet and reserved. He prefers to dance by himself and does not speak to anyone inside or outside of the class. He wears pink material and is the best dancer in the school, but everyone is more terrified of him than they are jealous. He has sad eyes and soft hair, but prominent scars (both self-inflicted and from Greyback and accidents) cover his freckled skin. He’s a mystery, but no one wants to solve him.

He lives with his roommate and only friend, Severus Snape, who is a writer. He spins out films and novels and poems by the hundreds, especially inspired by the rain. Remus and Severus will often spend rainy days together in their apartment, with Severus typing furiously and scribbling while Remus dances to Hozier and Lana Del Rey off to the side. Sometimes when Remus will have nightmares, Severus will hold him and sing Russian lullabies until he falls asleep. Severus smokes lazily and wears subdued flower and gothic dresses that show off his jutting hips and collar bones. Having escaped an abusive father and a dead mother, he and Remus bond over their shit parents, with Remus’ father being neglectful and his mother kind but catatonic. Their neighbors think they’re witches, but they’re alright with that.

They both have to work to pay the bills, so while Severus works with preschoolers, Remus works as an assistant for a terrifying professor named Grindelwald at the university. He’s a reformed felon who’s always glowering, and there are rumors he’s Dumbledore’s husband, who is Remus’ mysterious ballet teacher with the twinkling eyes. But no one has the guts to ask him - it’s unknown what he was locked up for, and nobody wants to risk that it was irrational homicide. He mostly ignores Remus though, and doesn’t mind if Remus reads or dances while he works, so Remus doesn’t think he’s too bad.

One day Remus is grading some papers for Grindelwald when Lily Evans walks in, a vision in a white floral lace flowing vest and an across-the-shoulders dark blue dress, a brown belt around her waist and matching ankle boots coming up over creme knee-high knit socks, a black hat on her head. There’s a camera around her neck and her smile is beautiful, surrounded by her freckles, and she and Remus hit it off immediately. She asks if he can spare some time to be her model for the day, and he agrees. They’re hanging out in the park and laughing when Severus walks over, having finished work. The moment he and Lily lay eyes on each other, something happens, something magical, and Remus can see it in both of their smiles as they exchange shy hellos.

Lily starts to hang around them, her and Severus teetering on the edge of something. Remus nudges Severus until he’s brave enough to ask her out, and their first date is in the park where they met, sitting on a bench in the rain and watching the birds. Remus is pretty sure they’re gonna get married one day.

To keep himself busy while his two friends fall in love, Remus escapes to the dance school, dancing alone to Lana Del Rey in an empty room when the door creaks open and he hears, “Wow.” He turns around and smiles, taking in the sight of James Potter, an old school friend who left for Julliard and he hasn’t seen in years. James laughs, pulling him into a hug, and Remus lets him, tangling his hands in James’ curls and grinning when James presses a kiss to the corner of his mouth. James tells him he’s been enjoying a gap year before going to search for a job as a back-up dancer for Taylor Swift, to which Remus giggles and tells him he’ll be great. James beams, and pulls Remus along, saying he has to meet James’ best friend-partner-person. Remus agrees, and changes back into his flowing white dress decorated in bees and black flats, tucking spruce leaves in his hair before taking James’ hand and following him out.

At James’ apartment, he calls out, “Babe! I’m home!” Remus watches as Sirius Black comes skidding down the hall, dazzling in a sparkling black croptop with gold touches and a raggedy sheer maroon skirt that falls just above his spiky combat boots. With white and gold dahlias in his hair, he’s the most beautiful thing Remus has ever seen, and he stares as James pecks Sirius on the mouth, coming away with dark red lipstick stains. When Sirius looks up at Remus, his eyes twinkling, and Remus reaches out a hesitant hand, which Sirius takes. “Hi,” he breathes, and Sirius laughs, loud and bright. He leans in and kisses Remus’ cheek. “Hello, beautiful,” he says sweetly, wrapping an arm around Remus’ waist. “James has told me all about you, love.” Remus blushes, unable to stop smiling even as Sirius pulls away at James’ indignant “Oi!” and doesn’t touch him again. Sirius is the love of his life - he doesn’t know how, but it’s something he just somehow knows, the feeling taking root in his chest and sprouting flowers.

Sirius, as it turns out, is James’ roommate and queerplatonic partner. He ran away from his abusive home and is taking commissions as an artist. Mostly he draws wolves, dogs, rats, deers, doves, snakes, and cats. He affectionately calls Remus Moony, insisting his scars look like something were bit him and his eyes are the fierce amber of a wolf’s. Sirius in turn is called Padfoot, for his doglike energy and loving nature, while James is dubbed Prongs for being a dumbass who continually forgets he’s too big to fit in small spaces and gets lost in the woods almost every weekend. Remus never wants to stop hanging out with them, and learns to spend hours shopping at the vintage shop where Sirius works, the two of them falling for each other fast while James reclaims them as his partners in love as in life. And Remus is so, so happy.

While he’s busy falling in love with Sirius, Lily has moved in with him and Severus. Remus doesn’t mind, and tells Severus he’s thinking of making a home with Sirius and James. Severus hugs him and tells him he’s proud of him, suggesting they hang out that day just the two of them, like old times. Remus agrees, and lets Severus take him to the cafe where Lily works. In the corner of the shop is Regulus Black, a boy drenched in hoodies and coats that Remus and Severus buy free food and drinks for. Regulus thanks them profusely, and they all make small talk until Remus makes a comment that Regulus looks like Remus’ boyfriend Sirius, to which Regulus starts crying, explaining that Sirius is his older brother and he’s been trying to find him for years but gave up looking when their shit parents died and Sirius was nowhere to be found at the funeral. Remus offers to take him home, and Severus kisses Remus on the forehead before heading off to find Lily.

On the way there, they stop at the bakery and accept some free cupcakes from Peter Pettigrew, who owns the bakery with his elusive partner. Regulus, as it turns out, is homeless, and has been trying to make it on his busking money alone. But while he’s fairly lovely at singing, it’s not enough to buy anything concrete. As they eat, Regulus also tells Remus about Amir Levis, a librarian who lets him stay at the library. Remus exclaims that he already knows Amir, who helps Remus remember his pills and doctor’s appointments and always has a spare wheelchair and some tea for him just in case. Regulus admits to having a crush on Amir, but he’s too scared to do anything about it. Remus assures him he and Sirius will help him with it, and just like that they’re on their way.

At home, Remus smiles softly at the sight of Sirius and James entwined on the couch and says, “Look who I found.” At the sight of Regulus, Sirius shoves James to the floor in his haste to stand up, taking Regulus’ face in his hands and searching his eyes for answers. “You got out?” He says, breathless. “Really? You’re alright?” Regulus smiles sheepishly. “Of course I did, Siri,” he whispers. “You think I was gonna let you have all the fun?” Sirius tears up and tugs him close, rocking back and forth as the two of them mumble apologies and love confessions into each other’s necks and shoulders and hair. Remus gravitates towards James, kissing him with a smile before pulling him out of the apartment, saying they should leave the brothers alone.

Remus takes the opportunity to introduce James to Severus and Lily, who are immediately taken with him. They offer to watch him for the afternoon while Remus goes to therapy with Maxwell Needles, a counselor with magenta hair who talks to Remus about life, his accident, his trauma, Greyback, his suicidal tendencies, anxiety, PTSD, and depression. Remus also takes the chance to pick up Sirius and James’ ADHD medication, Peter’s OCD prescription, Lily’s bipolar medication, Severus’ schizophrenia suppressors, and a few books on autism (for Severus), Tourette’s (for Lily), and eating disorders (for James and, Remus suspects somehow, Regulus). Max is delighted to see him with so many friends, and says they’ll bring Peter over sometime for dinner. Though he’s not sure where that would happen since he’s torn between two homes right now, Remus agrees with a smile and bids the skater kid in the checkered jeans goodbye.

Back at school, Remus spends his afternoons in conversation with Mcgonogall, the waltz teacher who takes care of him. She’d adopted him when his parents died and he tries to stick around, asking advice about Sirius and James and whether moving in with them is a good idea. Mcgonogall says she thinks it is, and that she knows Sirius is a kind young man. As it is, he calls her Minnie, and knows her as a friend and a grandmother of sorts, since she helped him when he first ran away to James’ house. Remus is content with continuing the conversation but is interrupted by a phone call telling him Sirius, James, and Regulus have been jailed for a fist fight on the street.

Remus goes to pick them up, where he meets Bellatrix Lestrange, an abusive cousin of Sirius and Regulus who took particular joy out of torturing Sirius, who she almost killed once. She’s also been known to abuse children, especially those of the poor. Also in jail are Lucius and Narcissa Malfoy, a couple married only in spirit who keep having miscarriages and take their abusive anger out on each other and strangers. Their landlord, Voldemort, had demanded unconventional payments and they’d been essentially enslaved to him for years, only escaping his cultist grasp by means of murder, which is why they’re here now.

Remus sees James holding Regulus close and whispering to him as he kisses the cuts and bruises on his face in the corner of the cell, but says nothing about it, kissing Sirius hello. The four of them go home together, and as soon as Regulus is asleep Remus tells James and Sirius that he wants to make a home with them someday, just not right now. They laugh and smile and tell him they’re ready when he is and that they love him, and Remus thinks, Things are good.

[reikoackerman]

In a World of Our Own

Characters: Captain!Levi x Squad Leader!Reiko (Me)

Genre: SNK!canonverse

Warnings: SFW, fluff. Self-indulgent as heck. Block the tags #levi x rei and #reivi if necessary

A/N: After seeing Mrs Smith @ack3rlady / @mrscommandersmith and her super fluffy one-shot of her and Mr Smith, it fuelled my desire to write this 🔥 also, it's my anniversary with my bf today (11/11) so LET ME BE HAPPY lol. And yes this is queued at 11:11pm I am disgusting and sappy like that.

As I took one final glance in the mirror, I nodded my head and strutted out of my bedroom. 

I never did well with social events like this, but tonight's Ball at the Capital was something I really looked forward to, despite the fact that it's purely for the rich to show off. I loved how everyone would be dressed to the nines, and to see the higher-ups let their hair down. I loved how the dance floor looked under the crystal chandelier, the way the band played song after song, and attendees just danced the whole night long. 

I hate crowds and loud noises, but tonight was an exciting night. What got me excited was not only how I could dress up for the occasion, but most importantly, I couldn't wait to see my date. 

There he was, leaning casually by the sidewalk, hair neatly combed and fringe freshly cut. His outfit was snug on his body, hugging his muscles and showing off his frame. He adjusted his bolo tie with a scowl on his face and crossed his arms impatiently. 

Oh boy, he looked absolutely dashing. 

“Heichou!” I called out, running towards him with a smile on my face. 

“Oi, watch your step, brat,” he reached out his arms as though I would fall, “don't want you tripping on your stupid dress before this shitty ball.” 

“Language, Heichou.” I faked a scowl and placed an unsuspecting kiss on his cheek. He looked away pointedly and pretended to adjust his bolo tie again. 

“Stop calling me that, we're alone anyway.” His hand was gently placed on my waist, keeping me close. There was a little red stain on the place where I kissed him earlier. Tch, that stain-proof lipstick was a scam. 

“Yeah, yeah, of course, my love.” I tried to rub the stain off, as though people wouldn't know it was from me anyway. 

Levi and I were in what you would call a ‘prohibited’ relationship. Our mutual attraction began when I was still a cadet, and Levi was already captain of his own squad. Out of selfish desire, Levi requested Commander Erwin for me to join his squad, and he agreed immediately. We kept our relationship under wraps as we were not allowed to date amongst colleagues. We could, of course, if we declared our relationship, but we had to be separated into different units. 

Levi and I managed to go underground for a good three years before I got promoted to Squad Leader. Levi said it was a perfect opportunity to ‘declare’ our relationship. Tch, as though no one knew about us. It was so painfully obvious we were a couple, and Petra bugged me about it every time. 

Today's Ball was extra significant. Not only because it was Levi's first appearance at any social event after a long time, but it was also our first official Survey Corps event as a couple. I couldn't contain my excitement; I wanted to show off to the whole world that yes, Humanity's Strongest is mine. 

As we reached, we were taken aback at how many attendees were present. We could recognise Director Zackly of course and Commander Pyxis. I felt Levi's sharp intake of breath next to me, and I gently placed my hand on his. 

“Don't worry, love, we’ll get through tonight together.” Giving him another smile, Levi visibly relaxed, and we slowly made our way around hoping to find someone, anyone that we knew. We saw some familiar faces, and soldiers from the other units. Hange was busy tasting the desserts while Moblit hung around them. Nanaba and Lynne were also chatting with Mike. After searching around, I finally found the person I was looking for. 

“Hey, Mia! I've been looking for you,” I tapped her shoulder, and Mia spun her head around. Like me, Mia was also a Squad Leader, and also like me, she found herself deep into a prohibited relationship with the Commander of the Survey Corps himself. Mia was a comrade and a fellow sister, and I could trust her with my life. She was the only one I came clean with about my relationship with Levi. 

“Oh, hi Rei, Levi,” she looked dejected, her blonde lover nowhere in sight. Erwin must be out there pleasing the rich and humbly accepting their thoughtless comments about the Survey Corps. It hurt me to see Mia left alone, so Levi and I stayed with her until dinner service began. 

“Tch, this place is so extravagant, yet the food tastes like shit,” Levi made a disgusted face and threw his napkin on the table once he was done with dessert. Even though Levi sounded harsh, he was right. The soup and bread served in the mess hall tasted better. The emcee then got everyone to move to the ballroom. 

As the lights dimmed, the orchestra started the night with a lively Waltz in a lovely Allegro. Couples soon made their way to the centre, starting the dance. 

“Dance with me?” I looked over at Levi. He choked on his champagne, and I hurriedly rubbed his back. 

“O-oi, n-not now you brat—” Levi stuttered, coughing out his champagne, a hint of red tinting his cheeks. 

“Nonsense! I taught you already. Besides, I can’t be on the dance floor alone.” I dragged Levi to the dance floor and quickly grabbed his right hand to put around my waist. Placing my left hand on his shoulder, I looked at Levi and smiled. Levi remained rooted to the ground looking like a lost sheep.

“Come on, just like we practised.” Levi and I continued our Waltz without a care in the world. I was so engrossed in our dance, I didn't realise that Levi looked uncomfortable. His feet were stiff and his body was so rigid. It felt like I was dragging a human-sized bolster around on the dance floor instead. Not to mention, we nearly collided into another couple. 

“Levi, love, you okay?” I whispered as I gradually led the both of us to the corner away from the eyes of the others. 

“Y-yeah, I’m fine, just—”

“I’m sorry, maybe we should stop,” I felt guilty dragging Levi along with me, forcing him to do something he wasn’t really interested in. I didn’t want him to feel embarrassed too, especially given his status and our relationship status. 

“No, you were looking forward to today,” Levi cupped my cheek with his hand, “but, I don’t know, maybe, go slower? You shitty brat, you’re not giving me a chance to breathe.” Levi rolled his eyes, and we slowly danced our way back to the centre after catching a breather. It also happened that the orchestra was playing a slower Waltz this time. I giggled, resting my hand on his right shoulder again. 

“Yeah, let’s go Adagio this time.”

As I promised, I slowly guided Levi on the dance floor, our feet moving in synchronised steps. Levi seemed more relaxed now that we didn't have to focus on the footwork, but let the music take us where we wanted to go. The slower tempo was doing him good too.

“Just like we practised, Levi, you're doing fantastic.” I whispered into his ear as we did a twirl. We were garnering some attention from onlookers, elite socialites and military personnel alike. I didn't want Levi to be too bothered by the stares, so I released my hands and interlocked them loosely behind his neck instead. Diverting his attention to me, I pulled him closer, inhaling his musky scent. 

Levi seemed confused, but he followed suit and placed both hands firmly on my waist. We were so close, chest to chest and almost face to face. His breath had the faintest trace of champagne, and how I wish I could have a taste of those lips there and then. I knew Levi felt the same as I did, because his arms gradually went lower, gently cupping my ass. 

“Hey, you know people are watching, right?” I giggled, feeling my face heating up. So much for wanting to distract him from the attention we're getting. 

“And you know I don't give two titan’s fart about it, right?” Levi smirked, inching his lips closer to mine. I felt my breath get caught in my throat. Levi was being really daring today, it seems. I wonder who’s the one wanting to show off our relationship now. Ignoring everyone's stares and endless chattering, Levi pressed his lips on mine. I hummed in delight, finally tasting the sweet champagne I’ve been craving all night. The kiss ended as quickly as it came. As the music came to a stop, we slowly broke apart, swaying on the spot. The orchestra played another livelier Waltz, and Levi took a step back. Bewildered, I stared at Levi as he offered his hand to me.  

“May I have this dance, Rei?” I beamed in delight, placing mine in his. 

“It would be my honour, Levi.” As I took his hand, we resumed our previous position. Hand in hand, we danced all night. The stares never decreased, the murmurs never stopped. I was sure Levi and I would be the talking topic of everyone’s morning tea tomorrow, but I didn’t mind. 

Levi and I were in a world of our own right now, and that’s all that mattered. 

If anyone of you found the awkward ballroom dance scene familiar, no you didn't

[heyitsjay03]

Fighting for Tomorrow

Chapter Three

Disclaimer: I do not own AOT! All rights go to the respective owner(s) :) Reiner x Fem!Reader, eventual Captain Levi x Reader, Sasha x Sister!Reader Word Count: 8.9k words TW: gore/blood/violence/death, adult language/swearing, loss/grief

-------- You can read parts one, two, and four here! Just give the number you want a little boop :)

   The rain beats down on us nearly as hard as the Commandant does. The hoofbeats of his horse squelch and merge with the thunder above us. “Cadet Braus!” The Commandant yells, sidling up next to me. “You look like you’re getting tired! Are you exhausted?”

   “No, sir!” I pant, willing my legs to continue on in the mud. “Just gettin’ warmed up, sir!”

   “Are you sure? You’ve been ahead of the group for a while now- you should take a break!”

   “I’ll politely have to decline sir!”

   “And why is that, cadet?”

   “Because I’m gonna be in the top ten, sir!”

   “You hear that, maggots?!” The Commandant calls to the rest of the recruits behind me. “Cadet Braus is gonna be in the top ten! Who else wants to be in the top ten?!”

   Various grunts of agreement resound behind me.

   “That’s more than ten!” the Commandant yells, “It seems you have some competition, Cadet Braus!”

   “Aye, sir!” 

   “How about a wager? Whoever can beat Cadet Braus back to the barracks gets extra merits for this exercise!”

   I let out a breath, swiping my hand over my forehead to clear the rain from my eyes. The pack of equipment on my back is weighing down on me- making my steps sink deeper in the mud. The ODM gear at my sides bangs on my legs. My ears strain… and I can hear someone at my left.

   “Looks like we have a taker!” The Commandant yells. 

   My eyes dart to the left. Annie runs alongside me, huffing with each step. Her hair is plastered to her face, mixed rain and sweat slicking her pale skin. My whole body stretches and strains and screams with effort as I will my legs to go even further, even faster. 

   Annie’s eyes widen as she watches me, falling behind for a moment. She quickly snaps out of it and picks up speed. The two of us stretch forward in a dance of advance and retreat. The barracks’ warm glow appears over the mud of the hills. 

   My lips turn up into a smile and I feel the pain in my legs fall away. The breath in my lungs is fresh and clear- no more tightness in my chest. Even the weight of the pack on my back is gone. 

   I’m sprinting now. Mud squishing, rain slicing, heart beating. The glow of the barracks gets closer and closer and closer. I can smell the freshly-cleaned linen, the hearth. It coaxes me closer, urges me to go faster.

   My hand reaches out and I slam my fist against the wall. “Commandant!” I pant, slouching over and heaving in breath. “I finished first!”

   The Commandant’s horse pulls up before me, the Commandant looking down at me. There’s a faint trace of a smile on his lips. Wordlessly, he dips his head. 

   I go into a salute and watch as he and his horse pull next to the mouth of the woods. Annie trails in just behind me, shrugging her gear off. I smile at her weakly. “Great run,” I mutter, “Ya almost had me.”

   Annie’s eyes flick up to me, quiet and intense. I reach a hand out for her to shake, the other hand gripping my knee to keep me upright. She stands up straight and takes my hand, giving it a quick shake.

   And then she walks away with her gear. 

   I stand up against the wall. My eyes flutter as raindrops fall into them, blurring my vision slightly. The rest of the group trails in. Mikasa, Eren, Bertholdt, Connie, Jean, Sasha, Ymir, Christa, Armin. 

   Reiner’s behind them all. Hair stuck to his skin, raindrops beading down his face and onto the soaked cape around his shoulders. A smile crosses his face as our eyes meet and he picks up his pace. 

   I laugh a bit, taking off my gear and letting it rest up against the wall of the barracks. “There you are,” I say as I jog up to him in the rain. “Was gettin’ worried.”

   Reiner smiles down at me, “Was your own fault- left me in the dust.”

   “You were jogging,” I roll my eyes, “You could’ve kept up with me if you wanted to.”

   “Had to make sure no one got left behind.”

   “Jeez…,” I scoff and grab his collar, pulling him down towards me. “How in the walls did I manage to fall for a softie like you?”

   Reiner shrugs, “Must’a been my incredible flirting skills.”

   The two of us chuckle and I press my lips to his. “You’re warm,” I mumble, pulling away. 

   “You’re freezing,” he mutters, “C’mon. Let’s get you inside.”

--.--

   The wind runs its airy fingers through my hair as I swing through the trees. My fingers let go of the trigger, only to switch back to pressing it again. The wires of my ODM gear shoot out and stick into the bark of two trees on either side of me. I’ve broken off the group and shaken off Ymir. It’s just me and these two Titans.

   My blades glint beside me and I turn my head to look at myself in the blades. I’ve gained a bit of muscle, all toned and smooth under my skin. My skin is even more tan from the days spent in the sun. I’ve got another scar on my collarbone from messing around with ODM blades that one time with Connie and Jean. 

   I swing again, circling the clearing where two Titan models stand. There’s a foam section on the back of their ‘necks’- their napes. My grips on my swords tightens and I swing down towards the clearing. 

   The wind is tearing through my hair, cracking like sharp whips in my ears. It only urges me faster. A short scream leaves my lips as my blades dig into the nape of the first. My fingers quickly switch and I angle myself around the Titan’s back, falling down underneath the second Titan’s legs. My back arches away from the ground and I activate my ODM gear- shooting up towards the sky. I force myself to one side, sending me spinning in mid-air. My blades trail along the nape- taking out a deep chunk that falls to the floor behind me.

   “Ha!” I yell, smiling. The ODM gear activates and I head back into the woods in search of my next kill. 

   Through the trees, I can see three people swinging to the west. I follow them from a distance and hear Jean, Connie, and Sasha arguing. 

   “You stole it!” Connie yells, “That was my kill!” 

   “That wasn’t yours!” Jean shoots back, “I found them!”

   “You’re both just mad because I got the kill and you were too slow!” Sasha calls back, giggling. 

   My eyes hone in on their target- another Titan. Fifteen meters. Easy pickings. My ODM gear activates again and I launch into the clearing, brandishing my blades. 

   “And you’re gonna be mad when I steal your kill!” I yell, spinning down to the Titan’s nape. 

   Screams of protest and anger grow behind me as I feel the blades dig into the foam. Pulling away, I look up and see a chunk of the foam fall down the wooden Titan’s back. I cackle, swinging in circles around the trio. “Top ten here I come!” I laugh.

   “Not if I can help it!” Jean snaps, swinging up to me. 

   The two of us pop out above the trees, staring at each other as we fall back down to the ground.

   “You’re on, Kirschtein!”

--.--

   “C’mon then, darling,” Reiner says charmingly, a smirk plastered on his stupid face. “Let me have it.”

   “If I didn’t know any better, I’d say you were getting off on this,” I say back, getting into position. 

   Reiner shrugs, “Eh. Maybe. Come over here and find out.”

   I roll my eyes and dig the ball of my foot into the dirt. My grip on the toy knife tightens as I lunge forward, aiming for his chest. His hands shoot out for my chest and my stomach- intending to flip me. 

   I duck down, dodging his arms. As I shoot back up, I place the knife just under his chin. Panting, we stay there for a moment. His eyes trail down my figure before coming up to meet mine. “Damn…” he mumbles, “That was…”

   I press the wooden knife to his throat a little harder. “We’re in public,” I scold, “You’ll scare the kids.” I pull away, flicking his nose. 

   “Eren,” I call, waving him over as he watches us from the sidelines. 

   He hurries over, brushing his hair out of his eyes. “How’d you do that?”

   “You have to find their weakness,” I explain, “Whether it be physical or in their attack. Rei’s a big guy and can easily outmatch me in most styles of fighting. Lucky for me, though, he doesn’t keep his hands up enough to keep me from finding an ‘in’.”

   “Pfft,” Reiner scoffs, rolling his eyes as his arms cross over his chest. “I let you win.”

   “I know you’re joking, love, but let me explain to the kid first,” I wave him off, still focusing on Eren. “So what you have to do is find your opponent’s weakness and use it against them.”

   Eren nods slowly, taking the knife from my hands. “So… what’s your weakness?”

   “Being too badass,” I smirk, tousling his hair. Eren ducks away and scowls. “Fine… It’s a few things. For one, I’m not the tallest person in the world. People like Rei, Bert, or Ymir easily have an arm’s length advantage over me. And I’m not good with defense. You’ll always see me strike first.”

   “Which is why you two work so well together,” Eren's eyes brighten with realisation. “Reiner- you’re good at defense and _________, you’re good at offense.”

   I can feel my face turn a slight shade of pink and I tousle his hair again, “...jeez, kid. Don’t make me blush.”

   “Nearly two years of dating and you’re still all blushy,” Reiner coos, the smile on his face echoing in his tone. “How cute.”

   “‘Cute’?!” I snap, turning around to face him. “I’ll kick your ass- I have kicked your ass! Multiple times!”

   “Oh really? Then how ‘bout you go pick a fight with someone else? Prove how ‘not cute’ you are.” Reiner teases, an eyebrow raised as he looks me up and down. 

   I scoff, rolling my eyes. “Fine. I will. I’ll even let you pick my opponent.”

   Reiner heads off, weaving through the various groups to find me someone to fight. Eren stands beside me and scoffs. “You two are so weird,” he mumbles. “One minute you’re all over each other and the next you’re pushing each other’s buttons.”

   “It’s called being comfortable,” I laugh, watching as Reiner claps a hand on Bertholdt’s back and drags him over here. “You’ll have that one day.”

   “I’ll be too busy slaying Titans for that.”

   “Yeah, yeah… I didn’t think I could either. I was stuck on being a Scout and saving my family, I just… I didn’t think it was in the cards for me.” I roll my eyes and laugh, “And then that blond idiot stumbled into my life.”

   “You talkin’ about me?” Reiner asks, walking up to us with Bert. He’s got that look in his eyes- all playful and teasing. What a softie.

   “Yeah- about how much of a softie you are.” I gesture to Bert, “You explain what’s goin’ on?”

   Bert’s eyes flick from me to Eren and then to Reiner. A small bead of sweat trails down his forehead. He gulps. “...yeah.”

   “Aw, c’mon, Bertie,” I laugh softly, getting into position. “You act like you’ve seen me fight.”

   “That’s the thing,” Bert chuckles warily, a crooked smile on his lips. “I have.”

   “Oh…,” my shoulders slump slightly before tensing back up again. “Well. You’ve got an advantage. I haven’t seen you fight so I’m going in blind.”

   “Hey, Reiner, I-” Bert starts, trying to hand the toy knife back to him with shaky hands.

   “Aw, c’mon, Bertholdt,” Reiner chuckles, hands kneading Bert’s shoulders. “You’re afraid of her? She’s like… so much shorter than you.”

   “Yeah, but-”

   “C’mon, then. Show ‘er how it’s done.”

   Bert’s eyes are wide as Reiner steps away to stand beside Eren. Finally, he sighs and tenses his jaw. “Fine…,” he mutters, “Let’s go then.”

   “Fantastic,” I smile, bringing my fists up to guard my face. 

   Bertholdt takes a deep breath and I ready myself. Go for the gut- when he’s winded, hit the backs of his knees. He’ll bring himself down. 

   Bertholdt and I charge for each other. The knife between us, I turn to the side. Grabbing his wrist, I twist it back. My left elbow digs into his stomach at the same time and he hunches over. My leg wraps around his and pulls at the backs of his knees, sending him toppling over. I step forward as he does and am out of the way before he hits the ground. 

   A cocky smile plays my lips as I hand Eren the knife. “That… is how it’s done.”

--.--

  “Sasha farted,” Mikasa says calmly. 

   My hand flies up to my mouth, smacking against my face as laughter threatens to bubble out. My other hand gripping Reiner’s bicep, I try to remain quiet as the Commandant scolds Sasha. Connie sitting next to me is snickering. I elbow him and press a finger to my lips, only for the two of us to tremble with pent-up laughter. Reiner is tense and still but I can feel the rumbling in his chest as he tries to stay calm. Sasha’s face has drained of all color as she stares open-mouthed at Mikasa. 

   The door closes and we erupt into giggling. “Holy shit,” I wheeze, wiping a tear from my eyes. “Holy shit… Holy shit, holy shit. Ho. Lee. Shit.”

   “I can’t breathe!” Connie howls, holding his sides. 

   “Shut up!” Sasha snaps before turning to Mikasa. Her hands on Mikasa’s shoulders, she starts to shake her back violently. “How could you say that?! In front of everyone? In front of the Commandant?! I thought we were-”

   She’s cut off by Mikasa shoving a piece of bread into her mouth. “We are,” she says simply. “It was the only way to get him out of here fast without him asking any questions.”

   Sasha’s eyebrows unknit as she chews on the bread. Her grip falls away from Mikasa’s shoulders and she crosses her arms over her chest. Pink dusts her cheeks as she pouts.

   “Aw, jeez, Sasha,” I mumble, “Everyone’ll forget it in a few days. It’s not a big deal. ‘Sides, the ones that won’t forget are going to the Scouts. You won’t have to worry about-” The table grows quieter as we all realise what I said. “Shit…” I mutter, feeling the weight of the choosing ceremony settle in amongst us.

   “You still wanna… go... to the Scouts?” Connie asks beside me.

   I nod, “It’s been my goal since day one.”

   “You guys, too?” He asks, looking at Eren, Mikasa, and Armin. Each of them nod. 

   “...Sasha?” I ask quietly, my eyes flicking to her from over my cup of tea.

   “Military Police,” she says firmly. “I… I won’t have to worry about food there.”

   A weight leaves my chest, sliding off with her words. Military Police means she’ll be far away from the exterior- safe. I won’t have to worry about her getting hurt and I can protect the kids better. The only thing she’ll have to worry about is if she’ll be seated closest to the food that night.

   She’ll be safe. 

   “And you?” I ask, turning to face Reiner. He’s been too quiet for too long.  

   His eyes meet mine as I duck into his vision. A small smile crosses his lips and he shrugs. “...I… I’m still deciding.”

   That’s been his answer for months now. ‘Still deciding’. It’s driving me insane. If he could just make up his mind already, I could stop worrying.

--.--

   “You have three choices!” The officer in front of us yells. “The Garrison Regiment- who reinforce the walls. The Scout Regiment- who ride into Titan country to take back land for humanity. And the Military Police- where you protect the people and serve out the orders of your King.”

   The officer gestures down to us. “Naturally, the only ones that can join the Military Police are the top ten- sorry, eleven- scorers that we announced earlier.”

   Christa. Sasha. Connie. Marco. Jean. Eren. Annie. Bertholdt. Me. Reiner. Mikasa. We’re set apart from the group. My chest puffs out a bit with pride as I stand in a salute. Not just me, either. Mikasa, Eren, Sasha- we’re here. 

   Carla, I hope you can see your boy. 

   Mom… Dad… I hope you’re proud.

   We made it. 

--.--

   The room is buzzing with excitement, so thick and pure you could almost taste it. People are laughing, drinking, eating, cheering. Others are dancing on top of tables, belting out drinking songs. 

   Eren, Mikasa, and Armin sit across from me. Sasha and Connie are on my right while Reiner sits to my left. His hand is around my waist, tucking me into his side. I lean into his chest to soak up his warmth like a happy, slightly-buzzed, little sponge. In front of me is the pile of cadet evaluations someone stole from Sadies’ office.

   My eyes scan over the first cadet evaluation. “Ooh,” I laugh giddily. “‘Connie Springer is exceptionally note-worthy regarding ODM maneuvering but’-,” I stop, bursting into laughter.

   “Well?!” Connie snaps, slamming his glass down on the table. “Finish it!”

   “‘But is a few sandwiches short of a picnic’.” I finish, giggling. The group erupts into laughter as Connie’s eyebrows furrow. 

   “The Hell does that mean?!”

   Armin leans over and whispers something in his ear. Connie’s face turns bright red and the grip on his drink grows tighter. “Hey!” He snaps, “I’m not stupid!”

   The group’s laughter surges. Connie scoffs and sinks down into his seat. 

   “Aww… Poor thing.” I laugh, rubbing his head. 

   He shakes me off and takes a gulp of ale. “Just do the next one already.”

   “Me! I’ll go next!” Sasha yells, waving a hand over her head. 

  I nod, turning my gaze down to the pile of evaluations in front of me. Picking up Sasha’s file, I take a drink of ale and open it up. “‘She has unconventionally good intuition’,” I lift my glass as the group cheers. Sasha smiles, puffing her chest out proudly. “But also doesn’t share this intuition with her classmates, making her a poor teammate as a result.” Sasha shrinks, shrugging and rolling her eyes. 

   “Who’s next?”

   “Reiner!” Someone calls out. I scan the group as Bert raises his eyebrows at me, smirking as he takes a sip from his cup. 

   I nod and snake Reiner’s file out, opening it. “‘Stalwart in both mind and body’- I can attest to that.” I tease, earning some cheers and groans from the group. “...‘and well-respected by his comrades. Also-” my hand clamps down over my mouth as laughter threatens to spill out. “...‘has the constitution... of a grass-fed ox’.”

   The group howls. I close the file and turn to Reiner, who was reading over my shoulder. “Aww… poor Rei…,” I tease, placing my hand against his face. My thumb rubs over his pink skin as he scoffs. 

   “Let’s read yours next,” he laughs, reaching behind me and snatching mine off the pile. 

   “Now- wait, hang on-”

   “Who wants to read _________’s?” Reiner yells, holding the file above his head so I can’t reach it. The group erupts into cheers, lifting glasses and fists into the air. Reiner looks down at me and shrugs. “Gotta give the people what they want.” 

   I roll my eyes, groaning as I sink back into my seat. I take another sip of ale as Reiner clears his throat. “‘Although talented in bladework and maneuvering… she is relatively lackluster in the classroom- caused by her genuine dislike of being stuck indoors. Also has issues trusting in new people- and a stubbornness rivaling that of a donkeys’.”

   The crowd cheers. 

   “To Hell with rules!” Connie yells, lifting a glass. 

   The others lift their glasses and I do the same. “To freedom!” I laugh, smashing my cup up against the others’. I bring it back down and take a long sip of the ale in it. 

   “How’s it feel to be in the top ten?” Thomas asks, sitting down beside Armin.

   “Eleven,” Armin corrects, “Actually.”

   “Christa and Sasha got the same exact score- so technically it's still the top ten scorers,” I say, shrugging. “But I don't really care.”

   Thomas, Armin, and Reiner chuckle. “Well?” Thomas asks, “How’s it feel?”

   I breathe in deeply, closing my eyes. “...like I’m gettin’ drunk,” I laugh, taking another drink of ale. 

   “Cheers to that,” Reiner mumbles, hitting his cup against mine. The two of us take another swig, giggling at each other as we peek over the rims of our glasses. 

   “You’re an idiot,” I laugh, placing my cup on the table. “How in the walls did I ever fall for you?”

   “It was that damn walk,” Reiner says, slamming his cup down a little harder than he wanted to. “In the woods. When I helped Eren.”

   “That was when I fell for you?” 

   “No, when I fell for you.” 

   “...really?” I ask, turning to face him. His cheeks burn a slight red and his golden eyes are half-closed as he looks down at me. Slowly, his tongue comes out and wets his lips- all while staring at mine. 

   “Yes, ma’am,” he says, reaching up and tucking a piece of hair behind my ear. “Seein’ you in your element- the moonlight, the woods… Making those jokes and laughing with Armin and Eren… All I could think about was how beautiful you looked.”

   My face turns bright red, burning hot with embarrassment. “You…” I trail off, trying to snatch the next coherent words in my short-circuiting brain. “You’re…” I laugh softly and shake my head. “I think you’re pretty good-lookin’, too.”

   His lips press against mine softly. He tastes like ale and mint. Slowly, Reiner pulls away. His eyes flick around the table before bouncing back to me. “It’s crowded in here,” he whispers. “Let’s get outta here.”

   “And do what?” I ask coyly, snaking my arms around his neck. “What sort of lewd, lecherous, lascivious things are you trying to steal me away to do?”

   “Why don’t you come with me and find out?”

   My lips turn up into a smirk and I pull away. “Sasha?” I call, tapping her on the shoulder. “I’m trusting you to make sure Connie, Eren, Jean and Armin don’t drink too much.”

   She nods, “I’ll make sure. Where’re you going?”

   “Um…,” I trail off, “On a walk.”

   She shudders, “Ew. Just… be safe.”

  “Yeah, yeah, yeah, sure thing, Mom...” I mutter, getting to my feet. “Let’s go, Rei.”

--.--

   My fingers graze against the edges of the suitcase. They’re fraying and the leather has cracked. Pieces of string poke out of the sides, allowing gaps to form around the edges of the suitcase. 

   I still haven’t found someone to transfer everything to my name. With training and testing, I just haven’t gotten the time. I will find someone though. I’m not giving up. I can’t give up. 

   Reiner’s hands find my waist, clutching me as if I were to fly away at any given moment. His lips leave feathery kisses against my shoulder. Slowly, he trails upwards and nibbles my ear. 

   “You’re distracting,” I hum, turning my head to give him more room to work. “Keep going.”

   “Two years,” he whispers against my skin, “Two whole years- and you’re just now coming to that conclusion?”

   I laugh airily, my eyelids fluttering closed as he finds that spot in the crook of my neck. “I’ve known for a while… Remember that ODM incident?”

   Reiner chuckles, sending warm air fanning over my shoulder. “You nearly crashed. Commandant Sadies had to send me to the barracks.”

   “You were being distracting on purpose,” I laugh, “There was no reason for you to be stripping.”

   “It was hot.”

   “It was raining.”

   “It was payback,” he mutters, “You were bein’ a brat.”

   “I’m always a brat.”

   “More than usual,” Reiner’s hands run down my sides. I shudder with pleasure and he stops. “...that was hot,” he chuckles. “Look at yourself.”

   My eyes flick up to the mirror in front of us. I didn’t even feel my arms reaching up behind me and tangling around his neck. My fingers are gently massaging his scalp. I can feel my back arch slightly into his chest, my hips flush against his.

   “You’re beautiful,” he mumbles into my hair. 

   “Stop it, handsome, you’ll make me blush.”

   His eyebrow arches and a smirk plays his lips. My eyes widen as I realise what he’s thinking. “Don’t you dare pick me u-!”

   “You’re right, darling, no more teasing,” he says, picking me up and throwing me over his shoulder. “Let’s get right down to it.”

   “Rei-” I laugh, feeling him climb onto my bed. “Reiner Braun! You put me down this instant!”

  Reiner laughs, pulling me off his shoulder and laying me down on the blankets. He wastes no more time. Kisses are hot and twisting, all sloppy and eye-rollingly erotic.

   “You are the best thing… that’s happened to me,” he says between kisses. 

   “You’re-” the words get stuck in my throat as his mouth starts to suck on my collarbone. All I can do is shake and run my trembling hands through his hair, pulling it gently. 

   “Don’t get too excited,” Reiner chuckles, eyes flicking up to me. “You have a long night ahead of you.”

--.--

   I groan, pulling the collar of my shirt up further. My entire neck throbs and pulses. Even my collarbones are sore. And my legs. 

   And then he’s just gone. Just a little letter by my bed. ‘Had to go. Bert needed me. Love you- Rei’. That blond asshole. I’d punch him if I wasn’t in love with him. 

   At least he left a note, I guess.

   “_________!” Eren yells, waving me over to the spot where he, Armin, Sasha, and Mikasa stand. 

   I push through towards them, giving them each a small smile. Eren’s eyes are glistening as he stares out into the street.

   The Scouts were coming back, led by Commander Erwin. Eren had burst into the dorm and dragged me out to come with him and the others. 

   “Things are different with the Scouts now.” Eren comments, beaming at the Scouts on their horses. Various people cheer for them from the sides of the streets. “People are excited for them.”

   “Yeah,” I groan, massaging my temple as throbbing pain shoots through my head. “They’re being loud as Hell about it.”

   “Maybe it should’ve been you I was watching out for last night,” Sasha teases, nudging my side. 

   “I didn’t even drink that much,” I mutter, “It was just-”

   “There’s Captain Levi!” 

   Everyone turns back to the street, chattering with excitement. “They say he’s like a squadron all on his own!” Someone else comments. 

   “That guy?” I ask, looking up at the black-haired, grey-eyed, bored-looking man sitting on his horse. “...wait… I know him.”

   “He’s the most popular Scout in the Regiment, of course you know him.” Eren says, rolling his eyes.

   “No, I actually know him… Remember when Shiganshina fell? And I was with that wagon, helping their soldiers out? One of the soldiers that came to help was him.”

   “Really?” Eren asks, his eyes wide as he turns to me. “What’s he like?”

   “...quiet. And snappish.”

   “Like Mikasa!” Sasha laughs.

   “Yeah… a lot like Mikasa, actually…”

   “Hey, guys!”

   My head snaps towards the voice, feeling myself bubble with happiness. “Hannes!” 

   “Heard you all graduated yesterday,” Hannes laughs, a bright smile on his face. “You four really are something.”

   “Five,” I say, grabbing Sasha’s arm and pulling her closer to me. “This is my little sister, Sasha.”

   “Ah!” Hannes’ eyes light up as they flick between us. “I can see the resemblance.”

   “Sasha, this is Hannes,” I explain, “He’s been the one that’s gotten us in and out of trouble. And he was the one that got me out of Shiganshina.”

   “Nice to meet you, sir!” She smiles, shaking Hannes’ hand. 

   “How’ve you been?” Eren asks, “I heard you got promoted to Captain of the Corps of Engineers.”

   The group collectively chuckles. 

   “You punk,” Hannes scoffs, flicking Eren’s nose. 

   Slowly, his smile fades and his eyes lose their brightness. “I’m sorry… that I couldn’t save your mom… I know it’s sudden but... it haunts me every night.”

   Eren’s smile falters and settles into a determined line. “It’s not your fault. We’re not kids anymore. None of us are going to let such sorrow happen again. I’m gonna beat those Titans. I swear it.”

--.--

   “You didn’t…” I mumble, staring at Sasha as she salivates over the cut of meat. “Sasha! You’re gonna get caught! Why didn’t you tell me?!”

   “I wanted to do it myself,” she mumbles, eyes still fixated on the meat. “But it’s okay! I���m willing to share.” She presses the meat up under her nose and takes a long sniff.

   “You’re an idiot…” I mutter, shaking my head.

   “A scary idiot.” Connie adds, his eyes wide.

   “Put it back!” Thomas snaps, “You’re gonna get caught.”

   “But imagine the sandwiches.” Sasha froths at the mouth, stumbling towards a container. 

   “Do you have any idea of how rare meat is since Maria fell?” Mina asks.

   “Yeah, but look at it this way,” Sasha hums, placing the meat inside the container. “Once we take back Maria, we’ll have all the room we need to raise livestock. They won’t even look for this one piece of meat.” 

   “She’s got a point,” I murmur, raising my eyebrows and shrugging. 

   The group goes quiet, all salivating at the mouth and staring at the meat as Sasha closes the container. It smells amazing. Like it was gifted to us by the gods. 

   “...I would really like a slice please!” Thomas erupts, eyes squinting and fists clenched on either side of him. 

   Connie drops the brush he was using to clean the cannons, “Hey- if he’s getting some, I want some, too!”

   “I’ll take some, too!” Mina laughs. 

   “Hell, I’ll take some,” I smirk, tying an upper section of my hair back into a ponytail. “Save some for Reiner, too. Big lug’ll want some, too, I’ll bet.”

   Eren’s eyes are wide as he looks from each of us. His mouth hangs open and parts of words fall out past his lips. “C’mon, Eren,” Samuel chuckles, picking up a brush and scrubbing out the inside of a cannon. “The longer you stand there with that look on your face, the more suspicious they’re gonna get.”

   “Yeah, man,” I joke, nudging him with my elbow as I walk past. “Don’t ruin this for everyone.” I bend over, grabbing a wooden box filled with cannon ammo. Straightening back up, I haul the box over to Sasha. She’s busy scrubbing the metal of the cannon, muttering to herself about ‘how delicious that meat smelled’. 

   “Hey, I’ll take over,” I smile, taking the rag from her hands. “Go take this to Connie.”

   Sasha’s eyes narrow. “...why?”

   “Because.” I state, nudging her with my elbow. “Now get a move on.”

   Sasha smiles and gets to her feet, snagging the ammo box. She walks over to Connie, who looks up from his work and smiles. The two start chatting- planning little devious pranks on Jean. I start cleaning the cannon metal. 

   I wonder what my blond idiot and his tall bastard best friend went. Always up to no good. 

   I roll my eyes. I went and fell for a child. Not that I’m any better in that regard but still. What a dork. 

   But he’s my dork or whatever. 

   “Hey,” I say, getting to my feet and turning towards Eren, who’s looking out over the side of the wall towards the interior. “Ya gonna help ‘r are ya gonna just stand there?”

   Eren turns to me and smiles gently. “Come here,” he says, gesturing to me to stand beside him. I throw the rag over my shoulder and walk to stand beside him. “If you lean just a bit over the side, you can hear everything.”

   My feet toe the edge. I look out over the roofs and houses, the streets and carts. People are bustling around, talking and laughing and running around. Children run through alleyways and hillsides. I close my eyes, letting the wind tousle my hair. The sounds below swell with each breeze. My arms come out on either side of me. The wind runs up my sides and my clothes flutter in its touch. 

   It’s like I’m flying. 

   “Hey, don’t lean too far over,” Eren laughs, grabbing my collar and pulling me back slightly. “I don’t need Reiner chewing me out because you fell down the wall.”

   I roll my eyes, “Tch… Can’t even let me have a little fun.” 

   “By the look of your neck, you had plenty of fun last night.”

   My cheeks turn bright red as I tug my collar further up along my neck. “H-hey! Shut up about that!”

   Eren shrugs and laughs, “You can deny it all you-”

   It all happens too fast. Like a collision of events. The lightning just beyond the wall. The Collosal Titan appearing. The arm smashing against the wall, wiping clear the cannons and sending us flying over the side. 

   My hands find my ODM controllers and the wires launch out, gripping the side of the wall. My eyes look around. Mina, Connie, Sasha, Eren, Thomas- “Where’s Samuel?” I scream, looking around at each of the figures clinging to the wall. 

   “Sasha!” Mina yells at my left. I turn towards her and watch as Sasha runs down the length of the wall, heading towards the figure plummeting towards the ground. A wire shoots out of her ODM gear. The prongs pierce through Samuel’s leg. Sasha stops in her spot and looks up at me. 

   A smile crosses her lips before she turns down to Samuel. “Try not to move!” 

   “Sound off,” I yell, “Who else is hurt?”

   “I’m good!” Connie yells back. 

   “All good here!” Mina calls out. 

   “Just a scratch!” Thomas yells. 

   “Where’s the scratch?” I call back. 

   “Left forearm!”

   My finger comes off the trigger, letting the prongs shoot back into my ODM gear. Using the momentum of falling, I shoot the wires out again and swing up to where Thomas is. Landing beside him, I roll my sleeves up. “Let me see it.”

   Thomas starts to roll up his sleeve, revealing a gash running up along his forearm. “‘Just a scratch’, huh?” I ask, ‘tch’-ing my tongue as I examine it. It’s not too deep but it’ll mess with his ability to fight if I don’t take care of it now.

   “Okay, listen,” I mutter, shrugging off my Cadets jacket. “This is only temporary. As soon as we get the Hell outta here, you’re gonna get some fresh bandages… and don’t tell Reiner.”

   “Don’t tell Reiner wha-?”

  I cut him off, slicing a piece of the bottom of my shirt with my blade. “He got me this shirt,” I mutter, taking his arm and wrapping it around his ‘scratch’. The blood soaks into the light green material. It slowly turns a sickly brown… but it’ll do.

   “Make a fist,” I instruct. He does so without strain. “Good. You should be able to hold a sword in that hand.” 

   Thomas nods, “Thanks, Mom.”

   “Don’t worry about it,” I smile before my hand comes up and bats the side of his head. "'nd don't call me 'Mom'."

   “There’s a hole in the wall!” Connie screams. My eyes widen and I look down below us. There’s a gaping hole at the base of the wall, stone and brick scattered around it. “They’re gonna get in! They’re gonna get in, they’re gonna get in!” Connie repeats over and over again.

   “...oh, shit.”

--.--

   “As members of the Cadet Corps that passed the final maneuvers, you are now considered fully-fledged soldiers!” The officer yells as the Cadets weave through the pillars and each other to the gas canisters. 

   I hurry to the wall, having someone hand me a pair of gas canisters for my ODM gear. “Sasha!” I call, putting the gas into my gear. “Sasha Braus!” 

   Sasha stumbles to me, trembling and her eyes wide. Her mouth falls open and closed- but nothing comes out. I grip her shoulders and shake her gently, staring at her. “Can you hear me?” I ask, eyes flicking between hers.

   Sasha nods, her eyebrows curving upwards. “...yes.”

   “You listen to me very carefully, Sasha,” I say calmly. “You have to listen to me.” She nods again. “You’re going to be okay, do you hear me? You’re going to be okay... if you listen to me- you stay close to me at all times. If I’m separated from the group, you don’t hesitate to follow me- do you hear me?”

   “_________, I can take care of myself,” she starts, shrugging my hands off her shoulders. “I placed Top Ten, just like you.”

   “I know but this isn’t like training,” I mutter, eyes roving around the room as Cadets and soldiers frantically ready themselves for battle. Some are throwing up from nerves, others are sobbing on the floor. “This is battle. It’s always different.”

   “You’re going in for the first time, too, _________. Why are you talking like you’ve done this before?”

   I'm not answering that honestly. She doesn't need to know about the life-or-death fights I'd managed to get myself in.

   “Remember when I used to go hunting with you?” I ask, scanning her eyes. 

   “...yeah.”

   “It was always different hitting a target than hitting something in the wild, right?” Sasha nods. “It’s like that. It’s just... the deer can and will kill you without hesitating. So you stick with me. We can get out of this.”

   Sasha’s eyes soften and slowly, she nods. I breathe out and wrap my arms around her. “I love you,” I whisper, running a hand through her hair. “I love you so much.”

   Sasha’s arms tighten around me. “...I’m scared.”

   Another shaking breath passes my lips. “I’m scared, too,” I mutter, pulling away and resting my forehead against hers. “But we’re gonna be okay. You and me and Connie and Jean and Armin. Mikasa. Eren. Reiner. We’re all gonna be okay.”

   A determined smile appears on her lips. I press mine to her forehead and wipe my sweating hands on my pants. “I need t’go find the others. You tell Connie and Jean what I told you. The more of us working together means the more chance of us surviving.”

   Sasha nods once and runs into the crowd. I sigh, running a hand through my hair while my legs tremble beneath me. Where the Hell is Reiner?

--.--

    There’s a silent buzz that echoes through me. My veins. My skin. From the depths of my stomach to the edges of my fingertips. It buzzes and hums- but silent, nothing heard. 

   It’s felt. 

   My body twitches with excitement, all nervous and energetic. 

   I remember something like this. In the woods, drawing a bowstring back to my ear. The shaky but determined exhale of breath as the bowstring was loosed. The buzz concentrated in my ears, in my fingers then. All soft and almost unnoticeable. But now…

   It’s different. 

   Amplified and harsh. My leg bounces up and down- I can’t stop it. The tremble in my hands, in my gut. Chills running rampantly through my skin and so wildly I can feel it under my hair. 

   It’s not fear, no. Had it been fear, I would’ve known. 

   ‘Adrenaline’. Medical books and Doctor Yaeger’s teachings in the lamplight come rushing back to me. This is pure energy. The pulse of determined energy; wild and untamable. It controls me now. I can only direct it. 

   My eyes turn down to the blades at my hips. 

   Yes. These will be where my energy is directed. Every twist and spin and curve and turn will be where my energy is. Not to run away from the enemy. But to run straight for it. 

   “_________.”

   I look up from my blades. It’s Jean. There’s deep trenches in his face- worry. I get to my feet, feeling my eyebrows knit together. “...are you alright?” I ask quietly, brushing the hair from his eyes. 

   Jean’s eyes meet mine and he shakes his head. “...I was supposed to leave tomorrow.”

   I nod, recalling the scuffle he and Eren had gotten into just a few minutes ago. “And you will.” I say quietly, taking his face into both of my hands. “Do you hear me? You will.” He opens his mouth again to speak. Before he can get anything out, I stop him. “Have I ever lied to you?”

   “...you told me iodine would burn.”

   Rolling my eyes, I gently smack the side of his face. “I said that because I wanted to see if you would make a scene or not,” I mutter. “Have I actually ever lied to your face before?”

   “...no.”

   “Then why would I start now?”

   Jean’s eyes soften and I can feel his body begin to radiate confidence. Over his shoulder, I can see Hanna waving an arm over her head. I lift a single hand up and she nods, running out of the courtyard. Turning back to Jean, I stare him in the eyes. “You listen. You’re gonna be fine and we’re gonna have one helluva celebration when you get sent off tomorrow.”

   Jean nods, smirking. “I’ll be waiting to hear you sing.”

   I smile and press my lips to his forehead, “See you in a few.” Running towards the courtyard’s exit, I stop and wave one last time. 

   “Bye, Mom!” He calls as I round the corner. 

   “Call me that one more time, Jean, and the Titans won’t be the only thing you have to worry about!” I yell back. 

--.--

   “...how ‘bout you, _________?” 

   My eyes slide up to the voice. Slowly, I blink away the glaze. Franz and the others are staring at me, waiting for a response to something. “Sorry?” I ask, getting to my feet.

   “I was just asking if everyone’s alright,” Franz answers, his eyebrows knitting together in concern. “...are you?”

   I laugh slightly and shrug. “As ‘alright’ as I can be right now.”

   The group collectively chuckles- all quiet and heartless.

   “Just wondering how you’re doing,” Franz says quietly. “You aren’t nearly as… bubbly right now.”

   “‘Bubbly’?” I ask, smiling. “We’re about to go into battle after knowing each other for three years and I’m just now realizing you think of me as ‘bubbly’?”

   The groups’ eyes shoot off into different directions- avoiding me. Franz stumbles over his words, eyes wide and hands up slightly in surrender. “Hang on- that’s not what I… I didn’t mean like… I meant it like-”

   “Aw c’mon, man,” I scoff, punching his arm playfully. “I’m just messin’ with you. I know I can be… ‘lively’ at times.”

   Franz and the others visibly relax. Floch scoffs and shakes his head. “I think Franz had it right the first time. ‘Bubbly’ is the word to describe you.”

   Something deep inside me hardens as I hear his voice. The only one in my squad that I truly and genuinely cannot stand. Insensitive, rude, arrogant. Walls above, the boy drives me insane. He’s led to more fights in the squad than everyone else combined. 

   Floch lifts his sword, “Actually… I’d say ‘perky’.”

   “‘Perky’?” I say quietly, an eyebrow raised as I look at him. 

   He nods, flicking a piece of hair from his eyes. He raises his sword to gesture to my chest. “...perky.”

   I smile sweetly despite the urge to tackle him off the roof bubbles in my veins. Slowly, I breathe in and out. He just wants a reaction. That’s all it is. Same with every idiotic moron with that mindset. 

   “Really, I mean, Franz- you’ve noticed it, too.”

   Franz shakes his head and sets his jaw. “I respect my squad leader-”

   “Yeah, okay,” Floch mutters, rolling his eyes. “C’mon, not even you, Gordon?”

   My eyes slide over to Gordon, who notices me do so. His face pales and he frantically shakes his head. “No, no, no… Not me.”

   “Hanna, how ‘bout-”

   I’m at his throat before he can get the next few words out. My blade is pressed up against his neck. With morbid fascination, I watch as he gulps. “Enough,” I snap, “Enough of this shit. You want t’get your ass beat by me so badly, we can have this out right here and right now. Maybe if I break your jaw, you’ll finally shut the hell up and leave the rest of us in peace.”

   “You’re bluffing,” Floch mutters. 

   I press my blade just a bit harder. “You wanna find out?”

   “Hey,” Hanna says gently, appearing next to me. “Let’s not do this right now.”

   My eyes flick between Floch’s. Sweat is beading down his forehead and I can see his hands shaking gently. I scoff and pull away, “You’re right. Waste of energy and..  we’ve got bigger problems right now, anyways.”

   Hanna sighs, pulling my arm to lead me away. Franz and Gordon force smiles as I meet their gazes. Franz stammers out something- a change in topic or something. I don’t really hear him. I’m too busy waiting for Floch to open his mouth. As I turn around, I can hear Floch chuckle. “...I knew it.”

   Hanna doesn’t have enough time to stop me as I turn around and strike Floch’s nose. There’s a crunch as my fist collides with his skin and I can feel his nose give. Gordon runs for us as Hanna holds me back. Gordon picks Floch up off the roof tiles. Franz appears next to me, his mouth open slightly as he stares at Floch’s bleeding, broken nose. 

   “Don’t ever,” I hiss, “Ever. Think I will hesitate.” 

   “Squad 32!” Someone yells from another rooftop. “Squad 32! Report!”

   Glaring at Floch, I shrug Hanna’s grip. “Squad 32 leader reporting!” I yell, walking to the edge of the roof. 

   A pair of soldiers standing on the roof down below us look up at us. “Move out!” One of them shouts, waving us forward. 

   Turning to the others, I smile and pull out my blades. Each of them stare at me- all terrified beyond belief, all nervously gripping their swords and shifting in their spots. The buzz, the hum is back and even stronger than before. 

   I let myself fall backwards off the side of the roof, pressing the triggers of my ODM gear. Feeling myself shoot back up towards the sky, I let out a small laugh. 

   It’s time.

--.--

   “Sound off!” I yell as we zip through the air. 

   “On your left!” Franz yells back, appearing briefly in my vision before slipping back down underneath me. 

   “I’m here!” Hanna says from above me. 

   “Gordon? Floch?” I call, launching my ODM wires out and swinging upwards. 

   There’s no response. 

   Angling myself, I spin backwards and let the ODM wires pull out of the building they had lodged into. Now facing the other way, I watch as Floch and Gordon weave through alleys and buildings a ways away from the rest of the group. 

   I fall back down to the earth, shooting my wires out to put me right beside the two slackers. “You’re gonna get left behind if you don’t hurry the hell up!” I snap, swinging beside them. 

   My eyes dart to movement just beyond a clocktower. “Eyes up!” I yell, propelling myself to the front of the squad. My blades slice through the air as I brandish them. Rounding the corner, I can see our target. Fifteen meters. Ugly son of a bitch, too.

   My ODM gears shift and I launch the wires directly into the Titan’s collarbone. Its arms swing out towards me and I duck down underneath them, letting go of the trigger as I fall. The arm collides with the building beside me. Rocks graze my face- leaving little slices of raw skin behind. 

   My feet land on the tiles of the same building. I jump onto the Titan’s hand as it snakes it off the broken section of the roof. Running along the arm, I raise my swords and launch the wires into the side of its neck. I jump and swing around its back, slicing my blade along the nape of its neck.

   The Titan immediately goes limp and falls to the floor, tugging the wires of my gear along with it. Planting my feet just under the cut, I ride it down. It crashes to the street, rocking dirt and debris from the building. 

   “_________!” Franz yells, “There’s two more in the other street!” 

   “Two over here, too!” Floch yells, appearing on the rooftop above me.

   “Franz, Hanna- take care of the ones over there! I’m going with Floch and Gordon!” 

   Franz and Hanna each nod, whirring off into the other street. Steam surrounds me and the air is thick with heat and the smell of flesh. My fingers twitch, propelling me up along the clocktower. Floch and Gordon land just under me. 

   My eyes scan the street Floch was telling me about. Two Titan wander aimlessly through the street, bumping into buildings and houses. “Gordon, you and Floch take the one on the left,” I say, pointing the end of my sword to a brown-haired Titan. “As soon as you’re done, you help me finish that one off. I’m gonna lead it away from you two while you work.”

   The two swing off the tower and into the street. I roll my shoulders and launch my wires into the roof of the building just behind the second Titan. My fingers press the triggers and anchor the wires into the Titan’s chest. As I gain momentum, I release the triggers and shoot them out into another building’s walls- allowing me to speed past the Titan’s ear. 

   It takes notice of me. Turning away from the other Titan, it mindlessly follows after me. “Yeah, that’s right,” I whisper, digging my feet into the wall. “Come on…”

   The Titan’s eyes hone in on me. My grip on my blades gets tighter, my fingers dancing along the triggers. Its hands reach out for me and I jump off the roof, falling down to the street. The Titan charges into the building above me. The wires of my gear dig into its side, pulling me up onto its back. Slowly, it pushes itself off the ruins of the house as I run up its back. My blades slice through its neck before it can fully get up. As the body falls back against the building, I swing onto another rooftop.

   The steaming blood on my blades starts to evaporate as the other Titan hits the street. Floch and Gordon swing onto the edge of my rooftop, running to me. “I thought you said we’d help,” Gordon pants.

   “I got it in a good place,” I shrug, chest heaving slightly. 

   There’s a scream that tears out, cutting into our words. “Let’s go!” I yell, heading for the sound. It sounded like Hanna.

   Jumping off the roof, the ODM wires lodge into the bottom of the roof of a building across the street. I’m shot straight up. My eyes scan up and down the street. One Titan lays on the ground, steaming and quickly deteriorating. 

   My stomach churns. 

   The other Titan. It’s… chewing… on something. 

   On someone.

   Hanna has her back to a wall, holding her swords out at the Titan. She’s screaming and I can see the glisten of her tears from here. 

   Falling back down, I shoot my wires into the back of the Titan. As my feet land on its back, the Titan drops whoever it’s chewing on. I can hear Hanna screaming clearly now. 

   “It’s an Abnormal!” 

   Shit.

   The Titan twists and I don’t see the arm until it’s too late. It collides with my body, sending me flying into the wall across the street. The sound of my backbone cracking echo in my ears- blunt pain running through my muscles. Falling forward, my fingers just barely graze the triggers. 

   It’s enough.

   I’m shot forward and under the Titan’s legs. Grunting, I slide against the cobblestone. “Gordon! Get Hanna out of here!” I scream, massaging my side briefly. 

   The Abnormal’s neck snaps towards me as I yell. My grip on my swords gets even tighter. The Abnormal sprints towards me, footsteps uneven and shaking beneath me. I hit the triggers and swing into the sky, feeling a burst of wind just behind me as the Abnormal bats at me. 

   There’s a brief moment when I think it has me. When I mistake the tightening in my chest for its hand. 

   But it’s only a moment. 

   I spin backwards, feet landing on its hand before I’m completely upright. As I straighten up, I run down its arm. “Eyes!” I scream to my squad members, “Eyes, eyes, eyes!”

   Someone’s wires launch into the Abnormal’s bicep and the glint of blades flash across its face. The Abnormal lets out a mangled form of a scream as blood seeps from the gaping holes where its eyes used to be. We don’t have that much time. 

   A yell of my own leaves my lips as I jump off the Abnormal’s shoulder and curve along its back. My blades sink into its nape. The body falls along with me, shaking the ground under my feet as I struggle to stand up. 

   “Hanna! ...Hanna! What the hell are you still doing down here?” I ask, running to her. 

   “_________!” She yells, head snapping up to look at me. “Help him!”

   My eyes slide down to the body in her hands. Franz lays in a puddle of his own blood. 

   Just the top half of him.

   “We’ve gotta do CPR on him!” Hanna says frantically, getting herself on top of the body. “Help me!” 

   “He’s dead, Hanna!” Floch snaps, landing next to me. “There’s no point-!”

   “We can bring him back!” She snaps, her eyes wide and body trembling. “We can-”

   “Titans incoming!” Gordon yells from the roof above us. “We can’t take them all! We need backup!”

   I nod slowly, swallowing the thick lump in my throat. “Hanna,” I say quietly, placing my hand on her shoulder. “You have to listen to me-”

   “No! I… I’m not leaving him!” 

   “Titans!” Gordon screams, “We have to go- now!”

   “Hanna, come with us!” Floch snaps, grabbing her shoulder and trying to tug her to her feet. She refuses, pulling out of his grip. 

   “You’re going to kill him!” She yells, tears streaming down her face as she resumes chest compressions. “You- You all are going to kill him!”

   Floch grabs my arm, leaning in and whispering. “If we don’t leave right now, we’re all going to die.”

   “Hanna,” I say quietly, “We need to-”

   “Get out!” Hanna demands, “Get out of here!” Her eyes flick to me, “Go!” 

   An arm wraps around my waist and I can feel myself being tugged into the air. “Floch!” I yell, vision suddenly clearing as I watch Hanna and Franz’s bodies get smaller and smaller. “You ass, let me go! I’m not leaving her there!”

   “I’m saving your life!” He yells back, activating his gear as we start to swing downwards. “She was gone- she wasn’t coming with us.”

   “You don’t know that!”

   “We need you alive!”

   “We need her alive, too!” 

   “...she wasn’t alive,” he says, just barely audible over the wind. “Not really.”

--.--

   “Get off’a me,” I snap, shoving Floch off as we touch down onto the roof. “You- you left her!” I yell, stumbling as I try to stand up. Pointing at him, my eyes narrow. “You left her behind!”

   “I saved your life!” 

   The eyes of the others are on us as we circle each other like predators. “_________, what’s wrong?” Bertholdt asks, appearing next to me. 

   Jean swings onto the roof, landing next to Floch. “Where’s Hanna and Franz?” he asks, looking around.

   “They’re dead,” Floch answers. 

   “Hanna wasn’t dead!” I scream back, “She was alive!”

   “She was going to get us all killed!”

   “I... am going to get Hanna.”

   My hands snake out from under my jacket. A hush falls on the group as they stare at me. 

   “...you’re wounded,” Jean says quietly. “_________… We can help you- just… Just sit down.”

   I shake my head, gripping my controllers. “She’s running out of time.”

   “You’re running out of blood,” Jean mumbles, stepping closer. 

   My eyes flick down to my hands as they grip my controllers. A thick coating of blood drenches my arms and stains my skin. It seeps down my sleeves to my elbows, crusting in certain places. “I can make it,” I mumble, walking to the edge of the roof. 

   I can feel it. My balance is off- all swaying and shifting. My vision is worse. I can’t focus on anything. Everything is dancing around me as the edges of my vision go dark. The lump in my throat cuts me off, making it hard to breathe. 

   I can’t even take a step off the roof before my vision goes completely dark and I collapse. 

--------

You can read parts one, two, and four here! Just give the number you want a little boop :)

[flamingblinglove]

I love when I see you reblog something of mine and then it’s tagged #rei is busy dating levi and I get to look at something I reblogged the other day like yeah, I reblogged that. It’s like I get to enjoy it twice haha 😂

Joey please, the fact that you're paying attention to my tags makes me so happy you have no idea 🥺💕

Now enjoy some cutie diluc <3

[tabloidtoc]

Life & Style, February 17

Cover: Joaquin Phoenix -- fame, tragedy and finding happiness 

Page 1: Photo Flash -- Ciara and Russell Wilson took to Instagram to post shots of the very pregnant singer 

Page 2: Contents

Page 4: The top 10 Pink looks -- Molly Sims, Jamie Chung, Nina Dobrev, Dua Lipa, Kate Bosworth 

Page 5: Kaitlyn Dever, Rachel Brosnahan, Zoey Deutch, Lili Reinhart, Elisabeth Moss 

Page 6: Twinning! Aly Raisman vs. Kelly Osbourne, Delilah Belle Hamlin vs. Karlie Kloss, Keltie Knight vs. Sofia Carson 

Page 8: Channing Tatum disses pregnant ex Jenna Dewan by saying Jessie J is way hotter 

Page 9: Felicity Huffman and William H. Macy are renting out their million-dollar mansion in the Hollywood Hills for $16.500 a month amid mounting legal bills stemming from the college admissions cheating scandal, Throwback -- Hailey Baldwin, Biggest Spenders of the Week -- Will Forte, Future, Paris Hilton, Lana Del Rey 

Page 10: Nikki and Brie Bella are both pregnant and due less than two weeks apart, a downcast Margot Robbie ditched her wedding ring the morning after the SAG Awards seemingly sending a pointed message to husband Tom Ackerley who didn’t attend the ceremony with her 

Page 12: Hannah Brown back as The Bachelorette? 

Page 13: Vanessa Hudgens isn’t afraid to show ex Austin Butler exactly what he’s missing by posting sexy snaps on social media and grabbing dinner with Los Angeles Lakers star Kyle Kuzma, viewers watched as Jeannie Mai welcomed Amanda Seales to The Real with open arms but behind the scenes the longtime co-host has been feeling insecure because Amanda is super outspoken, VIP Style -- Hailee Steinfeld (pictured), Tyler Cameron, Billie Eilish (pictured), Andi Dorfman, Post Malone and Brody Jenner (pictured), Sienna Miller (pictured), Garcelle Beauvais, Steven Tyler (pictured) 

Page 14: The Week in Photos -- Justin Beiber on Ellen DeGeneres 

Page 16: Zachary Levi and a Harley-Davidson LiveWire, despite the 40-degree weather Blake Lively stepped out in Times Square in a pair of shorts, Charlize Theron and  Renee Zellweger at the Academy Awards Nominess Luncheon 

Page 17: Nicole “Snooki” Polizzi kicked off The Poor After Dark at Harrah’s Resort 

Page 20: Duchess Kate Middleton at the LEYF Stockwell Gardens Nursery and Preschool 

Page 21: Gina Rodriguez at the Kajillionaire premiere 

Page 22: Karlie Kloss at Jean Paul Gaultier’s final runway show, Jurnee Smollett-Bell and Margot Robbie at the Birds of Prey premiere in Mexico City, Mark Wahlberg outside of F45 Training 

Page 24: Stars Behaving Badly -- Offset copped a feel on wife Cardi B at Clive Davis’ pre-Grammy gala, Simon Cowell smoking a cigarette while vacationing in Barbados

Page 26: Say What?! Dwayne Johnson, Brad Pitt, Charlie Hunnam on Matthew McConaughey, Pink, Jennifer Lopez 

Page 28: Britney Spears and Sam Asghari have recently been living separate lives and it’s taken a toll on their relationship 

Page 29: When Meghan King Edmonds revealed that estranged husband Jim Edmonds is dating a woman they had a threesome with she knew she might pay for it later and now she is -- Jim is suing the RHOOC alum for defamation

Page 30: Cover Story -- Joaquin Phoenix finds his happily ever after -- after decades of pain Joaquin reaches a new high point in his career as well as his love life with fiance Rooney Mara 

Page 34: Prince Harry to Prince William -- we’ll always be brothers -- before starting his new life in Canada Prince Harry secretly met with Prince William to try to repair the once-close relationship after months of bitterness 

Page 36: Kobe Bryant’s family struggling to cope 

Page 38: Marriage counseling isn’t working for Jessica Biel and Justin Timberlake 

Page 40: 5 ways to rev your metabolism -- Reese Witherspoon, Busy Philipps, Gabrielle Union 

Page 42: Who Lives Here? Leighton Meester and Adam Brody 

Page 44: Entertainment 

Page 45: Star Review -- Tan France, As Seen On-Screen -- Candace Cameron Bure wore Lele Sadoughi’s Paper Lily Multicolor Acetate Small Drop Earrings on Good Morning America 

Page 46: Valentine’s Gift Guide -- Emily Ratajkowski 

Page 48: Fashion -- Grammys -- Gwen Stefani, Camila Cabello 

Page 49: Dua Lipa, Chrissy Teigen 

Page 50: Beauty Crush -- Bebe Rexha’s look by her makeup artist Ash K Holm 

Page 52: Diva or Down-to-Earth? Diva Jennifer Garner has a glam squad, Down-to-Earth Zoe Saldana feeds the meter, Down-to-Earth Ariel Winter buys lots of booze 

Page 54: Social Stars Posts of the Week -- Emilia Clarke and her new puppy Ted, Nina Dobrev and Riawna Capri, Kylie Jenner’s daughter Stormi, Courteney Cox shared a snap of the Friends cast from January 23, 2004 

Page 56: Horoscope -- Aquarius Jennifer Aniston, They’re Not Together But They Should Be -- Pisces Trevor Noah and Sagittarius Vanessa Hudgens 

Page 60: What I’m Into -- Lance Bass 

[recentanimenews]

The Yakuza's Guide to Babysitting TV Anime Starts Extreme Child Watching on July 7

  Being a yakuza can be hard, sometimes you have shakedown money from a civilian, other times you might be hired muscle for a local business, and then you might even get drafted as the babysitter for your boss's kid! Today, more details on the upcoming The Yakuza's Guide to Babysitting TV anime were announced, including its July 7 premiere date, a new trailer and visual, more cast members, and even the opening theme song!

      Joining the cast of The Yakuza's Guide to Babysitting is:

  Wataru Hatano (Metal Bat in One-Punch Man) as Rei Hojo

Jun Fukuyama (Lelouch Lamperouge in Code Geass) as Masaya Hayami

Hiroshi Kamiya (Levi Ackerman in Attack on Titan) as Yuri Mashiro

  The newly announced opening theme song "Mirai no Herotachi e (To the Future Heroes)" will be performed by Sho Takeyaki.

  The Yakuza's Guide to Babysitting will be directed by Itsuro Kawasaki (Sengoku BASARA) at feel. and GAINA, with Keiichiro Ochi (The Quintessential Quintuplets) writing the series composition and Hiromi Ogata (Katana Maidens ~ Mini Toji) adapting the manga characters for animation. The original manga created by Tsukiya is currently being serialized on the Comic ELMO website, with Kaiten Books releasing the volumes into English, describing it as such:

  WHO’S YOUR NANNY?

Kirishima Tooru is the right-hand man of the Sakuragi crime family. For him, the job is a perfect excuse to let his violent instincts run wild, earning him the nickname “the Demon of Sakuragi”. It seems like nothing will stand in the way of his vicious nature.

  But then one day, he receives an assignment like never before from the boss—babysitting his daughter!

  This is the heartwarming (or is it bloodcurdling?) story of a little girl and her yakuza caretaker!

  The Yakuza's Guide to Babysitting TV anime is set to premiere on July 7 at 10:30 PM on Tokyo MX.

  Source: Comic Natalie

  ---- 

Daryl Harding is a Japan Correspondent for Crunchyroll News. He also runs a YouTube channel about Japan stuff called TheDoctorDazza, tweets at @DoctorDazza, and posts photos of his travels on Instagram. 

By: Daryl Harding

[perfectirishgifts]

Santa’s Got Shipping Issues: Why Retailers Are Worried About Gifts Stuck Just Beyond The Last Mile

New Post has been published on https://perfectirishgifts.com/santas-got-shipping-issues-why-retailers-are-worried-about-gifts-stuck-just-beyond-the-last-mile/

Santa’s Got Shipping Issues: Why Retailers Are Worried About Gifts Stuck Just Beyond The Last Mile

A United Parcel Service (UPS) driver gets into his truck while on his delivery route. (Photo by … [] Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)

This holiday, some consumers will be getting IOUs from retailers facing broken supply chains and a shipping capacity crunch.

Last week, The Wall Street Journal reported that UPS told its drivers on Cyber Monday to stop picking up packages from six retailers that had reached the shipping capacity limits the company had set for its US customers during the peak holiday season. The restrictions UPS imposed on Nike, Macy’s, Gap and others were reportedly temporary, and the shipper was expected to begin pickups from these retailers again as soon as more capacity became available. In the meantime, the retailers and their customers simply had to wait—or find some other solution to get their packages to their destination on time.

The story highlights the bind many retailers and brands find themselves in this pandemic holiday: even if they’re benefiting from strong consumer demand and a colossal increase in e-commerce orders, their inventory might be stranded in the wrong retail location, stuck in a warehouse just beyond the last mile, or grounded at a factory, unable to be shipped to market because there’s a shortage of land, sea or air cargo capacity. Santa may be able to transcend the challenges of ubiquitous last-mile delivery, but he’s facing some serious supply chain issues that are limiting the amount of gifts he can deliver as he makes his rounds.

The Pandemic Still Has the Supply Chain Tied in Knots

We all knew there would be a shipping shortage this holiday due to the massive, pandemic-fueled increase in e-commerce. Adobe Analytics predicts US online holiday sales will rise 33% year over year, while Deloitte puts the figure at 25%–35%. The record growth in exports reported by China last month is an indicator of how consumers have shifted their spending toward physical goods while they’re unable to consume services like big-screen movies and restaurant meals. Yet retailers and brands face a tragedy of demand, with insufficient shipping capacity and continued volatility across the supply chain putting them at risk of disappointing customers and losing market share to competitors that can meet delivery expectations.

Many brands tried to lessen the crunch by offering early promotions to pull holiday sales forward and spread out their online deliveries over more weeks. Some also set earlier-than-normal order cutoff dates for standard delivery by December 24. Etsy and REI are suggesting US customers order by December 17, while Abercrombie & Fitch’s cutoff date, December 4, has already passed.

UPS, FedEx and the USPS have pegged December 15 as the last date for US ground shipments meant to arrive by Christmas Eve. But the shipping capacity shortage will ensure that many consumers’ holiday packages won’t arrive until January or even later in 2021.

The pandemic hasn’t stressed only the final delivery link of the supply chain. The sourcing and manufacturing parts of the system are also facing continuing challenges, nearly a year after the coronavirus first began to snarl global supply in Asia. Sporadic lockdowns and spiking case numbers have impacted staffing and closed or curtailed operations at factories and transportation hubs. International air and shipping capacity has become severely strained. Even companies that have ample manufacturing capacity may not be able to get raw materials to their factories, given the contentiousness of the shipping market.

All We Want for Christmas Is a Bit of Data Intelligence

Some global brands are attacking these problems by bulking up inventory across the chain, mitigating the risk of stockouts and creating the flexibility to fulfill orders from alternate sites if there’s a logistics bottleneck. But holding lots of inventory is an expensive and unsustainable measure. Margins are already squeezed due to all those e-commerce orders and retailers and brands taking this route may end up with unsold goods that become out of season—an issue many companies struggled with in the spring, when pandemic lockdowns first shuttered stores. For most smaller retailers and brands, producing, shipping and warehousing excess inventory isn’t even an option.

The better solution is for companies to invest in data intelligence that provides the real-time supply chain visibility they need to be able to respond quickly to demand, supply and logistics challenges. Traceability technologies make it possible for retailers and brands to gather data from physical products throughout the supply chain and at the point of sale, providing near real-time visibility of the flow of goods and consumer demand and identifying bottlenecks, surges or lulls. These solutions function somewhat like Google Maps and Waze, which crowdsource data from phones to provide a real-time view of traffic conditions that drivers can rely on to gauge the best way to get to their destination. Indeed, this kind of visibility provides the data intelligence to build predictive models that can help companies both anticipate and preempt problems.

Item-level tracking has become possible thanks to tagging and labeling technologies such as QR codes, watermarked labels, and RFID and NFC tags linked with digital identities or digital twins in the cloud. These systems are able to gather tracking data from items, pallets or collections of items across their journey from factory to consumer. Individual products can be scanned in-line as they’re produced, move through warehouse and logistics hubs, and enter retail stores and distribution centers, as well as at the point of sale and by end customers themselves.

Puma, Ralph Lauren, Levi’s and Reckitt Benckiser are among the companies that have invested in strong digital infrastructure that gives them an advantage over competitors. Puma has used digitized products to engage with consumers both in-store and post-purchase, creating a path to e-commerce and reorder. Brands whose business is dominated by wholesale with both brick-and-mortar and e-commerce retail channels can use digitized products to gather data about what’s happening at the point of sale and to build a direct channel to consumers for reorders or additional purchases that they can guide to either their own e-commerce platform or to other retail partners, depending on inventory and fulfillment logistics.

All-Seeing, All-Knowing

The best-positioned retailers and brands are those that are able to aggregate and connect their own sales data with data from supply and shipping partners, giving them the end-to-end visibility that lets them anticipate, identify and quickly respond to challenges.

Resilience360, an intelligence platform developed by DHL, aggregates data from across the company’s shipping and transport network to provide customers with a risk-management tool. Other players in the logistics marketplace are developing similar tools to help customers avoid delays in shipping and plan their routing more effectively. The challenge, of course, is that each logistics provider’s view of the world is informed by what they know about their own network and, to a much lesser degree, other logistics networks.

The Chief Supply Chain Officer of a global agricultural products business I spoke with recently lamented the continued challenges posed by a fragmented view and the need to pull together data from multiple logistics and transportation providers in order to plan effectively in what remains a very disrupted global supply chain system. Being able to combine this kind of logistics intelligence with item-level sales data as well as capacity and sourcing data from suppliers, in near real time, will define who wins in 2021.

Volatility in the supply chain is not going to disappear after Christmas. The massive consumer shift to e-commerce and the attendant need to fulfill home deliveries are unlikely to roll back. An already stressed system is going to be under even greater pressure in the spring, when much of the world’s logistics capacity will be enlisted to support global vaccine rollouts. The bidding wars over shipping cargo capacity that we’ve seen throughout 2020 will only intensify. Retailers and brands that are able to keep their promises and deliver the goods to both consumers and shareholders will be the ones that figure out how to use data gathered from across their ecosystems to mitigate risks in the new year.

From Retail in Perfectirishgifts

[raisindeatre]

18, 26, 38, 39?

Thanks, Rachel! I know I can always count on you for asks

18. Talk about a moment which made you question an entire ship.

I… don’t think I ever really had one? I tend to be quite ride-or-die with my ships. Oh! I can’t think of any TV ships, but I definitely had this moment with the Grisha Trilogy books, where for like the last third of Siege and Storm Mal was super insecure and whiny about Alina’s magical powers and increasing badassery (as anyone would be, I guess, if your childhood love was suddenly elevated to the status of Rebel Queen and war general and born-again saint and just… had to put all romantic feelings aside for a bit. No time for dating! Gotta save the world! It’s understandable. But Mal my buddy my man. There were better ways to handle it.) 

All that said though, I would die on a hill for Mal/Alina now, so no harm no foul

26. Have you noticed a pattern in your shipping? Is there a romantic dynamic you’re more drawn to?

YOU KNOW, I REALLY DON’T! This is such an interesting question. I mean, I think people who know me for Zutara would assume I like the whole ‘enemies-to-lovers’ trope but they’re actually the only OTP I have who embodies that dynamic. (Don’t call out my Dramione-shipping ass please… that was 2010) My shipping tastes run the gamut, my friend! Cinnamon rolls of sunshine and flowers? Finn/Rey! Adrien/Marinette! Marius/Cosette! Cinnamon roll and grump? Luke/Lorelai! Levi/Cath! Matthias/Nina! People who hardly ever even interact with each other but who could potentially have very interesting dynamics? Enjolras/Eponine! 

But I think I probably gravitate most towards OTPs who are all snarky banter hiding the willing-and-ready-to-die-for-each-other hearts underneath: Jeff/Annie, Arthur/Merlin, Howl/Sophie, Sokka/Toph. Good stuff, this fictional love business. Good, good stuff.

38. Do you like and use ship names?

I like most ship names very much! I just don’t tend to use them because I like using ‘otp tags’ more - for example, my Zutara tag is ‘otp: you rise with the moon i rise with the sun’. I just think they’re prettier. I Must Keep Up My Blog Aesthetic. I Must. 

(But I do like ship names though. Ours would be ‘hydraisin’. Just putting that out there.)

39. Is there a fictional relationship you’d really want for yourself?

Oooh, I absolutely adore Alina/Nikolai. (yes, this is the same Alina from Mal/Alina above. Catch these multi-shipping hands!) Their dynamic is just so good. All of the snark! All of the power couple arc! Also I love that their relationship starts from a place of political alliance, and so there’s no real need for love (which they both know), and yet! Their genuine surprise at seeing that they did have actual chemistry, and watching their slow arc from practical detachment to respect to trust to genuine affection… I Live.

I think I just like the idea that you can choose to fall in love with someone, you know? A lot of the time there’s this idea that ‘The One’ is someone who knocks you off your feet, someone for whom your love is immutable. A lot of the time there’s the idea of, like, With you, I never had a choice. I was in the middle before I realized I had begun. It was always going to be you.

But I like thinking that someone can be ‘The One’ because you choose them to be. Because you want them to be. Because you look at them and think I choose you, and I will keep on choosing you. 

[jessicakehoe]

These Are the Innovators Who Are Redefining “Sustainability”

There’s a movement underway to fix the system. Here are some of the innovators who are changing the game.

Stacy Flynn

EVRNU

When Stacy Flynn flew to China in 2010, she intended to shake hands on a textile business deal but was alarmed by the haze of blue gas that hovered in the air as she hammered out details of the transaction. As a textile executive for roughly 25 years, Flynn realized she was partly to blame for the poor air quality and vowed to realign her business ethics so they meshed with her personal moral code.

Enter EVRNU, the radical sustainable start-up she founded in 2014 that uses proprietary technology to create new fibres out of recycled garment waste. Imagine a pile of old cotton T-shirts used to birth a brand-new pair of blue jeans. Considering brands like Burberry weathered boatloads of criticism earlier this year for incinerating $50 million of unsold clothing, Flynn’s solution reads like the magic bullet for solving the problem of surplus clothes. (Burberry announced in September that it has stopped burning.)

So far, Levi’s, Target and Stella McCartney have signed on, and EVRNU hopes that clothing made out of their fibres will be widely available by the end of 2019. “Expressing ourselves through our dress has always been culturally significant,” says Flynn. “Keeping our industry safe into the future is the primary objective.”

Read on to learn about 10 more people who are creating new ways to make living sustainably easier.

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Equipping the resistance with another pair of @adidasoriginals x @parley.tv 🎶made with @oceanplastic #fortheoceans

A post shared by Cyrill Gutsch (@cyrillgutsch) on May 23, 2018 at 3:53am PDT

Cyrill Gutsch

Parley

The “king of environmental collaborations,” Gutsch is the man behind the Adidas fishing-net shoe.

Muhannad Malas

Environmental Defence

Malas works to protect Canadians from overexposure to toxins in daily life, specifically in dry cleaning and personal-care products. He and his team encourage industry action to remove harmful ingredients from consumer products, government action to ban and restrict toxic chemicals through improved policy and work to equip consumers with the knowledge to choose safe options.

View this post on Instagram

Does anyone else see the ‘Red Wine’ label? Yes, can we get that in a mini skirt with a matching headband? 🙋‍♀️🍷 innovation in bio-fabrics and sustainable materials is gaining traction as the desire to eradicate oil based plastics heighten. Bio leather grown in a lab from kombucha, mushrooms and pineapple | Recycled polyester | closed loop & sustainably harvested TENCEL. We are excited to dive into this topic at WEAR 2018 Featuring @canopyplanet, Global Change Award winner @circularsystems, Award Winning @repreve + an emerging bio leather company. For details on the conference and to register, check link in bio. 📸 Mayan Pesach #bioplastics #WEAR2018 #bioleather #biodegradable #sustainable #innovation #technology #recycledpolyester #kombuchaleather #tencel #conference #toronto

A post shared by Fashion Takes Action (@fashiontakesaction) on Aug 13, 2018 at 4:35am PDT

Kelly Drennan

Fashion Takes Action

She’s the founder of Canada’s only apparel NGO, changing the way we create and consume fashion by advancing sustainability through educational programs like My Clothes My World and events like Design Forward and the World Ethical Apparel Roundtable.

Anne Rochon Ford

The Nail Salon Workers Project

Rochon Ford is working to protect nail salon workers in the greater Toronto area from the hazards of chemical overexposure, empowering technicians with appropriate tools and an awareness about the related health risks, ranging from skin and respiratory damage to recurrent miscarriages and cancer. Rochon Ford reminds us that not unlike a $5 T-shirt made in Bangladesh, a $25 mani/pedi has a true cost as well.

View this post on Instagram

My store, @packagefreeshop, is 1.5 years old. I never would have thought that saying no to trash would not just change my waste, but the course of my entire life. I am grateful to wake up every single day and say that the work I do both aligns my values with my actions and empowers businesses and people to have a more positive impact. To date our customer’s purchases and the actions of our vendors have helped prevent tens of millions of pieces of waste from ending up in landfill. It’s only up from here!!! @packagefreeshop as captured by @annagregan.

A post shared by Trash Is For Tossers (@trashisfortossers) on Oct 25, 2018 at 5:52am PDT

Lauren Singer

Trash Is for Tossers

Singer is founder of the Package Free Shop and The Simply Co. She’s a zero-waste lifestyle pioneer. (All her waste from the past six years fits in a Mason jar.)

Manu Kabahizi

Ulula

This brand was founded in the wake of the Rana Plaza disaster, where communication with garment workers could have saved lives. Ulula’s technologies allow for dialogue, assess employee safety and provide anonymous reporting systems for workers.

  View this post on Instagram

Here’s a preview of the first ever Renewal Workshop Shop in Shop. If you’re in Seattle, come by REI flagship tomorrow for our Grand Opening. While you’re there, enjoy the most awesome Garage Sale ever. #rei #seattle #reigaragesale #grandopening #shopinshop #renewed #sustainable #sustainablefashion #zerowaste #zerowasteapparel #renewedinamerica

A post shared by The Renewal Workshop (@renewalworkshop) on Mar 16, 2018 at 5:38pm PDT

Jeff Denby

The Renewal Workshop

Denby is saving clothes from incineration by collaborating with brands to re-stream, repair and reuse deadstock and damaged goods.

PJ Smith

Senior manager of fashion policy at the Humane Society of the United States

Smith is the man behind many brands (including Gucci) deciding to go fur-free. He has reformed the supply chains of Michael Kors, VF Corporation, Inditex (Zara), YOOX Net-A-Porter Group, Hugo Boss and Giorgio Armani.

View this post on Instagram

The 125 global fashion and apparel brands part of CanopyStyle, and representing 134 billion USD in annual revenue, are committed to ending sourcing from the world's ancient and endangered forests. #CanopyStyle Counts.

A post shared by Canopyplanet (@canopyplanet) on Mar 16, 2018 at 6:11am PDT

Nicole Rycroft

Canopy

In the quest to eliminate petroleum-based polyesters, trees are being used to create fabrics. Rycroft collaborates with the best brands in the biz—like a real-life Lorax speaking for the trees.

Livia Firth

Eco Age and The Lawyers Circle

Firth is working to establish a global living wage for garment workers in partnership with The Lawyers Circle. She was also executive producer for The True Cost, the ultimate fashion revolution documentary.

The post These Are the Innovators Who Are Redefining “Sustainability” appeared first on FASHION Magazine.

These Are the Innovators Who Are Redefining “Sustainability” published first on https://borboletabags.tumblr.com/

[levi-supreme]

PSA: Exam break

Hi all!!

I have my exams today (18/11) and 25/11, so I won't be posting much here.

But, I have a few posts in lieu of my event on queue, so do check them out if you haven't already!!

With love,

Rei 💚

[outfittrends]

18 Best Winter Jeans Outfits for Men to Stay Cool and Chic Outfit Trends - Ideas How to Wear

New Post has been published on http://www.outfittrends.com/winter-jeans-outfits-for-men/

18 Best Winter Jeans Outfits for Men to Stay Cool and Chic

Men’s jeans outfit ideas for winters. Jeans are never out of fashion, so you guessed right, they will still be worn these winters. No matter how easy it is to style jeans we can still make fashion blunders when putting an outfit together. This is why we have compiled 18 different outfit ideas for you to take inspiration from along with a few tips on how to look your best in something as simple and mainstream as jeans.

Since 1873, when Levis Strauss and Jacob Davis invented jeans a lot has changed. From blue to every color, from straight cut to numerous designs, from plain jeans to distressed jeans, simple pants to jackets and even accessories made of denim we have so many options. You just need to be creative when styling your look.

How to Wear Jeans this Winter

  Tips to Wear Denim in Winter to Stay Cool and Chic

Since denim is cotton, if it is too cold you might need to wear a pair of tights or leg warmers under your jeans to fight the cold.

Do not wear huge belts with dangling chains, statement buckles and over the top studs on them. The more decent, the better

Shiny pants are also a ’60s trend we are not bringing back any time soon

Dry clean your jeans so that the color does not fade.

Wearing pants with flashing patterns and huge flames is definitely not an option. You are a human being, not a ’60s hippie or his car.

Simple is better. You do not need to be covered in lame-o designs and go over the top to impress (trust me, it’s counterproductive)

While we are on the topic of simplicity let me just say: avoid wearing neon colored jeans. You are not a signpost.

Jeans should not be too tight that they almost feel like they are not there. Plus, this way they lose their function of being comfortable.

Jeans cannot be worn to extremely formal occasions like wedding receptions, funerals, business meetings etc.

This one is not a tip but a request with both my hands clapped together: Do not wear your jeans too low that the whole city can see your underpants. This is not 2012 and this definitely does not help to impress the ladies. So, please do us a favor and cover that underwear.

↓ 18 – Classic Blue Jeans

The original color of jeans is still as fashionable as it was when it first started flooding the stores’ shelves. It is just as easy to pull off as it is comfortable to wear. Today we have many new designs, colors, patterns, and trends of jeans in the market, but nothing beats the good old blue denim with a basic colored tee. It is simple to put together and appropriate for almost any casual occasion, whether it’s indoors or outdoors, hot or cold, party or brunch it works. You can just throw on your grey shirt and blue jeans, run your fingers through your hair and spray on your favorite cologne and be prepared to look stunning. Try not to overdo it with a lot of accessories like chains or bands. Here are 27 Ways to Style Guys Blue Jeans.

Via

↓ 17 – Jeans with Sweatshirts

Sweatshirts are our favorite things about winters along with Christmas and hot drinks. They are super comfy and can be pulled off easily. There is no such thing as an ugly sweatshirt. They look good in muted tones as well as flashy neon colors. The best ones are the hooded ones that keep your ears warm in the chilly weather and keeps your hair concealed on bad hair days, all while making you look cute.

Via

↓ 16 – Ripped Jeans

Ripped jeans are a signature look for millennials. Because it fulfills the criteria of being a subject of hate for the Generation X, even if it does not personally harm them (God, just give them an excuse). They can be worn with t-shirts as well as buttoned ones. Try not to get too overboard with the rips because everything looks good in a limit. Revealing too much of your legs might make other millennials judge you, too. We do not want to be divided amongst ourselves.

Via

↓ 15 – White Jeans

Wear them with bright colored sweatshirts like red or navy blue. You can also pair them with a white shirt and go for an all-white angelic look. But, be careful, a little stain and the outfit won’t be as charming. White jeans go really well with black belts, as they stand out on light backgrounds. Here’s an amazing collection of White Jean Outfits for Men.

Via

↓ 14 – Denim Jacket

Denim jackets are a statement piece themselves. They have their own vibe and are the coolest thing you can make out of denim (in my opinion). The best way to wear them is with a simple neutral colored shirt (like black, white or grey) and a pair of jeans (can be blue or any basic color i-e black or white). Denim jackets usually have something written on the backs, too. Choose one whose statement matches your personal style.

Via

↓ 13 – Shoes with Jeans

Jeans look good with sneakers and tennis shoes. Keep your Oxfords for suits and flip-flops for shorts (and obviously, who wants to freeze their toes wearing flip-flops when the temperatures are low). Nike, Adidas, Yeezy (if you want to spend a lot on shoes),  Converse, and Vans are a few recognized brands of shoes and worn by almost everyone.

Via

↓ 12 – Belts with Jeans

Belts are useful as well as a fashionable accessory to wear with your jeans. A plain leather belt will go with almost all your outfit options. Brown belts look decent, too. But the ones with bedazzlement and lots of sparkly additions like a huge silver beaded dollar sign for a buckle are just worn by those who have a lot of money but do not know how to spend it. If you are trying to show off your money to impress, then honey it is not working. The simple the better.

Via

↓ 11 – Accessories with Jeans

Other than belts there are many other ways you can accessorize. For example, you can have a chain dangling from the hooks of your jeans if you are down for that thug or gangsta look, like a rapper who talks about money and girls. You can also carry a bag or backpack which serves multi purposes. They are an accessory that can carry your stuff and things you need to take with you (like chargers, deodorant, water bottle etc.) A good wristwatch can also elevate your look. Invest in a metal watch, but nothing too fancy and it does not have to be too expensive there are many reasonable priced watches available.

Via

↓ 10 – Leather Jacket and Jeans

There is something about leather jackets that is like a magnet for the girls. The bad boy rebellious look is the kind of danger singers like Halsey and Lana Del Rey are inspired from. And even if it is not for the chicks, black leather jackets with black jeans is a really handsome view and a cool look. Here are 18 Ways to Wear Leather Jackets.

Via

↓ 9 – Black from Head to Toe

An all-black look is perfect for winters as dark colors absorb heat more. All black outfit is for some reason pleasing to the eye, too. Giving a youthful, rebellious look. You can never go with black. Black pants, black shirt, black sweater, black jacket. For a fun little addition change the color of your shoes so they pop from a distance making them the center of attention. Black jeans are easily available in almost every clothing brand, choose a good stretchy pair.

Via

↓ 8 – Jeans on Formal Occasions

When paired with the right clothes, jeans can be worn to semi-formal occasions or places. A crisp white button down shirt with blue jeans makes a handsome outfit. You can also wear black jeans or khaki colored jeans with a well-fitted blazer for a formal look. Just be careful not to try this on events with a strict dress code or black tie and white tie occasions. But they might do just fine on a first date or visiting your boss’ house or even on a regular day when you feel like dressing up a bit. This is also a great attire to wear to college presentations or speaking sessions, plus if worn right she might notice you, too. (So I do not see any harm in trying it).

Via

↓ 7 – Baggy Jeans 

Baggy jeans are the mother of comfortable jeans. They can be worn with baggy shirts and layers of sweaters. Baggy jeans though can give a careless, boyish look. So keep them for days when you actually feel like not giving two shits about how you look. Otherwise, stick to your normal pair of jeans. Also, keep in mind baggy jeans does not mean they have to hang low showing your rear end.

Via

↓ 6 – Cowboy Cut Jeans

Cowboy Cut is a style of jean made only by the American brand Wrangler (manufacturer of jeans and other clothing items, particularly workwear).  Cowboy Cut is available in original, slim, classic and relaxed cuts for men. Each style is cut to fit over boots. This fit is not too relaxed and never too tight through the seat, thigh, and knee. With its West American inspiration, these jeans are best worn with boots. They are perfect to get your guitar and channel your inner rodeo star (we all have a little country in us).

Via

↓ 5 – All Denim

Covered in jeans from head to toe? I say, why not? Now that we have denim in so many shades of blue we can match to get many outfit options. You can pair a blue denim/cotton buttoned shirt with a pair of jeans during the day and add a layer of denim jacket when it gets colder at night. Jean’s blue color matches with dust brown like Blake Lively with Ryan Reynolds – perfect with each other. This is why big brown shoes with an all denim look are a perfect, fashionable choice. Check out these Top 20 Weekend Outfits For Men Trending In 2018.

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↓ 4 – Black Jeans

Black jeans are a must-have. You should have at least two pairs of black jeans because of house versatile they are. They will be with you in summers as well as winters, to formal as well as casual occasions and especially on days when you do not feel like other with putting together an outfit. Black jeans also give a nice shape to your legs. They can be worn with shirts of any color, dark or light, any design, dress shirt or sweatshirt and any upper layer- jacket or sweater.

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↓ 3 – Dress Shirt and Jeans 

Dress shirts are not only meant to be worn under huge coats and perfectly creased pants. They look just as smart with something as casual as jeans. Printed dress shirts in shades of light pink or sand colored blend really well with a popping denim blue. They can be tucked in all the way (though that will make you look older than you are), or not tucked at all. If you want to go with a bolder and dangerous vibe then tuck half of it in your jeans and leave the rest hanging carelessly. Plaid shirts look good with jeans, too. In fact, they are best suited with jeans as they look a little too casual to be worn with a formal suit and tie.

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↓ 2 – Colored Denim Pants

If you want to wear colored jeans stick with dull colors. You do not want to go out like a flamingo in a neon pink pant. Colored pants look really good with a printed button-up shirt. Depending on the color of your pants, of course, your type and color of the shirt are determined so we can not generalize it too much. Just follow your fashion sense here.

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↓ 1 – Skinny Jeans

Skinny jeans could be a good option as long as you can balance between not too tight or loose. You must steer clear of pants that are so skinny that it looks like you are wearing your pants from your childhood. If you can hardly walk in them or sit comfortably then they are obviously too tight. They should not be too loose either, because that gives a bad shape.

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[todokori-kun]

:)

HEEEEYYYY I FINISHED FMA YESTERDAY

I’M NOT QUITE OVER GREED AND I DOUBT I EVER WILL BE

BUT EVERYBODY’S HAPPY

I’M SO GLAD

(and tiny Pride. It’s fun how he was like, almost the least sympathetic homunculus (I mean, most people can relate to just wanting to go back to sleep ok dad/mom, so even Sloth…lol), and yet he’s the only one who finds a ‘new life’.)

(only HOHENHEIM’S DEAD, my FMA twin is gone ;-; at least that moment with Trisha was beautiful)

I thought I’d cry with FMA’s ending because I did almost cry during the Ishvalan Civil War flashbacks, but…once again, my eyes were dry XD maybe because TG and AoT made me appreciate FMA’s happy ending more?

TYSM for recommending such a great series, Queen Luna <33333 I’m getting kinda emotional XD

UGH. Idek what book that is but I already hate it because of that line.

Hisoka, Hisoka. He’s like the unholy offspring of Furuta and Sebastian. I love it.

(nah, it’s fine,I don’t mind cursing ^^ thanks for asking though, that was sweet)

Yeah, Junior High is pretty cute :) well, it hasn’t been that long since she started learning cello so she’s still playing simple songs like 'mary had a little lamb’ ^^ she really wants to play more complex songs, though.

GAH SORRY I still haven’t started playing OTL I’ve just been a bit busy and had a lot to think about (because COLLEGE) so I kept forgetting…I’ll let you know when I finally start, sorry ;-;

If Urie/Saiko doesn’t become canon…ok, ok, I can deal with Touken, I can deal with that. HOWEVER. If Urie/Saiko doesn’t become canon and Urie/Mutsuki does, I don’t even know what I’ll do. ESPECIALLY IF ISHIDA MAKES URIE ABANDON SAIKO TO 'SAVE’ MUTSUKI OR SOMETHING OMG

I would never! I’m a nice, sweet cinnamon roll who doesn’t know the meaning of the word 'savage’!

If Kimblee actually took a liking to me I’d try to get him to stop blowing things up. Maybe find him a different hobby. But the sad truth is that there’s probably nothing and no one he likes enough to give up his explosions for XD

But you know how I have a cinnamon roll side and then a troll side? Troll!Evans and Kimblee might actually get along really well. Imagine the suffering…

0//////0 Queen Luna is also an amazing friend! Tysm for everything <333 (I say 'tysm’ a lot but then again, there’s no such thing as too many 'thank you’s? lol. Also, I love how 'Queen Luna’ was just a joke at first but now it’s like an actual nickname I use for you. I hardly ever call you just 'Luna’ anymore XD if we ever met irl I’d probably have a hard time calling you anything other than 'queen’)

Oh wow. Sebastian will fight you for the honor of his kitties

X-men is a seperate universe from MCU, though. (I don’t watch X-men so I’m not sure but I think they and MCU agreed to share the Pietro/Wanda twins?) X-men Pietro is a different character from MCU Pietro so our Pietro is still dead ;-;

Moblit and Evans would go on friendly coffee dates and rant about their crazy queens.

Luna/Armin would be so cute, seriously why do I ship you with so many characters…and idk what puberty will do to Armin(will he even survive to go through all of it? sorry) but the fanart of adult!Armin does look good :)

And wait, 15 cm taller than Levi? I’m maybe 3~5 cm taller than him (and I’m only 13 omg) so that makes you at least 10cm taller than me.

It’s really messed up, which means I’ve gotta draw it now XD

Congratulations with Kimblee might go something like this (warning: this is crack and I’m sorta abusing Kimblee's canon abilities, realistically it probably couldn’t go like this):

Shuu: “Mr. Kimblee?!”

Kimblee: “Tsukiyama…

Congratulations.”

*blows up the clock on Shuu’s desk*

“You have invented a new kind of stupid-”

*blows up a framed picture of Shuu and Naomi*

“A 'Damage You Can Never Undo’ kind of stupid-”

*sets fire to the carpet*

“An 'Open All the Cages in the Zoo’ kind of stupid-”

*destroys the entire hecking desk*

“A 'Clearly, You Didn’t Think This Through’ kind of stupid.”

*breaks the window nearest to Shuu*

And then, at the end-

Kimblee: “Every sacrifice you make is for my sister, give her the best life-

Congratulations. :)”

*entire house collapses around them*

So you’d contract Sebastian for chocolate?

(tbh I have a sweet tooth too. I’m sorta sensitive to taste so too many sweets at once makes me get sick of them quickly, but I really like them a little at a time (and I still almost never get sick of chocolate))

ty again for the beautiful edit <3

*hugs* thank you, that really means a lot to me.

But did you see the small Kaneki painting I sent you along with the other pics? Because I actually made that as a way to vent..splattering red blood paint all over the paper did help XD (drawing doesn’t always help, though. When I’m really angry I get the urge to raise my voice and say exactly what I’m thinking, only that’d be horrible so I try to keep it down..but that just makes me angrier LOL)

the left side feels more Kanae and the right side feels more Shuu, but either way, it looks really beautiful :D <3 (also that 'I miss you’ omg I’m getting Shuu/Kaneki feels NO)

(Also I hope the Uta edit I sent you was ok? It was like almost the first aesthetic thing I’ve ever done lol

About it, though: I don’t have a pinterest so I searched stuff like 'black and white aesthetic tumblr’ on google and used the pics that popped up…is that ok? Since I’m just downloading pictures I like and playing around with them on PhotoScape with no intention to post it on the internet or show it to anyone other than you? Idek how this works, I’m way too ignorant about the internet ;-;)

Oh, that sounds cool! I don’t listen to much Ed Sheeran but liked his song for the Hobbit ('I see Fire’? I think that’s what it’s called?) and because Shape of You just keeps playing in the manhwa cafe I go to to read manga, that song kinda got stuck in my head and I can’t stop listening to it XD I don’t listen to remixes a lot for no particular reason but some of them are really cool :)

I’m currently obsessed with Hurricane, Castle, Ghost and 100 Letters by Halsey, along with a bunch of Lana Del Rey songs (going to listen to her new album as soon as I can!), Melodrama (Lorde’s new album), and Young and Menace and Champions by Fall Out Boy…also songs from Steven Universe and Adventure Time, like Love Like You and Everything Stays. And all of FMA’s openings because WOW.

(And yeah, movie/anime soundtracks are always so cool <3)

Is... Is your heart okay? I know it’s a big emotional thing!  Yeee, Greed’s death was a huge shock for me as well T^T WhY Did yOu HaVE tO saY GOodByE

The only thing that really shocked me was Ed giving up his alchemy. It honestly made for a bit of an unsatisfying end, like it’s trying to make way for a sequel (that never came)

Yep, I was expecting you to be not so happy with Hoenheim... Well, at least it’s a happy death? Not in battle, but with his beloved?

TG and AoT scar people for life. Kill of their emotions, so they’re unable to cry at sad things, bc nothing is sad in comparison to those two.  Except for a few rare exceptions. Oh, did I ever tell you that I always, without a fail, cry when watching a specific Love Live episode? It’s about a character that I relate to a bit too much, and since it’s a sorta bittersweet character arc, I always end up crying. The music also gets to me. I could write in detail exactly what and why XD

No problem! If you ever want more recommendations, just say so! Even though I’ll probably recommend series without you asking :P

It’s called ‘Court of Thorns and Roses’. I mean, the writing style is more or less ok, and the premise is interesting at first glance, but then everything gets ruined by the author for not being able to create a flawed MC, cause they have to be perfect!  I’ve read another one of the author’s books before, but dropped it halfway, again because on an annoying MC. The only reason why I finished this one is bc it was the only reading material available XD It’s also supposed to be a spin on Beauty and the Beast, but with fairies, but it was so badly done that I genuinely didn’t realize that until I read it somewhere on the internet. It’s also one of the rare series where I intentionally don’t read the sequels. The original book was that bad I’m getting way too emotional over the book XD

Hisoka is breaking my trash-o meter! It’s over 9000!

Ah, that’s a relief... I’ve definitely started cussing a lot lately, and I know it makes some people uncomfortable, so I wanted to ask ^^

Aw, that’s actually adorable! I hope she gets better at it soon ^^ I’ve always loved listening to string instruments...

Naaah, no worries! Take your time with it! It’s no rush, honestly! Do it at a time that’s convenient to you ^^ Seriously, please don’t feel pressured to play it >_<

Let’s be honest. The possibility of Urie sacrificing himself for Mutsuki is way bigger than Urie/Saiko becoming canon. I cry when I think about it, because we all know Urie would be so much happier with Saiko (*`д´*) Ishida, whyyyyy

Right, I totally believe that. Evans, a sweet, innocent cinnamon roll who doesn't get savage at moments. Sure. Because you totally didn’t set the Flame Alchemist on fire with a burn.

I’m afraid explosions are his one true love. Maybe you could get him to paint explosions instead of making them, though. Like, ‘Ok, Kimblee, here’s paper, some paint, go wild. Just don’t set the room on fire, please.’ He’d show his soft side around you only. If there was anyone else in the room, he’d be his usual self, but with you, in private, he’d probably be a tiny bit sweet. Sometimes.  Troll!Evans and Kimblee would be the actual definition of ‘Prepare for trouble, make it double’. I’d probably run away screaming when you’d announce your relationship XD I’d congratulate you later, but still a bit weary when the two of you are together.

Fun fact: I almost blush every time I read the word Queen XD If I was someone who blushed easily, I’d be an actual tomato while reading your messages ^\\\^ I’d probably actually blush if we were walking around and you called me queen... And then bury myself into a hole forever XD

I’d be the person who’d just shrug her shoulders and be like ‘we all have our opinions’. Now that I think about it, I’d probably get on just fine with Ciel XD

Ah, I see. I just remember that there was a quicksilver in one of those movies, but I didn’t remember the details. 

Hanji and I would simultaneously have the glimmering glasses moment XD  The parallels between the duos are really similar :P

He! Will! Survive! He has too... We already had an almost death for him, and I don’t want an actual death to happen. The cinnamon roll doesn’t deserve it. The first time I saw the fan art, my reaction was. *stares at the screen* ‘well then’ I’d liked Armin from the beginning but this was the moment in which he was cemented as favorite character XD

Aw, Evans is smol for now! When I was 13, I was shortest in class, but now I’m among the tallest. Everyone is taller than Levi... That’s just sad XD But, hey, everyone in Cinderella Phenomenon (I will not shut up) is taller than you! In fact, you’re approx. the height of the MC! Cuuute

Well, my stomach totally doesn’t hurt from laughing too much XD That’s a very destructive version of Congratulations, that would probably end up with someone getting sued XD Shuu for emotional damage, Kimblee for blowing up a fucking house.

Unfortunately, not even chocolate can make me sign a contract with that trash can. Sorry Bassy, but you’re not getting my soul.

Aw, that’s a shame... There’s never enough sweets! 

I’m glad you like it ^^

You could always yell into a pillow? Or punch the pillow if you’re feeling especially angry... 

So, basically, I unintentionally made a Shuu/Kanae edit. I’m not even mad XD 

Yeah, it was pretty good! If you want, I can pass you some advices my friend gave to me when I stared making the edits?  The quote is very Uta, tho. I mean, he does revel in other’s tragedy... 

Yes, of course it is! Find pics any way you want! I’m just using pinterest because it’s easier ^^;; A lot of really artsy pics are posted there, so I quickly find what I’m looking for ^^

Yep, I think it’s called that... Most of his songs on my playlist are from his new album, but some are older as well ^^ There’s this remix of Shape Of You. I listen to it waaay too much XD I found it in an AMV and was immediately like ‘I want this song’, so I downloaded it :P

FMA has some of the best openings and closings I’ve ever heard. My favorite is probably the first one, because it’s just so so amazing *^*

I live for the fantasy fight soundtracks.  A few examples are from the anime Fate/Zero or Fate/Unlimited Blade Works, like This Day and Never Again, Unlimited Blade Works and You Are My King. Those would make a snail race look epic.

AAAALSO THE RAGNAROK TRAILER IS OOUT!  I adored Loki’s moment XD ‘Surprise~ This is going to be so much fun’