[ if elliot wants to get a look at it himself, eren will place it in his hands as he pinches the rope, lets it down gently. it’s nothing fancy, nothing out of the ordinary, if not just really old as noticed. it might be a little harder for him to shake these thoughts off now in a blink, a little quieter than he had been. the bigger picture in what retrospec wanted to do . . .
a past life was in the past, but there was still curiosity to learn more, and perhaps a little worry behind doing so. elliot may not have voiced his thoughts, but it was highly probabl that eren was thinking the same. ]
Yeah. It’s just a key, though.
[ as far as he knew— believe him, he tried to do the cirque du soleil with it to no avail. but if there was one thing, it was an inner feeling of it being very important. ]
. . . I feel like I need it. You have that too, right?
[ having the feeling that something belonged to you and needing something were two different things, though. ]
[Once it's in his hands, he'll take a closer look at it, as if trying to figure out if there's something magical about it...but there's nothing as far as he can tell. He even taps it on the table a couple times. Yep, regular key sound]
Need it? I...guess? I mean, my stuff feels like it belongs to me, and I'll need them if something happens...
[He thinks over the key for a moment]
Have you taken it to a locksmith? They might be able to tell you something....at least what it's for.
[ it’s not like he’ll need a key if anything happens, unless keys are the rad new melee weapon, so to that, eren gives a slight shrug, dipping his head sideways as if to say it wasn’t exactly the same . . . feeling. there was that sense of belonging, but . . . he needed it. he had to hold onto it. so much that he’s traded his dog tags for it to hang around his neck instead of something so previously prized and prided from the air force.
weird. ]
You think they can tell the difference? From everything I remember— it’s pretty damn old.
[ hmrm. he won’t object to people doing their jobs, and doing them well— he knows that he tries, an expecting the rest to do the same was pretty easy. agreeing, he’ll take the key back, giving it one more look to see if anything returned to him— before he’s pretty fruitless this time, putting it over his head and back under his shirt. ]
Uh— I got something else, too. [ his fingers drop to the edges of the fabric of his shirt. that doesn’t mean anything, but he’s waiting on elliot to go ahead. ] Don’t freak out, alright? I feel fine.
[ because even tifa wondered if it hurt or something . . . ]
Okay trying not to look concerned when he says "don't freak out", but not doing too great. But you know, when someone says "don't freak out", it's usually a good for concern]
[ remember when steve rogers turned into captain america? this is sort of how eren feels, except he was fairly toned and well built to start. he had a heavy diet and the daily exercise of a soldier, so his build was somewhat expected.
he choked on his toothpaste when he saw himself in the mirror in the morning. it was probably freaky, as small as it was. so, pulling his shirt half off, the reveal is obvious: he’s completely ripped. his calves and thighs were bulkier, more resistant as well, but he’sssss not about to show that. this was more than enough to prove a point. eight packs, rock hard and probably not a decimal of body fat on him. it’s pure physical conditioning.
his back is the same when he hunches over and turns a little. there’s so much more extra muscle toning everywhere he didn’t have that would’ve taken years to achieve naturally. ]
It’s almost ugly.
[ you know, almost like those gym obsessed whey drinkers ]
[Even if Eren had his hand on his shirt, Elliot hadn't expected him to pull up his shirt like that. But when he does? Elliot notices the difference instantly- he had just saw Eren without his shirt on earlier this week, so it was hard not to notice. Eren had been fit before, but this? ]
H-Holy...
[This was on a whole other level. Eren looked more like he'd been fighting and working out every day of his life constantly. Only his relatives with the toughest of regiments had anything close to this.
Elliot can't help but stare, stare for a long time.]
I w-wouldn't say it's ugly...! [If anything? It's really impressive. Sure, a little creepy to think they changed his body like this- but still impressive.] Did Retrospec really...?
[.....
Out of curiosity when he's done staring at Eren, he looks down at himself and lifts his own shirt to check. Noooope. Still the scrawny ab-less wonder. ]
[ after it feels like enough, eren will lower his shirt right back down and shake it back into a natural, comfy fall of fabric. he’ll turn around, already contemplating and cocking his head sideways as words form— ]
It’s not the first time they change people’s bodies . . . [ And then he catches that hummed disappointment, with elliot looking under his own shirt. as serious as his expression had been about it, straight and thinking to the point, he finds himself . . . feeding this smile.
(it was almost cute) ] You wanna work out?
[ —even if a buff and ripped elliot didn’t seem all that. uh. ]
Eheh...I was just checking. [He gives a wistful sigh] A-And I do work out! I'm almost up to ten push-ups!
[....Yeah don't worry, buff and ripped Elliot is never gonna happen.
But right, focusing back on Eren now.]
Y-Yeah, I've heard of the body changes. But I thought it was more like hair color or cat ears... [Not abs] You were already really fit, so I wonder why...?
[ ten push ups. he seems rather fond of this information, trying not to deviate as he opens and closes his mouth with a smile. stick to the topic, eren. curiosity comes after. ]
Guess they had a harsher training regime back then [ eren keeps his smile in place to avoid a dip in mood (then again, it’s hard with the image of elliot working out, he still wants to see it).
he doesn’t have complete proof that his past self was tied to military as of yet, but nothing really shook the idea off him anymore. annie looked . . . so young though, and he sounded the same way. really young, younger than he was now. after a short pause, eren shakes his head. ]
I feel— great, actually. [ he weaves his arms inside and out briefly; he felt agile, he felt prepped. he even felt a little explosive. ] Like I can do triple of what I used to. [ these can’t just be for show, either. ] Training this morning was a breeze . . .
[A harsher training regime...? Well he supposes that makes sense. Eren said his memories felt like they were way in the past- so they'd be without modern warfare tech right? Of course the soldiers would have to work harder...]
Haha, really? Triple? Then you must be really strong now!
[He sounds a bit in awe. Eren's just so cool to him okay]
[ man elliot, he can practically . . . feel you beaming from over here. at least focus has shifted, with eren still smiling with near sheepishness (but feeling good about it), as he turns back to the counter to get the fruit ready— frozen fruit! from peaches, to wild berries, and everything else that had that delicious tangy taste. time to prepare it to simmer, and while it's boiling, well!
there was a side of him that wanted to impress— he loved seeing elliot that way. ]
[Heck yes to the frozen fruit. Elliot's still not sure what he's making, but let's face it he'll eat it and love it no matter what as long as Eren doesn't poison him. He's an easy guy to please]
[ how does he. time to actually think on it for like, five seconds. because let us face the truth, eren doesn’t think too much on things before actually doing them (not counting the whole relationship deal, okay, that didn’t count). ]
I didn’t say you were. [ —not that he’s calling you heavy, either. rubbing his hands together, he slips his light jacket off and gets to it: the push up position. arms stretched out in front of him, holding his body up, legs together. ] I bet I can do it.
[ you’re always full of the good ideas, elliot. bringing his legs back to kneel, eren pulls his shirt right off over his head and hangs it with his jacket. at least he won’t sweat on it like this, either. a tad oblivious (but absolutely ready to take the challenge), he takes position and waits. ]
[O-Oh my god he actually did it. And with the entire shirt off, it's very obvious how buff he was now. Elliot's so glad Eren's not seeing him, because his face is redder than his hair.
But there's no backing down, so after internally screaming some, he'll very carefully move to sit on Eren's back, pulling up his legs so he's cross legged. His hands are covering his face, he is too gay to function right now]
[ eren doesn’t see much of the steaming, even when he gives a fairly brief look over his shoulder to make sure he’s . . . okay. with all that stuttering. giving the smallest shifts under him to get planted firmly with the extra weight. his key hangs from his neck, dangles to the ground and serving as a perfect limit reminder. always go for the perfect push up.
and— away they go. eren bends his arms and descends in perfect form, sharp breath in, then lifts himself up all the way, sharp breath out and putting that muscle to use. it’s extra weight he can handle, and even as a workout on its own, he seems to be taking it well! one, two, three, four . . . and only climbing with impressive rhythm.
Yusuke enters the room without really paying much attention to his surroundings, only to come to a surprised and sudden stop when he sees what's going on. Because, firstly, that is adorable. And secondly, that is a lot of muscle in motion there and it only takes him a moment to make the decision to turn on his heel and exit the room again--
-- not to give them peace and quiet. Oh no He's going to get his sketchbook and pencils, and then will be right back to settle down and sketch this. Keeping doing the push ups Eren, this is a perfect chance to capture the motion of muscles beneath skin, in a display of power and strength.
And, uh... Elliot? You just. Keep blushing and being adorable. It adds a softness and sweetness to the piece.]
[The first time Yusuke comes into the room, Elliot doesn't notice. He's too busy with his face covered and feeling like his heart is going to give out at any moment. Eren is really strong, and sitting on him just makes it very obvious just how many muscles he's working right now. Sweet jesus, he's not sure his gay heart can take this.
The second time Yusuke comes in, it takes a few minutes to notice. When his heart starts slowing down enough to not be constantly pumping in his ears, he picks up the faint sound of a...pencil against paper? He pulls his face out of his hands and looks up to see his roommate]
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a past life was in the past, but there was still curiosity to learn more, and perhaps a little worry behind doing so. elliot may not have voiced his thoughts, but it was highly probabl that eren was thinking the same. ]
Yeah. It’s just a key, though.
[ as far as he knew— believe him, he tried to do the cirque du soleil with it to no avail. but if there was one thing, it was an inner feeling of it being very important. ]
. . . I feel like I need it. You have that too, right?
[ having the feeling that something belonged to you and needing something were two different things, though. ]
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Need it? I...guess? I mean, my stuff feels like it belongs to me, and I'll need them if something happens...
[He thinks over the key for a moment]
Have you taken it to a locksmith? They might be able to tell you something....at least what it's for.
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weird. ]
You think they can tell the difference? From everything I remember— it’s pretty damn old.
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Better than we can. Knowing about keys is their job.
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Uh— I got something else, too. [ his fingers drop to the edges of the fabric of his shirt. that doesn’t mean anything, but he’s waiting on elliot to go ahead. ] Don’t freak out, alright? I feel fine.
[ because even tifa wondered if it hurt or something . . . ]
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Okay trying not to look concerned when he says "don't freak out", but not doing too great. But you know, when someone says "don't freak out", it's usually a good for concern]
H-Huh? What is it?
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he choked on his toothpaste when he saw himself in the mirror in the morning. it was probably freaky, as small as it was. so, pulling his shirt half off, the reveal is obvious: he’s completely ripped. his calves and thighs were bulkier, more resistant as well, but he’sssss not about to show that. this was more than enough to prove a point. eight packs, rock hard and probably not a decimal of body fat on him. it’s pure physical conditioning.
his back is the same when he hunches over and turns a little. there’s so much more extra muscle toning everywhere he didn’t have that would’ve taken years to achieve naturally. ]
It’s almost ugly.
[ you know, almost like those gym obsessed whey drinkers ]
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H-Holy...
[This was on a whole other level. Eren looked more like he'd been fighting and working out every day of his life constantly. Only his relatives with the toughest of regiments had anything close to this.
Elliot can't help but stare, stare for a long time.]
I w-wouldn't say it's ugly...! [If anything? It's really impressive. Sure, a little creepy to think they changed his body like this- but still impressive.] Did Retrospec really...?
[.....
Out of curiosity when he's done staring at Eren, he looks down at himself and lifts his own shirt to check. Noooope. Still the scrawny ab-less wonder. ]
Aw.
[He looks disappointed and drops his shirt]
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It’s not the first time they change people’s bodies . . . [ And then he catches that hummed disappointment, with elliot looking under his own shirt. as serious as his expression had been about it, straight and thinking to the point, he finds himself . . . feeding this smile.
(it was almost cute) ] You wanna work out?
[ —even if a buff and ripped elliot didn’t seem all that. uh. ]
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[....Yeah don't worry, buff and ripped Elliot is never gonna happen.
But right, focusing back on Eren now.]
Y-Yeah, I've heard of the body changes. But I thought it was more like hair color or cat ears... [Not abs] You were already really fit, so I wonder why...?
And you're sure you're okay?
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Guess they had a harsher training regime back then [ eren keeps his smile in place to avoid a dip in mood (then again, it’s hard with the image of elliot working out, he still wants to see it).
he doesn’t have complete proof that his past self was tied to military as of yet, but nothing really shook the idea off him anymore. annie looked . . . so young though, and he sounded the same way. really young, younger than he was now. after a short pause, eren shakes his head. ]
I feel— great, actually. [ he weaves his arms inside and out briefly; he felt agile, he felt prepped. he even felt a little explosive. ] Like I can do triple of what I used to. [ these can’t just be for show, either. ] Training this morning was a breeze . . .
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Haha, really? Triple? Then you must be really strong now!
[He sounds a bit in awe. Eren's just so cool to him okay]
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there was a side of him that wanted to impress— he loved seeing elliot that way. ]
Wanna test it out?
[ it could be fun, too. ]
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Haha, sure! But how?
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Ever seen weighted push ups?
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[Or an obsessive amount of squats, but that's just one cousin. ]
But I don't think we have any weights here. [we're all nerds in this household]
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it’s you. you’re the weights. ]
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Me?!
You sure? I'm not that light!
[Elliot you're pretty dang light ok]
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[ come on . . . give into temptation, elliot
sit on him ]
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T-Take your shirt off so I don't slip on it.
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Ready?
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But there's no backing down, so after internally screaming some, he'll very carefully move to sit on Eren's back, pulling up his legs so he's cross legged. His hands are covering his face, he is too gay to function right now]
Y-y-y-yeah. T-This okay?
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[ eren doesn’t see much of the steaming, even when he gives a fairly brief look over his shoulder to make sure he’s . . . okay. with all that stuttering. giving the smallest shifts under him to get planted firmly with the extra weight. his key hangs from his neck, dangles to the ground and serving as a perfect limit reminder. always go for the perfect push up.
and— away they go. eren bends his arms and descends in perfect form, sharp breath in, then lifts himself up all the way, sharp breath out and putting that muscle to use. it’s extra weight he can handle, and even as a workout on its own, he seems to be taking it well! one, two, three, four . . . and only climbing with impressive rhythm.
bye elliot, we knew you well ]
kicks in door
Yusuke enters the room without really paying much attention to his surroundings, only to come to a surprised and sudden stop when he sees what's going on. Because, firstly, that is adorable. And secondly, that is a lot of muscle in motion there and it only takes him a moment to make the decision to turn on his heel and exit the room again--
-- not to give them peace and quiet. Oh no He's going to get his sketchbook and pencils, and then will be right back to settle down and sketch this. Keeping doing the push ups Eren, this is a perfect chance to capture the motion of muscles beneath skin, in a display of power and strength.
And, uh... Elliot? You just. Keep blushing and being adorable. It adds a softness and sweetness to the piece.]
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The second time Yusuke comes in, it takes a few minutes to notice. When his heart starts slowing down enough to not be constantly pumping in his ears, he picks up the faint sound of a...pencil against paper? He pulls his face out of his hands and looks up to see his roommate]
Yu-Yusuke?! What're you doing?!
[KILL ME NOW]
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yusuke, out!
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ill see you on the other side yusuke
we knew you well homie
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