[The glance was missed, for the 'baby' gurgled drawing Mikasa's attention again. She shuffled her arms slightly, hugging them tighter to her body. Getting a bubbling laugh from the child. Mikasa's eyes watching them.]
How did you get here, huh?
[Just more gurgles, more nuzzles from it. And Mikasa finally looked up at Eren again, frowning.] I've not seen anything like this before... Not even here.
[ through the mirror, eren watches, not so much bothered than he was actually confused about where the thing came from. the way mikasa held it, and the way eren's steps came to a slow, observant stop while he kept staring, and staring—
he kicks away an invading thought that he didn't want to think about, now, but one that threatened to make his ears burn. into the room he went, coming closer to mikasa to set his hand around her waist and look down at both of them. the hair, the eyes, the face shape, the . . . energy? can he call it that? ]
It . . . Looks like us.
[ the face, not the body, and even the body— it was reminiscent of the monsters they had become the latest. the thought invades him again, and this time, eren couldn't fight it off. not when he made it verbal. ]
[Mikasa didn't think too much about it. Not really. There was a kid, a baby, who'd just appeared in the window. She'd done a lot of things she wasn't proud of, even it'd been to survive. But she couldn't leave such a small child on their own. Especially when they were clinging to her like this. How could she say no to that face?
Then Eren says that one sentence. And Mikasa looks up at him over her shoulder, nose nearly bumping him. Then at the barin, at him, at her reflection in the mirror...Her mouth agape as it set in. ]
Oh... [Well. Even with that, she didn't know what to say. Or what do. Her body tensing against his cuddle.
Meanwhile plant baby? It was trying to swat at Eren's face as it neared. It was a clumsy attempt though.]
[ the thought here wasn’t “we had a baby?” but in fact: “what if we have a baby?”. of course, eren might be too young to think about something so serious, and yes, he was too unstable and unhealthy to even seriously consider it, which he won’t, but . . . just like plenty of people, for a second, he imagines it. a split second though of them, just the two of them, older, healthier and happier with a little nugget toddling at their heels. it would’ve been another chapter in life, but his life wasn’t everyday. he wouldn’t ever make it there, and he wouldn’t dare to be so irresponsible as to run away and do it anyway— even now, when a tiny selfish little part of him wanted to. wanted to live without thinking he’d die so soon.
the bairn has finally gotten a good hold of eren’s hair, and he doesn’t do much to pull away. at least not yet. now, he just feels silly to have said something so stupid. ]
[The idea of them actually having a baby hadn't occurred to Mikasa. Not regarding the plant child she was holding. Mikasa felt like she might have noticed that. Though the idea of children at some point had, even if that thought had been quickly dismissed. She had too many duties, too many relied on her for her to take time off for such a thing... Then there was the matter of the father. The soft sigh slipped through. She'd been so unsure of all her feelings, of Eren's. Then there was the curse. There were so many reasons for it to always be an impossible dream.
Mikasa remained silent and unmoving until Eren spoke. Her body turning slightly in his hold and bairn's hold going with her. Tugging Eren's lock along. Mikasa paid it no mind, they seemed harmless enough.]
And how it got in... [The child was harmless, yes. But if something so...so clumsy could get in without them realising. What else could? She swallowed, looking around the room, at the new leaves that had grown overnight.] Eren...[His name caught in her throat. Unsure if she should say the idea that had sprung to mind, but closed her eyes and finished.] Do you think this is because of my gem?
[Emerald and it's abilities to make plants grown. Vines sprouting from nothing.]
[ she grew plants, seven though eren hasn’t seen her grow too many things, and nothing so large. but if they were going to find out— fine. he gestures with his hand in a little “come” signal. ]
Here, I’ll hold it. You can go get ready.
[ even if he’s . . . very unsure . . . of how to hold it, but maybe mimicking mikasa was the place to start? that and, it already tugging his hair was a great way to pass the baton. ]
[There was so much to be unsure of. Where it came from, but with Eren's offer that question drifted out of her mind. Instead, her focus went on transferring the bean baby over to Eren. She wasn't sure how to hold it herself. She'd seen women in the market holding babes before but...
This one had too many legs. Even if Mikasa had tried to mimic the hold of those women. So she slowly shifted the bairn. It's human half went readily, another chubby hand reaching to grab another fistful of hair. It was the jinba part that caused some concern. The front legs were easy enough. It was the butt-end, she knew you had to support a baby's back but...it had two.
Eventually, it was passed. It seemed okay? The child didn't seem uncomfortable.
With that she sighed, a hand coming up to ruffle her own hair. Wincing when she realised it was sticking out in all directions.]
...Thanks.
[And then she busied herself. Grabbing some clothes and heading for a quick shower. The joys of hot water without firewood. Though she did give the pair a lingering look before leaving the room, even if she left the door open. Just in case.]
[ it certainly made a whine worthy enough of a wince when mikasa left it, but eren tries . . . to scramble? trying hold its bottom half like a dog, failing, then retorting to briefly gather its weight from its underarms, support its rump with his forearms and just try and— bounce it around? if he were a little more experienced, he wouldn’t look so lost, but at least the bairn is starting to laugh and drool with all the spitting hair from its mouth. maybe he could rest on the bed?
the bed was his next destination, and when he sits back down to allow soft space for the bairn to crawl over, there’s . . . something peculiar under the covers. ]
[The bed was the safest option really. All soft mattress for them to wiggle around on.
She wasn't long. She'd not even have time to get in the shower when he'd called out, only having managed to get her nightdress off. So she huffed and pulled it back over her head. Still as much of a ruffled mess as when she'd gone in.
Though she only poked her head around the doorframe. Looking to where Eren had been, blinking when she tilted her head to look at where he was.]
See what? [The bedspread? Slowly she padded out.] What did it do? [Did it wet the bed or something already?]
Nothing yet, just . . . [ eren only holds up the sheets and flips it sideways to reveal the messy foliage underneath. a bunch of shells and leafy after-shavings from a husk that grew out of vines. ] it looks like an egg.
[ a plant egg? as for where it actually came— he's trying to find the source, and that ends between them. the bairn, at least, is crawling quite excitedly back to mikasa's presence, but she won't have to worry about the bed's edge— eren's hand already keeps it a palm away from danger. ]
An egg..? [She got even closer, her head tilting then darting to the bairn. Moving back when she was sure they were safe and all was well there.] But how did it get here?
No idea. It looks like it— [ he shrugs, looking for the word, ] grew.
[ did it grow from mikasa, who was an emerald? or the consentacles that occasionally made their way around the shared apartment creases? ah, well . . . looks like they were only going to get answers if they went out and asked. once mikasa was nearby and ready, eren allowed himself to get dressed, grab their breakfast, and start their day.
with a new addition, it was going to be a long ass day. ]
[Mikasa was inclined to blame the consentacles that had been hovering around. It made sense, first the vines that liked to be clinging, then a plant child. The whole thing was weird, but it wasn't as though this place wasn't weird to begin with.
But she rolled her shoulders. Once again leaving the babe in Eren's care as she dealt with things. Like having a shower and taming that hair.
Soon enough she was back and ready to eat. Dressed in her normal long skirt, shirt combo. Standing in the doorway to the kitchen area. Tilting her head at Eren, then looking at the bairn in his arms. Frowning as she looked back up.]
Did you want to cook again? [Because that seemed to have been the hobby he'd picked up in this place. But he couldn't do much while cradling the child, the child Mikasa's gaze drifted back too.]
...Should we try feeding it? [It had a mouth but....plant?]
[ he'd just been . . . holding, and the bairn just slobbered and kept sticking his hair in its mouth. the protest was small when eren gently removed it (or tried) from the plant's grasp as he opened some cupboards for the right tools. to cook, she was right, in which he nodded as he set a pan and cutting board on the counter. ]
I guess, [ they couldn't just leave it with an empty stomach. with mikasa around to supervise, it was easier to put the bairn down on the floor and let it roam. while he grabbed the rest of the utensils, it only watched— and began to crawl with its dainty horse legs from the kitchen to giggling wildly when it decided to beeline for mikasa. ] kids eat rice, right?
[ he'll make something simple, starting with peeling and cutting up vegetables. ]
[Mikasa blinked when he placed it on the floor. Joining him in watching as it scurried towards her. Only to stop and turn when Mikasa crouched down within reach. Giggling the whole way, Mikasa sighing.
But she didn't take her eyes off of them, gotta make sure the bean is safe.]
Isn't it too small for them? Unless you make a porridge? [She hadn't seen any teeth in that little mouth.]
[ now for the one thing he hadn't been able to say for the past few months until now, with his hands free, getting a kitchen apron tied around his waist: ]
I can do that. I'll make more things for us both.
[ there's a touch of satisfaction that pulls on his lips to have them curve, just slightly enough and barely a smile. porridge and vegetables (with a special sauce) it was! ]
[She watched, taking in the sight of him casually throwing the apron on. Observing. Then breaking away when the barin babbles, spluttering as she crouched to check on what they were doing. Her red ears peeking out from her hair as she let the barin crawl into a lap and grab at her. This is fine.]
...More things? [Unseen, she pursed her lips.] I'm fine with just porridge, you know that... [Him cooking was fine, if he enjoyed it. But she was still unsure of going to so much effort. But even if there was a lot of variety here, she still had simpler tastes. Food was food, no need for a fuss.]
[ it’s like seeing a fire in the middle of the dark. her ears, her ears were pink and it’s cute, so help him god. not that he doesn’t also immediately think that something is off— strange? why were her ears so red— ]
. . . Did I do something?
[ wrong? embarrassing? the source of this redness has him piqued while he cuts carrots. ]
[She didn't look, focusing on the babby. Her hands reaching out to hug them when they waddled closer. Her hand rubbing their back when they started fussing.]
...No. It's nothing.
[Well, that didn't sound ominous at all. But it was technically true, he'd not done anything. She'd just...She wasn't sure.]
[ doubt. she be answering truthfully with the no, but . . . eren frowns, not entirely convinced. he keeps his gaze for longer before it turns, and he holds a tone of sarcasm to say: ]
[NOO, she's being called out. Mikasa didn't turn to look at him though, just going to focus on the barin. She waited a moment, silently pondering what to say.]
No, not that... [It wasn't that. They were, or had been, rather questionable cooks before. They could feed themselves and too them it tasted fine. To others it was boring food, no seasoning.] You're just...learning a lot of new things.
[When Mikasa picked up food, she picked up the things she knew. But they'd been getting small pots of spices, odd ingredients that she'd not picked up. She may or may not have attempted to eat dried noodles that had been amongst them...It's a mystery.]
[ the pause drags. was that a compliment? an explanation? was she proud? well, if it wasn't embarrassed, it had to be that, or at least close to it. it's how eren reads it., and after a break and his return to prepping: ]
—Thanks.
[ he too, had his ears going red as he began to cook and occasionally watched his beloved with a bairn, occasionally thinking the inevitable. it's alright if he keeps it to himself, though. that's something that didn't and wouldn't be brought up. ]
[Mikasa too, didn't voice her thoughts. They were too scrambled though, they couldn't be voiced because she couldn't decide on the words to use. So she remained silent, watching as the plant bab hid behind it's hands and babbled. Hiding behind her own hands, much to it's delight.
This is the worst game of peekaboo, but she was trying.]
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How did you get here, huh?
[Just more gurgles, more nuzzles from it. And Mikasa finally looked up at Eren again, frowning.] I've not seen anything like this before... Not even here.
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he kicks away an invading thought that he didn't want to think about, now, but one that threatened to make his ears burn. into the room he went, coming closer to mikasa to set his hand around her waist and look down at both of them. the hair, the eyes, the face shape, the . . . energy? can he call it that? ]
It . . . Looks like us.
[ the face, not the body, and even the body— it was reminiscent of the monsters they had become the latest. the thought invades him again, and this time, eren couldn't fight it off. not when he made it verbal. ]
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Then Eren says that one sentence. And Mikasa looks up at him over her shoulder, nose nearly bumping him. Then at the barin, at him, at her reflection in the mirror...Her mouth agape as it set in. ]
Oh... [Well. Even with that, she didn't know what to say. Or what do. Her body tensing against his cuddle.
Meanwhile plant baby? It was trying to swat at Eren's face as it neared. It was a clumsy attempt though.]
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the bairn has finally gotten a good hold of eren’s hair, and he doesn’t do much to pull away. at least not yet. now, he just feels silly to have said something so stupid. ]
We should find out where it came from.
[ even if it were true, he tries to recuperate. ]
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Mikasa remained silent and unmoving until Eren spoke. Her body turning slightly in his hold and bairn's hold going with her. Tugging Eren's lock along. Mikasa paid it no mind, they seemed harmless enough.]
And how it got in... [The child was harmless, yes. But if something so...so clumsy could get in without them realising. What else could? She swallowed, looking around the room, at the new leaves that had grown overnight.] Eren...[His name caught in her throat. Unsure if she should say the idea that had sprung to mind, but closed her eyes and finished.] Do you think this is because of my gem?
[Emerald and it's abilities to make plants grown. Vines sprouting from nothing.]
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[ she grew plants, seven though eren hasn’t seen her grow too many things, and nothing so large. but if they were going to find out— fine. he gestures with his hand in a little “come” signal. ]
Here, I’ll hold it. You can go get ready.
[ even if he’s . . . very unsure . . . of how to hold it, but maybe mimicking mikasa was the place to start? that and, it already tugging his hair was a great way to pass the baton. ]
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This one had too many legs. Even if Mikasa had tried to mimic the hold of those women. So she slowly shifted the bairn. It's human half went readily, another chubby hand reaching to grab another fistful of hair. It was the jinba part that caused some concern. The front legs were easy enough. It was the butt-end, she knew you had to support a baby's back but...it had two.
Eventually, it was passed. It seemed okay? The child didn't seem uncomfortable.
With that she sighed, a hand coming up to ruffle her own hair. Wincing when she realised it was sticking out in all directions.]
...Thanks.
[And then she busied herself. Grabbing some clothes and heading for a quick shower. The joys of hot water without firewood. Though she did give the pair a lingering look before leaving the room, even if she left the door open. Just in case.]
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the bed was his next destination, and when he sits back down to allow soft space for the bairn to crawl over, there’s . . . something peculiar under the covers. ]
You should see this.
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She wasn't long. She'd not even have time to get in the shower when he'd called out, only having managed to get her nightdress off. So she huffed and pulled it back over her head. Still as much of a ruffled mess as when she'd gone in.
Though she only poked her head around the doorframe. Looking to where Eren had been, blinking when she tilted her head to look at where he was.]
See what? [The bedspread? Slowly she padded out.] What did it do? [Did it wet the bed or something already?]
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[ a plant egg? as for where it actually came— he's trying to find the source, and that ends between them. the bairn, at least, is crawling quite excitedly back to mikasa's presence, but she won't have to worry about the bed's edge— eren's hand already keeps it a palm away from danger. ]
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[Without them noticing?]
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[ did it grow from mikasa, who was an emerald? or the consentacles that occasionally made their way around the shared apartment creases? ah, well . . . looks like they were only going to get answers if they went out and asked. once mikasa was nearby and ready, eren allowed himself to get dressed, grab their breakfast, and start their day.
with a new addition, it was going to be a long ass day. ]
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But she rolled her shoulders. Once again leaving the babe in Eren's care as she dealt with things. Like having a shower and taming that hair.
Soon enough she was back and ready to eat. Dressed in her normal long skirt, shirt combo. Standing in the doorway to the kitchen area. Tilting her head at Eren, then looking at the bairn in his arms. Frowning as she looked back up.]
Did you want to cook again? [Because that seemed to have been the hobby he'd picked up in this place. But he couldn't do much while cradling the child, the child Mikasa's gaze drifted back too.]
...Should we try feeding it? [It had a mouth but....plant?]
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I guess, [ they couldn't just leave it with an empty stomach. with mikasa around to supervise, it was easier to put the bairn down on the floor and let it roam. while he grabbed the rest of the utensils, it only watched— and began to crawl with its dainty horse legs from the kitchen to giggling wildly when it decided to beeline for mikasa. ] kids eat rice, right?
[ he'll make something simple, starting with peeling and cutting up vegetables. ]
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But she didn't take her eyes off of them, gotta make sure the bean is safe.]
Isn't it too small for them? Unless you make a porridge? [She hadn't seen any teeth in that little mouth.]
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I can do that. I'll make more things for us both.
[ there's a touch of satisfaction that pulls on his lips to have them curve, just slightly enough and barely a smile. porridge and vegetables (with a special sauce) it was! ]
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...More things? [Unseen, she pursed her lips.] I'm fine with just porridge, you know that... [Him cooking was fine, if he enjoyed it. But she was still unsure of going to so much effort. But even if there was a lot of variety here, she still had simpler tastes. Food was food, no need for a fuss.]
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. . . Did I do something?
[ wrong? embarrassing? the source of this redness has him piqued while he cuts carrots. ]
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...No. It's nothing.
[Well, that didn't sound ominous at all. But it was technically true, he'd not done anything. She'd just...She wasn't sure.]
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Nothing makes your ears look like tomatoes.
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...I'm just not used to you cooking.
[Yes, that 100% explained the blushing.]
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. . . You’re embarrassed that I’m cooking?
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No, not that... [It wasn't that. They were, or had been, rather questionable cooks before. They could feed themselves and too them it tasted fine. To others it was boring food, no seasoning.] You're just...learning a lot of new things.
[When Mikasa picked up food, she picked up the things she knew. But they'd been getting small pots of spices, odd ingredients that she'd not picked up. She may or may not have attempted to eat dried noodles that had been amongst them...It's a mystery.]
think we can close up!
—Thanks.
[ he too, had his ears going red as he began to cook and occasionally watched his beloved with a bairn, occasionally thinking the inevitable. it's alright if he keeps it to himself, though. that's something that didn't and wouldn't be brought up. ]
same
This is the worst game of peekaboo, but she was trying.]