002M

[toobig]

handwritten text; [12:09AM]

It's safe to say that almost everyone knows about the water being tainted, right?

Well... it's also effecting showers and I think someone said it happened to them while they were brushing their teeth?

I, uh. ...Well, you're not meant to laugh that hard in the shower. It was... pretty painful.

Anyway, I thought I might as well let everyone know.

[Bertholdt also experienced his second Echo during his shower, a frightening sensation of being very very very tall, skyscraper tall. He might tell you about it, and more, if needled enough.]

Comments

[schild]

If you were tall enough that people looked that small, I wonder if you were a giant... If such a thing existed.

[toobig]

You...

You think that's possible?

[schild]

I've heard some crazy things.

[ Like a kid vomiting his own stomach, for one. But Reiner has some tact. ]

Honestly, I think anything's possible. My wounds give off steam, for god's sake.

[toobig]

I guess that's true... I'm-- I'm not the only one... with a hard time.

I shouldn't be... insensitive.

[schild]

N-nono, that's not what I meant. I meant, I'd believe it. If your memory came from being a giant-- why not?

i'm not even trying to be meta i swear

[toobig]

Oh... Y-yeah, maybe you're right...

A giant though...? That's-- not really something I'd like to think about.

Weren't they... meant to eat people?

shhh it's common knowledge, that's ok

[schild]

Well, it all depends on the kind, I guess... I'm not a pro at this.

And either way, you're 100% human now. I wouldn't worry about that.

fe fi fo fum, right?

[toobig]

Right... S-sorry... I don't-- I don't know anything about it either. I guess... I-I should talk to more people...

[Fidgets with his glasses, nervous.]

I hope I am... I mean, I'm sure I am but...

It just felt...

right these are giants. GIANTS.

[schild]

It's okay. I wish I could help you more with this, honestly. I feel like we got off on the wrong foot the other day...

[toobig]

[His blush gets a little darker.]

You... you don't have to. It's-- okay.

[A pause.]

I'm sorry if... I was rude.

[schild]

Not at all. I meant what I said when I offered to help you, if you needed anything.

[toobig]

[There's another pause, and then his voice is... really grateful and sincere.]

Thank you. It ...i-it means a lot.

[schild]

I'm glad to help. Just let me know if there's anything I can do.

[ Plus you're really cute... but nono, Ryan is just really a nice guy. ]

[toobig]

Right...

[He slips off his glasses a moment, to wipe the sweat from his nose with his sleeve, the blush still dark on his face.]

I'm glad I met you.

[schild]

[ O-oh no that's... really flattering like, wow. Ryan thought you were cute before now it's like marry me, Christa. He blushes quite a bit too. You're just so... pathetic, Bertholdt. In a good way? ]

Me too. I'm serious, y'know? If you need anything, go ahead and give me a call.

[ Ryan totally has a crush. He likes 'em weak-willed and princess-y? ]

[toobig]

Right... I-I will.

[He smiles then, a real nice smile, as he slips his glasses back onto his face.]

You too.

[schild]

Thanks. [ It's not often people return the offer. Sure, Ryan is still nice to everybody, but... wow. Critical hit, Bertholdt. ]

It's, uh, y'know, the least I can do.

[toobig]

I still-- appreciate it.

[He looks off screen a moment, shy, and pulls at his sweaty shirt collar.]

Even if... you're just being nice. I really do...

[schild]

Well, I... [ Gosh oh no, gosh what... a cutie... GO RYAN NOW IS YOUR CHANCE. ]

Do you wanna like, grab a coffee or something?

[toobig]

[He looks surprised, utterly, staring back at the camera when Reiner makes his offer. He instantly fidgets, hands wringing in front of him as he pulled on his collar and sleeves, nervous and flighty...]

[But ultimately, he gets the words out.]

U-uhm... uh-- s-sure, I... I w-would like... that...

[schild]

Great. I spent so long talking to you, I feel like it's only fair if we meet up. I owe you a coffee for the first time, for sure.

[ Ryan you're definitely embellishing this whole thing a bit, I'm sure you didn't offense Bertl. ]

Great. Let's meet on Friday, I have the day off. Sometime in the afternoon?

[toobig]

[Composure, what's that? Well, Bertholdt's trying to, desperately, get some of it back as he just nods at the screen, stammering a little before finally smiling again, so shy and sheepish.]

My... My job is flexible so-- any time that... works for you.

[schild]

O-okay. Wanna meet for lunch?

[ That's noncommittal enough that it can still just be two guys hanging out, right? He doesn't want to seem too awkward, just hang out with your really cute first real-life Numbers friend, maybe offer him some advice... Yeah. ]

[toobig]

That... that sounds great.

[He nods, switching to text to send him his number-- his phone number, then back to video.]

Where?

[schild]

[ And now he's got Bertl's number saved. Great! Wow that was surprisingly painless. ]

There's this one place I go to... Here, I'll send you the address. [ It's literally the coffee shop closest to the fire station. ]

1 o' clock sound good? It'll be less crowded by then.