Attack on Titan / Interactive Story

106

"Ballard...I don't think that's a good idea."

His eyes darted around the floor. "Why not just turn ourselves in?"

That sounded stupid, too. Ballard knew that.

"Where's the rest of Seung's money?" You asked, slowly standing up off the floor. For once, you're taller than him.

Ballard stands up after you, growing and growing past your shoulders and your area of vision. He hands you two small coins; there's not enough money to buy food or clothes. You rolled the coins around in your hand until you came up with a great idea.

"You sleep tonight."

Ballard looks slightly startled. "What?"

"I got enough sleep last night. I'll keep watch."

You almost have to herd him into the bedroom to get him to stay. Early in the morning, you go to town to search for work. Short jobs, that is. You move supplies for an old woman, pick vegetables for a man who works at the market. It's possible that someone will recognize you, possible that you get caught. But the news has been so old and your clothes were ragged and dirty. You were almost unrecognizable in your own filth.

You slipped back into the house, the coins pressed against the inside of your pocket. You walked to the bedroom, checking on Ballard. He laid on his side, his hair a little messy and his eyes moving slightly in dream. You smiled and sat at the kitchen table, watching the sun completely rise. Ballard awoke not long after.

"What's that?" He asked, pointing to the small, potted plant sitting on the table.

"Strawberries. I bought it."

"With all our money?"

Yes, with all the money given by Seung. Little did he know that you had a stash of coins in your pocket from working. "No, not all."

His shoulders eased.

"I thought we could plant it together."

~

"Hey, Ballard?"

"Hm?"

He sneaks up behind you and sets his hands on your hips, resting his head against your shoulder. You chuckle and set the knife down on the counter, moving your hand to play with his hair. It's longer and darker now, a little wet from sweat.

"You make any money on the strawberries?"

"Mmmhhm."

He moves his head to press his nose against your neck. It tickles a bit until you finally decide to playfully push him off. He brings you into a hug, wrapping his arms around your waist and resting his head against yours. The strawberry plants behind your house grew as quickly as weeds and your house soon filled with the smells of freshly cut potatoes and peppers from the money you had earned off of selling the strawberries and working. The weather continued to rain but also grew warmer, a perfect mix for growing plants. The two of you - quite obviously - grew close as well.

"Sit down, Jesperson." You started, "Im about to make you the best roasted potatoes you've ever had."

Ballard laughed and took a chair, watching you light a small fire underneath a cheap stovetop. You took the chopped potatoes and rolled them in a little bit of spices, gently placing them inside a small bowl over the stovetop.