Moving Forward . . .
Having everyone back is honestly nice. feels more like home with family. People who accept you for who you are and who you strive to be. Not who you are forced to be by everyone around you. Marley especially.
Marley forces you to be whom you are told to be. That is that. The few people who walk away from that to be who they want to be usually would probably end up dead or in jail.
-
Ely sat staring at a book under a tree laying on a blanket with his hot chocolate. He looked up every now and then watching Porco rough housing with Miles while Marcel and Reiner watched chuckling softly. They knew they were both play fighting. Something to get their energy out for the day. Ely smiled and sighed. They really enjoyed having their time as kids. Of course that wasn't going to last too much longer anymore. They probably only had a good year or two till they get their titans. Enjoy it while it lasts.
Being a kid you had a lot more freedom even if you are what people despised. Even though you can't go outside the interment zone without permission there is still shops and stuff to look around at for foods or something to use for fun activities. Some kids took the metal rings of barrels and would hit them with sticks down the street. Others would draw in the streets with white chalk.
Then there are the street brawls at night unfortunately. Miles, Ely believed, loved to take part in though since he comes back with bruises half the time. He also thought Porco and marcel had taken part in it a few times with their bruises. They seemed worse than Miles had thought... so who knows. He shook his head at the thought.
Miles was laughing as he walked over sitting next to him again. Porco was on the ground wheezing trying to catch his breath. Ely shook his head with a soft sigh.
"You guys are something else ya know that?" Ely looked over at the other.
"Yeah well you should try it sometime. Rough housing with them. You need to be more active with us" Miles smiled at him softly and looked at Marcel whom was trying to get Porco to calm down from his wheezing fit.
Ely shook his head again.
"I really don't understand the point if it all. Sorry" he scratched his neck a little bit with a sigh.
Miles looked at him with a frown.
' really didn't have a child hood like us but doesn't understand playing around? Huh ' Miles shook his head.
"Don't worry about it I guess."
Ely nods a bit and pulls his legs to his chest shutting his eyes with his head resting on his knees. Miles reached over rubbing his back to relax the other. Porco started yelling at his brother as soon as the two had relaxed. They both groaned loudly with a sigh.
"God Porco you really need to tone it down" Marcel spoke softly to his brother.
He didn't really like when the other started to go overboard with everything.
Porco snarled at him showing his teeth.
"Fuck off " he got up and walked away from them .
Marcel sighed shaking his head.
"Damn it Porco" he had sworn under his breath.
-
Ely opened his eyes slightly staring at the ceiling getting blinded by the light shining through the curtains. He grumbled slightly covering his eyes with a sigh staying where he was for a few more moments before sitting up and rubs the sleep out of his eyes.
He put his arms out stretching a little looking at the few others that stayed in the main room with him over the night. Getting up he stepped over the two brothers cuddled up against one another and walked to the door peeking outside. It was still raining but lightly. The sun was trying to get through the gray angry clouds. It just wasn't working
He stepped outside shutting the door behind him and sat on the bench pulling out a cigarette he had ended up stealing from his father's stash the other day. The canister he had kept it in kept them dry when he ended up falling into the harbor. Lucky him.
He lights the cigarette with his back turned to the blowing breeze. His fair pushed up front when he turned. He sighed slightly shaking his head so his hair back away from his face. He took a drag grumbling to himself holding the smoke in his lungs for the moment. His father would chew him out for stealing his cigarettes let alone smoking them. He just shrugged it off letting the breath out.
"Fuck's sake" he held his head shutting his eyes bringing the cigarette back to his lips.
He didn't pay attention to what was around him as he dropped the cigarette getting scared from the sound of footsteps beside him. They were actually underneath him. Their dorms, well the warriors' dorms, we're on the second floor
He stared for a moment and shook his head picking the cigarette up off the ground standing and put it to his lips standing up and leaned over the railing looking out over the courtyard. He silently chuckled seeing one of the other quote on quote higher-ups trip over ledge if the platform almost falling on his face. He shut his eyes taking in the spoke again really holding it that time.
"The fuck you doing"
He choked slightly and coughed the smoke up out of his lungs and turned looking to his side.
"smoking. what does it fucking look like" he looked away.
He really didn't want to deal with his father right now honestly. He was going to end up being loud and wake the others up. Though if the woke up maybe they'd help him... Who knows.
The instant he had turned he realized he shouldn't have done that. The instant the collar of his shirt was grabbed and yanked back he knew he was fucked. Down on his knees he went with a bright red mark across his face.
He stared blankly at the ground. He didn't dare make a noise or make any movements. Tears silently ran down his cheeks. He finally felt a little bit of freedom and it got washed away in an instant. He didn't even know why he was here. He doesn't even have work in this sector. That or Calvi, or Magath, asked for him since the warriors have returned.
He did his best to not wince when his hair was grabbed pulling him up to stand again. What was the annoying part of this was that he was taller than his father and yet he still couldn't do anything about it. He just had to deal with his bull shit.
He kept a straight face as his father had a firm grip on his hair. He really needed to cut it so he'd stop grabbing him there.
"Kruger back off"
Ely froze his eyes looking to the figure behind his father.
"..No.." Ely muttered.
His hair was let go as the other turned crossing his arms.
"Excuse me?" Kruger narrowed his eyes at him.
"YOU don't order me Eldian"
Miles growled lowly under his breath. He was right after all but he didn't care. He was honestly done with it.
"I don't care that I don't order you. Leave your damn son alone. He's done nothing to you"
Kruger let out a laugh walking towards him. Miles stayed in his spot not flinching or showing any fear to him.
"You have no say in what I do. He is my son and you are the filth he shouldn't be talking to" Kruger grabbed the front of his shirt.
Miles didn't move a smidge as he did that. He just smiled at him his hand snaking up and grabbing his wrist tightly. Kruger hissed slightly as his wrist popped slightly.
Ely covered his mouth watching what was happening. He backed up a bit not wanting to be dragged into it. He also trusted Miles could handle himself. If he needed help, he'd step right in. Miles eyed him slightly then looked back at Kruger.
"I can break your wrist easily. So don't fucking test me. Leave him alone" Miles hissed under his breath at him.
"You little Fagot, get your hands off me-"
He got cut off at his wrist snapping.
He yanked his arm back holding his flimsy wrist. He growled looking back at him bringing his hand up.
"Pick on someone your own size!"
Kruger turned as he got pushed over the railing of the porch.
Ely flinched watching it happen. He didn't move. He couldn't. His body wasn't allowing him.
Miles looked over. "Holy fuck Marcel.."
"Yall were loud and I'm fucking tired of his shit. I may get eaten out for this or actually eaten but I don't care. I'm not letting him hurt you guys or Ely anymore. If he dies from this. Good for him" Marcel crossed his arms over his chest.
A few of the others ran outside.
Ely walked over to the railing looking down. His knees gave out falling down on the floor. Miles ran over trying to catch him, so he didn't bust his knee. He didn't get over there in time , but Ely was fine.
Ely shook breathing heavily. He wasn't crying nor did he really look sad. He looked frightened but also relieved. He turned hugging Miles who returned the hug rubbing his back.
"h-holy shit..." Ely muttered slightly.
"shh. I know... your safe now.."
Ely nods against his chest and looked at Marcel.
"I did it. Not you. They wont eat me out because... well you know why"
Marcel stared wanting to say he didn't need to do that, but he stayed silent and nods slightly.
Ely shut his eyes staying in Miles's hold. Porco had walked over looking over.
"Fuck Mars..." he muttered slightly.
"Could say he slipped..."
Ely looked.
".... like Magath or Calvi would believe that.... maybe.... Actually Calvi might side with me since he did pull him away when he was grabbing at me in the hospital."
Porco nods.
"Yea I heard him snapping back at Calvi when I came over..."
He nods a bit.
"I kind of miss Elias now" he chuckled a bit.
Porco nods.
"I want to meet emmm" He chuckled softly
Miles chuckled.
"You two are something else"
Porco nods.
"they are a doctor who sides with us so they are cool in my book" He gave a thumbs up.
Ely nods slightly with a soft smile.
"yea. They are ... they were really helpful. Caring too"
"They sound like a good person then" Miles spoke up standing wiping off his knees.
"What was their name again?"
"Elias. They never said their last name. Kinda figured they wouldn't say I guess" Ely shrugged slightly .
-
Elias never did say their last name since they had never really thought about it. They didn't really care for it at all. It was just stupid useless word. If they were just going to be called their first name , why use their last. Also , they didn't want to be named to the fact of a father who abandoned a child after finding out his past lover was an eldian. It was just wrong to them.
They had ended up splitting apart from their father finding out about it when they were thirteen. They left to their friend's house and still currently lives with them. They did find out what happened to their brother of course, they weren't told his name, classified information and shit.
They didn't really try and find him since they figured it would overwhelm him. Maybe over time they would see him and know it was him. They wouldn't say anything about it though still not wanting to interfere with his life. He already has stuff to worry about let alone the overwhelming fact you have a half-brother who is full Marleyan wouldn't be an easy just pass on. They'd leave it be. Sweet soul they are huh. If he asks , they will answer of course.
-
Miles nods slightly taking the other words. Ely nods as well and sighed putting his head against his shoulder. A soft chuckle next to him made him look.
"Mind your damn business Poe" he flushed softly.
"I'm just observing!" Poe said in defense walking back inside with a soft laugh.
Ely sighed slightly.
"..... do we just let them find him or no..."
Leaving his father there didn't really bother him that much but he felt it was wrong to just let him stay there. They could just walk back inside and quote on quote fall back asleep like nothing had happened and if someone was to ask them what happened, they had seemed to be asleep. He nods at himself a little bit.
"yea.." He accidentally spoke out loud .
"Yea? What are you thinking about Ely?" Miles rubs his head a little hand trailing down his neck a little bit .
"O-Oh... uh... us going back to sleep technically so we aren't suspected of... that" he looked at the railing slightly with a sigh.
Miles nods a little.
"See now this is why I Lo-... why I like you. You're smart" he flushed a little bit and grins softly at the other.
Ely looked and nods getting up and grabs the others hand pulling him to the door and pushed him inside.
Ely sat back down on the couch laying down a bit and putting his head on the arm rest. He shut his eyes as he felt a blanket fall over him. Miles. He really was damn well thankful of him. He made his life a lot easier and happier. Without his father, now it will be a lot easier with them all. Right?
It's going to get better...
Isn't it?
It should... I should get better.
I has to get better. It can't not get better.....
Damn it..
Damn it all..
"Oi Ely.. Wake up your having a nightmare.."
"Ely....? Miles Ely isn't waking up"
Miles looked over from talking with his brother, more or less babying him since he is older. He sighed softly.
"leave him be. even if its a nightmare let him rest. He'll wake up on his own if it scares him enough. He's always been like that. Heavy sleeper who can't wake up from others. It's like a damn curse"
Reiner frowned a little bit and nods slightly moving away by stays by his side just in case something happened. It didn't really feel right to leave him. At least to himself anyways. Miles had just gone back to talking to Bertholdt so he really had no one to talk to since marcel was cooped up with his brother in which really left him alone.....
As some time went on, mostly an hour, they had quieted down a bit all just laying back down in their spots. some went back to sleep and other just resting their eyes. The door slamming opened woke everyone up, hell even woke up Ely who looked over paled white more or less from his dream state.
"What the fuck happened to Grahn."
Theo god damn Magath. Go fucking figure he'd be the one who would chew them out for it. Miles let out a very quiet sigh.
"What do you mean? I haven't seen him in a week since I got back yesterday"
"Well , he's dead for your information. Outside" Magath narrowed his eyes and looked to Ely.
"Why the hell you so pale?"
' oh fuck... '
Ely looked over at him.
"I'm pale?" he spoke softly.
"Sorry Commander. Had a shitty nightmare. You know my sleeping issues sir." his voiced lowered a little
Magath just stared and nods.
"I really wont question how you're not sad about your father though we both damn well know you're not sad."
Ely nods a little bit.
"Am i to be punished for saying I'm glad about it...? "
Magath sighed gripping the bridge of his nose and shook his head with a sigh.
"No kiddo. Honestly between all of us, I'm damn well thankful to. If one of you , did it, I won't say anything. He slipped. Thats final. Let alone man has fallen over being drunk to so that could have been the full cause. Slipped while drunk from spooking by thunder. There"
Ely let out a long sigh falling back on the couch again. Magath slightly smiled. He did care for all of them in his ways. He knows Ely cared for them too and his father despised him for it. The kid was free in a way now , so he didn't want to say anything to it.
"Ely-Lou.. we also got to talk about the rank of command from him falling onto your shoulders... your his kin after all.."
Those were the damndest words he's honestly ever heard. Having to take his father's spot. He didn't want it. He didn't want to be tied to him, but... maybe he could change something if he did take it. Could he help his friends... He already sides with them after all. Magath never really seemed to have a problem with him. Calvi either. They may be marleyans but they do care about them. They are children after all.. They need all the help they can get.. Right
Ely sighed slightly.
"damn it"
"Do you not want the position?" Magath walked over so they didn't really have to speak loudly across the room.
"... I do and don't. I dont know. I don't want to be responsible for all that he did but at the same time maybe... just maybe I could make a difference..." Ely hugged himself slightly as the other let out a relaxed sigh.
"Well... If you want to wait on the decision Mr. Grahn. Then you can wait, but you have a week to decide what you're going to do. Take it or leave it for someone else." Magath pats his shoulder turning to leave the other.
"... Fuck it fine. I'll take it" Ely hugged himself tightly.
He didn't really want it but if he can change something, he was damn well going to do it. Magath looked and nods a little walking out.
Soon after Ely just fell down on his knees with a sigh. Was this just a whole bad idea. Should he just have said no...
Miles wrapped his arms around him slightly trying to comfort him. He always said he had sucked at comforting people and cheering anyone up. He was so wrong about that. His presence cheered Ely up. His damn smile. His protectiveness of him.. Honestly why did he protect him.. If you couldn't tell, Ely is really damn oblivious to everything on the outside. Inside he knows and is scared to do something about it.
Ely laid his head on the others shoulder with a quiet sigh.
"Easy Ely" Miles spoke softly rubbing his back. "I'm here for ya"
He smiled softly and nods against his shoulder.
"Oh what would I do without you Miles... Thank you" he spoke as he pulled his head away looking into the others eyes a bit.
' Damn your pretty eyes.... i get lost in them so often ' Ely sighed and looked away for a brief moment.
Miles frowned a little bit when he had looked away.
' Fool say something.... tell him.... no I can't... not in front of everyone... but fuck I'm sure they already damn well know... damn it miles '
He shut his eyes tightly and grumbled. Ely looked over at him and tilts his head a little bit.
"... Miles? You okay" He spoke softly reaching out to put his hand on his shoulder concerned about the other.
Miles opened his eyes staring at him through the top of his eyelids a bit.
"Do it." He spoke under his breath.
"D-Do it? Miles the fuck are you-"
Before the other could even finish speaking, he lurched forward wrapping his hand around the back of the other's neck pulling him in connecting their lips. Ely flushed deeply in an instant. He didn't move hoping the other would pull back. Honestly he didn't want him to pull back. Ely shut his eyes sighing through his nose and gave in kissing the other back in return.