After the anime ended, I had the sudden urge (while researching the effects of butter-to-sugar-to-egg ratio on cookies of all things) to write this fic for these two adorable sweethearts.
Takes place in a modern Actor AU, loosely inspired by the brilliant Actor AU fic 'lights, camera, action!" by azulights over on AO3 (go check it out if you haven't already!), but it stands on its own as a fic.
Falco and Gabi are 14 in this fic, while their on-screen characters are 12 (cause ya know, teenage actors tend to be a bit older than their characters, especially towards the end of a series)
Enjoy!
How long had this been in the making? How long had they been working towards this day? And to think it would end in the same spot it started, a beautiful lone tree standing upon a hill, surrounded by grassy fields stretching on towards the horizon. This is where they had shot the first scene of the series that, unbeknownst to them at the time would go on to stamp its place in history. And today, after all these years, it was over. Tears were shed - many, many tears by cast and crew alike. Tears of sadness, tears of wistful memories, and tears of joy celebrating all that had had been achieved.
And once the tears had dried, everyone had taken part in setting up the celebratory picnic which was by now in full swing. Even though the scene required Mikasa and a handful of crew, everyone was invited for this momentous occasion. And it truly was everyone, all the cast of the 104th gang, Marlyean soldiers and warriors, down to actors who only appeared across maybe a season or two. Even the full production crew was in attendance; all in all there were hundreds present and scattered in various small groups across the grassy fields. The main cast members had taken up residence at the top of the hill near the iconic tree, while the crew had mostly found themselves further aways down below.
Everyone had brought in various foods, snacks and drinks - some homemade by those who were actually prepared for the day, and some store-bought by those who weren't (even though this picnic was planned months in advance). Heck, even an ice-cream truck was hired by some of the higher-up producers, parked a bit aways from the hill.
The young members of the newer cast, introduced only in the final season, found themselves enjoying the gorgeous sunny day down by the foot of the hill, relaxing to music from the portable speaker, playing card games and reminiscing on their time as part of the show's production. As recent additions, they didn't hold the same emotional attachment as the others, but it was significant nonetheless as it was amongst their first few acting gigs, and probably would be their biggest.
It was perfect - no really, it was thought Gabi, to be part of such a special moment on a beautiful day as this, and to share it with some of her closest friends and her…boyfriend. The word still felt a little foreign to her, a little funny on the tongue. After he had confessed in the most, well Falco way possible a few months ago, they had slowly but surely been developing their relationship and growing closer, only becoming 'official' after a short while of getting used to their new dynamic (which admittedly wasn't all to different most of the time - but there were a few nice additions). She looked over at the blonde boy sitting next to her on the picnic mat the other teens had taken to, and couldn't help but let out a chuckle as he went into an over dramatic meltdown over having to pick up sixteen cards in their game of Uno. So yes, it was perfect.
But there was one small, teeny, tiny thing. It was late spring, and given how sunny the midday sky was, it was getting quite warm. Perfect for ice-cream.
And perfect for some overdue mischief.
"Hey guys, is it just me or is it starting to get a little warm out here?" she voiced to the group.
"I mean we are sitting right out in the sun" replied Udo.
"If you want, we could go over and hang in the shade of the tree with the other guys" suggested Kaya, referring to the 104th gang, and was met with voices of agreement from the rest of the group.
Falco stood up from his spot - "Alright, let's pack this up for now and head over." He offered a hand to Gabi to help her up. Always the responsible one, this guy Gabi thought with a sincere smile.
Falco wouldn't let anyone know how relieved he was to have an early end to the game that he was losing - badly. Whether intentional or not, he silently thanked his lucky stars that Gabi came in with the save when she did. To be fair, he did thank the stars for everything regarding Gabi - she was the most amazing person, so full of life and giving everything a hundred percent. Given how nervous he was over his confession to her a few months ago, he really did feel lucky she reciprocated his feelings, and just how much joy she's brought to his life in these last few months especially. The 14-year-old truly was determined to be with her as long as possible, not unlike what he had said during his on-screen confession. And that's enough thinking about that day cause looking back, it was really embarrassing he thought to himself.
Kaya observed the group as they finished packing up "If that's everything, let's start heading up to-"
"How about we get ice cream?" Gabi suddenly interjected. She was met with confused and curious stares, so she explained "Well it is warm out, and we have an ice-cream truck here! Come on guys, it's a good idea, right?"
While no-one objected to the idea of ice-cream, "The truck is in the opposite direction to the tree" Zofia pointed out "And as much as I want ice-cream, I can't be bothered walking that far and back." Gabi pouted at the taller girl, which was met with a shrug.
"I can go get them for you if you'd like and meet you all back by the tree?" Falco offered. He's so sweet Gabi thought affectionately, and normally she would either let him, or would join him. But not today. You see, she had other plans in mind.
She reached out to place a hand on his shoulder "That's sweet of you, but it's alright."
"You sure?"
"Yeah… I've got a better idea" It took him a second, but Falco recognised the gleam in her eye. Oh boy he thought. In the year or so he'd known her, and the few months they'd been together, he'd become seen first-hand the kinds of schemes Gabi get up to, from fun little ideas to almost scarily outlandish.
She turned to the rest of the gang "How about… we race to the tree? Last one there has to go get the ice-cream for everyone" Excitement spread across the gang, afterall they loved challenging each other to anything and everything. Faclo breathed a sigh of relief - while he wasn't the fastest runner amongst them (that title belonged to Gabi, although he did beat her once and came close plenty of other times), he definitely wasn't the slowest.
But then he noticed Kaya – the normally sweet, wholesome Kaya having the same look in her eye as his girlfriend. During the time between rehearsals and shoots, Gabi and managed to rope Kaya into many of her escapades, causing the older girl to develop a mischievous side of her own (corrupted as Faclo would put it). "How we go one better, loser has to buy everyone else ice-cream from the truck and bring it back?" and much to his dismay, everyone seemed to like the higher stakes.
"So we agree, last one to touch the tree buys ice-cream?"
"Agreed" came the eager chorus of replies.
And with that they lined up and took their stances. As Kaya began the countdown, Falco looked to around at his competitors.
"On you marks…"
On his right was Gabi, while to his left was Udo. Okay calm down, you got this, you're pretty fast and all you have to do is NOT COME LAST. Just then, out the corner of his eye he sees Gabi's grin widen and eyes light up in excitement, and frankly it was kinda scary. What's more is that she was definitely looking at him intently. Oh no, what's she thinking now?...
"...Get set…"
No time to think about it now! He turned his head forwards towards his goal, the tree.
"GO!"
In the instant the signal was given, he feels a warm softness on his right cheek. And his brain short-circuits. Totally stalled, no thoughts. The sensation was familiar, one that he recognises as Gabi kissing him on the cheek, a gesture that brings him comfort and makes him feel loved; a gesture that is usually more reserved for quite moments between the two. After all, they had only made their relationship known to the others recently (apart from Jean of course, cause he 'helped' Falco confess and all). So to say he was surprised by the sudden boldness in front of, may I remind you literally everyone, would be an understatement. He blushed furiously and froze up, not unlike when she had first kissed him in such a way. Pleased with herself for getting such a reaction out of the boy, and thus succeeding with her plans, she let of an absolutely maniacal peel of laughter as she sprinted off, leaving him standing there in an (adorably) shocked mess.
"Hah! I won!" exclaimed Gabi, flashing a teasing grin to the others "I mean, what else did ya expect?"
It wasn't long before they, minus Falco, were by the tree, catching their breath from the mad sprint. To no-one's surprise Gabi, who wore her distinctive victory grin as stood leaning back against the tree, had made it there first.
Beside her, Kaya let out a giggle "You did kinda cheat. That was a dirty little trick, poor Falco" she teased "I didn't think you'd make a move like that on him.
While Gabi would normally be embarrassed by her best friend's teasing (and just being seen engaging in any PDA with Falco), right now she was riding the high of running and winning the race. Instead of backing down, her grin only widened as she replied with feigned ignorance.
"I have no idea what you're on about. For one, that kiss was for good-luck, nothing unfair about it whatsoever." And of course, she couldn't help but poke some light-hearted fun at the boy "besides, it wasn't like he was gonna beat me anyways."
"We all know he wouldn't have come last either" Udo pointed out, sitting on the grass not too far away and more out of breath than the rest "And now he's lost the bet."
Gabi just flashes him an innocent smile and shrugs.
"Speaking of, look who's here" Zofia interjects, drawing attention to the approaching form of Falco as nears the top of the hill they stand on, walking instead of running and wearing what Gabi assumes is a scowl that comes of more as a pout. To Gabi, she finds the sight both hilarious and adorable. He's too cute she thinks with a giggle.
Falco just responds with a blank stare as he continues his approach.
"...Cheater"
"Hmm not sure what you're talking about. Are you saying you didn't like it?" she responds with her best innocent voice and smile. This time Falco fully pouts, causing Gabi to laugh again. She closes her eyes and grabs her chin as if deep in thought.
"I wonder what flavour I should get, or rather you should get for me" her teasing was met with silence. Oh well, better press a bit harder I guess…
"Ooh and since you are paying, could you get me a double scoop?" Still silence.
"And extra toppings!" she gasps in excitement, finally opening her eyes only to be met with the sight of Falco standing right front of her, no more than a foot of distance between them. His face was unusually unreadable, causing Gabi to falter.
"Uhh Falco? You good?"
Falco takes a stop closer, close enough that she can count every one of the pale freckles on his face (which she not-so-secretly adored). Without a word, he reached out with his arm, placing his hand on the tree right by her head, finally ending the race. But Gabi wasn't thinking about that at all.
She could no longer think about the race or the sweet dessert awaiting her, as all she could think of was Falco, standing so close, wordless, expressionless. And in front of everyone else too - what else could happen but her heart racing and drumming against her chest, face redder than Mikasa's scarf and warmer than the midday sun above?
She gulped nervously "What are you-"
His face is still unbearably unreadable "Did you really think I'd let you get away with it?" He leans forwards, inching ever closer, enough that she can feel the gentle tickle of his breath against her cheeks. Her breath hitches, and her eyes widen in shock at his boldness that she never could have expected.
"Did you really think I would let you win like that?"
And this time it's her brain that short-circuits as he pressed his lips to hers. Totally stalled, no thoughts - a complete mess. The sensation is familiar, but takes her breath away regardless. Of course, they had kissed before, but never so brazen as to be in front of others - only in quiet moments stolen away from the rest of the world. But right now, she didn't pay any mind to her surroundings, choosing to enjoy the blissful few seconds in ignorance as she melted into the kiss. She didn't pay any attention to the looks of fondness from Zofia, nor the giddiness of Kaya for her best friend, nor Udo's aghast stare with his jaw firmly on the ground. Because this damn boy made her feel so comfortable and safe, nothing else really mattered.
And as for our uncharacteristically daring blonde boy, he was nothing but relieved to share a special moment with the incredible girl he lov- had unmatched feelings for, rooted in friendship, fondness, and fervent admiration. Yet how his heart, which was beating like a jackhammer, hadn't broken through his chest was a mystery to him. His not-entirely real but also not entirely fake bravado came surprisingly from the advice (and a bit of goading) from the garden-variety idiot and local goofball that was Eren Jeager. Not that anyone would ever know, that is.
When the kiss ended, the brief few seconds far quicker than it felt yet also far too soon for Gabi, all she could do was stare speechless at the receding figure of her boyfriend as he walked back down the hill to collect the sweet treats he owed.
And out of the silence, only Udo had noticed, as he shouted in realisation "He didn't even ask what flavours we wanted!"
A little further away where the 104th cast sat enjoying their much-earned picnic nearly a decade in the making Mikasa, who had taken to the young newer cast members like a big sister, witnessed the scene with a sense of fondness and optimism for what the future held. Just an hour prior, she was shedding unrestrained tears after she alone carried the final scene for the series to its end. The end of what had taken up so much of her life, what had brought her so many cherished memories, and lifelong friends whom she called family.
And of course, the man next to her, who had noticed the subject of her brief distraction. For playing a raging teenager turned genocidal edgy-demigod, he was the sweetest person she had the pleasure of meeting, if a little dense at times. Fortunately for them both, he wasn't too dense.
"Ya know, I gave him that idea. Taught him how to do that and act cool and all, kinda like me" he smirked, which earned him a firm smack upside the head.
Of course, he was also a complete goofball.
Hope you liked it! Feel free to leave any feedback.
If the word choices or tone seems off, I have to apologize, it's been over 5 years since I've written any fanfics, and in those years the only writing I've done was assignments and research papers for med school.
I already have another idea for a fic that takes place during the final season, but as with all fanfic writers I can't guarantee I'll actually write it up anytime soon hahaha.