I Knew I Loved You
People around him turned into a blur as his eyes transfixed itself on the young raven-haired before him. Did he even realize he was staring? Either the girl hadn't noticed or she was feigning ignorance. There was not much people on the lonely subway train considering that it was the last train for the night (he needed some sleep for the party his superior forced him to go to; he need all the patience he can muster) and the people around them seemed to be minding their own business.
When it stopped over a station, Levi moved so that he could let an old woman take his seat. His gesture did not go unnoticed by her and when he leaned on the opposite door, she gave him a soft smile. He knew that it all sounded cliché but he couldn't help but feel more drawn to her. She hadn't either. But she was the one who broke the contact to look at the dark tunnels outside the window behind her.
Have we met before?
He oh so wanted to ask but suddenly, the train skidded to a halt. Lights flickered dangerously until it broke out, only to be replaced by the red emergency lights. There was a rumble and the dust over the tunnel fell into clouds over the metal transportation vehicle. The few late night passengers shifted in panic, and the child next to him became restless.
He had no words of comfort nor does he have any right to do so but he knows that panicking will not ease their situation. They were basically trapped mice under the mercy of nature and their only hope was the prayer that the roof of the tunnels won't collapse over them.
Stretching his hand, Levi held the toddler's with no words but with calm eyes. The child ceased his thrashing and reached over to hold his mother's hand, which in turn held the hand of the panicking night student beside her. Like a chain reaction, the people in the trailer were holding each other's hands, no words could ever compare to the comfort these strangers gave one another. It was a miracle moment that Levi had no original intention of initiating.
When the chain reached to her, Levi offered his hand to her to complete the circle. And just by the briefest touch accompanied by a marvel of blues and blacks; Clips, like scenes from a movie flashed in their minds.
They were riding horses with gears strapped to their hips similar, but also different from the modern soldier.
They were walking alongside a beach of the clearest water and coolest winds.
He was carrying her effortlessly despite his size on a simple, wooden house on top of a hill.
They were walking again on the same beach but this time, they were holding the hands of a little boy while her other hand was gently caressing the growing child inside her womb.
Lastly, he was snuggling from behind her on a bed while the storm raged outside, whispering his words of devotion and affection till she fell asleep.
It would have gone on more. They would have seen more but then the train fired back to life and hands parted as the people around them cheered and sighed with relief. The intercom buzzed with the train driver's voice apologizing for the situation. However, they only continued to stare at each other's eyes for the longest time. The raven-haired woman blinked, breaking the contact when the train halted at the last station.
They gave one last eye contact as everyone else exited the train before they parted ways. And before she turned her back, she sent him a sweet smile that had Levi staring until he was out of sight.
Then on the party the next day, Dr. Jaeger approached Erwin and Levi to introduce his son and his surrogate daughter. He never had the opportunity to utter her name when Levi boldly approached the girl, taking her hand in his. Feeling the familiar warmth that seeped through them that made them feel a sense of completion.
"Hi Mikasa"
"Hello, Levi"
Based on the song: I knew I loved you by Savage Garden