7 Years (AU) (K+)

My first SNK/AoT fic! Let me know how it goes!

They say when someone passes, you mourn for 7 years and then you let it go. Truth be told, Levi did not know if he could let her go. She left behind something, rather someone, that reminds him too much of her. His deep blue eyes traveled up and down the gravestone. Petra Ackerman, 1984-2011. It had now been 7 years since she was gone. 7 years since she traded her life for her daughter's. Of course he loved his daughter, but he missed her greatly. The pain that lingered inside of him could never be extinguished. He knew he had to let her go today. It was the only way.

"Papa?" A dulcet voice interrupted the journey that was taking place in his mind.

"Hn."

"Do you miss her?"

"Yeah." His voice held no emotion. Not that it did normally, but today it seemed there was something more. Or less, rather. His tone was hollow and empty. It longed to be filled with radiance. To have the spark that it once possessed. The time period where his voice actually held emotion had ended long ago. He was back to his original, emotionless self. Worse than his original self. After a moment of silence had passed, Levi hunched over and placed a small bouquet of white lilies with his free hand.

"What was she like?" The same pair of blue orbs he possessed stared up at him. His own eyes met the small girl whose hand was encased by his. She was so much like her in every visual aspect. Her light orange hair that flowed perfectly to her shoulders. Her facial structure and skin tone resembled hers. If it weren't for his subtle sapphire eyes, she would literally be a miniature version of her mother.

"Hm, your mother," He flashed through the memories of her. The memories of her smile. It always had an impact on him. It was contagious. For someone who didn't smile often, there was always one that adorned his face whenever she smiled. Any trace or remembrance of her would lift his spirit. A slight smirk forced its way onto Levi's lips. His mood would soon expire though, as he is faced with the harsh reality of her,"She had the warmest smile. Very much like yours."

A grin tugged at Meisha Ackerman's lips as she stared into her father's eyes,"Tell me more!"

He let a chuckle escape his lips,"She was the type of person everyone wanted to be around. Always cared for others. Especially for me. When she would make coffee every morning, she would always add in a dash of hazelnut. Ah, her cooking. Even if it wasn't the best you can have, you will always taste the passion she puts into it. And when she was finished, of course there's things to clean up. Even if she wasn't the best at cleaning, she always tried her best. Cleaning was something I would mostly do."

As Levi rambled on, his smile grew in size. Not only his, but Meisha's as well. She always knew her mother was a great person. She could listen to her father maunder all day about how great she was. And she would believe every part of it. Her blue eyes focused on the gravestone in front of her. She stared at it with high admiration and respect. A woman she would never meet, yet she longed to see badly. It was heartbreaking that there really would be no way for it to ever happen. A certain glint was projected from the young Ackerman's eyes. Love.

The sun behind them began its setting course, fading the sky to a subtle orange. Her eyes held a mere tinge of the sunset sky and everyday he would be reminded of her,"There were her eyes. Her beautiful eyes. I could stare into them for days. They were always the last thing I saw before I dozed off in the night. And her words. She was always good with them. I never knew someone could own such an imposing but soothing voice. Your mother's laugh also followed her voice sometimes. It had a ring to it, I can't describe it to you Meisha. If only you could have heard it..."

His words trailed off to a mere whisper. Meisha's eyes traveled to find her father kneeling down. His head hung low and his eyes focused on the grass below them. She saw droplets of water slowly crash onto his slate sleeve. The air was silent. No sound emitted from either of them until Meisha broke the stillness. Her arms wrapped around his slouched position.

"Papa, don't cry. It's my birthday today. I don't want you to cry on my birthday." His expressionless eyes discreetly peeked at her. Tears were welled up in her eyes and her lips drooped down. He never dared to cry in front of his wife. He knew the stress it would put her under. He had slipped a few times though, especially late in the night. But now he never dared to cry in front of his daughter. He cursed himself for allowing such a thing to happen. His sleeve rose up and wiped away his tears before turning to her and placing his hand on top of her head.

"I'm sorry Meisha...It's just hard," Levi let out a gloomy sigh and erected his posture.

"Mom wouldn't like to see you cry. I know I hate to see you cry Papa," Her arms reached out and briefly hugged his leg. The older Ackerman's lips naturally curved upwards as he watched his daughter comfort him.

"It's your birthday Meisha. You're seven years old now. Let's go celebrate," A welcoming hand shot out in front of the birthday girl's face. She faced her mother's grave and lifted her fingertips to her lips. Her lips kissed her small hand and she placed it on the stone before allowing her father's hand to wrap hers. As the gravestone grew smaller with each step, Levi took a glance back. He allowed his lips to gravitate upwards. His hand gave the young one's hand a slight squeeze. Meisha, Petra...I'll never let you go.