Winter came before any of us could release the breath we were holding in hopes that fall might last a little longer. At least two inches covered everything in a pristine, white blanket. I was glad I got that deer for Jess. There was enough meat to give Michael a good share and even take several pounds to the children's house. Meat was such a rarity since the fall of wall Marina.
I poked the fire sending a breath of sparks up the chimney. Jess was busying herself with dusting and washing dishes.
"Kira, I'm going out to get a few things. I'll be back soon." Jess said while wrapping a scarf around her neck. I waved to her as she closed the door. I frowned at our dwindling pile of wood. Sighing I stood up to go down stairs. In the lobby was a tall stack of fire wood. During winter rent went up as payment for the ready to use supply of wood. Not a bad deal in my opinion. It saved me from going out there and chopping up a tree or buying coal or gas.
"Hello Kira, how are you feeling today?"
"Just fine, thanks for asking." I smiled at Jess's mother. She was a frail woman with graying hair and kind eyes.
"I'm glad to hear it." She smiled. "Do you need any help? Jonny wouldn't mind carrying that for you." Jonny was a boy about 12 years old who worked here chopping wood mostly.
"No, I've got it, but thank you." I grabbed one last log and stuffed it under my arm.
"Well good day to you then." I gave her a thankful smile before walking upstairs again. I set a few logs in the fire place and poked it a few times.
The Scout Regiment was leaving today and now that it was winter, wouldn't be back for three months. I was sure Hanji was being overly excited and Levi was probably glaring at her. I smiled thinking about them. I wanted to be with them getting ready with the Support Squad, but I wasn't an idiot I knew my injuries were still compromising. Sure the bruising was fading, but I was weak muscle wise. They'd be leaving around three and it was two now.
Scribbling down a note for Jessica I grabbed my cloak and stocking hat. The streets were busy as always. I saw a couple children struggling to make a snowman with the powdery snow. The crowds got thicker as I got closer to the gate and the gathering regiment. I pushed through people till I found Hanji.
"Kira! What are you doing here? I thought Erwin had suspended you?"
"He did, I just came to wish everyone good luck." I wrinkled my nose at the new snowflakes that had started to fall from the grey sky. She wrapped her arms around me lifting me up. "Hanji put me down!" I thumped her head. She laughed setting me down. She took my hand dragging me through the crowds. "Hanji, slow down dammit!" she paid me no mind as she continued her quest.
"There he is! Levi!" she yelled getting his attention. He walked over to us followed by my Support Squad who he had been talking to.
"Kira, what are you doing here?" he sneered. I caught myself before I rolled my eyes.
"Saying goodbye to my friends before you leave for three months." I wanted to thump him on the head for thinking me stupid enough to come here and beg to be allowed to rejoin. "I won't get to see you guy's till Christmas. You expected me not to come?" I inquired. He just scoffed and glared as usual. "You should smile more often." The snow fall had picked up. "Are you sure you guys should leave? If this keeps up visibilities going to go way down."
Levi turned his face upward studying the white flakes. "You're probably right. I'm sure Erwin has a plan."
"Kira!" Eren called slowing his jog to a stop a few feet away. Armin and Mikasa right behind him.
"Hey, kid what's up?" I reached up to ruffle his hair.
"I thought Commander Erwin had suspended you?"
"Just saying goodbye to everyone. That all." I explained quickly. I could feel Mikasa's heated glare. "You three be careful out there. Winters a dangerous time. Listen to your superiors. Understood?" they each nodded. Erwin called out that they were leaving early for visibility reason. I quickly said goodbye and stood with the people gathered around to wish them luck. I waved as the horses took off through the gate.
I added more wood to the fire when I got home. Jess still wasn't back which surprised me. That was until I heard her yell my name and a second later the door fly open. She shoved a black fluff ball in my face.
"Look what I found! Isn't he adorable?" the black fluff ball let out a squeakish meow. Jess pulled the kitten back to cradle against her chest. "What should we name him?" I rolled my eyes fondly at her.
"Where on earth did you find him?" I scratched its fuzzy black head.
"A little girl at the market was selling a litter and I just couldn't pass this little guy up." The kitten meowed again. "Well, what should we name him?"
"You want me to name him?"
"Well why not?"
"Alright, fine. How about Minx?"
"Sounds great!" she walked to the kitchen cooing to Minx as he struggled in her grip. I shook my head and grabbed a book. I had gotten a few chapters in when I felt pressure on my shoulder and a soft purr by my ear. I looked up at wide eyed Minx as he kneaded my shoulder. I reached up and scratched his head. He curled up against my neck and went to sleep purring away.
I had no school today, so here's an early update. Thanks for reading!
