Rowan clapped her hands together, a cloud of flour forming in front of her face. She had just finished making the crescent-shaped rolls. Some were sweet, stuffed with fruit spreads, peanut butter, or honey while others were savory, stuffed with fish or vegetables. Rowan even managed to use all the filling her and her friends made, despite Sasha's attempts at "tasting" each filling. Rowan did end up breaking her resolve and giving Sasha and Conny the mixing spoons to enjoy. While she was making the crescent-shaped rolls, Hange was busy gathering every ingredient they could find to help Levi make the main course. Levi never ceased to surprise her. She had no idea just how passionate Levi was about cooking. He was hyper-focused on his task. Earlier, Sasha and Conny were arguing over who would make the main course, but Levi decided he was going to be in charge of the rainbow trout. That's where he remained throughout the entire afternoon. Rowan had a moment to breathe while the crescent-shaped rolls were baking, so she listened in on her friends' discussion. Hange was excitedly talking to Sasha and Conny about the latest book they were reading. Apparently, it provided information about the history of Titans. Rowan made a mental note to ask them about it after the feast. She had something else to attend to at that moment. With the trio distracted, Rowan decided to make her move. She slipped over to where Levi was meticulously watching the fish in the oven. Once she was a few steps away from him, she determined she was in range. She lifted her cupped hand, aiming at her target.
"No." That one word caused Rowan's entire body to tense, her hand pausing directly above her head. Levi's hand reached up, fingers circling around her wrist. In one swift motion, he released her grasp and all the flour landed in her messy bun and on her face. Her wide eyes focused on him, her heart racing. Levi's gaze was calculating and he leaned into her, pressing her body against the counter as he held her arm above her, wrist pressed against the cabinet. He leaned in even closer, his nose brushing her own. "Never start a war you can't finish." Rowan could hardly breathe, let alone form a response. She just stared at him, heart slamming against her rib cage. She could feel it beating in her throat and she found herself entranced by the man. "Go wash up and gather everyone. I'll take care of the rest." His face came even closer as gentle lips pressed against her cheek. It was soft and quick. So quick, she didn't even know if it actually happened. The warmth of his lips lingered though and she did her best to reassure herself that it was real. With that, Levi released her and stepped away to tend to the rainbow trout. Rowan took a deep breath, eyes trained on his back.
"I still have to set the table and finish the rolls." She shook her head, trying to pull her focus back to the tasks she still had to accomplish.
"I'll handle it. Go, all of you." He spoke louder to get the attention of the others in the kitchen. Sasha and Conny both saluted him, turning to leave. Sasha snatched one of the mixing bowls before running from the room and Rowan couldn't help but laugh at that.
"I'll go find Petra. I think she was still with Armin." Hange bounced from the room, leaving Levi and Rowan alone.
"Levi. This is my holiday. You don't have to do all of this." Rowan stepped forward, but Levi was quick. He pinned her against the kitchen counter and cabinet once again.
"Go get Jaeger and the others. That's an order." He stated, his gaze fixed on her stare. He was waiting for her to challenge him, but she didn't. She nodded, wiggling free from his grasp and hugging him tightly. Her arms wrapped around his neck and she pressed her body to his.
"Thank-you Levi." With that, she hurried off to get changed and find the others. She sprinted right up to her room, deciding to pull on a navy dress that Petra had loaned her. The fabric hugged her frame, giving her more shape than usual. She quickly took her hair out of the messy bun, brushing all the flour out in the process, and used the comb Hange gave her to brush out her locks. After being in a bun all day, her hair had some curl to it and she was content with that. She smiled, deciding to just go barefoot before heading off to find her friends. She hurried down the hallway, retrieving Eren first and then Mikasa. Hange left to get Petra and Armin, so that left Jean and Marco. Rowan hurried down the stairs to Jean's room, knocking three times before shouting for her friends. "Jean! It's Rowan!"
"Come in!" A muffled voice responded and she opened the door, sliding into the room to find Jean in bed with his arms wrapped around something she couldn't see. Slowly, Marco took shape, filling the space between Jean and the edge of the bed. His head was resting on Jean's chest, the boy securely wrapped in Jean's arms, Rowan still wasn't sure what to make of their interactions. She didn't know why Jean could feel Marco, but she wasn't going to spoil it for them. She would just accept it for what it was.
"Hey guys. Are you ready? Levi is finishing up the last of the preparations!"
"Captain Levi is? No way. What kind of spell did you put him under? " Jean chuckled, squeezing Marco once before sitting them both up in bed.
"He likes you back…doesn't he?" Marco smiled widely and Rowan could feel the heat on her cheeks.
"Likes her back? Wait..Rowan? Do you actually have a thing for Captain Levi? I thought that was a joke." Jean was shocked, his eyes darting back and forth between Rowan and Marco,
"You're so dense sometimes Jean. It's completely obvious! Captain Levi treats Rowan differently than anyone else and Rowan always has her eyes on him." Marco spoke as if it was blatantly obvious to everyone. Rowan hoped their fellow soldiers were more like Jean.
"It wasn't that obvious Marco! I had no idea."
"We still aren't dating or anything. We are just...acknowledging our feelings and seeing where things go." Rowan quickly started and Marco smirked,
"'Our feelings?"
"Yes…our feelings." She nodded and he beamed, jumping up and throwing his ghostly arms around her.
"I'm so happy for you and I'm proud of you! You both deserve it." Marco beamed. Rowan couldn't help but try and hug the boy back, her arms hovering over his ghostly form. She smiled over his shoulder and met Jean's gaze. He was smiling lovingly at Marco and though Rowan was curious, she held her tongue. She didn't want to push them if they haven't discussed their own feelings yet. They were making their way there at their own pace and she didn't want to ruin it.
"Thanks Marco. I really appreciate your support. You can head down to the fire pit. I think Levi and Hange set up a few tables for us out there so we didn't disrupt the dinner hour." She smiled at them both before retreating to the door.
"Aren't you coming down with us?" Jean called out and Rowan shook her head.
"I already got Mikasa and Eren. Plus Hange went to get Petra and Armin. They should all be down there by now. I just have to grab a few things and then I'll be down there!" She assured them before hurrying off to her room. She swiftly maneuvered up the stairs, her leg now fully recovered. It was much easier to move between floors of the HQ now that all her wounds and bruising healed. She reached under her bed, pulling out the bin full of gifts for her friends. They were all wrapped in blankets she found in the storage room. Typically, the gift-giver would sew their own fabric wrappings in her village, but this would have to do. She hurried through the halls and out the door. She made her way to the fire pit by the stables and smiled widely. Her friends were all seated at the table, laughing and chatting about the food that covered the table. The seat at the end of the table was open, Levi sitting to the right of it and Petra on the left. Levi glanced up, his eyes softening as he met her gaze. Her smile was blinding then, her cheeks warming. He was dressed in his white button down and black blazer, that ridiculous ascot tucked into his collar.
"Rowan! Is there any kind of tradition we have to do before we eat?" Petra smiled widely, pulling Rowan's attention away from Levi. She appreciated her friends greatly for all the effort they put in to celebrate a foreign holiday.
"Nope. Please everyone, dig in." She smiled at her friends before gazing at the setting sun. Once the full moon was in the sky, she would give them their gifts. She placed the bin on the ground and dropped down into her seat. Her plate was already loaded with crescent rolls and slices of rainbow trout.
"Oh my gosh, this is amazing. It tastes even better baked!" Sasha was drooling as she bit into one of the savory crescent rolls. The filling oozed from the roll, coating the sides of her cheeks. Rowan couldn't help but giggle at that sight.
"This is really good. Thank-you so much Rowan." Mikasa was busy cutting into the rainbow trout and Rowan cleared her throat.
"You'll have to thank Captain Levi for the trout. He baked that himself." She smiled at him and he rolled his eyes, shoving a roll into his mouth.
"Who knew the Captain could cook so well?" Conny laughed, shoveling trout into his own mouth. Everyone was happily eating and chatting away with those closest to them. Rowan's eyes were watery as she watched everyone enjoying their evening. Her soul felt at peace and she was grateful for her chosen family.
"Are you okay Rowan?" Petra leaned in, eying her carefully. Rowan wiped her eyes before smiling.
"Absolutely. I'm just really happy. I was really homesick and you all helped make it easier to handle. I appreciate all of you greatly."
"Well, we are family. We are always here for you." Petra reached over and squeezed Rowan's hand.
"I know. I'm grateful for all of you." Rowan met everyone's gaze before returning to her meal. She happily spoke with Petra and Armin about her village and the customary dances they did in the village square. She even told them about the customary fire. Around the fire, every villager would make a promise to the one they loved or to their family. Right as Rowan finished her story, she realized the whole table was listening. Everyone was done eating and the full moon lit up the sky. Rowan bounced to her feet and lifted the bin onto the table. "In addition to our feast, dancing, and fireside confessions, we also have one more tradition. When the winter solstice aligns with a full moon, we give gifts in our village. I have a gift for each of you." She beamed, laying out the gifts on the table. She handed a gift to Petra, Armin, Hange, Mikasa, Eren, Jean, Marco, Conny, and Sasha.
"Wait. We didn't know. Rowan, we didn't get you anything." Armin pushed his gift away gently, eyes wide.
"That's okay. I wasn't expecting anything. It's my culture and tradition. I wanted to share it with all of you." She explained herself as best she could before gesturing to everyone. "Open your gifts!" She smiled before sitting and placing the last bundle in front of Levi. He eyed her curiously, but waited to open it. Hange gasped, pulling the goggles on immediately.
"These are perfect! I don't even think they're flammable! Thank-you Rowan! I have to go test them out!" Hange jumped from their chair and sprinted towards the building. Rowan couldn't help but laugh at that, expecting nothing less from Hange. When she looked back at the table, Sasha was playing with her hot plate, warming another crescent roll on it while Conny pulled on his jacket. They both shouted their thanks when they noticed Rowan was looking. Jean held up the locket, the metal glistening in the moonlight. He smiled softly before placing the crystal in it and clasping the necklace securely around his neck. He had enough time to say thank-you before Marco was nudging him for help. Jean opened the bundle and turned the book over so Marco could read the back.
"I wanted to read this before I joined the military. Thanks Rowan!" He beamed and Rowan smiled and nodded.
"These are amazing Rowan. Did you make these?" Mikasa slipped the gloves on, admiring their shape and color.
"Yeah. I couldn't find any that matched your scarf, so I made them." Rowan responded with a warm smile and Mikasa's wide eyes met her gaze.
"I really appreciate it. Thank-you."
"Rowan! This is so amazing! Where'd you find this?" Armin was baffled, the map spread out on the table. Dishes were shoved in every direction so Armin could clear a space and unroll the entire map.
"A true gift giver never reveals their secret." Rowan winked and Armin chuckled, his attention mainly focused on the map. Rowan turned towards Petra as a crystal bracelet was dangled in front of her.
"Come on girl. You know I was going to give the other one to you." She laughed, slipping it onto Rowan's wrist. She held her bracelet up and tapped it against the one on Rowan's wrist. "I've always wanted friendship bracelets and these are beautiful. Thank-you." She smiled and leaned over the table to hug Rowan. Rowan returned her hug, her heart warming. Once Petra released her, she noticed Eren studying his gift, the blade reflecting in the moonlight.
"It's so you don't have to bite your hand anymore." Rowan spoke sheepishly, nervous that he might not like it. He thought about it for a moment before nodding.
"Thanks Rowan. I appreciate it." He smiled, closing the blade and tucking the knife into his pocket. Before Rowan could respond, the fire erupted from the nearby pit. Hange was standing above it, laughing gleefully. Though their new goggles had soot on them, they weren't burned. Rowan guessed that Hange was right about them not being flammable. That was a relief. Jean, Mikasa, Eren, Petra, and Conny maneuvered to the fire, huddling around it as they chatted excitedly. Armin and Marco were busy looking at the map, discussing the differences in today's landscape. Sasha was busy warming up crescent rolls, completely enthralled by it. Levi cleared his throat and Rowan turned towards him. He neatly unwrapped his bundle and studied the jar of tea bags.
"Hange helped me. I made different tea blends for you. They're all black tea, but they have subtle flavors added in with the tea leaves." She was busy twiddling her thumbs, unsure if Levi would even like her gift. He nodded before looking at the misshaped clay mug. It was uneven, not able to stand completely flat on the table. The handle was too small for it and the tree carved into the front was at an angle. It was kind of hideous, but Hange had abandoned Rowan with the pottery wheel halfway through. Despite that, she made it with her own hands and she was proud of it.
"Did you make this?" He lifted the mug, studying the carving.
"Yeah, I'm sorry. I never made pottery before, but I wanted to get you something to make your tea in. Nothing looked right at any of the merchant tents so I wanted to make you a mug with our tree on it. I know...it's hideous." Her shoulders slumped slightly. Perhaps her idea wasn't as clever as she had thought. She was so focused on the table, avoiding Levi's gaze, that she hadn't noticed he stood. She was suddenly wrapped in his arms, her chin resting on his shoulder. He squeezed her tightly and she immediately wrapped her arms around him.
"Thank-you so much Rowan." He whispered softly and Rowan just held him tighter. "Nobody has ever made anything for me before. I appreciate you greatly. I hope you know that." When he released her, he kissed her forehead before returning to his seat.
"Absolutely. I'm really glad that you like them. I was kind of nervous about it." She rubbed the back of her head with a sheepish grin on her lips.
"Nervous? Rowan, I would appreciate anything you give me." He spoke softly before reaching under the table. He was holding a sweater and jar in his hands.
"I didn't know they were supposed to be wrapped, but I got these for you." He placed them on the table and Rowan's eyes widened. She unfolded the sweater, noticing it was one of his from the old HQ. She immediately pulled it on, enjoying the warmth and security she felt from it. She studied the jar and opened it, sniffing at the golden liquid.
"Is this lavender and honey?"
"Yeah. I asked Hange to help me infuse the honey with lavender. I know you said you always liked floral flavors." He spoke sheepishly and Rowan's eyes teared up.
"But...I wasn't expecting anything. I didn't even know you remembered about the gift-giving thing." She closed the jar tightly, admiring the swirls of golden honey.
"When it's important, I remember it. I wanted you to be able to experience a true winter solstice celebration. You deserve it." The corners of his lips turned up slightly and Rowan beamed back at him. She hopped to her feet, entwining their fingers and pulling him to the fire. She pulled him onto the ground on the opposite side of the fire, slightly away from her friends. They sat, shoulders pressed together. Rowan didn't release his hand, so their clasped hands rested on her thigh.
"Levi?" She spoke gently, eyes focused on the crackling fire. She felt his gaze on her, so she turned to meet his eyes. "I promise to never lose faith in you. I promise to stay by your side and fight alongside you. I promise to always have your back in battle and in life." She squeezed his hand tighter as she spoke, her voice clear and confident. No matter what, she knew she needed to give him those promises. She meant every word and she wanted the full moon and winter solstice fire to be her witnesses.
"You're foolish." He huffed, yanking on her hand. She fell towards him, her head hitting against his chest. He wrapped his arms around her and whispered into her hair. "Even if I do think you're a fool for choosing me and making those promises, I promise to always protect and support you." His soft lips pressed against her forehead and her cheeks warmed as she moved closer to him.
"Thank-you Levi." She didn't think he knew just how much that meant to her. She would do everything she could to show him how thankful she was for him. Even if it all ended tragically. Even if she gave her life for humanity. She would never regret giving her heart to humanity's strongest soldier. She would never regret these small, precious moments she got to spend with him. She would always cherish the different layers of his personality that he shared with her. And she would always cherish the memories of their time together for the rest of her life and time in the afterlife.