Levi and the core members attend Mikasa's parents funeral

Levi comforts Mikasa and fluff ensues

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Darkpheonix666

Levi stood silently as he watched the bodies of his half-sister and brother in law be buried into a grave. Though he had never known them he could not help but feel sad. His heart ached with a familiar sense of shame and grief. Yet he felt no sense of loss or sadness towards them; only regret that he had not been able to meet them sooner.

Knowing that he had relatives that were still alive out there and he never knew about them. There were few of him left and he was always surprised to know any where still living at all. Hell, he wondered if his uncle Kenny was even still alive; if so the guy would be in his late forties and early fifties by now.

They had both been outcasts from the world; living in the forest areas of the outer walls. Since the rule of the Asian clan and Ackerman clan to be hunted down any survivors would have been living on the down low. It was the only way to survive as to not get caught and killed.

No doubt hiding from smugglers or anyone else who was a danger to them. Given how both parents were of two rare family bloodlines that were almost extinct. His mother had lived in the underground with him until her death and had been popular because of her black hair and youthful face.

However being an Ackerman she did indeed have abilities like him. However instead of using them for killing like her brother, Kuchel had used them to protect herself and her son from thieves or the abuse of the owner at the brothel where she worked. Until her death and weakened state his mother had been very knowledgeable with a knife.

Two family members he had no idea existed had now been killed in cold murder leaving him and his niece the only ones left. He felt sad yet indifferent about the whole thing. Grieving over two family members who were like strangers to him; unaware they even existed until a few weeks ago.

Two loving parents who were outcast from the world and yet made their own place. One being the last Asian next to her daughter, the other being a surviving Ackerman with past relations with Kenny. Both taken down in cold blood.

But they had died good people who were peaceful civilians and good parents. Till the end they had protected their child and tried to ensure she survived even if they didn't; her mother proving this. When they had found her corpse she had still been gripping a pair of sowing scissors which she had used to fight against three armed men.

To try and take down three burly men with nothing but pure willpower and small sowing scissors showed courage. She had been killed via severe head trauma but she had gone down fighting. The woman had been a hero and her death was tragic, leaving her only child alone with nothing but her memory.

Hanji, Erwin and Mike had attended the funeral too. They were wearing black clothing in respect for the event and were standing as the coffins were lowered into the ground. Each had brought flowers to place upon their graves, all being white to add some colour to the grey Stonehenge markers in the earth.

Hanji had a pained look on her face trying to fight the tears. Most likely thinking about Mikasa and how awful the situation was. Though you would never have guessed from her cheerful demeanor, Hanji was an emotional soul but did well to hide it behind her smile.

She too like him believed in avoiding unnecessary casualties of comrades and preserving life. She had been the first person to speak to Levi during his pre-thug years and been friendly with Furlan and Isabel. Though they had thought her annoying at the time, looking back he believed had they lived they would have gotten along with her.

After they had died, Levi had been in despair and unable to sleep for months. His dreams plagued with visions of their bloody demise and the screams of fear and expressions as they realized their unavoidable doom. Hanji had made it better by comforting him and being the shoulder to cry on at the worst times.

She would come to his room to check on him, sitting by his side sometimes and just letting him cry. Sometimes she would just sit by him in silence as company, only talking with him when he felt like it. A few times she had bought him gifts to cheer him up; the first one being loose tea leaves.

He wouldn't have been a mess without her and was grateful for her company. Her patience and understanding meaning more than she knew, she never forced him to speak only listened. Though he wasn't vocal about it very often, he was indeed relieved to have her in his life.

Mike and Erwin as always had blank emotionless faces but dark shadows masking their pain. But their eyes showed their pain and sadness of the situation; pitying Mikasa and feeling regret they had been unable to do anything to make it better. Years of facing war had hardened their hearts to cope with such situations.

Mike had his head bowed towards the ground and his expression showed hints of anger. But as always, he appeared blank faced and expressionless; the war within raging. He kept looking at Mikasa then at Erwin; obviously worrying about her and feeling displeased about what she was having to deal with.

Erwin had his head looking straight ahead his face as calm as always. However the emotions in his eyes were raging, he felt a strong loss for these civilians who were killed in cold blood. He knew how wrong this was and how Mikasa could have been sold off, he would make sure she was full protected at all times.

Levi slowly lowered his gaze to Mikasa and his eyes became pained. Her black eyes were overflowing with tears which spilled down her face like a waterfall onto the floor. Her eyes red from crying so much and her shoulders shaking as she tried to hold back the sobs she so badly wanted to set free from her lips.

She looked so helpless and lost, not knowing what to do or what was going to happen in the future. Gripping the skirt of her black funeral dress so tightly her knuckles were turning white. Her nose buried into the blanket hiding what little of her face she could for comfort.

She was watching her parents be lowered in coffins into the ground. The people who had raised her who had been murdered in cold blood were now being buried. Two people she had loved and looked up to dearly were no more and there was nothing she could do to bring them back.

God only knows what thoughts were rushing through her mind right now. She was wearing a small long sleeved black dress with an O neck and slight V dip, her red scarf wound tightly around her neck like a security blanket. She hadn't stopped wearing it since they left the Yeager household.

She had a hauntingly innocent beauty about her. Though she was still so innocent and broken inside; a slight beauty radiated from her. Her dark eyes filled with so much emotion. She looked like a small doll or ghost, like she didn't really belong here and should be wondering around somewhere.

Levi quietly reached out and placed his hand on Mikasa's head in a supportive manner. She had done well to be brave all this time, now it was ok to cry and show her emotions. It was ok to be upset, angry and confused. She was still very young and had been forced to face situations no child her age should have to.

Mikasa was a very brave girl. Her parents would be proud of her and would want her to keep going and grow stronger. They would continue to watch over her as she grew up from their peace wherever their souls may be. He would continue to protect her in their place from now on.

Mikasa flinched in surprise as he touched her head gently. She softened and then abruptly lunged at his leg gripping it tightly. She then continued sobbing while clinging to Levi for support muttering "Mama" and "Papa" tearfully. Her small voice filled with so much pain and confusion.

Hanji watched as Mikasa sobbed into her uncle's leg like a lost puppy. Though the situation was undoubtedly sad, they still had each other. Even though she knew it was wrong considering the situation, she couldn't help thinking seeing Mikasa hug Levi for support was cute.

She would be relying on him from now on so this kind of thing would happen a lot. She would cling or stick by Levi for protection until she learned to look after herself. Once she was old enough she would indeed be taking training to become a soldier and hone in on her skills.

After

Levi carried Mikasa against his chest quietly as they made their way back to the base. She had worn herself out from all her crying earlier and was now fast asleep in his arms. She made small mutters and rubbed her face every now and again which made Hanji cry out silent squeals of joy.

He only hoped her dreams were peaceful and free of anything scary. He wanted her to be free of anything frightening for a while, her mind being able to escape the sadness she was enduring. Though he knew it was somewhat impossible given it had only been a day, he couldn't help but hope it came true.

He himself still had memories which he locked deep down in his own psyche. Memories of his childhood living in the underground, sometimes he could even remember the smell. On worst days it would be so bad he would throw up into a toilet or sink due to the traumatic memories of such living situations.

Hanji smiled sadly as she gazed down at the sleeping girl in Levi's arms "Poor thing. She's been through so much. I can only imagine how she is coping". She was only 10 years old after all. At that age things were very confusing (even more so when puberty came along) and often hard to understand causing them to cope in different ways.

Mikasa was still very much a child and her family had been torn from her in the most violent way possible . She was now living with her estranged uncle and forced to accept a new life that was out of her comfort zone. She wondered if the girl had even had any friends back in her old home in Shiganshina.

She was bound to have all sorts of pent up emotions locked away inside of her. But hopefully they would help her grow and become an amazing young lady someday. And she would always have her uncle Levi by her side every step of the way. teaching her everything she needed to know about life.

Levi nodded in agreement and stroked Mikasa's head gently as she slept. This was only his second time holding her and yet if felt so comfortable, he guessed this was what Hanji called Maternal instincts. The primal desire to protect your offspring or family members. To protect your weaker pack members from harm until they were strong enough to look after themselves.

He could only imagine this was the way his mother felt after giving birth to him and raising him herself. The same feeling his half sister, Mikasa's mother would have felt after giving birth to her daughter and raising her for the past 10 years until her untimely death. There really was nothing else like it in the world.

Hanji laughed fondly but made sure to cover her mouth "It's only been a day and you're already adjusting to your role. I'd say you're a natural" she teased. Despite his previous confusion when he read the reports on Mikasa, it seemed Levi would be a better uncle that he thought he would.

Levi clicked his teeth in frustration and blushed a little bowing his head. He didn't know what shit Hanji was spouting but it was annoying him. Anyone could look after a kid when they were well behaved. You just had to make sure they understood that you were in charge and you knew best, so that they didn't get any ideas.

Hanji saw his expression and smiled kindly "Anyway, I got Mikasa some new clothes thanks to Erwin. I've sent them up to your shared room to replace her old ones. Since the dress she came in was covered in dirt and slight blood stains, we had to throw it out" she explained.

It really was a shame, it had been really nice dress too and so well made. A dusty rose pink colour with a button down front and slight frill hem with patterns. However, during the kidnapping, it had been torn, ripped and stained with blood due to the rough way they handled the poor girl.

"I see" Levi said casually but his tone hinted relief. She couldn't keep wearing this black dress all the time as it would get depressing. It was a onetime only thing and he would be sure to get rid of it. He had no desire for his niece to be dressing like a witch all the time or she would get picked on by the local kids.

"It's a cute white number with long sleeves. It's got a crinkled neck and it will reach her upper calves. I also got a rose-pink cardigan to match. God, she'll look so sweet" Hanji sighed happily. It was simple but cute, and the skirt was flowy so she would easily be able to run in it if she so wished. Plus she may even attract some cute boys in that outfit.

After the war was over she dreamed of having a family of her own. Raising some small kids and living peacefully outside of these damn walls and seeing the world outside of them. Until then, she could indulge in her mummy fantasies a little with Mikasa. Having something small to love and care for until she was strong and healthy.

Being able to help Levi raise her and educate her in becoming a proper young lady and one day a soldier in the survey core. She couldn't wait to make all these new memories and take all these notes, it all sounded so exciting she could barely contain herself.

Levi frowned wearily; it was amazing how out of control Hanji could get once she had an idea in her head. "Geez shitty glasses cool it. She isn't a doll for crying out loud she's a kid. And as her uncle I will ask you not do anything creepy to her" he warned.

She was now his ward and the only living family he had left in this shitty titan filled world. He would let no harm come to her and that counted for Hanji's weird fetish with messing with things she found interesting. She was a child not some toy she could mess around with like her titan collection.

Hanji's smiled vanished, quickly replaced with annoyance to which she pouted and puffed out her cheeks "Aww. Levi, you spoilsport. I just wanted to have a little fun is all" she grumbled sulkily. She couldn't help it, Mikasa was just so cute that she wanted to have some fun.

Levi rolled his eyes crossly and Mikasa mumbled in his arms but stayed asleep. He would let her sleep as long as she needed to regain her strength, but he would have to wake her for dinner later. She was a growing girl and she needed to eat nutrients to keep her healthy, so she better get used to eating stuff she didn't like.

However, he doubted after the funeral she wouldn't be in the mood to speak to anyone. She would just hide behind him or bow her head and be very anti-social. He then turned his head to face Hanji sternly "Hanji; can you bring up some food later?".

He doubted Mikasa had eaten anything since they had left Yeager's place. After all that crying earlier the poor girl would be starving and need a good meal in her belly. She had literally passed out like a rock after the funeral, once she woke up she would realize how much energy she had used.

He would not allow her to be picky with food and make sure she ate properly. He would make sure she had a better childhood than himself and was able to retain some happiness. Though he would be stern at times and maybe unfair in her eyes, he would undoubtedly cherish her and make sure she was a happy child.

Hanji blinked in surprise then nodded her smile reappearing "Sure; in fact, I'll double it so you both get meals. But she'll have to do with stew and bread. We haven't had much food in lately" she explained. Because of the titan attacks and planning their next move; they hadn't really been able to get much trade in as of late. However, Erwin was going to sort it in the future.

Levi nodded gratefully then leaned in closer to her ear "Sneak an extra loaf for the brat. She needs the carbs to grow. I'll deal with the hassle should someone ask questions" he explained. He knew they were short on bread but he wanted to make sure Mikasa was well fed and able to enjoy a decent meal after their long day.

Hanji nodded again and the two parted ways to their respective quarters to rest for the evening. However, before leaving to her room she stole another glance at Levi holding Mikasa to his chest as he went to his own room. She couldn't get over how cute they looked.

Mikasa's nose nuzzled into his shoulder and her small hands gripping his jacket for support. It made her internally cry from happiness taking as many mental photos for future reference as possible. Embarrassing childhood stories were a must of being a parent, it was one of the oldest rules in the book.

Despite what doubts Levi may have had on raising her by himself. Hanji could already tell better than he could that he was doing a good job even though he didn't realize it. He was already sliding into the role like a hand in a glove, he just needed to have more confidence.