Mikasa is troubled and stressed, Levi consoles her and makes a bargain
fluff ensues
Mikasa sat curled up quietly in the corner of the hall, her knees tucked under her small chin. Her nose buried in the scarf around her neck and staring into space, distancing herself from reality. Her long black hair tumbling over in front of her face like a silky black curtain, shining brightly in the light.
A mysterious yet intimidating air about her, one that allured people to approach her. Yet scared people with her haunting appearance and silent atmosphere around her. She was infamously known around the camps for being a mysterious yet hauntingly beautiful child by the other soldiers and Hanji herself.
She hadn't been sleeping well lately, dreams of her parent's death and of Levi in the heat of battle flashing through her mind. Her memories eating away at her as she slept as she had no distraction from it, spending every day at the base. Causing her to become restless and miserable.
An aching in her chest and fear rushing through her young mind like a wildfire. Doubts and concerns washing over her endlessly making her fear that she would one day wake to an empty bed. She knew the titans were dangerous and that they were not to be taken lightly. And her uncle Levi was fighting in the front-lines, taking these creatures down as a job.
Putting his life on the line and raising his sword to protect humanity and take down these creatures that threatened humanity. Facing near death and experiencing the death of his comrades every day. Every time he went away she worried he wouldn't come back. That she would get told that he had been eaten or killed saving someone's life or been caught while fighting.
Though he was the strongest soldier humanity had to offer, he was still human and capable of being hurt just the same as any other person. He was capable of being harmed and he was not immune to getting trapped or immobilized in battle due to someone else's carelessness or a wrong sense of judgement.
That one day it would be his corpse being brought back, in one piece or just pieces, she didn't want to imagine either. Having nothing left but a memory of a man she had barely known or just met. She didn't want to lose anyone else, she didn't want to say goodbye again. She had lost her family once, she didn't need to lose them again. It would be too much to bear.
Suddenly a shadow loomed over her blocking out the sun from her gaze, to which she looked up quietly. Her nose still buried in her scarf for comfort, her black eyes wide and shining brightly like a star. Relieved to see him after having such troubled thoughts of his well being and the fear of not having him around anymore.
Levi frowned folding his arms over his chest, she really chose the oddest places to hide. It made looking for her immensely difficult sometimes, and often drained him. "Oi brat, what are you doing sitting in the hallway? You'll trip someone up" he scolded sharply. Seriously if she was feeling tired she should go nap in their room.
She would cause trouble or get in harm's way if she just sat there in the hallway like that. God knows since she arrived here she had drawn enough attention to herself as it was. Not everyone here was of a pure state of mind, there were some people who were interested in her Asian genes and not for good reasons.
Mikasa stared back at him silently, she had come to understand that him calling her names was just how he showed his affection for her. He did so for everyone here, such as the case with Hanji by calling her shitty glasses. So, she did the same to him, but in terms of description not a name.
She then reached out slowly to grip his leg, her small hand grasping him as if he would disappear before her. Reconfirming that this was not a dream and she was actually here with him now. Not wanting to let go of him ever or lose him in any way, to stay by his side forever.
Levi softened, Mikasa didn't seem like herself today. She was more distant than usual, her young mind troubled by something and it was obvious given her body language and facial features. He wondered what thoughts were swirling through her young mind. What she was thinking and feeling right now, she was rather hard to read in that sense after all.
He then knelt down to her level quietly, his own dull blue eyes peering into her shiny black ones. Concern written all over his face as he tried to fathom what could be bothering her. "Mikasa?" he asked curiously. He would not let her keep secrets from him, not if it was giving her grief. As her uncle, he would not allow her to suffer these problems alone.
Mikasa stiffened, sensing he was worried about her. Though he appeared intimidating and uncaring, he was in fact a deeply emotional person but after years of a difficult life he had become hardened and resilient in nature. She then shifted then decided it best to speak her mind before he became annoyed and forced her to speak about it.
He had patience the same as anyone, but his temper was definitely the scariest next to Hanji. Though she had never seen both at their worst, she had seen glimpses every now and again. She then bowed her head slowly, her long bangs covering her face once more. Feeling shy about speaking about such personal matters with him despite being family.
"Don't… don't die" she replied quietly her voice almost a whisper. She would be all alone again if he left her and she didn't want that, she had already lost enough as it was. She wouldn't know how to go on by herself or what to do if he left her side, she was still too young to look after herself.
She didn't want to lose anyone again, the pain of saying goodbye would just be too much for her to bear. She wanted something to last even if it was just him, so she would have a family again. She wanted a piece of her family life back no matter what form it came in. Though it was anything but the peaceful life she had, she enjoyed her new life she had with him.
Levi softened, his expression pained then knelt down before Mikasa silently. Pity and empathy filling his heart, able to understand her grief and despair all too well. After losing her family in such an awful way of course she would be traumatized and afraid of losing someone else that was dear to her.
He then ruffled her hair affectionately running his fingers through it slightly, it was so silky and soft to the touch. Her hair wasn't like other people's, because of her Asian blood it was of a different texture. It had a thicker tone to it but was silkier than the average human from Germany, proving how different her race was from others.
She was not only one of the last remaining Ackerman members but also the only living Asian left. Leaving her as a very rare breed by human standards indeed, seeing as the others had either died or been killed off. Should she ever have kids one day they would only be a quarter Asian and a quarter Ackerman which was less than herself.
"I'm not going anywhere shitty brat. At least have some faith in me" he scolded. He would never leave Mikasa, even when she grew up and made her own way they would always have a special bond. He would watch over her always and make sure had a reasonably happy life and became a fine young woman one day.
Mikasa softened upon hearing his words, her worries dissipating as if they never existed to begin with. A warmth spreading through her chest unlike any other she had experienced in her life. She then reached out her arms slowly gesturing to be picked up. She needed comfort and reassurance, to know he was really here and that he wouldn't leave her side.
Levi sighed, it seemed she was in a needy mood right now. But she hadn't been sleeping well lately, that and she was still very young. Having dealt with things she shouldn't have to. He picked her up gently. Making sure to support her underneath her bum and place him arm around her back, making sure she was sturdy and wouldn't fall from his grasp.
He then held her close to his chest again, like the day she had first arrived in this place. It was strange to think that so much time had passed since she came into his life and was put into his care. It felt so natural now that he couldn't believe he was ever alone. She gripped his jacket gently for support, her black eyes peering ahead in front of her.
He then looked at her curiously "You hungry?" he asked. It had been some time since the two of them ate, seeing as he had no work to do they could enjoy it together. Mikasa blinked then nodded quietly, her eyes lighting up a little. She had been so busy thinking that she had forgotten that it was about time she had some lunch.
Levi hummed in content then started walking away quietly, Mikasa held tightly in his to find a peaceful place to eat without Mikasa or himself being stared at for hours. God knows, he was lucky that none of the other soldiers had come up to her while he hadn't been there in an attempt to get lucky.
Mikasa sat at the table with Levi quietly, him sipping his tea with an empty plate before him. Content from the satisfying meal and enjoying his warm beverage in silence. The two sat opposite each other, so they were better able to communicate and he could make sure she didn't waste any of the food she was given.
It seemed aside from the troubles in her young heart, she was also hungry. He was relieved to know that her problems and trauma didn't effect her appetite in any way, as it would help her to grow big and strong. Mikasa wasn't used to not having food available all the time, having to go in search of it or ask permission.
She would wait for her parents to go hunting or prepare it for her. I mean she was only 10 years old, at her age the only concern she had was watching the clouds roll by or doing chores. Though she had been taught how to sow and do other things, cooking and preparing food had not been on her list of skills.
Mikasa was sipping a glass of milk, his argument being it was good for her. Saying he wanted her to grow up big and strong, so she would eat healthy good instead of being a picky eater. She had devoured the soup and bread in seconds, guzzling it down like it was the first time she had tasted food before. But at least she had a healthy appetite and was not a picky eater.
"Feel better now brat?" Levi asked casually as he sipped his tea, not averting his gaze from her. She certainly seemed to have cheered up compared to her gloomy personality earlier. Though he was yet to see her smile, though her eyes lit up when she was happy. But he supposed that was something he would have to earn over time.
Mikasa nodded still sipping her milk making sure to finish the entire thing. Though she had enjoyed her meal, part of her was still unsatisfied in a sense, a longing in her heart that sought something desperately. But she was a good girl and never bothered her uncle with it as he was already busy enough most of the time as it was.
"Then why the long face?" he asked defiantly. Though she had calmed down after eating, she still seemed unsatisfied with something, causing him some concerns. He would not have her hiding anything of importance from him, she should not have to carry burdens on her own if he was able to help her.
Mikasa stopped sipping her milk and put down the glass. Wiping away her mustache with a napkin nearby. She then gripped the glass in her small hands tightly. "I… When you go away I get lonely. I don't have anyone to play with, it's not fair" she replied defensively. She missed having other kids to play with, she had so enjoyed meeting that boy Jean.
Levi softened feeling sympathy for her, she had a right to upset in that area. Because of his job, he couldn't always keep her company and Mikasa needed other children her age to play with. Sure Hanji would babysit now and again or he and Mikasa would spend time together and bond as Uncle and Niece when he was back at base or had free time.
But that wasn't enough, she needed a friend to play with. That boy Eren who had saved her, she hadn't seen him in in a few weeks now. He had been worried about Mikasa and protective over her when he came to get her. God knows how their family were doing or if he even remembered her at all. Given their meeting was so brief.
But given how far away that the boy lived it was out of the question, though he felt bad for Eren should he miss Mikasa. He had no business in Shiganshina aside from collecting her and adopting her legally. Though he would happily accept letters from the Yeager's should they wish to speak to Mikasa at all.
That other boy Jean from the Trost district, Mikasa had seemed to like him too. He was shy, soft spoken and polite. Something he found relieving as bratty kids just pissed him off. He was the first boy since moving here that Mikasa had spoken to. They seemed to get along ok and it wasn't too far from here, besides he didn't mind keeping an eye on her.
"You liked that chubby boy, right? The one from the Trost district" he replied casually sipping his tea. He was being honest though, the boy had been a little chubby but not in an unhealthy way. Just baby weight which he would quickly lose once puberty hit him. Besides, Hanji would come along to keep him company too.
Mikasa perked up, it had been some time since she had met Jean. She had worried that he may be getting bullied again or think she had forgotten about him to which she had not. Though she sought to see him again and play, she could not do so without her uncle. The world was a dangerous place and she knew that there were people out there that sought to harm her.
She was safe with her uncle and she wanted to stay that way. Knowing he would keep away any bad men that have the same desire to hurt her like the ones who had killed her family. But at the same time, she longed for some form of human contact outside of the base they lived in.
Levi frowned, seeing her act like that over a boy's name caused him concern. She had only met the boy once briefly and already she was getting excited at the sound of his name. Though he did not mind her having friends and companions, she would not be dating any boys in the near future. Her training came first, then her dating life that was for sure.
He then sighed venting some of his frustration on the matter. Now having more respect for parents than anyone else for having to deal with this kind of thing on a daily basis. "I'll ask Erwin about making small trips when I'm back at the base. But know they can't be all the time, got that?" he replied sharply.
He was a soldier as well as an uncle, he had duties to take care of and endless paperwork to do. As well as raise a 10-year-old girl on his own with Hanji's occasional help. It was fair to say he had more than enough on his plate as it was. But if it would make Mikasa happy, he was willing to make some exceptions for her case.
Mikasa's eyes lit up and a warmth filled her heart, the idea of seeing Jean again and playing with him warmed her heart. Having another person to spend time with of her own age. Being able to leave the base and see some of the outside world, to be away from the stone walls and limits and run around like the child that she was.
But she hoped those mean boys weren't bullying him again. The idea of Jean crying or being hurt made her feel angry inside. He seemed so nice and didn't deserve any of it. She didn't know how she felt about Jean or what he meant to her. But she cared about him and she wanted to protect him from those older boys who treated him so badly.
He had been covered in so many bruises, cuts and injuries. Crying his eyes and out calling for help but nobody did anything to help him and that had made her so angry to see. He was a kid like her but because he was a little round with baby weight, other kids felt the need to be cruel to him and make fun of him. But all kids were different after all.
To know she could once again play with him made her so happy. Though she didn't know many games, she would happily just sit with him like last time and talk about what was on their mind. She wondered what Jean would say when he saw her again, maybe he would cry or smile.
Levi clicked his teeth, yep she was developing a crush. It was clear as day given her expression and attitude towards him. How was she growing up so fast already? "Now drink your milk. Its bath time soon" he replied sternly. It had been a while since she was cleaned properly in a tub and he would not allow her to see the boy looking a state.
Mikasa nodded and gulped down her milk more eagerly than before. The promise of seeing her new friend giving her motivation to do things again. Knowing she could see Jean more often now and would have a friend, that made her happier than she had been in so long.