I'm back with a new chapter and some fluff
The next chapter will have more Childhood Jeankasa playing together. As I have genuinely missed writing about these two as kids
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Levi lay silently in bed while the candle burned on the bedside table. The sheets laid across his waist while his upper body was uncovered, he found himself getting too warm during summer so he had to sleep half covered. His eyes were fixed on the sleeping girl beside him. A calmness about him that he hadn't felt in so long.
After she came to stay with him, while he did get stresses and found it tiring, it was also rewarding. Reawakening emotions in him he thought he had long since lost. Discovering emotions and feelings in him he never thought capable of. Helping him feel a sort of joy again after everything he had been through last year.
Mikasa was fast asleep beside him curled up under the sheets. Her soft lashes tickling her cheeks as she slept, her breathing soft and relaxed in the silence. Her black hair flowing beside her on the bed, some of her bangs tumbling across her face as she slept. She looked so peaceful, so innocent.
He hadn't seen her like this since she had adopted her. For once looking like the child she was instead of the traumatized innocent she truly was. She was so quiet a lot of the time he often wondered what sorts of things ran through that head of hers. Wishing she would share her feelings more instead of keeping them to herself so much.
She did well to hide her pain, but there were times it truly caused him concern. She was a child and had every right to show her emotions. Not lock herself away and hide it. But people dealt with grief differently, he locked away his emotions so that he would be able to move on. To continue fighting and remember those that had fallen for his sake.
Not wanting their sacrifices and loss to go in vain, wanting to finally reach that world they had longed for since creating the survey core. Though people complained about the funding, he would like to see them do a better job. They only complained because they had not seen the hell's of war up close and personal like he had.
Mikasa had become clingy and protective over the ones she loved. Doing everything she could in her power to keep them safe, despite her young age. Yet somehow neglecting her own wants and needs which wasn't healthy. After everything she had been through she deserved to be selfish and ask for things more than she did.
Hopefully he could raise her to express herself more, while he was stern with her he did not want her to turn out like him completely. She was her own person after all and she should embrace it. And though he hated to admit it, that Kirstein kid seemed to help Mikasa open up and find her own happiness. Finding comfort in his company.
Mikasa then moaned softly beside him, her face screwing up and mumbling something. Her body curling up into a ball beside him, nuzzling her face into her hands. A look of discomfort on her face. As if she was in some form of pain or afraid of something, the kind a person made when they were around something unpleasant or scary.
Levi became worried, was she having a bad dream? Possibly dreaming of her parents, which was understandable. She had been through an awful lot of trauma and it had not been too long since their passing. The way they had died had not been pleasant either and she had witnessed the whole thing first hand too. Being slaughtered in front of her.
Levi reached out slowly and placed a hand on her back. He then rubbed her back gently to relax her. Coaxing her to go back to sleep, reassuring her that she was safe. As he started to rub her back, Mikasa softened but still looked upset. But her previous stiff body posture relaxed into a comfortable fetal position. But her eyes watered a little.
Some tears spilled down her cheeks and she sniffled in her sleep. "Mama… Papa…" she whimpered sleepily. She missed them so much, she was so lonely without them. But they were gone and she would never have them back. That's what hurt the most. The fact that she would never be able to go back the life where she had been so happy.
Levi's expression became pained and his hand stopped briefly. It had only been a few weeks now since her parents had died. Over time it would become a month, the time stretch growing bigger with every passing day. Though he had not known them personally, their loss had been great and the way they had died had been merciless.
The husband stabbed and left to bleed to death on the floor like a dog. The wife stabbed while fighting off the kidnappers with a pair of sowing needles, then she herself was stabbed. Then Mikasa was abducted while she watched both her parents being murdered while still in shock from the whole event happening before her.
Given how young she was of course she would still cry and dream about them. She was of that age where she was becoming curious and relied on adults for guidance. Most kids her age were innocent to the world and unaware of its cruelty. But Mikasa had been shown the ugly side of life early on, which was anything but fair.
He then wrapped his arm around her protectively, wanting to chase away her drams. Chase away the pain that hurt her so, he would not let her suffer if he could do something to help. He continued to rub her back, pressing her against his chest. Knowing the sensation of his warmth and familiar scent would calm her down and allow her to go back to sleep.
After a while Mikasa visibly softened, her tears stopping and her body relaxing. His gesture having worked in calming her down and clearing away the dreams in her mind. Chasing away the demons in her mind and allowing her to have sweet dreams again. He would rather she be at peace while she slept instead of worrying more.
She eventually nuzzled up to Levi, snuggling in his warm chest. Her face pressing into his chest and one of her small hands gripping his shirt. Treating him like a comfort blanket of sorts. Finding peace by being close to him, the way he expected she once did with her own parents before their untimely deaths.
Levi sighed gently, looking after a child was certainly hard work. It gave him more appreciation of how his mother had raised him all alone. Having to care for him while having to care for herself. To boot she had lived in the underground, having to deal with starvation, illness and other problems. Putting him before her to strengthen his chance of survival compared to herself.
Mikasa was older than he had been when his mother died, but her loss had been equally as tragic. Something cruel the two of them shared, the loss of their loved ones. It seemed despite having these inhuman abilities, the Ackerman clan was doomed to suffer thanks to the hands of the king who ordered them to be hunted.
Mikasa then mumbled again, making him wonder just what she was dreaming about. She certainly was an odd child, but she had a kind heart. That much he was certain of. Her retained innocence though small, was a small light of hope in his life. He was glad to have her as it made him realize how much he had missed having a family again.
"Levi…" she muttered sleepily. This surprised Levi, it seemed she was now dreaming of him. She certainly had a lot on her mind, despite being as young as she was. Which made him worry. He wondered if he should find activities that would allow her to distract herself, but he was at somewhat of a loss having never raised a child before.
He then stroked her hair affectionately as she slept "I'm here shitty brat. Now go back to sleep" he said sternly. She was still young meaning she needed the sleep to grow big and strong. He would make sure she not only became a fine soldier but a fine young lady. He wouldn't let her turn out spoiled, but a happy child. He didn't want her to cling onto the past if it caused her pain.
The two lay there in the dark next to the slowly fading candlelight. Her sleeping soundly beside him while Levi stroked her hair. The gesture now almost becoming therapeutic for him. A warmth in his soul as he laid beside the small girl, almost having forgotten what it felt like to be this happy again.
Mikasa woke up sleepily, feeling relaxed and well rested. Having had a good night's sleep minus the brief bad dreams. She hadn't dreamed of them in so long, but last night her memories came back to haunt her. Seeing their dead eyes, hearing their screams and the blood, the dark red blood pooling all over the floor.
She rubbed her eyes sleepily, still groggy and wanting to forget about the dreams. Her black hair tumbling in front of her face in a messed state, giving her an almost haunting look. Having moved out somewhat in her sleep, as she was a wriggler. Her mother always having to recover her in sheets due to pushing them off.
As she looked around she saw her uncle was missing. Had he gone to work while she slept? But why? She had hoped he would say goodbye at least instead of leaving her behind. When he was gone, she got really lonely, having nobody else to talk to. Though Hanji was nice more often than not she went with Levi too. Leaving her alone with strangers.
She couldn't leave the base as she didn't know her way around and would get lost. She also knew he would worry if she wondered off. Remembering how she was abducted by those men. So instead she would wait here for him to return like a good girl. Knowing that if she did not he would worry about her. So, she did as she was told and stayed on the bed.
The bedroom door then suddenly opened snapping her from her thoughts. Levi then entered the room carrying a tray, wearing his uniform but in a more casual style. She was relieved to know he had not left, yet at the same time curious as to where he had been. She wondered how long he had been gone since she had now just woken.
He was still wearing his shirt, but no cravat or jacket. Still wearing his trousers and boots, with buckles and harness. But his hair was messy and his buttons were undone giving off a casual look. He then turned to see Mikasa sat up in bed a look of relief on her face. She had most likely woken up while he was gone and worried about him leaving her. Which he often found cute.
"Sleep well?" he asked calmly his tone hinting playfulness. He had to admit half asleep Mikasa was even cuter than her sleeping form, acting slightly goofy due to not being fully awake yet. She was an angel incarnate which he would protect with his life. Should someone lay a hand on her he would cut them down where they stood.
Mikasa nodded silently. Though she had hoped he would be here when she woke up so she could say good morning to him. She had just become used to him being around her all the time. Him not being there felt lonely. She enjoyed having someone to talk to, since all the other guards minus Hanji just treated her like a nuisance.
Levi hummed in content, he had found sleeping next to his niece relaxed him. Allowing him to get more sleep than he had in years. Easing his insomnia somewhat meaning his mood was better. He then placed the tray at the table, her eyes lighting up when she saw the food. It was nothings special but he had pulled a few strings in order to get her something decent.
Tea for himself and milk for Mikasa so she would grow big and strong. Some fresh toast and an egg on top, plus some pastries Erwin managed to get from the capitol. Which he knew she would like. He then handed Mikasa her milk to which she took it obediently. Her parents made her drink it all the time, though at first, she hated it she came to enjoy the taste.
He then poured himself some tea silently while Mikasa sipped her milk. Taking a seat at the desk quietly. As he got comfortable he placed Mikasa's food on the edge of his desk. She liked to use it as a little table every now and again so it felt like more like a home. It meant they had some time together before he had to go and work or Erwin asked for him.
Mikasa's eyes lit up upon seeing the egg. She hadn't eaten one in so long, her father used to get them from the market all the time. But it had been so long since then she had forgotten how delicious they looked. She then picked up the bread and took a big bite, as she chewed, the egg went with her slowly sliding into her mouth. A small greasy ring appeared around her mouth.
Levi tried not to smirk, she was certainly a messy eater but at least her appetite was good. He ate his own meal as he watched her devour hers. Glad, she was enjoying her meal. "Mikasa?" he asked calmly. He had no work to do today, so it was almost like a day off. Meaning they could do whatever she wanted, but he had an idea of what she would enjoy.
Mikasa looked up at him with her big black eyes, the egg halfway into her mouth. An innocent look in her eyes, like the cat that got caught trying to steal the cream. She looked so adorable it hurt, causing Levi to feel like butterflies were dancing inside of him. After years of seeing nothing but misery and death, Mikasa was like the small light in his life.
"You want to go out today? I don't have to work today" he offered. He knew how lonely she got and he felt bad for that. But he was glad she dealt with it so maturely and waited patiently until he came home. She deserved to be spoiled and have a little fun for once given how she was always cooped up at the base most days.
Mikasa's eyes lit up and she gave him an eager look. Hoping that he was not playing a joke on her or she would be very upset with him. Did he really mean it? They could go out today?! Did that mean she could go and play with Jean again? She had really missed him. He was such a nice boy and she enjoyed his company.
Levi saw her excited look and knew she was thinking of Jean. It had been some time since they met but it was clear she had missed him. The two got along very well together. Though he was not so keen on Mikasa having a boyfriend just yet, he would allow her a friend. She had been very lonely since coming to stay with him and he felt bad for that.
He could not always be with her, he was either doing paperwork or out on the field. While she was left alone to wait for him to come home which would be hard for her. Of course she would get lonely and seek company, which was most likely the reason why she clung to him so much when he came back from working.
Levi then reached over and wiped her face a little to which she winced. She then looked back at him with her big black eyes when he was done clearing up smears. "Eat up, then we'll take a bath. You said you wanted to see that Jean boy again, right?" he said. He would not deny her friends just because he didn't like her developing a crush so early on.
He wanted her to have a childhood he did not, even if she would be trained to fight eventually. He wanted her to have some pleasant experiences before being sent into the trainee camps. The life she would face as a soldier would be anything but pleasant, so he wanted her to have some happy memories before she got to that age.
Mikasa's eyes lit up with joy, she was going to see Jean again. They could play together and her uncle was going to take her to see him. She was so happy she couldn't even speak. Because Jean lived so far away she could see him, so she was always worrying about if he was getting bullied or if he got lonely too.
She then began to eagerly wolf down her food not wasting a single mouthful. Eager to finish her meal and bathe so she could see him sooner. After all she didn't know when she would get this chance again. With how often her uncle was working it was rare she got to leave the base and see the towns nearby.
Levi simply smiled to himself as Mikasa demolished her meal and made sure to clean her plate. He had never seen her look so happy before, it truly warmed his heart. To know that deep down in there was still a child. If she was capable of looking that happy, then it meant there was still a child in there. She still managed to contain some of her innocence despite everything she had been through.
As protective as he was of her, to know Jean brought out these feelings in her. It made him happy, for he had experienced something similar a long time ago. Back when he met Furlan for the first time. He was her first friend, someone who had made her smile since coming to stay with him. Though it was a distance to get there, if it made her happy he would indulge her.
He then reached over to finger her hair a little, inspecting it "You'll need to take a bath though" he replied. It was rather greasy, if she was going out she would need to look nice. He would not have his niece walking about like a filthy little goblin. He would have her nice and clean, making sure she took pride in herself as she got older. No way was his niece going to be dirty.
Mikasa blinked, though she was not keen on baths as the soap would get in her eyes. She was only relieved that Levi was gentle with her hair when cleaning it, having a surprisingly gentle touch when it came to massaging soap into her scalp. However, her mum had always said she had to stay clean if she wanted to look pretty.
She knew her uncle liked it when she kept clean so she would listen. Then she remembered how Jean said her hair looked pretty. If she washed it he may compliment her again, which she liked. It wasn't often she got nice things said to her, most of the adults here all being creepy and picking on her an awful lot.
She then nodded obediently and continued eating her food. She liked Jean as she was nice, and he said nice things to her. So, if cleaning up would mean he would say nice things, she would do it. She didn't know why, but hearing Jean say such things made her happy, a fuzzy warm feeling in her chest like butterflies.
Levi then sipped his own tea and sighed pleasantly, there really was nothing like tea in the morning. Helping him deal with other people's incompetence and other annoying bullshit. However, he was only glad Mikasa was an obedient child, if she had been difficult he wouldn't know how he would cope.