I apologize in advance for this, the second half of this was supposed to be very different.

However my computer restarted so I had to rewrite a lot of it

I've made a time skip and the development of relationships between characters

Fluff and humour ensue

Levi sat quietly in his chair, allowing his thoughts to wonder silently. Soon it would be a year since Mikasa came to live with him. A year since they met, and he realized that he had family left. After joining the survey core, following their leader Erwin smith and losing his 2 best friends. He had learned of a single living Ackerman within the outer walls, which of course he had sought her out.

He had thought he was alone in the world and the only member of his family left. Though he did not openly speak about it, he had to admit there were times when he got lonely. Wondering about family members he had never met. Kenny had been his mothers brother, but what else. Whom else was even alive? Or were they the only ones now?

He had not known what to expect when he met her, but knew to be cautious after the shock and trauma she had been through. But upon getting to know her, things had changed. Over this time, he had found new feelings and emotions awakening inside of him. Ones that he never thought he was capable of. Protective emotions he had never felt before, but not that he hated it.

He found himself worrying about her constantly, always watching over her and making sure she was safe. Keeping her out of harms way and making sure she had a level head and understood the world. Not wanting to leave her side for long periods of time unless necessary, and even then she was still on his mind when in battle.

Levi had locked away his heart and sealed his emotions after losing his friends. Finding it easier than having to face the pain he carried in his heart. But after meeting Mikasa, he realized everything that had been missing. What if felt like to have some joy in your life again. Finding his smile again. Realizing how much he had missed intimate company.

Mikasa was very much like himself, lost alone and traumatized. Having no family left aside from him, meaning they were all each other had. Thus, causing him to become protective over her. They were two lost souls who had experienced heartbreak and painful loss. Having their once peaceful lives shattered, awakening them to the painful truth of how ugly life could be.

Though not very good with emotions, Levi did indeed care dearly about Mikasa. She was very precious to him and the idea of losing her or anything happening to her, it made his blood boil. Just like when Merchants or other soldiers leered at her with hungry eyes. She was lovelier than most children because of her Asian blood. Her skin paler and softer than most, giving her an almost ghostly appearance.

Over their time together, he had learned many things about Mikasa. Understanding her hobbies, interests and her thought process like a sixth sense. She was very perceptive for her age, as well as deeply emotional. Which was both a very strong trait and yet weak to own. They would aid her well in years to come, acting as her shield and sword.

Her emotions would allow her to connect with her soldiers and understand their emotions. While allowing her to understand a situation better, knowing the correct way to handle it. Her perceptiveness would allow her to remain level headed no matter what came her way. She would be able to finish a finish quickly and efficiently, with little to no problems because of it.

It would allow her to read situations well and know exactly what to do. But being so emotional it would leave her conflicted on how to deal with the situation before her. She would need to learn over time to control and balance these emotions, as to not let them get the better of her. Using these skills efficiently, to the best of her abilities.

Being a prepubescent girl, that didn't help things much either. She was slowly becoming a young woman, she was now 11 nearly 12. Soon she would hit puberty, learning the painful truth of being a woman. The pains and troubles that came with it, as well as being a soldier. Though cruel, it was the harsh reality of what her life would be.

She had already been robbed of most of her childhood, soon she would be forced to become an adult young. Being trained to fight titans and protect humanity from being consumed. A heavy burden of responsibility thrown on her shoulders which was far from fair. But at least when she was on the battlefield, it would allow him to keep an eye on her while out.

She was slowly becoming a young woman, but he wanted her to have some joy aside from the war she would face. Which was why he allowed her relationship with Jean, so she could have someone who made her happy. He knew how lonely childhood could be, having lost his mother and abandoned by his uncle at a young age. Later befriending Furlan and Isabel, only to lose them again tragically later on.

He hoped Mikasa never suffered the same painful fate as him. Hoping that she would break the myth that their family was to only suffer heartbreak, loss and misery throughout their existence. To lose those closest to you, feeling the weakness of being helpless. There was no such pain as strong as watching the ones you loved die before you.

Meanwhile, Mikasa was sat quietly on the bed reading a book. It was one Hanji gave her a long time ago, one about the human anatomy and one about animals. Though Levi had been annoyed, Mikasa really enjoyed them. Understanding the human body better as well as her own. But more so, which parts of the human body were the weakest and strongest. Which would help her when fighting titans as well as hand to hand combat.

Her dark hair tumbling in front of her face silently while her red scarf remained wrapped around her neck. Her toes curled over the other as she bunched her feet up, the book rested on her lap. She loved these quiet moments with her uncle, though they rarely spoke she enjoyed the company. He sat quietly with his tea, while she had a glass of cold milk. Left alone in the silence with their thoughts.

Feeling closer to him, allowing her to see his softer and more caring side that not many got to see. Occasionally looking up to peer into the dull blue orbs that were his eyes to acknowledge him. Showing she knew he was there and that she was happy, that she was enjoying herself despite being utterly lost in the pages of a book.

Levi sighed heavily, he then reached out to finger her bangs affectionately. It had become a habit of sorts that he showed affection by playing with her hair every now and again. Her hair was so lovely, silky and black like the night. Her Asian blood not only showed in her skin tone but her fair black hair. A rare gene indeed.

The last of her kind, the last of her race. Any of her blood would be passed on to whatever children she may have in the future. Making them a quarter blood, the next a third, after that 1/16th. Slowly her bloodline would become thinner and weaker. Dying out until they were close to extinction just like the Ackerman's. All because of the royal family finding her race to be too dangerous.

"Its getting long isn't it?" he replied calmly. He was surprised she could see through her bangs with how long it was. Yet somehow it never got messy, still so fine and silky. His own hair caused him trouble, sometimes sticking up or growing over his eyes. But then again he had learned to trim it by himself. So he always knew how he liked it.

Mikasa blinked and then nodded. Her mum used to brush it all the time before she died, saying how pretty it was. Telling her to always take care of it, because of how precious it was. Saying how rare she was, explaining how her grandmother and ancestors had hair like this too. Of how they used to style it with fancy pins and other decorations during times of celebration.

She had kept her hair well looked after, something her uncle helped with. After meeting Jean, he told her how pretty her hair was. Always staring at it or complimenting it, saying he was jealous. Before now she had never really considered how she would appear to others. But it made her happy to know that her company made others happy. Even if they did compliment her more often that not.

Levi moved closer and peered at her head, though well cared for it was getting long. It would soon become hard to deal with. By the time she was in her teens it would reach her chest. If she was to become a soldier, it would be best for her hair to remain short. That way, it would remain out of her way. As much as he loved her hair it would become a bother later on.

Mikasa blinked, she then frowned sensing that something was wrong. She didn't want to get rid of her long hair, Jean had been the first boy to tell her how lovely it was. Making her feel special. To get rid of it, felt like she was losing part of herself. Like she was betraying Jean in some way. The idea of hurting him made her sad, he was her friend after all and that would be wrong.

"No" she replied abruptly her tone sharp. She wouldn't cut it, if it got in the way she would tie it back or something. She would not cut off the hair that Jean loved so much. It would be mean. To take something that another person admired about you away, that was not only mean but it was selfish. Besides, she didn't see anything wrong with her hair.

Levi blinked, surprised by her attitude. He then frowned, though she had spunk he would not let her get cheeky with him. He was the adult here after all while she was still a young child. "You won't be able to see if it gets in your way" he retorted sharply. She would never be able to fight titans if it got windy and her hair blew in her face. She needed to understand this was for her own well being.

Mikasa pouted "I'll tie it back. You can do that right?" she replied defiantly. Surely, he could braid it or tie it in a bun? Why was cutting it off the only option he could think of as an outcome? What if Jean didn't recognize her because of her short hair? What if he got upset because all of her hair was gone? There were so many ways he could react to this which worried her.

Levi softened and became thoughtful, he had never really considered such a thing because he was used to cutting his own hair. Keeping it short and orderly for the battlefield. He was not really good at dealing with hair at all. However, Hanji had longish hair and always kept it tied back in a messy ponytail. So maybe she could be of some use to him.

"No, but Hanji can" he replied. Hanji would love the appeal of bonding with Mikasa like a mother by styling her hair. She already thought Mikasa was cute as a button as it was. She would be dancing on cloud freaking nine by giving her this chance. As it was not often she got to bond with Mikasa due to her own paperwork.

Mikasa softened, she then nodded obediently. Though she had hoped he could, she would just have to take no as an answer. "Ok" she replied. As long as it meant she didn't have to cut it. The idea of something being done to her without her having a say made her unhappy. Like something important was being taken from her which she didn't like.

Levi sighed. It was getting late into the afternoon and neither of them had eaten yet. He had lost track of time due to being lost in his own thoughts. While Mikasa had been absorbed in her book. "You hungry?" he asked. They had got some new rations in lately, mainly soup, bread and some meat from the king. Though he refused to touch it, Mikasa would need it to help her grow.

Mikasa blinked and then nodded, her tummy had been hurting for a while. Now thinking she realized she was in fact hungry and needed food. She just hadn't realized it because she was reading. She then slowly put her book down and climbed off the bed to follow her uncle to the dining area to eat something.

"WHAT?!" Hanji cried out in surprise trying not to laugh. Levi must have been so annoyed at this, but she found it adorable. Mikasa had never really given her hair much thought till she met Jean. Because of her new friend, she was slowly discovering her femininity. Finding things about herself different because of how he saw her. Ah, young love was truly the most beautiful thing.

Levi frowned, clicking his teeth as he did so. She didn't need to make a big deal out of this. "I need you to style Mikasa's hair" he replied sharply. He wasn't going to repeat himself again. His niece wanted her hair to look different, which would allow her to still work as a soldier without trouble. Though he didn't agree, when Mikasa made up her mind there was no changing it.

Hanji was in awe, she was only 11 and now she was asking to change her appearance. Going through the playful stage of her childhood before she became a young woman. How adorable. She herself had never had any kids nor was she a parent. But the idea of spoiling Mikasa made her so happy. Indulging in her basic maternal instincts of loving and tending to a child.

She then turned to Mikasa slowly, who was now eating her bread while dipping it in her soup. "Mikasa, honey. Are you sure you want me to play with your hair?" she asked curiously. She hoped this was not something that Mikasa hadn't been forced to do by her uncle, though she understood he was protective. He didn't have to control every aspect of her life.

Mikasa stopped eating her soup and nodded. She didn't want a ponytail, but she wanted something that would look pretty. Something that would make Jean happy, that was what she wanted. But she herself had come to admit, her long hair often got in the way a lot and sometimes she wondered if there was another way to deal with it.

Hanji felt herself squealing for joy inside, yet kept her expression calm despite her inner excitement. Now she understood why Levi was so pissed, she was growing up too fast. "Do you want a braid or a bun?" she asked curiously. She thought both would look good on her. Maybe a braid around the back of her head with lose hair at the back. All of it sounded great.

Mikasa blinked, she didn't understand what either meant. Simply staring at Hanji in confusion, blank eyes and expressionless. Not really knowing how to respond to the question that had been given to her. Her mother had never really styled her hair much growing up, just letting Mikasa be herself and enjoy being a child.

Hanji then chuckled, she may have to explain this physically. She then got to her feet and approached Mikasa. She then twisted some of her hair gently into a bun, so her bangs still cupped her face. "This is a bun, its all of your hair twisted back and kept tight. So, you can still see while fighting" she explained. With some red ribbon she thought it would suit Mikasa very well.

Mikasa blinked, the bun felt tight and heavy. It hurt her head too which she didn't like, feeling all her hairs being pulled when she moved. She then shook her head showing that she didn't agree with this style. Wanting something more comfortable. If she was going to keep her hair out of the way, she wanted it to be comfortable.

Hanji then released her hair allowing it to tumble around her face again. She then gently began braiding Mikasa hair in a French style. It would be loose, comfortable and keep it out of her way. She didn't finish it completely, so Mikasa would get an understanding. "This is a French braid. It's a lose braid that keeps your hair tied back while keeping it comfortable". To boot, you could wrap things into it for decoration.

Mikasa blinked, it didn't look too bad and it really didn't hurt. Able to feel her single strand bang tickling her forehead, while the rest of her hair was rested neatly on her shoulder. She stroked it gently, admiring the intricate pattern that Hanji had used while braiding. She wouldn't mind having her hair like this more often. Plus, it kept her hair out of the way like her uncle wanted.

Seeing Mikasa's gentle expression Hanji smiled, glad to see she approved of it. Wondering if she was doing all this for a certain someone. "You know Mikasa, if you like I can decorate it. Maybe wrap some red ribbon in, Jean may like that" she teased playfully. She couldn't believe they had met barely a month ago and already they were smitten with each other.

Levi stiffened, his eyes darkening and shooting a glare at Hanji. He had only just started to tolerate that Mikasa had Jean as a friend, but there would be no romance until she was older. He didn't appreciate Hanji pulling strings behind his back like this. He was her uncle as well as her guardian. So, he was in charge here, so he didn't appreciate any of these games she was playing.

Mikasa bowed her head shyly, she hadn't told her uncle, but she was somewhat doing this with Jean in mind. She didn't want to cut her hair because he thought it looked pretty on her. He was a sweet boy and he was lonely like her. They were the first friend the other had ever had in their life. Though they didn't do much while together, every moment was magical to her.

He had told her how much he loved her hair, while she confessed she liked his eyes. Both of them having something special that they liked about the other. A sort of common bond as Hanji put it. But yes, she was styling her hair differently in hopes of impressing him. Or at the very least seeing if he liked it. And this way, her uncle couldn't complain about how long her hair was getting.

She then nodded quietly, then turned to Hanji. Her black eyes bright with hope "Can… can it be red? Like my scarf?" she asked shyly. That way it would match, any other colour just felt wrong to her. The colour red made her happy, it was bright and warm. It was something she was familiar with and brought her a sense of comfort.

Hanji squealed loudly. Mikasa was so cute it internally hurt, how come her uncle couldn't act like this? "Yes! Of course, it can Mikasa!" she cried happily. She would make sure she looked lovely for him. Meanwhile, Levi sat quietly in his seat frowning. He didn't appreciate Hanji's squealing like a hog as it was very annoying. But he did have to admit, Mikasa's hair did look pretty in a braid like that.

Levi leaned outside the barracks on the balcony. Made of stone and rubble, firm and steady. The sun low and bright outside, since things had been quiet as far as orders they could relax for now. No missions or orders had been given as of late, which had allowed Mikasa's visit to see Jean. As well as his time to bond with her and talk like they had been earlier.

Though in the past he had been bored and often found ways to pass the time before. Doing endless paperwork or training, it's not like he had much else to do now. But being a parental figure to Mikasa seemed to take up his free time lately. He had often heard people say parenting was a full-time job, though he had never really thought about it. After adopting Mikasa, he had come to understand that saying was true.

She was growing up fast and had a bright young mind. Truly an Ackerman given her awakening, and the said abilities she had shown when she killed those kidnappers. He had heard the description from the military police themselves. Stabbing the last one through the heart from behind, all done with perfect precision despite her young age.

She was reading books that were far advanced for her age. Yet she read them as if they were picture books. Absorbing information and learning it all so quickly, as expected of someone of their family. Because of it she would become a fine soldier and the best of her age. No doubt she would top every one of her classes when she came of age to attend the military camps as a trainee.

However, he worried about her. Aside from her relationship with Jean and motherly relationship with Hanji. She was still distant, quiet and often reflective. Causing him to worry about her well-being. She was very quiet for her age, though understandable after what she had been through. But he had hoped that she would at least act out a little, yet she was so quiet for her age.

"Uncle Levi?" a quiet voice asked from behind him. Hanji had finished doing her hair and she wanted to show him. Though she had done so for Jean, she hoped he would praise her too. She knew he didn't smile a lot and was often troubled by work, which was why she tried to be a good girl for him. But she hoped her new hairstyle would make him happy too.

The French braid was now tighter and yet still lose, so as to not constrict her. Her long single strand tickling her forehead and giving her an air of innocence and yet femininity as Hanji had described. It had all been tied together with a single red ribbon by Hanji herself. Praising her endlessly about how cute she looked with her new style, until Erwin had asked for her in his office.

Levi turned to see Mikasa standing a short distance behind him. Her black eyes filled with worry, her hair now styled back into a tight-ish French braid that tumbled over her shoulder. He had to admit it looked cute on her, still a childlike innocence about her. But still giving an air of femininity that showed she was growing up. His heart warming at the sight of how cute she looked.

"Where's Hanji?" he asked firmly. He didn't appreciate her leaving Mikasa on her own. Given the odd looks a lot of the other soldiers gave her. Knowing just where their intentions lay. He had a right mind to chew her out about this and not being more careful when babysitting Mikasa. Honestly, was he the only capable one around here?

"Eyebrows took her away" she replied casually. She had heard Levi call the tall blonde man that a lot. So, she could only think that was what his name was. But he did have big eyebrows. She could never remember his name and never saw him often enough to ask him. So she just called him eyebrows as that was what her uncle did.

Levi stifled a laugh, when annoyed enough he called Erwin shitty eyebrows. Though that was because he hadn't yet come to trust Erwin enough, he had been only working for the guy a year. He didn't really appreciate being bossed around and talked down to an awful lot, but he tolerated it. So, he would often mutter to himself about how Erwin pissed him off behind his back.

However, he didn't need Mikasa saying that out loud or he would take the heat for it. So, it could be their personal insult to him, but that meant keeping her mouth shut about it. "Anyone else hear you call him that?" he asked sternly. As long as it didn't cause him any trouble, she could call him that name as long as she liked. It was rather amusing after all.

Mikasa shook her head obediently, knowing that if she did her uncle would not be pleased. Though she thought his eyebrows were funny, she knew saying it out loud would get her into trouble. So, she kept them to herself instead. She had never really had a joke to keep before, the feeling made her happy. Her own dirty little secret.

Levi nodded in content, then gestured for her to approach. Wanting to share this moment with her, as if was not often they were able to experience such tranquil peace. The view from up here was nice and she would surely appreciate it. Plus, it was nice and quiet up here, meaning there were no other nosy soldiers around to bother them.

Mikasa approached her uncle quietly and stood by his leg. He looked calm and peaceful, though it was not often she saw him like this. As he always seemed to have something on his mind. He then picked her up gently and held her the way he had when she first arrived. Her butt rested on his arm, while she clung to his chest for support. Allowing her to see the view before them.

They were in a small village area, distanced out and long since abandoned. Though they had a nice view of the trees from here, the sun beaming down on them with a golden light. They were open to attacks though luckily none had happened. There was a strong base giving them protection. However, they would soon be moving to somewhere more secure eventually.

Mikasa's eyes lit up as she saw the view, the golden light hitting the trees. The light shadow hitting the ground. The dancing shadows surrounding them. It was all so pretty to her. "Pretty" she replied in a gentle tone. She had never seen such a lovely sight before. Though she had enjoyed the fields and meadows as a child. Living alone and isolated, she had never seen anything like this.

It went on for miles and it was a sight she had never seen before. Stretching out for what seemed like forever, like something out of a book her mother once read her. But she knew none of it would be in her grasp for she was too small. But more than that, she knew the woods were anything but a safe place to be so she avoided them.

Levi softened, yes, he had to admit the view from here was lovely. Though more accustomed to it than she, after living in the underground most of his life, being pulled into this bright world felt like a dream. Sometimes he often wondered if he would wake up and find himself back in that dark, bleak depressing place in which he had come from.

Though only having resided on the surface a year, he knew how to blend in. Though he had no idea in what kind of place Mikasa had lived in before they had found one another. "One day you'll see more of this" he replied. Though while she was fighting, but she would none the less find it pleasant. But being a soldier, she wouldn't be able to admire such things for long.

Mikasa looked up at him wide eyed "Really?" she replied in a hopeful tone. She knew that she had to stay close to her uncle because of danger and still being so young. But at the same time, she often dreamed of seeing more. To see what lay beyond the walls of their bases, to see other people, other animals and other villages.

Levi nodded and looked down at her, his dull blue eyes gentle yet stern. "Mikasa, you like Jean, right?" he replied. Though he wasn't keen on how close they were, as it was obvious the two were blossoming a crush. Jean was blatantly sweet on his niece but he was shy about showing it. Mikasa was obviously sweet on him too, though figuring out her feelings.

Mikasa nodded "Mm hmm, he's nice. He has pretty eyes" she replied quickly. He was lonely like her and she hated how the other kids were mean to him. Jean had done nothing wrong after all. His mum sounded really nice and she loved how they sat and watched the clouds together. Being able to hold his hand as they watched them roll by together.

Levi sighed, yep she was definitely developing a crush of sorts. Hanji was only adding fanning the flames. But, he could tolerate it for now, as long as no funny business went on. "So, you know why I want you to join the military?" he asked. Trained hard enough, she would be the best of her age. A great help to humanity and able to help them defeat the titans sooner, hopefully.

Mikasa shook her head. She knew she was not like other kids, she was stronger and smarter. There was an instinct in her, that told her what to do and how to do it. But she couldn't explain why. However, she didn't understand why that would help her when it came to the military. She was just a little girl after all, not a grown up.

Levi sighed, it was best to tell her now rather than later. This was an important part of her family history, something she needed to know about. "Mikasa, like me you're an Ackerman. A half-blood but still an Ackerman. You have abilities no other person has. Capable of things a million men combined could do" he explained.

Mikasa's eyes widened, she was that strong? She knew her family were special, but she had no idea this strong. But why had her parents not told her about this? Why would they have kept such an important detail about their family hidden from her? Unless it was to protect her, but why would her ethnicity need protecting?

"A long time ago, the past king wiped out our family seeing us as a threat. Because we couldn't be controlled. The Ackerman's as well as your Asian blood" he explained calmly. Both bloods combined she was a rare individual. The last offspring of two prominent families that had been hunted down to the point of extinction.

A sad and confused look came across her face, why would the king want to control them? That wasn't fair, her family had to die because of something so trivial? How cruel of him. Levi saw her sad face and softened, he then pinched her nose affectionately. Knowing it would stop her from crying if he did so. "But you carry both inside of you Mikasa. You're a half blood of both" he replied.

The Ackerman's were known for being stronger than any other soldier currently in the ranks. A rare blooded family but certainly not one you would want to fuck with, unless you wanted to die. So far, she and himself were the only known living members. His late mother and her parents being the last known living, who were now deceased. Though whether his uncle Kenny was alive or dead he didn't know.

He took a deep breath and sighed "Mikasa, one day your going to become a soldier. You'll fight alongside me, Hanji, Erwin and many others. But that will be when your older" he explained. It would be scary and very dangerous, the training would be hard work and it would be an anything but easy life. But they would have each other, that much he could promise her.

Mikasa stared in awe, her mouth almost hanging open. She was going to become a soldier? Part of the survey core like her uncle? The people that Eren had looked up to his entire life? But that meant she was going to become strong. That she could protect people from harm. But then, did that mean. She looked up at her uncle, clinging to his shirt desperately her eyes shining.

"I can protect Jean?" She asked abruptly her tone hopeful. She knew he was bullied and pushed around a lot by other kids. If she got stronger and became a soldier, then that meant she could keep him safe. For those kids to take advantage of Jean because he was weak and kind, that made them nothing but cowards.

Levi stiffened, clicking his teeth. He should have seen this one coming, but she wasn't exactly wrong either. He sighed crossly "Yes, you can protect him brat" he grumbled irritably. He didn't exactly like the fact that Mikasa was growing up so fast and growing an attachment to Jean. But it made her happy and he wanted her to enjoy some of her childhood while she could.

Mikasa's eyes lit up brightly, she could protect Jean? She could become stronger and she could still be his friend? She could protect him from the bullies and he wouldn't be hurt anymore? She knew Jean got lonely and pushed around because he was chubby. But she liked Jean, he made her happy and he was the first friend she had ever made while she was living with her uncle.

She then leaned up and kissed her uncle on the cheek suddenly. Taking Levi by surprise as he hadn't expected such a thing. Mikasa hadn't shown him any other affection aside from hugs since she came to live with him. This was the first time she was kissing him in an affectionate way. Showing how much she had come to trust him.

Mikasa eventually pulled away, a warm smile on her face and her eyes bright like stars. He had never seen her look so content before, it truly warmed his heart to see her like this. "Thank you, uncle Levi" she replied gratefully. Though he was unaware of it, this meant more to her than he realized. She had never felt so happy before, not in a very long time. Being able to have this meant the world to her.

"You really like this boy huh?" he muttered. He had to be pretty damn special to make her act this way. But he was glad to know that she had someone that was important to her. They had both had pretty shitty lives before they met each other. She had lived isolated from people before her parents died and he had lived in the underground all alone.

It was only natural for her to develop an attachment to Jean. She had never had any friends her own age as well as been neglected of love and affection at an early age. But she was anything but stupid, she could sense he was a good guy. Their family was born with an innate sense of intuition that was far stronger than most normal people.

Mikasa's cheeks turned red, she tucked her face into her scarf shyly. Bringing her a sense of comfort and bravery she didn't know she needed. She couldn't explain her feelings for Jean. He made her happy, she enjoyed being with him. He had the scary memories of her parent's death go away. Being with him she felt like a kid again, like she was seeing the world anew from his perspective.

She nodded shyly, averting her gaze from her uncle "I like him, he has pretty eyes" she replied quietly. They were so bright and golden like honey. They looked so pretty when they gleamed in the light. When she looked into them her heart beat really fast and her chest felt fuzzy and warm whenever she was around him.

Levi frowned and grumbled under his breath. Hanji was fanning the flames between these two behind his back which he really didn't appreciate. He was her guardian and he had some authority here. He was her uncle and she was his niece, he had some control over her life until she came of age. He wanted to keep her safe, knowing how close he had come to losing her upon learning of her existence.

She could have ended up as some rich guys pet or even worse sent into human trafficking. Being so young, he felt sick at just what kind of life she could have been thrown into. But he had never seen Mikasa make such an expression before. She was genuinely happy, and he could see that. He was not so cruel that he would take such a thing away from her.

So, he would tolerate it for now, but there would be no funny business until she was older. For now, it was strictly childlike and no funny business under his watch whatsoever. He then ruffled her hair affectionately, not knowing what else to say. He then peered out at the view quietly, keeping her close to his chest. The two of them enjoying the moment and scenery.

Hanji stood silently where she was trying as hard as she could to stifle a laugh. It seems Levi had been unintentionally teaching her his method of speaking without realizing it. She was slowly picking up parts of his dialect. Mikasa was indeed a sweet child and a very well-behaved girl. But she was indeed smarter than most kids her age and very impressionable. Though she knew how bad those words were, she could stop laughing.

Erwin stood beside her quietly, an annoyed look on his face yet he remained calm. She was just a child after all, she didn't know better and Levi wasn't helping matters at all. However, she was indeed smart, and she was obviously picking up words from him. He could only hope she didn't grow up into a Levi doppelganger. Levi was already enough trouble despite having been under his wing a year now. Still carrying his rebellious streak within him.

He then silently peered at Hanji whom he could see was smirking and heard the stifled snorts coming from her. He really hated how everyone was making fun of his eyebrows. "Not a word Hanji" he replied sharply. First Levi, now his niece, and now Hanji was joining in too. He had never felt so attacked by his own squad members in his entire life before.

Hanji silently nodded despite the snorts that wanted to escape her lips. There was no doubt that she nor Levi would forget this moment for a long time. Mikasa certainly had spirit despite being as young as she was, making her wonder what kind of mischief she would get up to when she was older.