When Even the Stew Can Not Stop the Beef
They were all eventually settled down. At least, as much as that was possible in the current circumstances. And with the glowing warmth of the smoldering campfire and the faint sounds of the forest in the background, Hange felt like she could finally relax a little. Almost.
She quietly crouched down at the figure at her side, wincing at pulled muscles she had gotten from her endeavors in the river not long ago. Levi was awake, however. Looking real grumpy, messy bed hair and rumpled shirt included. She did not dare to tease him. It would not help their situation at all. Even if it perhaps was a little bit funny—the tiniest bit.
Besides— it was the heaviness in her heart that hindered her from feeling any enthusiasm for teasing, anyway.
She sighed internally, busying herself with scanning for the bowl she had prepared before turning back. When they came face to face, Levi was looking at her, examining her. She smiled softly. "Hey." He tried to sit up, and she bent forward to support him, not missing the tight and pained expression that any movement still painted across his face, or rather, what part was still visible. But she had never needed much to understand him, anyway. When she sat back, he was nearly scowling, as far as that was possible beneath all the gauze. "Thank fuck, are the noisy brats finally quiet?" And now, he did nothing to hide the grimace.
"I've got a headache from all the fucking racket." He sniffed. "Can't even sleep in peace." Hange looked behind her for a moment, eyes roaming over their little camp, gaze resting shortly on each person positioned around the fire. At her left was the Cart Titan. It felt secure despite the caution that was still there and lingering. She shook her head, turning back. The power of a new titan, one she had not been able to study closely before. Somewhere, deep down in her chest, there was for a short moment the old pull of excitement—her neverending desire for knowledge. But—
"Yeah." She gave him a quick smile. "Jean is still not back, though."
Levi's expression softened a bit, his gaze going over her slumped shoulders. He eyed behind her at the deep shadows that were the high trees before bringing his focus back toward her. "He will be back. Just needs some time." Hange sighed, brushing some stray hairs out of her face. "Yeah." Then she sighed again, playing with the wooden spoon in her hand. "He did not even get to eat a second serving of my delicious stew."
That earned her a stare. And if Levi had been able to, he would have given her a raised eyebrow to go with it too.
"Hange."
"Mh?"
He gestured. "Stop moping and give me that bowl."
And that got him a genuine smile in return.
He even got a second serving.
Not to humor her, of course.
He was just fucking starving.
First off, Merry Christmas! I hope that everyone has a great time! Also, happy birthday, Levi!
I've had the idea for this fic for a little while now. The scene with Jean and Reiner is heartbreaking. And I love their newfound friendship in the recent chapters. I also adore the little pannel with Levi waking up, haha.
Anyway, I hope you like this little story of mine.
Ps. I got the title from a meme I found on Tumblr. Snk memes are great.
All the mistakes are mine.