Disclaimer:
I don't own Shingeki no Kyojin because if I do, I would have already Married Levi and have Jean, Eren, Armin and Nanaba (such a trap, what a waste) as my boyfriends XD
A/M:
Ok, late update once again. Waaa! School work's taking its toll in me. I hope you can forgive me.
Without further ado, I hope you enjoy this (dramatic, fluff, and comical) chapter
Chapter 9
(Crimson POV)
"Crimson…" I heard voices calling my name.
"Erd, Auruo, Gunther, Petra….?"
From afar, I saw them, smiling at me. Each of them looking so perfect with those with those flawless pure white wings on their back. They look peaceful, in ease, happy, yet tears fall from their eyes.
"Where am I? Where are we? Is this what they call heaven? Am I dead?"
Petra went near me followed by the other four, or should I say flying? Petra grabbed my hand as Erd and Gunther rest their hands on both of my shoulder, Auruo standing beside Petra. Petra shook her head as an answer.
"We just want to tell you a few things, Crimson." His usual goofy smile and bright aura was there
"Don't fucking blame Levi." Auruo also went at my right, his hand on his hip.
"Auruo, I was thinking if you even deserve those wings of yours? Cursing and all."
"What do you mean by that?!" And Auruo received a good smack on the head courtesy of Petra.
And everyone laughed, now I realized much more how much I miss these people, how much I miss about everything about them. Their silliness, their company, their warmth, their love…
"Crimson, seriously, don't blame anyone." Gunther ruffles my hair playfully.
"Don't blame the Corporal!" Of course you know who said that. "And don't blame yourself, Crimson."
This what brought me to tears, damn, am I this broken beyond fixing? My body froze, not knowing how to respond and how to react, I just cried there.
As much as I blame myself, I end up blaming others, specifically Levi. Why did I even do that? Am I that desperate? The guilt really is consuming me.
"Sorry guys, but… I feel so… guilty."
"Shhh… don't cry, out little Crimson." Petra then embraced me.
"I was just so used to us… you guys… coming back alive from missions, and the possibility that you'll die while on mission was permanently erased from my mind…" I further tightened my hold on Petra, making illusion and hopes that this moment won't ever end.
"Crimson, we died with honor. But yes, we died in fear and pain." Gunther said as he removed his hand from my shoulder, his warmth lingered in that area.
"But we are happy." Petra pulled away so I can see her face, that genuine smile of hers.
"And you fulfilled our wishes." Auruo was looking at Petra. He must really love Petra.
"Shut up Auruo, stop looking at Petra. And what is this wish about?"
I saw Auruo blush, like how he usually do after he is scolded by Petra
Erd joined Auruo and Gunther. "For our loved ones to see us, even if we are already, you know, cold and dead."
I chuckled a bit as I wiped away some tears on my eyes. "Erd, is that supposed a joke?"
"You know Erd is really like this." I looked at Gunther and gave him a nod.
I took a deep breath before I started speaking. "That was the least I can do, since I don't have a "real" family that "truly" cares for me, unlike what you guys have. I don't really care about my life. So one day I decided to care about yours. I am alone, a lone wolf howling at the night desperately looking for a pack to join, then one lucky day, I found you, in this vast, cruel world, yet a beautiful one."
"You'll never be alone, Crimson. You have us, the entire Scouting Legion, we are your family…" Petra slowly loosened her hug and joined the three.
"It's about time you go back, but we have one last thing to say and something to give you."
The wings on their back were remove by little firefly like creatures and those creatures put them all on me.
"Why? Why did you give me your wings?"
"That symbolizes our hopes and our yearning for freedom. So please, use it wisely. Be everyone's ray of hope."
And that was the last thing they said before they disappeared at the brightness of the lights.
XxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXx
"Hurry your assess up! Get lots of cold water and cloth!"
"Heichou! She's not hot anymore! She's freezing!"
"Then get some fucking boiling hot water then!"
"Heichou her head is…!"
"Then fucking get what is necessary!"
"Why is it so noisy? Why does it seem that the surrounding seems hectic and gloomy?"
I tried to open my eyes and adjust to the sudden intrusion of dim light in my eyes. I reached out for anything I can grab on when a hand took mine and grabbed it tightly.
"Crimson…" someone called me.
And it was the Squint. Remembering what I , Petra and the others talked about, I gave the Corporal a weak smile as it was the only thing I could manage to do now.
Wait… why is he holding my hand and why is he crying?
XxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXx
(Levi POV)
It was already 3AM. Yet I still can't fucking sleep. My squad just died in a fucking single day in a fucking expedition and I can't fucking prevent it. The crybaby blamed me for it and I can't even den it, because deep inside really am blaming myself for my squad's death. The guilt consuming me and drowning me even more.
I just came back from outside, as I went to get some fresh air. When I was just a few steps away from my room, I noticed Crimson's squad were in a panic. Nanaba noticed my presence and went running towards me, still not forgetting to salute.
"Sir! Crimson is now…"
I didn't even let him finish and stormed towards Crimson's room as I've already sensed that there is something happening that is terribly urgent and disturbing.
"What the fuck is happening here?!"
The other 8 men of Crimson's squad were there pacing back and forth getting something or going somewhere. They all look equally tensed and shocked with my attendance in here.
"Sir we don't understand either. She'll have fever now, but suddenly she'll be cold as ice. We don't know anymore." Said the orange long haired man Ren.
Something inside me ticked as I started to give orders to them from left to right, practically screaming at them. I don't even know if any of those makes sense except calling some doctor to help.
When everyone was now out of the room (because of all the random orders I blurted), Crimson started to make movements. She's even murmuring words which I cannot understand. Her eyes were now open, but it seems she still can't see anything as she reached out her hand up in the air, and made a motion as if she's trying to grab anything. I instinctively grabbed it, I felt like she needs help.
I sat down at the edge of her bed and softly called her name. "Crimson…"
She tilted her head to my side, now directly looking at me. I realized there were tears on the corner of her eyes. She then flashed me a weak smile, followed by drops of tears falling down on her cheeks.
She now sat up on her bed and looked directly at my eyes, then her sight trailed down at our intertwined hands for a moment then returned from inspecting my façade. Her free hand reached to caress my cheek.
"Please don't cry…"
I touched my face and it was wet with tears. Is this me? No, I can't possibly cry, I promised myself that after "that" day, I would never cry again!
Her hand travelled down to hold my shoulder. The act feels comforting. "Also, I forgive you…"
I felt all guilt rush out of my body, I felt so light, free, and happy, relieved beyond any explanation can describe.
She let a tired sigh and continued. "I put all the blame on you, not even think twice that I was ignoring your humane feelings. I was actually doing it because I was the one feeling guilty why all of those happened. Sorry for channelling my anger to you. I know the decision you made was for everyone being, but I didn't thought of that as I was a different person with a different reasoning at that time." Tears started to fall on her eyes uncontrollably and she covered it with her free hand.
"I am so stupid, neh? You can say things back to me. I promise I won't be…"
XxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXx
(Crimson POV)
This is humanity's fucking strongest hugging me and breaking down. I am very sure because I can hear muffled whispers and my shoulder is dripping wet as he was burying his face on it.
But I saw something at the corner of my eyes, my squad was there, 9 of them, standing at the front of the door, holding buckets of water and cloth and medicine. They all seem too worried. But I just mouthed the words. "I am ok now, please leave us and this man for now." They seem to get it as they quietly left.
"Crimson, thank you for coming back alive, also I am sorry as well." Now this has taken me by surprise even more. A smile spread across my lips as I patted his back, attempting to calm him. But his hug tightened even more. He also buried his face deep on my shoulder. He must really been holding all these pain inside for a very long time…
"I was also so used to the same idea, that my squad would come back alive unharmed and in one piece, that when I saw them there, lying lifeless, I was so enraged and the rage took a toll on me. I even hurt myself and was quite lucky to even survive."
I slightly pushed him, to be welcomed by his very tired eyes and very dark bags under his eyes. "Let us stop the drama for now neh? We can talk about this the next time we both feel fine. But may I ask you? When was the last time you slept?"
"A day before the expedition? Just before I came here? Last night,…." He is friggin' lying.
"Ok, sleep, NOW."
"I just woke up!" He tried to stand up but stumbled back to the bed.
"Liar, here lie down here until you get some good rest." I scooted at the corner of the bed to let him in the space, as I patted it, emphasizing my intent.
I was expecting him to retort and scream at me that why would he lie down at such dirty bed of mine, but no. "Can I?" That is what he said. Is this him? Well even the strongest can be broken.
"Very much!"
(Levi POV)
"What makes you think that I would lie down in this sticky, dirty and germ infested bed of yours. And don't even get me started with the dust." If I am my normal self, that would be what I am saying now. But no, I am on my lowest at this moment.
"Can I?"
"Very much!" She gave me a slight smile as she helped ,e get up on the bed, pulling me by our intertwined hands, which is to my surprise that I am still holding.
Again, it seems surprises can't get enough of me, because her arms wrapped around my shoulder, and pulled me closer to her. Next thing I know, she was playing with my hair.
"Neh Levi?"
"Hmmm?" IWait, did she called me by my proper name?
"Your hair… its surprisingly soft." She let out one of her airy little giggles that can send any men swooning and blushing… except me… that was before.. now I think I was one of those men.
Let me tell you one of the silly sides of Crimson. Oftentimes, she would stick around Mike, caressing his beard all day. Which Mike doesn't give a damn, he even said he loves the girl's attention as he felt like Crimson is his younger sister and even a daughter.
And when time comes that it was just me, Hanji, Erwin, Mike and Crimson, the girl would also caress Erwin's stubble and eyebrows, giving compliments of how soft and fluffy is it. Erwin just genuinely laugh and smile to the girl, since the two blondes were like Crimson's father figures. The two do their best to understand and acre for their child or should I say SPOIL.
Back to reality, she seem to enjoy rubbing the shaved part of my hair when, "Neh, Squinty san." Damn it, that nickname again! "Want me to sing a song for you?"
Does this kid even sing? "Well, whatever suits you then." I closed my eyes, hoping I won't hear an ear screeching voice like the shitty glasses has. I heard her clear her throat and started…
Constant as the stars above
Always know that you are loved
And my love shining in you
Will help you make your dreams come true
Will help your dreams come true
She's perfect, her voice, it is perfect. Wait, you're not thinking about "that" right? I was referring about her voice, okay?
I'll cradle you in my arms tonight
As sun embraces the moonlight
The clouds will carry us off tonight
Our dreams will run deep like the sea
Our dreams will run deep like the sea
The whole song was fantabulous and majestic. Like each word and tune that escaped from those lips of hers comforts every inch of me. Lie all the hurt and pain were gone at that moment.
"Goodnight Rivaille." That was her voice I heard before I totally fell into slumber.
(Crimson POV)
Will help your dreams
I was on my last line of my song as I noticed that the man was already fast asleep. I smiled at myself knowing that at least, maybe, even just a little, I provide little comfort to him.
come true..
"Goodnight Rivaille." I lay down, facing him. I closed my eyes, hoping tomorrow would be a good day for all of us.
XxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXx
8 AM (Levi POV)
I woke up this morning, my eyes blinded by the bright rays of sunlight. Dang it, it's already late! I reached out to the beside hoping to grab my towel and as I remembered, "Dang, I am in the crybaby's room!" and speaking of Crimson, she's not in the room anymore. I wonder where she's up to.
Again, I reached out towards the edge of the bed, hoping to see my boots there, but fuck I forgot to remove it and slept wearing my boots. I mentally face palmed myself and frowned at how cranky and unreasonable I could be this early morning.
In the end, I decided to just go down the dining hall, hoping to get something to eat for a late breakfast. I was worried for everyone's stomach since the usual cook, Petra is already… And the assistant Crimson, I doubt she in no roper condition to cook. But if Hanji would be, I won't even take a bite. SCRATCH THAT! I really won't eat as long as she's the one cooking! I am telling you, it even beyond gross!
XxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXx
(3rd POV)
7 AM
It was early in the morning and everyone in the Scouting Legion is tired from yesterday's mission. Not to mention, fucking tired as hell. Physically, mentally, emotionally, they are all drained.
But it might look like a skit or prank but everyone woke up at the same time with all of them saying the same reason. They smell something good from the dining room. As the hallway can't get any narrower, they almost bumped into each other, but they don't care actually. They found it funny. They're acting like little kids.
"GOOOOOOOOD MORNING EVERYOOOOONEEEE! Breeakfast is served!" And the least expected erson to greet them was no other that the little princess of the Scouting Legion. Everyone knew what happened last night. They felt pity for the lady, but hid it as they all tried their best to greet her back and smile back at her.
1st, the entire squad expected that the'll wake up with no food for them to munch on. 2nd, they didn't expect for Crimson to even go out of her room after all that happened. So this feast in front of them is a surprise itself. And let me tell you, Crimson is not just an assistant of the former cook (Petra) she actually cooks better, but always prefer to help with the preparation (chopping, slicing, mincing) and other task which strength is needed other than using taste bud and stirring of fry pans.
"Crimson – san! This is so good!" And of course that was Sasha, who was too delighted that for some miracle, chewing slowly her food. Remember, this is SASHA BRAUS people. Let me repeat one more, SASHA BRAUS. The glutton girl.
Well it is not exactly a FEAST, because it is just a simple potato dish. (A/N, yeah picture of it, cuz I think I can't explain it well: . /2012/05/eatingwell_recipe_5070_ ). The stuffed mashed potato inside the scraped potato were mixed with variety of herbs and vegetable, and topped with ground meat and oozing cheese.
Jean smashed his palms on the table as he stand up which made everyone stop eating. "Can I have more?!" He said it with such serious face, but still, everyone laughed because he looks fucking dead serious.
Crimson just giggled at the said man's seriousness about asking for seconds. She walked towards the young man and wiped the crumb away from his youthful face using her thumb.
"Of course Jean, but first let's get rid of this crumb." And the whole room erupted with laughter. The man just returned from his seat, blushing, not knowing if it was from everyone laughing at him or the very beautiful maiden's act towards him.
XxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXx
(Crimson POV)
Everyone's almost finished with their food. Eren and Armin is now serving the hot choco (which I was about to serve but they insisted to do it, to repay for the good food), that is a gift from one of my suitors. Yes plural form, you heard it. I hope they're enjoying themselves with the little treat I gave to them. This is the last thing I can do anyways.
Getting bored, I excused myself from my squad seating with me and made my way towards Mike, Hanji and Erwin (surprisingly he is here, he seldom eats breakfast outside his room, he is a busy man after all) and just stared at them, and they just stared at me as well.
THIS IS BORING.
Owh, wait! I think I have another thing under my sleeves/
"everyone, gather around, I have some "fun" story to share!" I clapped and called my attention as I stood at top of a chair. Yes, I elevated myself so the attention would be directed on me.
"Is it about your first Titan kill?
Seriously Eren, are Titans the only stuff in that mind of yours? "That story is quite interesting as well, I'll tell that to you sometime, but no, that's not what I'll tell to you guys."
"Things from the outside world?!" OMG, my cutie pattootie Armin, he is soooo cute! Specially when he's so serious just like now.
"Not that one either Armin. But I can tell you stories about our past expeditions beyond wall Maria some other time." I paused and playfully pinched his perky cheeks. He then blushed and looked down at his lap.
"Well, this is about your most idolized, most admired and the humanity's strongest. Lance Corporal "Squinty" Rivaille!"
"Here goes some action." Said Erwin who's actually enjoying the upcoming ruckus to happen.
(Levi POV)
Levi about to go down the stairs (from the 3rd floor)
"Achooo!"
This place really needs some intense and major clean up! But wait, where is everyone?
XxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXx
(Crimson POV)
"And he was lie "Owh my God, kill that bitch of a cockroach!" I animatedly imitated the corporal's reaction on the "cockroach incident"
"And your humanity's strongest actually buried his face in my chest with his arms tightly bound to me. He was really scared! He is a clean freak anyways, which I assume you all know."
"That is why his entire room's things and stuff were either sliced, scratched or torn. The only thing untouched by the pest are his baldes." Hanji let herself get involved, because she really is involved in the first place.
The room was filled with laughs from how silly the Corporal can be. They can't really believe that a Ciorporalas stoic as spic as him would have a cockroach as his weakness.
"And then he was like…" I was about to tell more humiliating stories about the "incident" when the Squint entered the scene.
"Who the fuck are you talking about, you little brats?!" and the topic of the century is right in the fucking area. I hope he doesn't heard who we were talking about, or else, I am one piece of dead meat.
"Owh no, nothing important. We're just talking about Mike's sniffing abilitilies and habits. Right, Mike?" I turned to Mike's direction, with the face of 'please just agree'.
"Yes, about my sniffing shenanigans." Mike sniffed, as if trying to make his statement much more believable. Erwin, sitting across him just silently chuckled under his breath.
The newbies which was the most enthralled of the "fun" I talked about has now settled back from their seats. They might be quiet, but I can actually see that they're holding back their laughter because of "another" reason.
"Tch" Levi just sat down on his usual table, his eyes wandering around, as if he's looking for something. Because in that table In the table he is in, he was always silently listening to the chat of his squad, and he enjoys their mess, but that was before. Now they're…
He tapped his fingers at the table, as if waiting for something. It was probably Petra's morning coffee. It was his favourite anyways.
"Neh, Squinty - san? You hungry? I cooked something for everyone. I hope it would suit your tastes?" I pushed the plate of potato meal towards him. This serving has extra cheese on it, he was actually fond of the ingredient according to Petra. He then stared at plate with such intent of throwing it, as if I put some poison on it.
I let out a long sigh and brough my hand under my chin, I pouted as if bored and passive. "Neh, Squinty - san, if you're not planning to even touch that, there would be someone too willing to do for you." I pointed a finger towards Sasha, and she was practicall drooling excessive saliva, her eyes were also twinkling thinking that would be her 5th fucking meal.
"No, I'll eat it." And the Corporal tucked the first spoonful of his meal in his mouth.
It seems time has stopped for me. Even the soldiers just stared at the peacefully munching Corporal. Some evem have their mouth agape and their spoon hanging in mid - air. The corporal took more spoonful as the silence became more and more awkward.
(Levi POV)
"Not bad, it is actually quite great." Scratch that, her cooking is a cuisine! It is really delicious. Is it just me or the dish is literally sparkling before my very eyes? And top that, it has lots of cheese, my favourite.
"I am so glad!" She clapped her hands together and giggled. How can she look so innocent and happy right now?
She stands up and said she needs to buy the Scouting Legion's supplies in the city. Damn, is she the one supposed to do that? Well actually she's the one who could probably do that stuff orderly. And… wait! What the fuck is she wearing!
"Wearing a dress that short? Don't tell me you're riding your horse wearing that?' I kinda sound like a strict father prying what her daughter is wearing and how inappropriate is it.
But I have to admit, she actually looks just quite fine with it. I bet my month salary that dress is from one of those rich suitors of hers. Color cream white, with the upper part exposing her collar bone and her firm arms were shown in its full glory. The skirt which is mid-thigh length was detailed with lace and embroidery details.
The way she moves around wearing that dress is rather…. How must I say it… refreshing? Well she is Crimson, the maiden trapped in the bushes of thorns (Scouting Legion) that is what everybody says.
(Crimson POV)
Is there a problem with what I am wearing? Why is the Squint acting like that? I don't get him. "But I don't have anything to wear. We actually have lots of laundry to do today. I hope everybody would help."
Erwin stand up from his seat and walked towards me, he slightly messed my hair, and placed a bag of money on my palm.
"No need Erwin, I actually just received payments last week from a Rich Sina people for some self-portrait." Erwin again messed my ahir playfully, now with a smile on his lips.
"Erwin, you're having fun messing with my hair, don't you?" I tried to sound pissed, but I actually like the little cutesy gesture of him.
"Well at least bring someone with you." Mike stood very proximal on my other side. I hissed at my current situation. "Erwin, Mike, please don't stand so near to me. You know I'll feel so small if you do."
"Owh, someone has some height issues." Hanji muttered, still occupied with her food.
Everyone fell silent. Everyone knows who really has some height issues in this room.
"So can I bring Eren with me?"
"Of course no, you can't, are fucking kidding me? You can't fucking bring the brat whenever and wherever you want."
"Owh sorry milord Squint, I should have thought before asking." Right, how grumpy early this morning.
"Hmmmm…" So who might It be.. I can't probably make the Scouting Legion's commander and humanity's strongest to carry stuffs for me. No, that is not so proper in many ways. "How about Jean and Armin?"
"If that's what you want?"
"Yay! Thanks Papa Erwin!" I rubbed his almost invisible stubbles. "I'll buy razors for everyone! Owh also Mike's apples and Erwin's gel!" I also playfully tugged Mike's mustache, which he just returned with a mild pat on my head.
After that, I practically sprinted towards my two helper for this day. "Neh, Jean and Armin, let's go? Shall we?" I wrapped my arms around theirs and literally dragged them outside to the carriage.
"I'll ride Fenrir, you two seat back and relax at the back." The two quickly but with hesitation, obliged. "ang also, don't look back. Grab at the sides, cause we're going at full speed."
XxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXx
(Levi POV)
Seriously, why is she trying to always ogle around that Eren? I am starting to think that she's into the younger men.
In the end, she settle to go with the horse faced man and ill-tempered Jean Kirsctein and the coconut head tactician Armin Arlert. She seems too giddy with her decision as I see her wrap her arms around the two's arms and hurriedly dragged them to the carriage waiting outside.
"Ah, Levi?"
"What is it, shitty glasses? I am in no mood to talk about your Titan shits at this moment, so please…"
"Would you mind looking at yourself at the mirror?" Hanji brought a rather too big mirror near my face.
"Damn Hanji! It's too near, I can't see!" I pushed the glasses away from my face. "And what the heck is the problem with…"
When I looked at the mirror. I saw small clips in different shapes of butterflies and flowers of ink, violet and blue holding strands of my hair together.
The room bursted once again with laughter. Some even were slapping their hand on the table and clenching their tummies, some were rolling on the floor and tears coming out of their eyes. Their laughs won't stop no matter how much I scold them, as if they're holding it back for a very long time.
I only have one person in mind as a culprit. "That crybaby!"
"Ahhh! Levi! The mirror! You're cracking it." Hanji pulled away the mirror from me.
Erwin, Mike and Hanji eventually joined the laughing marathon. I once again gave them my icy glare, but to no avail, they all continued laughing.
"That fucking crybaby would pay!" I smashed my fit at the table and rushed back to my room. I need to get rid of this gay stuff.
A/N:
Elaborate Liar: So how was Chapter 9 everyone?
Levi: You really are one hell Satan, why am I always the one to get pranked? *brings out blades.
Elaborate Liar: Oi! Squint! Don't you dare injure that with me, or else.
Levi: Or else what? *gives off dark auras.
Eleborate Liar: CRIMSOOOOONNNN! HEEEELLLPPPPP!"
*Crimson came running.
Crimson: What is it author – sama?
Elaborate Liar: WAAAA! THE SQUINT IS THREATENING ME THAT HE'LL SLICE ME! SO SCARYYY! *author hugs Crimson*
Levi: Now you're calling me Squint? You piece of shit.
Crimson: Oi Squint! For that no cooking from me for three days! I'll request Hanji's special service to cook for you. Got that?!
Levi: *knees drop to the groun, eith one hand reaching out to Crimson* No!
Crimson: You deserve that for threatening author - sama! Hmph!
Elaborate Liar: I smell some lovers's quarrel. Teehee
Crimson and Levi: "Nanni?!"
Elaborate Liar: That's the end of the little extra convo for this chapter. I hope you enjoy the chapter and please tune in for the next one.
Crimson: Matte Kurasai! Please run for your life now author – sama!
Elaborate: Also, please follow, favourite and review, it really encourages and lit up my will to write *wink
Levi: Teme…. *draws out blade once again*
Elaborate Liar: *runs for her life* THANK YOU MINNA! *uncomprehensive screaming while chased by the furious Heichou"