*
THREE WEEKS LATER
"Sasha, have you got the duvets?" I call back over my shoulder, while tucking a strand of hair behind my ear. "We need them now, it's gonna get cold!!!"
Within moments I hear her crash into something, as I grimaced closing one eye before peaking around the corner cautiously. Seeing a pile of duvets, Sasha laid beneath the mess while her body loosens in defeat.
Arching an eyebrow, "You good?" I chuckle softly, while still waiting for her response.
She pokes her hand out of the pile, with the thumbs up.
"Got 'em!!!!"
Chuckling softly, "Alright, I'll head on first.........come when you're ready to," I assure her, while heading upstairs to the second floor of the orphanage.
A few weeks has past since we've begun the project on the orphanage, and so far so good we've managed to complete it within two weeks. Made from scratch from an older building, it gave us more time to collect the orphans. Clearly it was gonna be a hard task, searching for any child that is alone.
Thankfully, we seeked out an old house beneath the underground, where a few children stayed in. Though Historia was more persistent finding any lost child, it made our goal more possible to a success.
Hard it was for them to trust us, we've gained their compliance and brought them up to the surface. Since then, I've been maintaining the orphanage for at least about a week. Trying to find at least three people to manage the place, I took the responsibility and brought them under my wing for now.
With Historia busy as the Queen most days, I thought it would bring her ease. Especially with her still learning the ways of becoming a Queen, and the rules and maintaining her reputation. Clearly she only wanted to become Queen to create a system for lost children, who were in need of a home. Using the royal's family budget, and with the assets needed was seized from politicians to keep this place going.
"Akiwa!!!!!"
Glancing over my shoulder my eyes shift lower, to see one of the little boys looking teary eyed.
Swiftly I place the rest of the duvets upon the table beside me, and bent down cupping his redden cheeks with worry. Smearing away the tears away, he sniffles quietly while I searching in his glassy brown eyes.
"What's the matter Dieter, hmm?" I hum softly, brushing a few strands of hair from his eyes. "Dinner will be soon, okay? Big sister Sasha and I are just grabbing you some bedding to--"
"Please stay?" he pleads, while tugging on my sleeve in a needy way.
Surprised for a moment, a warm tender smile surfaces upon my face gracefully with a nod.
"Okay, how about you help me?" I suggest softly, patting his soft and clean hair. "I need an extra pair of hands anyway, and I know you will be good at it!"
Clearly all I could do was comfort the eight year old, and keeping him distracted with small chores would help too.
This reminded me too much of younger sister Mei, especially when she used to help me around from time to time. Missing those precious with her, made my chest ache the more I dwelled on it. Sometimes I wished to restart my life, and do things differently just so I know what would happen and take away that horrifying path for her.
"Okay," he wipes his teary eyes, before I pass him two pillows.
"There, now how about we start making some beds up for the new kids?" I hum softly, before seeing his eyes slowly light up. "I bet you might make a new friend with this group, so let's give them a warm bed.......shall we?"
*
Whilst the orphanage was underway about three weeks ago, the people who were part of the Coup d'etat, the military righteously and mercilessly punished those of the old order meaning......
Political families and those related to them had their titles revoked and were sent to detention facilities scattered across the land. As for the remaining aristocracy, different levels of taxation were set for those who cooperated with the Military and those who opposed them, preventing them from joining together. These purges displaced even more central figures in human society than had died in the rebellion.....but much was gained in return....
Some inside the interior Military Police, which had been ordered to wipe out signs of technological innovation...had in fact preserved research records in secret, opening the door to new and better weapons.
In fact the shining stones within the cavern beneath the Reiss family grounds, supposedly created by the titans were distributed to the people to provide limitless energy. With manufacturing areas lit both day and night, productivity improved.....and the hardening power Eren managed to gain when we saved him from Rod......was promised not only to block Shiganshina District's ruined gate....
....but a powerful new anti-titan weapon was invented.....
*
*
"....then you fold the sheet back," I instruct softly, while helping Dieter learn how to prepare beds. Clearly he was getting the main gist of it, but there was more to adjust to. I don't expect much from the children, especially being brought to the surface or from streets from any district of the walls.
"Like this?" He asks, rather cutely while he carefully folds it back.
Nodding, "Yes, great job!" ruffling his chestnut brown hair. "Now, we only got two more to do......can you handle that?"
His smile grew wide, "Yep!!!!"
Despite everything these children been through, you could see the light finally resurfacing to their faces. It made me feel relieved and more at ease, knowing that we're doing everything with our power to keep them safe and secure. Historia definitely chose something worth funding towards, regardless of the famine we're also suffering with as well.
Dusting my hands together with an exhale I smile down upon the boy, "Alright, let's see if dinner is ready?" I suggest, while the mention of food made his eyes widen with excitement rushing to my side. He took my hand without hesitation, tugging me forward down the hallway.
"Let's go, let's go!!!!!"
Laughing softly in response I trail behind him, feeling a tender warmth spread through my chest.
"Okay, okay......don't trip," I warn, with a gentle smile.
The way his smaller hand fitted in my slightly larger one, made it all the more cuter.
Finally reaching the mess halls down below with a savoury aroma, a small group of children were gathered as well in the room. One of the female Military soldiers, Natalie, became a cook, giving me and Historia less worries in finding someone. We've opened a few jobs for anyone to help out, but only a few have volunteered.
It wasn't just this building, but three more were stationed side by side.
"It's Akira!!!!!"
Smiling at the children that decided to flood towards me, Natalie calls the children back to grab their dinner. Breathing in relief to not have many tugging at me one by one, little Dieter decided to follow along and grab his. Standing all in a line, they all waited patiently while learning about restraint as well.
A gasp follows behind me, realising I forgotten about Sasha.
"Foooooood!!!!!!"
Hearing her running from behind me towards the kitchen, I grabbed her collar sharply and held her back with little effort. She salivates at the delicacy aroma, "Just wait Sasha, these kids barely get nothing," chuckling softly, trying to assure she'll get her dinner soon. "Also, how is Jean and Connie doing in the other building?"
She pauses with her temptation wafting in the air, and turns with a shrug.
"Don't know, I heard some were finding the laundry difficult," She replies, honestly before finally calming down. She snaps her fingers, "Ah, which reminds me....Lena is coming very soon with more supplies! Tobias and her went to Orvud district, so soon they'll be coming back.....I think."
Nodding, I finally grew more relaxed that we had everything under control.
"Alright, well I'm gonna duck into the next building and check on the boys," turning on my heel, making my way to the door. "Feel free to come, the kids will have their supper and then playtime...."
"I'll come,"
Heading out of the building I saw the sunset glow vibrantly beyond the horizon, basking in the warm glow. The breeze was gentle, calming and definitely cooler compared to inside the building. Walking down the small narrow path to the next building, squeals and laughter echoes from inside. Sasha and I share a questioning glance, before walking inside only to find Jean and Connie in a mess.
Children tangled with their arms and legs, they all tugged on their clothes or on Jean's hair.
"Should we help them, or.......?" Sasha asks, unsure what to do.
Walking over to the counter I saw another one of the Military women cooking supper for the children, while blankets and pillows pooled beneath the two boys. Sure they're in a predicament, but it was starting to feel more normal than our usual daily lives. Approaching Andrea, I lean against the bench as she noticed my sudden presence.
"Noisy isn't it?" She laughs softly, while busily stirring the pot.
"It definitely is, but it's better than them suffering," I hum softly, while watching the two try to detangle the clingy children. My eyes soften at the sight, but I knew the beds and rooms must be prepared before the night becomes colder.
"True, well supper is almost ready so those two dumbasses don't have to worry," Andrea gestures with her wooden spoon to the boys, before resuming to the pot. Pushing off the bench I make my way over as my presence was now known to the two, before they try walking towards me with the kids dragging behind.
"Help, Corporal!"
"They're evil little things!!!"
With pleading looks of desperation, I laugh softly before clapping my hands together.
"Children!" I call, drawing their attention one by one. "Let those two make your rooms up for you all, because supper is almost ready, alright?"
"Okay!"
Gentle small tugs on my sleeve and hem of my shirt shifts my attention, to see little twins Eva and Edith gazing up with innocent expressions. For some reason since we started this project, watching these children made me feel like a part of me is redeeming myself. Losing Mei just within arms reach left me angry and tortured, knowing it was my fault for not reaching her sooner.
"What's up?" my voice softens.
Eva raises her arms, "Up," barely a whisper, I give in by her cute sky blue eyes.
Lifting her up beneath the armpits I soon tuck her upon my hip, "Wait, Corporal what about your shoulder?" Jean exclaims, with worry lacing in his voice. My hand nurtures the child carefully on the small of her back, while I nudge my head to the stairs.
"Don't worry, just make their beds up," ushering the two, before it got too late.
"Y-Yes, ma'am!"
Watching the two collect the scattered blankets and pillows, they soon race up the stairs competitively with thundering steps. My eyes linger upon the steps, still securely rocking little Eva. Shifting my attention back to her, I use my free hand ruffling her sandy brown hair playfully.
"Corporal Akira, we found more children!!!!"
Lifting my head up with recognition, I pass little Eva to Sasha carefully, quickly asking to watch over the kids. Striding towards the door, I step out to be greeted with at least about six young children which was pretty reasonable. We don't expect to find every single one in a day, but we're gradually filling the buildings.
"Great work, you three," I glance over the children, when one of the soldiers steps forward making me glance up but back to the children. It only took me another look, seeing a small bundle in the soldier's arms. "What's this?"
The soldier was nervous, as she passes me the small infant carefully.
"Found him at the brothel, in the underground while being taken care by strangers," She informs me, seeing a troubling expression in her eyes. "Clearly, the parents couldn't afford to tend to the child's needs......I assume he's at least about four months old."
My eyes shift to the small child tucked safely in my arms, "Luckily, we made a nursery for infants," I spoke up softly, heartbroken at the thought of this little boy being abandoned with nothing.
Clearly, some people weren't meant to be parents to begin with......
*
Gathering by how late it was, I definitely needed to head back to my quarters knowing someone would be wanting to see me. After quickly tucking the children to bed, and made sure everything was organised I took my leave. Sasha and Connie went ahead, but Jean decided to hang back to help me out.
Clearly I was exhausted by watching over the kids, but it did bring a smile to my face.
Stretching my aching limbs, a small groan passes my lips while I head out the building with one last final glance around. Feeling the cool night breeze gentle blowing by, Jean stood outside waiting for me with both our horses on the end of the reigns. Clicking my tongue with a chuckle, I make my way over to him with a teasing expression.
"You could've head on back to your quarters, you know?" I remind him, but he shook his head.
"Just wanted to escort you back," He sheepishly scratches his cheek, glancing away.
He definitely has changed over the three years since I started training the 104th, but overall he's been rather loyal to me than from the beginning. He progressed through it all, and the same goes for all my young cadets. Well, no longer my cadets, but my soldiers.
"How gentleman of you," I tease him, before shoving my hands into my pockets. Nudging my head, "Come on, let's get going then."
"Wait--"
Glancing in his direction with a question look, "Hmm, what's up?"
He was rather hesitant for a moment, while looking more troubled. Actually, he was acting strangely for a few days, but then again I wouldn't know anything. Still, I wanted to know what was troubling him, because it would leave me more concerned without an answer why he was under the weather.
"Um...........do you....do you trust the new recruits, Scouts I mean?" He asks, rather hesitant. He held an irritable expression, noticing his jaw locking firmly. Remaining quiet, I waited for him to clearly elaborate on that question. Seething through his teeth, his shoulders slightly shook in response.
Suddenly his eyes met mine, admittedly.
"I mean, they're so damn........excited about going out on the field...." He clears his throat, slightly averting his eyes from mine. "....taking it so lightly, just because us Scouts saved the walls from collapsing to utter chaos......."
Yeah, I will admit they all were taking things too lightly, such as easy as breathing.
Sighing deeply I nod, "Once...they see what's out there, they'll understand the true weight of being a Scout really is," admitting how naive some will be. "With them all being inexperienced, you and the rest of your friends from the 104th will set an example with how sophisticated and strong you all are..."
Placing a warm hand upon his shoulder, I gave him my most warmest smile.
"I have every faith, you'll pull through," I assure the young boy, who was taken back by my word of encouragement. Tugging him close I give him a side hug, before turning to my horse to prepare our travel back to the Capital.
Taking the reigns I hoist myself upon my horse comfortably, following with Jean before we set off towards Mitras. It was a quiet gallop down the valley, feeling the wind pounding against our ears which made ourselves deaf to our surroundings. It very exhilarating,
*
Entering my shared room I close the door behind me with a heavy exhale, fluttering my eyes closed finally having some peace and quiet. Leaning up against the doors, I open my eyes to see a few lights on. Thanks to the underground cavern, we were given limitless light from the glowing ore.
Beautiful the lights were, it definitely improved when it came to night.
Finding the balcony door slightly ajar opposite from where I stood, I could see Levi outside gazing up. Smiling eagerly, I felt relieved to finally see him after a few days away from the Capital. Taking my shoes off I place them neatly against the wall, and made my way outside to join him.
Pushing the glass pane door, I soon snake my arms around his wait and embraced him from behind.
"Sorry I took so long," I apologise quietly, lowering voice to a gentle hum. Warm hands rest over my hands, while I press a soft kiss to the nape of his neck.
"It's fine, I know you're doing something important," He assures me, his voice subtly deepens. "Besides, we're still working on Eren's hardening ability."
"Any good?"
He sighs indecisively, "Tch, the kid keeps overusing his abilities til he's bleeding a river," scoffing at the outcome. "No, he's......progressing slowly. The kid is working rather hard, so we try and not give him excessive chores or work for now."
Slowly he turns around before our eyes meet, as the white glow of the lights reflect in his silver eyes. His hands find purchase on my hips, tugging me closer as he leans up against the railing behind.
"So, what kind of invention has Hanji cooked up now?" arching an eyebrow, eager to know their side of things to our success.
"'The executioner from hell' she calls it," he lightly scoffs, finding the name rather dramatic and out there. "Despite the name, it works....which is a bonus to Trost's comfort I guess."
"Nice, nice.......sounds like you got things sorted," I comment quietly, whilst hearing the crickets sing their distant tune. Silence comfortably rests between us, while I endorse in his warmth and hold. Exhausted as I was, seeing him made me feel more revitalized and secure. Tugging me closer he supports me, before pressing a ginger kiss upon my temple.
"Looks like you worked harder, since I last saw you," He presses another kiss over one eyelid, shifting to my other eyelid. Soft and tender, he kisses my right cheek to my left. His lips linger upon the bottom of my scar that marred across my eye. "You eating properly? Are you getting enough rest--"
"I'm fine," sneaking a kiss on his lips, catching him by surprise. "Just missed you, that's all."
This brought a small smile on his face, before pulling me into his arms. Burying my face into his chest he nestles his chin on my head, before we took deep breaths while allowing our actions to appreciate each other's presence.
Soon, within a week we'll be heading back to Trost, stationing ourselves back to our usual routine. A few things have come up for the week, which entails a few more meetings, then training the freshly new recruits that willingly joined us out of popularity. Then a meeting just with Hanji and Erwin was set, which left me questioning why he wanted to speak with just us two personally.
Finding it rather odd, I questioned no further and allowed the meeting to be set.
"Taking those children in....." his voice breaks the still night, his warmth envelopes me. ".....was a big request, but we made it work......and having you maintain most of it brings me relief and assurance they'll be taken care of.......Thank you...."
Smiling softly, I snuggle closer and held him comfortably.
"It's okay, thank you for also stepping up and supporting Historia," lifting my head, meeting his tender gaze. "Without most of your support, I doubt it wouldn't have gone as smoothly as some would have hoped for......"
All he could do was click his tongue, before humming deeply.
------------------------------
A/N:
Hey everyone! So sorry for such a late update, but I became very unwell and lost motivation for a short amount of time. Thanks so much for all your support, and I apologise for dragging the story out longer than I hoped. I do hope you enjoy the small free writing scenes, as I'm trying to build character and some development as well.
Thanks again for your patience!
~ Little Bean