Year: 853
Location: the cruise to Marley
The next day the Scouts were awoken bright and early by Hange skipping through camp, clanging together a metal ladle and pan.
It was finally time to venture away from the safety of their Island and face the rest of the world. Leah felt queasy just at the thought of it, a feeling not assisted by the constant rocking of the boat they were on. The port where they were headed, according to Onyankopon, was Port Liberio; one of the biggest in Marley and definitely a step up from the harbour the Eldians had just recently established.
Leah watched as her home grew smaller and smaller in the skyline, the buzz of excitement inside her drowned out by the ever rising dread. She smoothed out her grey skirt and straightened her spine just as Paradis disappeared over the horizon. The Captain stood alone at the stern of the ship, with the rest of her comrades between the bow, waiting excitedly for the appearance of the new land, and for those feeling the wrath of sea-sickess, sheltering inside.
Leah huffed as she let go of the metal railing, turning her back on Paradis and treading back along the deck. Her black heeled boots, as impractical as they were for fighting, were a welcomed change of pace for Leah. Having spent the last 15 years or so of her life training for or in the military, she hadn't had a lot of opportunities to dress up nice.
Her broad heels clipped the water sprayed deck with every step, barely audible over the grumble of the boat's engine. Droplets of ocean alighted on what was exposed of Leah's bare legs. As she turned into the stairwell that led down into the boat's seating area, Leah ran a hand through her slightly damp brazen hair. In truth, she'd been finding it harder and harder to care for her hair as it began hanging past her shoulders; she knew she'd have to chop it soon, the risk of it getting caught in her gear being too great.
"There you are, Captain." Jean chimed as Leah descended the last few steps. The roar of the engine was louder down there, the metal walls encasing them visibly shaking with the vibrations. Leah quirked her brow up ever so slightly. "Here I am." She concurred, spreading her arms.
"We were just wondering where you were. Are you excited to see what's been waiting for us outside the walls?" Connie added, twisting in his seat to face the woman. Her eyes scanned the compact space, instantly feeling the effects of claustrophobia.
Leah grimaced. The truth was, she felt like an escaped prisoner. Every second spent outside the walls made her feel more and more like a naughty child. That sense of defiance, which drove her to join the Scouts in the first place, used to fill her with life; but now it just reminded her of all the sacrifices made to get them to where they were today.
She dropped her gaze to the scout-green scarf draped around her neck and shoulders and fixed it distractedly as she responded. "Yeah, I suppose." She cringed at the dismissal in her tone, having hoped she'd do a better job at hiding her dread.
Eren stepped out of the shadows and an unnerving chill ran down Leah's spine. This physical response to Eren had been occurring more often ever since her nightmares of the rumbling had begun. Her heart raced in her chest, only growing faster the closer Eren got to her. Leah stood her ground, not dettered by the somewhat insolent look on his face. His turquoise eyes seemed to glow faintly in the dimly lit space, making it clear they were trained directly on Leah.
When he joined her at the base of the stairs, he paused and stared directly into Leah's soul. Cold beads of sweat congealed on Leah's back, and she fought a shiver. "I'm going to find Armin." He droned, not waiting for Leah's response before beginning his ascent of the steps. Mikasa rose from her seat beside Connie and made after him. "Don't worry, I'll keep an eye on him."
Leah did worry. The denial of Eren's psychological change was no longer feasible. Understandably, this situation was all too much for a 16 year old boy and Leah couldn't help but feel guilty for not being there for him enough. Jean scoffed, anchoring Leah back in the presence. "Ignore him, Captain. He's been quite the ass-hat recently."
A resigned sigh escaped Leah's lips, and she looked longingly at the sunlight streaming in from the top of the stairs where Mikasa had just disappeared. Leah turned back to her cadets when Sasha let out a distressed groan from her fetal position in the corner of the room. "Are you feeling any better, Sasha?"
-
By the time the Marleyean shore was in sight the deck of the ship was a hive for activity. Their boat had docked briefly at another harbour to pick up passengers in the hopes of making their arrival in Liberio less suspicious. Now, Leah leaned on the metal railing near the front of the ships port, along with an excited Connie, Jean and Sasha.
The three bickered, a background noise Leah was thankful for as it brought some normality back into a world that felt like it was being flipped upside down. The sound of footsteps slowed to a stop beside her and Leah snuck a glance to her left here Levi now stood. He too rested forward on the railing, his forearms holding him up. "You look nice." He commented, his eyes fixed on the approaching land. Leah shook her head and let out a breathy laugh.
"Yeah, I clean up quite nicely when I'm not covered in titan blood and dirt."
Levi chuckled softly, fixing the fancy hat on his head. "You know what I mean." He said, feigning annoyance. The faintest girlish blush flowered on Leah's cheeks at his words and to hide it she looked to the front of the ship.
"He would've given anything to see what we're about to see."
Levi murmured after a break of silence. Leah let out a sigh and watched the waves splash up the side of the boat. Erwin had been playing on her thoughts more the closer the trip to Marley had gotten.
"He would've. Us included." The woman looked past Levi's head to where Hange and Armin stood just a few feet away. The blonde teenager reached a hand up to hold his hat on his head as a breeze threatened to lift it away. The grin on his face, the fascination in his eyes, all made bile rise in Leah's throat.
She turned fully so her back rested on the metal and gulped deeply. "Gah, I can't wait to get off this ship."
When the wooden plank connecting the boat and the shore ended and Leah's boots stepped onto the stone harbour, she was relieved when Onyankopon walked into her line of sight.
The familiar face amongst the hustle and bustle of the busy Port was like cool water on a sticky hot day, and Leah drank in the sight of him, striding towards him without hesitation.
Leah and Onyankopon had hit it off immediately when they eventually got the chance; Leah had always had an interest in construction and engineering but never had the brains for it, and Onyankopon was especially patient with explaining complicated science, meaning the pair got along well.
"I'd like to welcome you to the continent of Marley." He beamed, opening his arms in welcome. Everyone else who had been previously captivated by their new surroundings finally noticed Onyankopon just as Leah threw her arms around his neck in a hug.
"I'm not getting back on that boat."
He lifted her off the ground, hugging her tightly and chuckling, before placing her back down and removing his hat politely. "Great to see you all again, the Azumabito have been waiting. May I escort you?"
Leah chuckled, "We'd appreciate that, yes." Hange waved enthusiastically and approached the man.
"Good to see you again, Onyankopon." The Commander's eyes closed in a smile. "So, what does everyone think of the biggest port in the country?" The man questioned as people returned their attention to their surroundings.
Things seemed to have been going well for the Scouts in this new world; despite Sasha, Hange and Connie chasing after a car and trying to feed it carrots, the cadets losing their minds over ice cream (which Leah had to admit tasted like frozen heaven), and Levi getting mistaken for a child by a particularly creepy clown.
Following that Levi stomped off truculently when Leah, Hange and Onyankopon tried but failed to stifle their laughter. The short black haired man soon disappeared into the dense crowds, only being spotted again by Hange when a circle parted and people began to gather.
"What's that runt doing now?" Hange huffed, beginning their navigation towards the developing commotion.
"Hey! What do you think you're doing?" A merchant, dressed in a basic suit hollered at Levi who was walking away with a child tucked under his arm. Leah raised both her brows in astonishment, trying to figure out just what on earth was happening. Levi grinded to a stop, not bothering to turn.
"I never said he was a pickpocket, all I said was the purse didn't belong to him," Levi tilted his head slightly to project his voice over his shoulder. "He owes his big sister an apology for this little prank."
"Jeez, that's children for ya! But what can ya do, right? It's a family thing." Hange interjected, stepping into the centre of the circle and prompting Sasha with a look. Leah stared in bewilderment, trying to figure out who this child was: she assumed he'd stolen Sasha purse, but why would Levi defend the boy? Was the punishment so extreme that Levi felt it necessary to step in?
"Huh- oh! Yeah, I'm sorry my little brother acted like an idiot, everybody." Sasha began bowing profusely, but the congregated merchants were blinded by the want for justice.
"Smells like bullshit. You think we're stupid?" One snarled, waving his fist. Without missing a beat, Levi leapt into a sprint. "Run for it." He hurried out.
Leah, who had only just overcome her seasickness, let out a displeased gripe as she jolted into a run. Her familiars retreated alongside her, and while their military training paid off in the sense that they could outrun fat merchants, Leah cursed her choice of shoes.
"Argh- if I knew we'd be running I would've worn better shoes!" She complained, as they rounded another corner onto a quieter street.
They repeated this process again, and again, and again, until finally Levi - who led the charge - felt satisfied they were no longer being chased.
Leah leaned back onto a stone wall, rolling her ankles and grumbling about her 'dumb heels'. The square they stood in now was deserted and seemingly on the outskirts of the city.
"Did anyone see where the brat ran off to?" Levi was the most unphased by this exertion and stood alert, scanning the area. Hange panted out, "Oh, he's right there."
Following their finger, everyone looked up to see the young boy in a red fez straddling a wall up ahead and brandishing a money pouch with a toothy smile on his face.
Levi gasped, patting down his pockets before letting out a gentle growl. "Well, then. So much for the Azumabito's pocket change."
From there, Onyankopon led the Scouts to meet with Kiyomi Azumabito who explained gravely how revolutionary discoveries in blood testing meant that the Marleyean government now had the power to distinguish between Eldians and Marleyeans. In addition, she made it clear that negotiating with Paradis was not on the cards for Marley, meaning their trip all the way here was pointless. Realistically, saying the Scouts came in peace was not enough to guarantee an audience. However, their only alternative was be complying wholly with Zeke's plans, something Leah was instinctually against.
When Mikasa stood with a gasp and cast her eyes around the room urgently, Leah shifted on the arm of Levi's chair, trying to catch on to her worry.
"Wait a minute. Where's Eren?"
Leah jumped up and marched to the door after Mikasa, "Cadets with me. Hange, I'll go with them to find Eren. You need to stay here and finish our business." Hange nodded in agreement, "Thank you, Captain."
Leah swung the door open and shepherded her cadets out. "Sorry to leave so soon, Ma'am. Thank you for your time." The red-head swiftly nodded her head at Kiyomi before ducking out the room.
It was dark out by the time they found Eren. Having suggested they retrace their steps in the hopes Eren had just wondered off, Mikasa led the sweep of the city. It wasn't until they reached that same wall the fez boy had climbed over earlier that day did Mikasa spot Eren stood on a hill in the distance.
Immediately the girl broke into a run, clearing the wall in seconds and reaching Eren's figure before the rest of them could even start scailing it. When they eventually started scrambling up the hill, Leah couldn't control her anger anymore.
"What the hell, Jeager?!" She yelled, her brows knitted tightly together. "Yeah- what the hell do you think you're doing, you maniac?" Chastised Jean.
"You some kinda moron?" Connie growled as they reached the peak of the hill on which Eren, Mikasa and on observation a third unknown figure stood.
Leah regarded the stooped fez wearing Grandpa with suspicion as she slowed her furious marching, her chest rising and falling as she tried to control her breathing again. In his hands he held a tray bearing two steaming glasses with a coffee-like liquid inside.
Reluctant to be rude, Leah acknowledged the old man's invitation, despite not having a clue what he was saying. "Are you sure about this, Captain?" Armin fretted as they dipped down the opposite side of the hill. Ahead of them was a vast camp of multicoloured tents. Eren had explained briefly to Leah that he'd invited them for drinks and that this camp was that for refugees of war.
Leah's eyes darted around, "Yeah, just stay close. I don't think they're dangerous but at this point, I don't know who to trust." She sighed as they trudged after the foreign Grandpa.
He led them to a tent in which sat two young boys; one of them being the fez adorning kid that stole Levi's money pouch. Leah immediately narrowed her gaze at the boy, but her aloofness melted away when the boy smiled at her sheepishly before taking her hand and leading her further into the tent.
Besides the Grandpa, there were two other adults in the tent who Leah could only assume were the boy's parents. They watched quietly as he tugged Leah to sit down on the rug with him, pointing to his chest and chirping out words Leah couldn't understand.
"Ramzi." She made out eventually as the boy pointed to himself for the tenth time and repeated the word. Leah's lips made the shape of an O. His name was Ramzi. Leah smiled and placed a hand to her chest, "Leah." She introduced. The boy nodded, beaming. "Leah." He repeated, pointing to the ginger and giggling. "Ramzi." He pointed to himself, seemingly rather proud.
His amusement continued as the rest of the cadets moved to join the circle on the floor, while the Grandpa placed an array of aromatic foods in the middle. Leah's mouth watered as the different spices hit her nostrils and her grumbling stomach reminded her that she hadn't eaten in hours.
Ramzi scooped up an empty can and clumsily poured some tinted liquid into it from a glass bottle before handing it to Leah. When she eyed it unsurely the brunette boy nodded encouragingly. Leah looked to the rest of the group, holding the liquid filled can uncertainly. She watched as Eren lifted his own can to his mouth and drained it. Ramzi's Grandpa crouched next to Eren and let out a deep chortle of pride. The other cadets turned to Leah for guidance as her eyes flicked between the can in her hand and the content smile on Eren's face.
She hadn't seen him smile in a long time. Whatever was in this makeshift cup, Leah guessed was probably alcohol of some description. Finally she deliberated it was harmless and shrugged before gulping the entire can down her parched throat.
With Leah having set the tone, her soldiers followed suit, sipping at their drinks unsurely until the sweet and addictive flavours mixed on their tongue and they were forced to take another swig.
Before they knew it, the whole lot of them were deeply intoxicated. Leah didn't know how it happened so quickly, but pegged it to the fact that she hadn't eatened and this alcohol was probably stronger than what they had on Paradis.
All her worries that had previously plagued her evaporated like steam and she found herself feeling genuinely happy as she danced with Sasha.
The night became rowdy fast. Leah had done her fair share of drinking as a young soldier, but never had she had as much fun as this. Ramzi's Grandfather invited in neighbouring tents, and with the language barrier cast aside the second drunkenness took over, the Eldians and refugees mingled, sang and danced until they dropped.
When Leah still hadn't returned with the rest of the squad in the early hours of the morning, Levi, Hange and Onyankopon were forced to leave their lodging and go searching for them. What possessed them to check the refugee camp, they weren't sure, but when they stumbled across an unlit, open front tent, they couldn't help but feel relieved.
Sprawled unconscious on the floor, with their limbs entangled and empty cups and plates surrounding them, were the missing Scouts as well as a few locals. Leah was propped against a wooden chair, her head resting on the seat of it as she slept. Levi let out a sigh, which was a mixture of relief and exasperation.
"You've got to be kidding me."
Levi, Hange and Onyankopon divided and conquered, splitting up to go around and wake up the inebriated Eldians. Hange and Onyankopon weren't surprised when Levi moved straight towards Leah.
He crouched before her, placing his lamp beside her head. "Come on you." He whispered, shaking her shoulder gently. She groaned and her faced scrunched up in annoyance as her eyes fluttered open.
"What the hell were you thinking?" Levi nagged half-heartedly. He wanted to be mad at her irresponsibility, but he was just glad they were all safe.
"Ugh... I dunno. Puh-lease don't demote me." Her eyes widened, revealing the extent of her dilated pupils and bloodshot eyes. "Or fire me-" She panicked, swirling her head to find her Commander.
Levi hooked his arm under hers and hauled her into a standing position, supporting her weight largely. "You're not being fired or demoted. Don't worry." He muttered, beginning to lead her out the tent. Leah's feet scrambled uselessly beneath her, nearly tripping over every obstacle around them. Levi held her up unfalteringly.
"Jeez, Leah. How much did you drink?" He interrogated once they exited the tent and were greeted by the cooler night air. His hands left her body and Leah swayed there unsteadily, her eyes staring absently at Levi.
"A wiz thirsty." She retorted, frowning childishly. Leah, suddenly deciding Levi was no fun, tried to walk away. She'd taken no more than one unsteady step when Levi's arm snaked around her stomach. "Nice try. You're staying where I can see you."
"Nuh uh." She struggled against him, elbowing him weakly and kicking up soil with her boots. Levi fought to restrain her arms, but when she just resorted to kicking, Levi swept her feet out from under her and scooped her into his arms. "Hey, Hange. Can you manage them? This one's particularly troublesome."
Hange waved Levi off dismissively, barely turning around from trying to herd the zombie like teenagers towards Onyankopon.
Levi, watching for a few moments in amusement, chuckled softly before continuing out the campsite. Leah's head wilted to rest on Levi's chest and her eyes closed peacefully again.
"How you can sleep like that, I'll never understand." He mused, watching as she slipped into a shallow slumber again as the alcohol continued to take affect.
When Levi finally reached the accommodation the Azumabito had provided them with, he found himself reluctant to leave Leah. He didn't know how she normally was with alcohol, and the only person who would was cold and rotting back on Paradis Island. Levi pushed open the door to the first room he found and kicked it shut behind him.
The room was basic and by no means luxurious, but it would do. He lay the woman on her bed, and stepped back. He hesitated a moment, noting how peaceful she looked; her cheeks were rosy from the drink, her glossy lips parted as she breathed softly and the faintest smile present on her face. Not a single blemish or crease on her faultless complexion. Levi finally tore his eyes away and made for the door.
"Levi..." Leah groaned sleepily. His hand lingered on the door handle and he snuck a look over his shoulder, hoping she'd just go back to sleep. But her eyes were open, and pleading with him. "Wait."
His hand dropped to his side and he traipsed back over, dropping to his knee beside her head so that they were eye level. "What is it?" Impacience was absent from his voice, as he experimentally lifted a hand to tuck a strand of copperish hair behind her ear. She gave him a closed eye smile and for a second, he wondered if she'd fallen back asleep. But her eyes re-opened and fixed on a spot on Levi's cheek.
Her fingertips moved to meet the raised off coloured skin on his face as she lightly caressed it. "When'd thiz happ'n?"
Levi tried to picture his face. She must've been referencing the scar on his cheek from their fight with Kenny in the basement of the Reiss Chapel. Before Levi could word his response, her hand had flattened to cup the entire side of his face, her thumb grazing over his lips.
"Am sorry." She mumbled, her eyes growing heavy again. Levi leaned into the palm of her hand as he lips pressed a kiss to the pad of her thumb. "What for?" He queried.
Leah retracted her hand and curled into a ball on the bed, "Fir gettin' drunk." She slurred out. Levi chuckled and smoothed back her hair from her face again.
"You're an idiot, that's for sure." He couldn't hide the fondness in his voice as he spoke, his hand stroking her head lovingly.
"A feel sick." She whined, hugging her stomach. Levi pursed his lips and moved to sit on the edge of her bed. "I'm sure you do. Did you even know what you were drinking?"
Leah shook her head, grunting out a no. Levi didn't want to leave her now. The worry of her throwing up in her sleep and choking on the vomit played on his mind, and he also didn't want her waking up and going wandering again.
"Do you want me to stay?" He offered, tracing a circle on her back absentmindedly. She nodded, shifting in the bed until there was room for Levi to lie down too. She patted the mattress and watched him with wide eyes.
Levi bent over to slip off his shoes before working to remove Leah's large boots. Eventually he lay himself down on his side so that he was facing Leah. The female's hand found the side of his face again and continued with her tracing of his features.
She trailed her fingers across his cheekbone and down to his jaw. With the alcohol numbing her usual self-awareness and egging her confidence, Leah's eyes spotted the pulse in Levi's neck and her fingers slid down his throat to graze her fingertips over it.
He male shivered and his breath hitched in his chest. The feeling of Leah's fingers on the skin of his neck caused heat to flood his body and intrusive thoughts to force their way into his head.
His eyes dropped to her lips, his tongue darting out to wet his own. "You're so pretty." Leah whispered, removing her hand to stifle a yawn. A hint of a smile tugged at Levi's lips. "And you're delusional. Go to sleep."
Levi flipped sides, to face his back to Leah. His heart pounded in his chest, and he stared wide eyed at the wooden floorboards, shocked he managed to remain to calm with her lips so tantalisingly close. He couldn't kiss her in this state, he would feel like he was taking advantage of the situation.
The heat burning in his body, caused his shirt to cling uncomfortably to his skin. The room was too warm. Or maybe it was just him. Perhaps a bit of both. But Levi was sure that with Leah's body so close, the night was only going to get hotter.
The mattress creaked and squeaked as Leah tossed in unrest. Levi, who had closed his eyes, let them peel open again. "Will you lie still, please?" He complained.
"Can't get comfy, my belt keeps diggin' into ma back." She moaned, arching her spine to tug at the belt clumsily. Levi made the mistake of sitting up on the bed, glancing over at her just as she did so. The heat rose in his face and he felt beads of sweat prick his chest and back.
While Leah tried to work at her belt, Levi tugged off his tie and started unbuttoning his shirt, accepting the fact he'd never be able to sleep with it on. Rising from the bed, he hung the shirt on the back of the room door and moved back towards the protesting Leah.
She'd still not managed to undo the accessorised belt shaping her skirt at the waist. Levi huffed out a sigh and reached over, pawing her hands away. He knew he'd never get any rest until she lay still. He unbuckled the belt and slid it out from under her, with the help of Leah lifting her hips.
He placed the belt on the bedside table and when he looked back over his eyes widened in horror. Leah was unbuttoning her shirt.
"Uh- what are you doing?" He stressed, hesitant to sit back down on the bed. Her fingers tugged helplessly at the buttons, at risk of tearing them off all together. "Am too warm." Her face scrunched up in frustration, and Levi knew at any moment she was just going to rip the shirt off.
He jumped forward, taking both of her hands in his and holding them away from her chest. "If you take your shirt off you'll get cold during the night." He tried to reason, ignoring the hypocritical fact he was shirtless.
"But a won't be able to sleep if a don't." She complained, trying to work her hands free from Levi in vain.
He tensed his jaw and inhaled deeply through his nose to compose himself. "Alright. Let me do it." He grumbled as he started removing her shirt. He kept his eyes unfocused and somewhat averted to prevent more unwanted thoughts returning to his head.
Leah gazed at him, feeling her face flush at how easily Levi worked the buttons free. His skilled hands made easy work of it and when Leah was free from the shirt, Levi hung it over his own on the door. He returned to the bed, lay on his back beside her and tried to ignore the fact that she was shirtless next to him.
"Um- Levi..." Her voice carried into the room. Levi angled his head so that he could see her, remaining flat on his back. Leah wasn't sure if it was the alcohol or if she'd just finally come to her senses, but she had the overwhelming urge to kiss him.
"Can I kiss you?" She blurted out, before her thoughts could catch up and talk her out of it. Levi's breath hitched again and he shifted so that he propped himself up on his elbow. With superior height this allowed him to lean over the female.
His gaze flickered between Leah's eyes and her parted lips. The way the moonlight illuminated her face left him breathless, and leaning in closer.
When his lips were inches from hers, both of their eyes closed, and their breaths quickened with anticipation, Levi paused. "You're drunk." He reminded her sadly, his breath fanning her face.
"Drunk words are sober thoughts."
Levi let her words sink in for a moment, registering her insinuation that she'd considered kissing him before. He let his forehead rest against hers, exhaling slowly. "If you still want to kiss me in the morning... when you're sober... then you can. But not now. I want you to actually remember it."
"I'll probably remember it."
"Probably's not good enough." He lifted a hand and held the back of her head gently as he put some distance between them. "When you're sober, Leah."
Before Levi knew what was happening, Leah closed the distance and pressed her lips to his neck. Levi's head fell back and a choked moan escaped his lips as Leah sucked at his throat. He reached up his hands to grab her shoulders, and detach her lips forcefully.
"Leah, please." Levi breathed, giving her a begging look. He didn't know how much longer he could say no if she continued like this. She collapsed back onto the bed, giving Levi a tipsy smile. "I'm sorry, I couldn't help it."
The weight of her eyes finally became too much as they closed for good. Levi let out a low laugh and lay back down next to her, "You're quite something, Leah Anderson."
(5029 words)