~*~
IN MARLEY
"Amazing.........."
That's all I could say as all of us stood in shock, while glancing around at the different environment. With little Luka tucked against my breast securely, I felt my mind wander over the many things this world has to offer. The port was bigger than what we had back on Paradis for sure, and there were machines that were not even invented back within the walls. It was so futuristic , that my mind couldn't keep up.
Luka babbles at the many people and machines, as he was no stranger to curiosity.
Levi's hand remained in mine tightly but comfortably, while my eyes were lit up in awe with my cheeks warming up. It was so different and more lively, filled so much produce and much more inventions that I knew Hanji is willing to discover and gawk over.
"My friends!" a familiar voice greets; before seeing Onyankopon lowering his white hat. "I'd like to welcome you to the continent of Marley! The Azumabito have been waiting. May I escort you?"
Both Hanji and I smile brightly, "Hey Onyankopon!" Hanji greets warmly, with the two chuckling together.
"It's so good to see you here!" Onyankopon smiles widely, before his eyes shift to me and then little Luka. "Look at him, he's grown up.......would he be about a year old by now?"
Nodding with a smile, "Yes, that's correct," I reply, before Luka gazes up at Onyankopon. Seems he can't remember him, I mean it was only for brief meet and greet a few months back. "Thanks for being our escort..."
"It's my pleasure," he rests his hand against his chest. "So, what does everyone think about the biggest Port in the country?--"
Before he could get an answer, some kind of carriage came whirring past us. It sounded very strange, especially when there were no horses hitched to the fancy carriage. A man was even driving it, which was even more unusual as my curiosity leaps for a moment. It even had glass panes around, and seats still tied down to the carriage.
I didn't even want to sound dumber, than how I look right now.....
Connie gasps, "What's with that horse?!" pointing at it, accusingly. "Or wait.....is that--- what was that?!"
"Nah!" Sasha renounces. "No horse ever looked like that. I think it was a marleyan cow!!--"
"It must've been a car," Hanji cries out, that crazed grin curls upon her lips. Rolling my eyes with a chuckle at their reactions, and even I thought Hanji would collect herself from all this. In all honesty, there was so much happening I couldn't express it but be entertained. "I've definitely heard about those! Hey! Car! Here, boy!!!"
Grimacing with a sheepish smile I tuck Luka into my arms more, while noticing Armin look embarrassed.
"They're making a scene," Armin whispers quietly. "Everyone's staring."
Jean sighs in annoyance, "Shit......." he tugs his hat down, to keep his head down and hide himself. "All these people are gonna think we're a bunch of yokels now....."
"Huh?"
Jean blushes in embarrassment, "....just act like you don't know 'em...."
Keeping myself nearby Onyankopon and Levi, it was safer that way than to look like idiot like those three. Even Luka is giggling and clapping his hands, which eased my anxiety a bit. "Better get them on a leash," Levi comments. "They'll try and feed the car carrots, if they manage to catch it."
Onyankopon chuckles in response, "Give 'em more credit than tha--"
"Tch, we know them well enough they'll do it," I raise a brow, amusingly. "Just give 'em time...." glancing over, the sea of people to find them already buying carrots at the stall.
"...they're really buying carrots?!" his eyes widen in disbelief.
With a heavy sigh I pass Luka to Levi, "Take him for a moment," before walking swiftly through the crowd, worried I might roll my ankle in these damn heels. Then finally after a minute I drag the three dumbasses by the collars, making me look like the scolding and dragon of a mother. Even the person in the car was relieved, before making a break for it as I return the three back to the group.
"Thank hun," lifting little Luka back into my arms, adjusting him upon my hip.
Levi blinks once and sighs, "I'm so glad you're with us," he mutters out, only for me to hear causing a small chuckle to leave me.
"Now.....where's Eren, Mikasa and Armin.....and Jean?" I question, peering through the thick crowd of people.
With Levi already top on that he whistles, "Guys, stick with the group!" he beckons them back. Levi's eyes narrow for a moment, "Especially you, Eren..."
"Be right there!"
Turning back to Onyankopon my stress was gradually growing, as I lost sight of Connie and Sasha yet again. With a pouting sigh I pat little Luka's back, while looking like a distressed mother. Finally I over hear a familiar voice, before finding the two at another food cart.
"I can tell, that I'm gonna have to pay if she spends it all at once......" I roll my head forward, before looking back to see Jean and Connie order whatever they were selling.
Onyankopon chuckles, "Well ice-cream is quite delicious," he comments, with a positive grin on his face. "Maybe give it a go, I've heard a little sweetness is good for the soul..."
Hesitantly I glance over to Levi wondering if he could chime in his own opinion, but he ushers me to go. In disbelief with no hesitation, I walk over in line myself before ordering myself a cone? While requesting a ice-cream, the man informs me it was vanilla flavoured. On Paradis, the only sweets I would get is if Levi and I go to Wall Sina in the Capital.
Ever since he would sneak a few in, whenever I needed something sugary to keep my sugar levels simmered. Or sometimes for the enjoyment.
Once holding the ice-cream after paying I adjust Luka in my other arm, and glanced at the sugary delicacy. Walking over back to Levi and Onyankopon, I look at it trying to find ways how to eat it. How do you even eat this? It feels cold too by the cone, as Onyankopon was snickering to himself. Amused by how foreign I am to this, I lick my lips and take a quick bite.
"Ahhh........." opening and closing my mouth, feeling my mouth freeze in response before feeling the icy feeling go up my teeth. The freezing sensation builds up towards my brain, before I swallow the ice-cream while puffing my cheeks to heat my mouth back again.
"Hahaha........now that was funny," Onayankopon chuckles, with a wide grin. "Just a brain freeze my dear, it'll pass unless you try using that technique. Press your tongue to the roof of the mouth...." He continues to find it amusing, while I look down at the ice-cream.
"Dammit, that was embarrassing," with pink dusting my cheeks.
Levi even was amused by it all as he rubs my back, "Come on hun, your fine.....no one saw," he assures me, with his usual handsome smirk. He then leans closer to my ear from behind, "But I did......"
"Shutup," playfully shoving him away, as I hoist Luka back onto my hip comfortably.
"Just lick the ice-cream, that's when the magic happens," Onyankopon advises, still trying to stifle his laughter.
In curiosity I lift the ice-cream to my lips and with a gentle lick, my eyes widen with a warm expression from the creamy goodness. It melts gently on my tongue, finally allowing me to realise why many love it so much. Now i understand why Sasha wanted some, and even the boys.
"So good......." I muse softly, offering some to Levi.
He leans forward taking a small lick with an embarrassed look, before it changes into. quite pleasant and satisfied expression. He takes another lick for himself with some more, as I grin ear to ear, "It's........not that bad," he grunts out, with a click of his tongue.
"........and?" I nudge him gently.
He sighs in reluctance, "Too cold for my liking if you ask me," he admits, while I shrug my shoulders.
"Well more for me," before I continue to enjoy the cold delicacy, feeling my tastebuds growing accustomed to the vanilla bean flavour. Usually the sweets back on Paradis were chocolate flavoured, due to a growing orchid of cocoa beans that were popular. However this? This was by my far my favourite now, and my favourite flavour.
Whilst watching over Sasha, Connie and Jean gushing over the yummy ice-cream, I felt a large shadow cast the both of Levi and I. Not even sensing anyone approaching us so quietly from behind, chills ran down my spine for a moment which made me slight look up. There stood a large man with a rotund belly, a face painted in white with a large round comical red nose. Eyes with purple stripes across them, and an outfit that was definitely strange.
"Hi, little fella," The man sang, with that cooing sound to a young child. Sensing from the presence, Levi's eyes widened and side-glanced in my direction for a moment. The stranger lowers himself down to Levi's height, with a wide smile grinning ear to ear. "Got some tasty candy for ya. Wanna try it?......" before finding the stranger rather close to Levi's ear. ".....It's real good."
This causes Levi to sharply glare towards the man, lifting his eyes up.
"Sharp suit there, bud," The stranger adds. "Are you and your friends playing gangster?"
From my perspective I couldn't help but to chuckle to myself, seeing his anger slowly surfacing towards the man. A few of our comrades tended to make fun of his height, and sometimes my own but i didn't care much. However it's a sore topic towards Levi, that even a stranger will be planning a funeral soon.
"I'm sorry, but my husband is a little tired," I apologise, before ushering Levi along while nudging my head for Hanji and Onyankopon to follow suit.
Finally getting Levi out of the situation sooner put me at ease, as his hand interlaces with mine while walking down. The place was so huge, and the buildings were structured differently. It was all so foreign, and it made me question about my clan. They apparently lived directly near the Marleyan's military base, which made the family tight and secured.
So how did.....?
Sinking into my own thoughts while walking along, I felt Levi's hand leave mind before grasping a child's hand from not far where we stood. The child wasn't that of Marleyan blood, which caused all attention to be pointed at the young boy. His grasp didn't seem strong enough to hurt the child, but simply to stop him. Looking at the hand, that's what I've realised what was going on.
He was a pickpocket, noticing Sasha was searching for her purse.
"Hey," Levi sternly spoke, but calmly. "I don't think that purse belongs to you, does it, kid?"
"Thief!!!!" A man from nearby exclaims, accusingly.
"Well, look at that!" A man spat in disgust. "Anything enemy immigrant!"
However the kid managed to tug his wrist away from Levi's firm grasp, once Levi securely got the purse before handing back to Sasha. Yet the crowd grew heavier with anger, all men furiously crowding the young boy. My heart felt heavy all of a sudden, realising that we're lucky for not giving away who we were. Keeping myself at a safe distance for my sons safety, I held him close to my chest.
Although the men began shoving past one another, cornering the boy in the centre of the raging men.
"How'd you get into Marley?!"
"Bet he stowed away on a ship!"
"He can't understand us, can he?!"
"We can toss him into the sea!!!"
"Nah. I say we smash his hand!" another suggests proudly. "That oughta stop him from picking pockets!"
It was wrong for them to prey on the weak child, who was one against many people at once. Immigrant or not, stealing for survival reminded me of someone long ago. Sometimes you gotta do what you gotta do, in order to survive the food chain of society. The child grew smaller with fear, eyes widen as if clinging onto himself with no strength inside himself.
Levi settles beside me with a troubled expression, "Levi......"
"I know......" he murmurs, while my grip around Luka grew tighter with concern for the young boy.
"Why don't we string the little rat up?!" Another man suggests. "Somewhere everyone can see him? It'll scare off the next thief!"
My anger was simmering to a boil with how appalled I was, finding that they were just like the government on Paradis. Anyone really, to always pick on the weak to set an example to them. I've had my fair share seeing many fall to poverty, starvation, and even worse facing death as their only option. To think I was just enjoying a warm afternoon, to find these people are monsters like us.
Soon I noticed Sasha pushing through over one of the angry men, "There's no need! Don't hurt him, okay?!" raising her purse with proof. "I got my purse back, so why go that far?"
"Young lady, this about more than just your purse," One of them snaps. "All us merchants working in this Port are trying to make an honest living. We can't allow the riffraff to run around stealing from our customers!"
"On top of that, this kid could be a Subject of Ymir!" Another grumpy man replies gruffly.
My skin crawls in response to our name of that woman, as if fear for my young children and son's lives were at a corner. My face remains steady and calm, but my heart was pounding like crazy as if on the verge on wanting to smash their skulls in. I held so much rage, but now wasn't the time to waste it on these men. Even glancing over my young soldiers, their faces went pale themselves.
"Blood testing has been picking up like crazy all over during the past few years," One of the men explains. "Now that we know the devils have been blending in with the rest of us, people are losing sleep over it!"
For a moment my body was growing warm, finding the outfit overheating my body from my anxiety and stress levels. This wasn't looking good, but i didn't want the child to be harmed just because he needed to survive. No one deserves that much already, when being an outcast or immigrant.
Without notice Levi swiftly and casually walks towards the child, causing me to reach to him out of instinct before he pulls something. Yet, I draw my hand back, only to see him lifts the child swiftly under his arm, beneath the tummy. "Hey!" one of the men snaps. "What do you think you're doing?!"
"I never said he was a pickpocket," Levi recalls calmly, coming to a halt. "All I said was the purse didn't belong to him..." he glances over his shoulder, with his usual calm demeanour. He nudges his head towards Sasha,"He owes his big sister an apology for this little prank."
"Jeez, that's children for ya," Hanji steps in, trying to calm the situation. "But what can ya do? Right? It's a family thing!"
Though I knew it was right to step in, I wasn't sure what to do myself. These people either could recognise my culture, and start hammering me. But this child doesn't deserve such a punishment, all because he was trying to survive. No one deserves it, when you're the runt of the group. Swallowing my selfish wishes I nod in agreement, stepping towards them.
"Sometimes children need to be parented better, so it's not his fault," I lie through my amicable calm smile, while holding Luka tightly to me.
"Huh? Oh! Yeah!" Sasha chimes in, to our small little lie while the tension builds up. She began bowing aggressively trying to make it look realistic as possible, "I'm sorry my little brother acted like an idiot, everybody!"
"Smells like bullshit!!!!" A man gruffly spat. "You think we're stupid?"
"Shit," I curse under my breath.
"Run for it," Levi orders sharply, before increasing his pace as we all began following him. Shoving through the thick crowd of people, they all began yelling towards us while I held Luka tightly making a break for it. Holding my skirt up a bit to gain some endurance, the damn heels were killing me.
Guess our lies weren't convincing enough, as if tried before......
Not wanting to glance back, I could feel the rest of our group follows to whatever is safest for the time being. Running down the unfamiliar streets, everything blurred either side while keeping ourselves at a safe distance from the Marleyan merchants. We didn't need to be wrapped up so early in drama, but for some reason I'm not so sure.
Finally after a while we all got to a safe distance, and slowed down to a stop.
"Did anyone see where the brat ran off to?" Levi questions.
"Shit........." I breath out, fanning my face with one hand.
Everyone wasn't used to wearing thick clothing, especially the attire we were wearing. Wiping the sweat from my temple, little Luka was getting a bit discomforted by what had just occurred. Tapping his back gently, I gather the air that I lost from the intensity of that chase to god knows where.
My eyes shift around before finding the boy, "Oh. he's right there," I point to the child, perched upon the old ruins of a bricked house. He was waving towards us, a face filled with gratitude. Yet, was holding a purse.
Levi gasps checking his blazer in and out, "Well then......" he sighs, in defeat. "So much for the Azumabito pocket change."
Chuckling softly between short breaths I walk over to him, "You can borrow my allowance then......okay?" assuring him, pressing a soft kiss to his cheek. "Maybe we can discuss it with them, perhaps okay?"
He scoffs softly and nods, "Right......"
~*~
AT THE AZUMABITO ESTATE
The place was magnificent and grande, with the estate surrounded in burgundy brick with white pillars at each corner with detailed designs. Such refined art and architecture was different compared to Paradis; taking in everything that was unfamiliar before me.
The inside was the same in how beautiful it was; the wallpaper a nice beige colour with an accented colour on one wall in each room. Then a few indoor plants of Cherry blossoms, or Sakura trees were sprouted in small vases which was very new to me.
Apparently this certain tree was planted from my family's motherland, and indeed it's beautiful made me feel familiar.
After taking our seats on the silk patterned cushioned couches, and artefacts and asian relics presented on display cabinets, and new things I'm unfamiliar to have seen before. We all relaxed and settled down before Lady Kiyomi, giving our undivided attention to her.
No guards were present right at her side, but stationed at doors and even outside the estate. So our safety is guaranteed, for now anyway. Despite myself not particularly wanting myself to do with Lady Kiyomi. She was a woman of greed, but with herself on our side we have some leverage and I had to endure it a little longer.
Luka sleeps peacefully against my chest, while I gently pat his back whilst levi informs what has happened earlier; especially what the Marleyan's informed us with.
"I'm sorry you had to go through that," Kiyomi apologises, sincerely. "With improvements in blood testing technology, countries are being to discover the Subjects of Ymir have been able to sneak out of the internment zones and blend into the wider population......"
So......I guess my mother and father weren't the only ones, that rebelled against the Marleyans by escaping then.....
".....The bloodline of Ymir made it's way across Eldian territory when the empire was at the height of it's power, and for many centuries......" Kiyomi continues on, as we all remain quiet. " .....the ability to trace one's lineage back to a Subject of Ymir served as proof of noble status among the global elite. But, as the Empire crumbled, the aristocrats who'd been aligned with Eldia quickly found themselves Exiled. Today, you witnessed the way Eldians are typically treated beyond the walls. In light of that, I'm sure you can see how difficult it will be to convince the world to engage with the people of Paradis on friendly terms." her voice goes frail and shaky.
"Even so....if we give up on pursuing peace at this point," Armin spoke up. "Our only remaining option will be to throw in with Zeke and his conspiracy. We would be leaving our fates entirely up to him, and sacrificing Historia's life, and the lives of her children."
I nod in agreement, "That's right, we're searching for another route for such a future," my eyes lift up softly, keeping my voice soft and steady whilst little Luka sleeps adorably against me.
"Indeed, and that our own search redirected us to Marley," Hanji turns to Kiyomi. "This 'Subject of Ymir Protection Group' will be debuting at the international forum tomorrow. They may be able to help."
"It's possible," Kiyomi sighs deeply. "Though I would caution against assuming, your goals and theirs are in alignment."
"We're not, and we won't make contact until we've had a chance to observe them," Hanji shook her head. "If they show promise, and if they'll agree to hold a meeting with us, they can help us get our message out into the world."
"You've come to make it known that the people of Paradis wish to coexist in peace?" Lady Kiyomi assumes.
"Yes,"
For a moment Lady Kiyomi glances away for a moment, "Rest assured, the Azumabito clan will happily aid you in pursuing said goal...." She pauses for a moment, closing her eyes for a moment. Then her eyes flicker up, "....but....I must wonder how realistic you've been in assessing your odds of success."
Grimacing in response, she was correct how we're going out on a whim here.
Hanji inhales sharply, "Fact is, chances are slim even if we do everything right," She admits. "And we'll be in constant danger. But still, we at least have to try, as long as there's a chance, it's our duty to take it."
Silence falls within the room, allowing everything register what has been said and done. To be honest myself, everything was beyond our reach and yet we're trying so hard to do what's best.....
"Far be it from me to tell you otherwise," Kiyomi sighs, in defeat.
Not even for a few seconds I sense distress, when Mikasa gasps standing straight up to her feet turning around. "Wait a minute, where's Eren?!"
Alarmed the rest of the young teens were even taken back, from Eren's sudden disappearance. When did that brat even set foot out the room? Doesn't he know it's rude to step out of a meeting? Sighing deeply I lean back against the couch, rubbing Luka's back soothing him to sleep.
"Connie, Jean, Armin, Sasha.....Mikasa....." Levi spoke up sternly. "Go find that idiot, we'll come later if you haven't returned....."
"Right,"
~*~
"Here is where you'll be resting," Kiyomi guides into a fancy room, as my eyes widen in surprise with how beautiful and different it was.
"Thank you," I bow my head, while Levi placed our suitcases down at the foot of our large Queen Size bed.
"We seriously end up in fancy rooms," Levi mutters beneath his breath.
Lady Kiyomi gestures to the corner, "Over there we've got a nice comfortable crib, for your son," while Levi walks over placing down a few more things, before turning to the host of the house.
"We appreciate," Levi nods before pressing a kiss to my temple. "I'm gonna go look for that idiot, stay with Luka.......won't be long."
"Okay," my eyes trail behind him, as he walks out the door with a brief nod towards Kiyomi.
When the room was left to only Lady Kiyomi and I, Luka was still out like a light as I make my way over to the crib. Tucking him him carefully, my eyes linger upon him for a moment. His little pink lips part, small little coos leave him while he sleeps quietly within the room.
"You have quite the family," She spoke up, breaking the still silence.
The orange hues stream through the long rectangle window panes, casting upon the rosewood flooring with a warm greeting to the evening.
"...."
She sighs, "I apologise for my behaviour last we met, on Paradis," She steps closer, while my eyes calmly meet hers. This causes her to halt in her steps, as she rubs her hands unsure what else to say. "I came off rather, too eager......"
"It's not just to be allied with us, but greed with what we provide in favour in your account," I spoke up calmly, glancing back to my son as we both leave the room to give him some time to rest. Closing the door, a guard was left at the door in case whilst Kiyomi guides me down the corridor.
"You've seen right through our intentions, but.....we will give the support you need," She admits, with a sheepish smile before walking into the artefacts room. Turning on her heel, her eyes narrow meeting mine. "However, this conversation isn't about that.........it's more personal."
"Person? We're talking about Personal, right now?" I scoff dryly, my jaw clenched firmly. Keeping myself refrained from raising my voice, or anything she might regret. "You just....you just can't place such responsibilities on Mikasa--"
"It's about you," She interjects firmly, with her bold claim. "Either its her, or.....we take you with us.......don't you even realise, your drawing breath means a lot to our motherland? Chief Hiroshi, was a man with and sometimes without reason.....and lead to your mother's betrayal. However, despite the massacre of the Yamasaki clan, you remain alive and strong. Your importance is far greater if you come back, and guide our military like we used too."
How could she say that? I hardly know my past, but a story from the history books....
"What happened in the past stays in the past," I spoke up, my eyes lingering upon a white and blue porcelain vase. My finger trails along the surface of the dusty cabinet, collecting dust upon my fingertip and flicks it away. "I cannot accept, my heart belongs to the one who kept me together. To Paradis, and to my son."
"But--"
"The motherland my ancestors once resided in?" I rhetorically spoke; my eyes meet hers sharply. "I think it's best, that it ends their duties.......because this damn cycle will become never ending."
Walking slowly around admiring the antiques displayed, I keep my back facing hers.
"You realise if you hadn't of married just yet, you wouldn't have been given a choice," She threatens me, with a distilled smile; eyes like an empty void. "Regardless, your family owes us that much......and your son would live a life without being judged or scorned upon amongst Paradis. Take this opportunity to live normally, for the future of your so--"
"Are you threatening me, Lady Kiyomi?" my head turns around slowly, tilting my head; eyes narrowing towards her. "Don't let my past dictate what I become, or where I go.......my grandfather made his decision. Rupturing his relationship with my mother, was the worst he could've done. Karma was out to get them eventually, and even if I never left Marley as an infant, and used as a pawn in grandfather's scheme to escape over Marley.............child after child would die in vain."
"Yet here you are still fighting, so what's the difference?" She asks me, brows furrowing with concern. She then sighs,"Do you know your child, could become maybe a strong product from both Ackerman and Yamasaki genetics. Strength combined, with a force to be reckoned with........"
Holding my hand up to stop her, "No, we're not going there," my tone shifts deeply, my motherly instinct kicks in. "Don't suggest anything that evolves things against the flow of nature provided, don't you dare even suggest giving up what I know for something I'm unfamiliar with....."
"Then answer me this," She straightens her posture. "Do you know exactly what you want? What you're getting yourself into? This isn't about Paradis, this about the good of our motherland we're speaking of.............I'm trying to give you wisdom. Like mother to daughter--"
My chest felt suddenly tight; my hand grips the collar of my blazer.
"I have only one mother," I sharply argue back, my tone remaining calm. "So don't act like we're close because we're blood-related, because we're not. I came to Marley to see for myself, to aid my husband and for my country to see what we're up against and figure what our odds are. So don't provoke me, Lady Kiyomi. I wish for us not to quarrel over past disputes.........Paradis matters right now."
Silence falls between us both, allowing everything to sink in as she reluctantly nods.
"I see........excuse me for my behaviour," She covers her mouth, while bowing apologetically.
Taking a moment to reflect on our conversation, all I needed was sleep right now and Levi with me.
With a sigh turning on my heel towards my assigned room, "Look, I understand your concern, but I'm an adult........A Section Commander, a wife and a mother....." glancing over my shoulder to meet her disappointed expression. "......I have my own people to protect now, and I hope this conversation doesn't rupture our agreement with this alliance for this personal matter.....good night."
~*~
"There you go,"
Lowering Luka back into his crib, after feeding him as my eyes felt heavier than before while closing the curtains for security.
He falls back asleep in his crib, after the sun dips behind the horizon in the distance. My concern grew for Eren, realising it already night and no one has yet to return from his disappearance. Walking over to my side of the bed, I slip in while laying there in the dim light of the lantern upon the wall beside me.
Slowly at that moment the door slowly creaks open, before seeing Levi walking in and closing the door behind himself.
Pushing myself up by one arm, "Did you manage to find him?" I question softly, when he sighs taking his top hat off and placed it upon the seat at the end of the bed. He walks over to our son's crib, and leans down to press a gentle kiss on his chubby cheek.
"Yeah.......well, technically," he replies, walking over to me while taking off his blazer and drew his tie down with one finger. He loosens his collar with a sigh, "The brats managed to find him before Hanji, Onyankopon and I got to him, but......." he unbuttons his shirt one by one.
"But.......?"
He allows his shirt to fall and hung over the seat beside his side of the bed, "But....we found their drunk dumb asses at the refugee's camp. Seems they tracked down, or Eren returned to that spot where that little thief ran off too earlier....."
"Drunk?" I chuckle softly, as he unbuckles his belt and slowly discards everything down to his briefs and slides into bed with me. His arms scoop me up and pulls me down burying his face into the crook of my neck, as he hums in response. "How did they manage to score some booze? I mean--"
"They must've wasted their damn allowance," He curses, before feeling his lips kiss against my neck. He didn't seem to be in the mood of thinking, or even doing anything as he looked rather clingy this time. He isn't usually like this, unless he was troubled or even stressed. "Seriously, why can't it be tea instead?"
Chuckling softly I allow myself to sink into his embrace, pulling the sheets over us as our legs tangle together with most of his weight on me.
"Don't think about too much, tomorrow we've got that international forum with that 'Subject of Ymir Protection Group'," I assure him; pressing a soft kiss against his temple. "It's been quite the day, so much to think about......." my voice trails off, feeling exhaustion hitting closer than I would've liked.
He kisses up my neck to my jaw and then up to my lips, "When you did become the mature one?" he smirks, with a teasing grin. He runs his fingers through my short hair, earning a small pout from me.
"Shutup," I mumble, as he presses another soft kiss to my lips. This time he holds the nape of my neck, our lips moulded together tenderly.
"I was joking, my love," He spoke between the kiss, pecking my nose before we lie down together in each other's arms. "I'm just proud of you......" he nuzzles his nose against my neck, holding me closely afraid to let go of me. His warmth always providing comfort, that I'll never take for granted.
"......and I'm proud of you,"
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A/N: Hey Guys!
I apologises greatly again for not updating for a long time. I've been focused on my other story, and then I got sick twice and things have been too hectic such as work. Anyway I hope you enjoyed this!
~ Little Bean