*

(Present) - A WEEK LATER (Akira's POV)

A week has flown by, things have finally calmed down since the attempted breach of Orvud district, and Historia's coronation as Queen. Wounds began healing, and everyone cooperated finally together equally. The relief made me more relaxed, but I still knew we had another mission ahead.

Retaking Shiganshina......my home.......

......where my life began....

There was no point in settling back in Shiganshina anymore, having the weight of many soldiers under my command. Lena had been disappearing from time to time, but then again we all have our separate jobs. Even with coming up with the current plans, another important task was struck into a conversation during a meeting with the Queen.

A task that sounded so simple, and yet it was definitely such a Christa thing to do - now Queen Historia, that even I agreed in endorsing with her request.

Sitting propped on one side of the table, Historia sat at the top of the end of the table beside me. Papers scattered around, distinct murmuring fills the room while Historia skims through the requirements with the task. Simply, she wanted to find any orphan from the underground, and make a orphanage for shelter and a better nurtured environment.

Historia has greatly matured, but she still has a long way to go.

We've been here for about an hour at least, discussing on the matters and tasks before focusing mainly on obligating on the orphanage. Levi was seemingly focused, and was making sure the plan would become successful. His empathy and judgement was perfect, as an example to everyone else that was only from the surface. It gave everyone a view on what the truth living beneath the ground was like, and it certainly gave the upperhand to Historia's request.

"Corporal Akira, reports have been given that you brought a child to the surface," Commander Pyxis spoke up, pinching the end of his moustache with a closed eyes. "A few years ago, in fact.....is this true?"

Grimacing what I had to do that day, brought daunting memories. Though it was a hasty action I had to take, I never once regretted my decision that day.

With a subtle nod, "Correct," my eyes briefly met Levi's, that was trained on me with a soft expression. Side glancing to the Garrison Commander, "The child is in a safe home, and managed to have a better beginning to a life on the surface. Given the circumstances on the day I met her, I didn't want to turn a blind eye and walk away........"

Pausing for a moment, an unsettling feeling sunk deeply that it felt nauseating.

Pinching the bridge of my nose inhaling slowly, my breath shook not understanding why I've been feeling like this. It was like my body has kept running cold and then hot, my fingertips icy and then soon melts to a nervousness in my body.

Except nobody seems to notice as I masked it carefully, before clearing my throat.

".........yet it didn't feel fair that I could only save one," I continue, raising my head. "With my full support with this orphanage, it will flourish with the right amount of advocates and funding for the building structure and children."

Everyone falls quiet, while Historia registered my commitment to her cause.

She's gone through so much, and now becoming Queen, she now had the leverage she needed to make sure the children also do prosper. She wanted to use her role to do good, and I greatly admired her for this suggestion. Especially when Levi chimed in, that's when I knew that this orphanage will become something set in concrete.

Despite his childhood in the underground, he deeply cared for the children which left me surprised. Which I shouldn't be, but his sincerity publicly made it more worth pursuing the suggestion.

"Captain Levi, anything add?" Historia turns to him, while he pursed his lips in a thin line snapping out of his deep trail of thought.

"Well, if we do begin......we must search for the children within the undergrounds...." He explains, resting his thumb beneath his chin. Eyes focused on the sheet of the underground map, I could tell he was definitely in sync with it all.

It left a warm feeling, fluttering in my chest the more he spoke. The more he expressed his determination in collecting any orphan, even if some didn't agree to his plan.

I knew working within the government, many will have expressed opinions and will go against your wishes.

However, Historia's was something we could look away and ignore....

".....structure's are already underway, so we need time before it's finished to collect the orphans," he continues on, lifting his head to meet Commander Pyxis' and I's gaze for a brief moment, before trailing to Historia. "I'm from the underground, and I understand the struggles in surviving down there.......so, we must make an end to the suffering in the underground of all walls. Having the royal decree will grant better access as well, if that will suffice to the request."

My eyes rest halfway with empathetic expression, while my fingers grip the collar of my shirt, tugging it slightly as if I couldn't breath.

"Your majesty, if I may," One of the soldiers interjects, as my eyes shift over to a garrison soldier. Waiting for her permission, she nods and graciously leans back in her seat comfortably. "With the records, wouldn't it be unfair that we're favouring children....?"

He pauses noticing me, while I glare dangerously in his direction.

"These children are also our future, we must protect them," raising my voice slightly, drawing everyone's attention upon me. "Her majesty has wished for prosperity for her people, granting children a roof, food and solace for their needs. Children, families, and the elderly is what forms a nation......without it, we have no purpose.....no gain or even the idea in what we're fighting for........so think again, soldier......."

Arching an eyebrow, the soldier sat their sheepishly.

"......are we favouring just children? Or are trying to build little by little, to gain the benefit of the doubt?" with a hard expression, he soon nods.

"Sorry, guess.....I was out of line," He apologises, lowering his eyes.

It seriously pissed me off when people jump to assumptions, when really we're trying to wipe the slate clean so we can have a clear future insights.

Feeling the weight of someone's eyes on me, I trail back to meet silver blue ones from across the table. Heat rushes to my cheeks while I scratch the base of my neck, before focusing back on the meeting. Clearly this orphanage will be announced, and raised to it's potential in about a week or two.

Seeing Historia maintaining her hasty suggestions, she still understood her position and not once has she used it to falsely ruin her name.

*

Thunder rolls in the distance as the rain showers down heavily, hitting the roof plates of the building that I rested within. The Queen granted more time within the palace, as it was easier to meet and plan meetings. I still couldn't get use to the grand hospitality from Historia, but she insisted we get valuable rest for the mission to come.

Lena was busy running errands around Mitras, with a few other soldiers and the children were also helping around and doing the best they can.

For me, basically this morning was another quick meeting on the Orphanage, and other business that required my view and opinion on the matter. Levi and I barely had much time to spend with each other, and the more I watch him from afar, the more I achingly want to hold onto him for good.

Propped up on the window seat, a pillow cushioned my back comfortably while the window pane stretched from the seat to the roof.

With a sketchbook in hand, I was busily sketching out the plans for the interior of the Orphanage. Clearly I was excited to have this place up and running, bringing relief to the orphans that suffered cold and hungry nights. It pained me, the more I dwelled on it, wanting nothing more than to go down there right now.

But time will take it's course.

The thunder cracks causing the walls to tremble along with the earth, as my eyes trail along the small droplets, racing against each other down the glass. My fingertips brush along the cool glass, leaning my head against the pane while enjoying the rain. The earthy scent seemed to always calm me down, especially after all the meetings we've been gathering.

Stressful it may seem, it was better than death itself.

Turning back to the sketch I began to trace along the same lines, that was lightly drawn previously, darkening the edges. Chewing my bottom lightly subtly, another flash flickers outside as it lit the room up. Shadows follow after, before a heavy roll of thunder shook the walls of the palace.

Glancing down outside the window, a few of the young soldiers were racing through the heavy shower of rain.

Chuckling softly, "Idiots,"

Within moments while drowning myself with the comfort of a small blanket, cup of coffee, the ambience of the rain and my sketch book, I felt content. This was definitely be my down time, on rainy days. So simple, but relaxing while waiting for Levi to return.

He said he needed to discuss a few things with Erwin, and that it wouldn't take long.

Minutes go by while I planned out the structure, already knowing the exterior plans seen they're already underway. Now all that's left was the interior, which will hold at least a few rooms to accommodate both children and for the carers to watch over. With a little more detail, another rumble follows again but I paid no mind to it while continuing with the planning.

Suddenly warm hands gently squeeze my shoulders from the side, causing me to be slightly startled.

"It looks good," He comments, looming over my shoulder, while gently massaging my shoulders gently.

I smile, "You think? I wasn't sure where to align the rooms, and where a few things should go," lifting the book slightly, before feeling him nestle on the side beside me.

"How about place the carers rooms at the front, and also at the top just in case," He suggests, pointing at the suggested rooms. "That way, the children will have a sense of comfort with adults on either level."

Satisfied with his suggestion, I gently label the rooms with the scratch of my pencil.

".....and there, what do you think--?" glancing up quickly, I was met with his silvery blue eyes. However, he wasn't look at the sketch but directly into my eyes. There was a still, comfortable silence between us, as my heart begins to slowly pick up. The atmosphere between us, felt like time slowed down, the way his eyes warmly gazes into mine filled such admiration and something else, that I couldn't place.

His eyes were heavy-lidded, before a warm smile faintly traces upon his lips.

"So beautiful," He whispers, feeling my heart beat again.

Shit, what do I do? What do I say?

I couldn't take my eyes from his feeling, feeling calloused fingers drift across my jawline, before his thumb drew small circles into my soft cheeks. My breath hitches in my throat, noticing his eyelashes flicker up and then trails down to my lips, slowly meeting my eyes again with a pleading look.

My breath grew shaky but I understood what he was asking, giving him a small nod.

Within moment he closes the gap, as my head lifts further up to not crane his head too much while he holds me. Melting perfectly against his lips, we move slowly in sync while savouring each other's warmth and comfort. Pulling away briefly his cheeks were visibly red, eyes heavily glazed over with pure love and an unfamiliar gaze I've never seen.

"I want you....." his voice barely came out clearly, into more of a sultry shift of tone. ".....with your permission."

My fingertips trail up his bare forearms before gripping his folded sleeves, eyes not breaking away from his steadily. Feeling the tender muscles relax beneath my fingers, the tension begins to build between us. His eyes search into mine, while I grew more hesitant. My insecurities started to take over my confidence, when warm lips press against my temple.

He seemed to notice my hesitation, while my eyes averted from his.

"What you might see, you'll regret seeing," I utter out, my voice shaky and dry. Swallowing thickly, I tried my best to gain little confidence.

"What do you mean?" He asks, lifting my chin to meet his tender gaze. Gently he took my hand, as I shuffle to the side placing my book down, and stood to meet him eye to eye.

"......"

He tilts my chin to gain some control at least, but concern was already surfacing upon his handsome face. Chewing the inside of my cheek anxiously, I shook my head not wanting him to worry.

"I'm sorry, I know we haven't gone further in our relationship an--" I kept rambling on, but he stops me by pressing a soft kiss against my slight chapped ones. A soft whimper lingers in my throat, when both his hands cradle my face. Pulling away slowly, it showed a different view of himself.

"I'm a patient man," He chuckles softly, when I arch an eyebrow.

"You sure about that?" I tease, trying to lighten the tension between ourselves.

He sighs, "Fine.....sometimes..." tucking a few strands behind my ear, delicately. "...but with you I can be, and I haven't placed any expectations in our relationship. All I ask of you, is for your guidance and love.........be Akira.....the woman I've fallen for."

Light tears surface to the brim, still not use to his warmth of words.

He's definitely grown so much since we first met, and I don't want anything more to change between us more than just friends. I want him, more than he knows.

"Akira.......I love you,"

My breath hitched in my throat hearing those three simple words, yet they felt so foreign to me.

This was the first time he's ever admitted something, with sincereness.

Stepping closer to him my hands drift up his chest to his neck, and wrapped them loosely around his nape. Noses inches away, lips centimetres apart feeling the warmth of his breath brush over my lips.

My eyes search in his, "I love you too,"

Within moments not wasting a second he envelopes his lips over mine, as if there was no tomorrow. A smile curls upon my lips while we move in sync, finding some leverage as I held onto him. I knew with my insecurities that I had to master and push it away, but I still couldn't help feeling nervous.

The kiss was slow and sweet, wanting this moment to last as to savour it.

Clearly he was patient enough feeling his hands lower down, settling upon my plush hips before giving them a gentle squeeze. A small hum rumbles in my throat, as his tongue runs along my bottom lip before his teeth nip down tenderly. Pulling briefly for a moment as our lungs burn, our lips soon were attached with such desire filled between us.

My fingers grip his hair, tugging gently earning a small groan to be swallowed into our heated kiss.

Slowly he guides us to the bed a few steps away, disconnecting our lips for a moment to take our time. He walks around behind me, brushing away my hair to the side, feeling soft lips press a soft kiss against my nape. He tugs my collar to the side, pressing another sultry kiss against my shoulder.

"May I?" his warm breath coaxes my skin, while I nod while my own breath grew shaky in response. Granting him permission his fingers drift to the hem of my shirt and discards it, tossing it over the chair beside the bed. He pauses for a moment as my back faces him, skin crawling from the cold air, as my back was filled with scars that tainted my once delicate skin.

The silence grew dead quiet, while my eyes hung down.

"I-I know......it's not much to look at, but I was scared for you to see," my throat grew hoarse, and my body felt sick to the core. Being this completely vulnerable like this under him, I expected he would turn and walk away. However warm fingers brush over my back, trail over large scars and wounds.

"Do you think I would walk away, because of these?" He whispers, assuming my assumption. He trails along the largest scar that I received from my father. "Not me, and you should know I don't give a shit what you think. Because whoever hurt you, will suffer the consequences by me."

He spoke too soon, but I knew he wasn't lying.

"They're gone now.........don't worry," I assure him, when his fingers rest just when a tattoo was embedded into my flesh.

"Is this....your family's crest?" He asks, resting his palm against my shoulder blade. There rested a dragon, that represented my nature apparently at the time. I still remembered Mrs Ackerman, Mikasa's mother, drew the tattoo into my skin with my mother.

"Hmm......"

"Suits you," he murmurs deeply, against my flushed skin with a husky voice.

He presses a soft kiss against my shoulder blade, before he nestles his nose into the crook of my neck. Biting small sensitive spots, a moan slips out as he finds a tender spot that almost made my knees give out. His hands settled over my bare waist, drawing warm circles into my skin with a sense of comfort. Teeth grazing over my flesh, he smirks against the more tender spot while small sounds escape my lips that seemed to rile him up more.

Littering more soft kisses I could feel my head in the clouds, hearing the thunder rumble not far from where we were. The rain showered down with a level of heaviness, it drowns out the world around us both.

Grimacing slightly from my bullet wound that settled above on my bicep, his lips press tenderly over the fresh torn wound. With one gentle nudge he turns me around and pushes me down to the bed, with one swift motion before tugging my jeans down exposing me almost.

His body cages over my half naked form, my cheeks darken and warm to the touch, as my eyes were glazed over with a feverish expression. Swallowing thickly he lowers himself before taking my lips with his again, this time more feverishly and more desire. A sensual deep sound warmly rumbles in his throat, breathing heavily through the kiss.

Pulling away his hooded eyes drank in my image, drawing his tongue along his bottom lip.

He sits me up before finding the clip behind my back of my bra, and takes it off without hesitation with ease. Automatically my hands cover my breasts, as my bra falls to the side with my almost exposed. However he took my hands away and presses a soft kiss against my knuckles, while his eyes peer with lust swimming in them.

"Don't hide from me, you're beautiful," his voice drawls out, in a sultry way that left my body fluttering with anticipation. "Let me know, if you want to stop......."

Allowing him to continue I knew I could trust him, especially with how intoxicating he was making me feel.

His hands gently massaging my breasts, kneading them slowly, while connecting lips together slowly. His body hovering over mine taking the lead, allowing my body to sync into ecstasy with his burning touch. He leisurely slips his tongue past my lips, asserting his love in dominance. It was new for me, but I never knew I could feel light but heavy at the same time.

Running my fingers over his undercut and through his hair, I tangle them before gripping into him. A deep groan was drowned through our open mouth kiss, tasting a hint of black tea and mint lingering. Pulling away his knees were pressed on either side of my pressed thighs, running his hand through his raven locks, admiring my form.

"Shit.........you're perfect," he hung his head over, while I took my chance to gather air while