#levimika

Ever since she was old enough to understand the concept of money, Mikasa Ackerman had been saving every penny she could find. With any luck, one day she would save up enough to escape the living hell that was her family. Hardly a day of her life passed under their roof without someone screaming, something being broken, with the worst days ending with someone being taken to the ER. She got her first job at a fast-food chain at sixteen, working every shift she could, riding her bike or taking some form of public transport when her parents were too strung out to drive her. Once she was done with school at eighteen, she was able to take on the higher-paying night shifts, setting everything she could until she finally saved enough for a decent down payment on a new car. Technically it was a used car, but it was new to her, and most importantly, it was owned by her, finally giving her a way out. She’d rather sleep in her car than spend another night under the same roof as her parents. Not many apartments were willing to sign a lease with someone so young, anyway.

It’s only temporary, she forced herself to remember.  Those three words would become her mantra when she showered at the gym, ordered the cheapest takeout, or struggled to get comfortable in the back seat of her car at night. Only a few more weeks, she would tell herself when moving as much of her check as possible into savings, keeping just enough for the laundromat, her monthly gym payment for shower access, gas, and food.  The first sign of hope came in the form of a new promotion advertised at her job two weeks after her plight began. The new responsibilities gave her some anxiety, but it came with a significant pay raise and a bonus that would cover nearly all her expenses—if she got the job, she reminded herself.  And it was a big if, at that, because her only competitor was her workplace rival who just so happened to share her last name.  Levi Ackerman.  A name that often brought a bitter taste to her mouth, especially when their peers made the assumption they were related—or worse, married. After working alongside one another for nearly six years, the rivalry that had formed almost instantly on her first day had only grown more intense. Where she excelled at charming clients with her naturally warm disposition, he found just as much success with his “straight to the point, you won’t get a better deal than this” style approach, even with his cold demeanor. Just when one thought they’d outdone the other, they’d be floored with the news of the other's team obtaining new clients, or breaking new sales records the former had just set earlier in the week.

“All the training in the world is useless if you don’t let your body rest, Princess.” Kiyomi said, leaning down to pick up the young girl’s sword. “It will be evening soon, you should prepare for your time with Prince Levi.” “Tch, she’ll need to bathe first.” Mikasa whirled towards the new voice, finding Prince Levi and his companion, Erwin, who was giving the former a light jab in his side.  “Prince Levi.” Mikasa greeted flatly, bowing after taking back her sword. The prince scrunched his nose, brow raised. “Isn’t it more proper for a princess to curtsy?” Levi asked, then mumbled, “not that you have ever been a proper princess—” “Perhaps if I was wearing a dress.” Mikasa countered, “but I’m not, as you can see. Unless your eyesight is as poor as your manners.” Levi’s nostrils flared as both Kiyomi and Erwin chuckled at the princess’s remark.  “Mother insists I walk you through the gardens this evening, but I will do no such thing if you still reek by sundown.” He sneered, his cloak swaying violently as he turned and left. Mikasa heard Kiyomi sigh as the prince departed. “Princess…” “He started it!” Mikasa blurted out, then immediately gasped and covered her mouth. “I—Forgive me, My Lady. That was—” “Uncalled for, but not incorrect.” Kiyomi patted her head affectionately. “Though it would be unwise to provoke him further. Do try not to lean into his antics tonight.”

Swallow🍃

A night of light snowfall made for an eerily quiet morning as Levi continued his run, having started long before the first of the sun’s rays crept over the treeline. The exposed skin on his face and hands stung against the cold, but his slip in composure with the damn brat the evening before had kept him wound up almost the entire night. He’d be a mess if he didn’t do some form of stress relief before seeing her again. He should’ve left it alone when he found her after an obvious crying spell, but it only took him a moment to string together what— rather who— was the cause of it, having heard some of her conversation with Olivia.  Really, that was more of a reason for him to leave it alone, but then he’d caught her watching him with those big, sad eyes and he couldn’t stop himself when she asked what he was thinking. “It's a certain someone that’s got you feeling overwhelmed.” “I don’t really want to talk about it.” All the more reason for you to mind your fucking business, Levi thought, gritting his teeth as the winter air burned his lungs. He’d sent her to the kitchen for her own good, and in part to put some distance between them. Seeing her so emotional was rare, and knowing it was caused by the one person who should be her safe space infuriated him. Annoying as the whole thing had been… Mikasa really did light up during that damn surprise party. And her reaction to his gift— when had she last smiled that big? He was certain his heart was going to burst through his chest. As far as he was aware, the rest of the evening had gone well. So what the fuck happened after Jean took her home?

Ramble session over, these are all rivamika fics btw since I don’t think I mentioned that (do I even need to though lmao)

An eternity could have passed before Mikasa gathered the strength to look at him. Levi continued to stare silently ahead of them, the only sound coming from him being the long, deep breaths through his nose. Without a word, the hand closest to her slid off his lap and rested over hers. “I’m sorry,” he finally said, rubbing over her knuckles with his thumb, “I never meant to come along and disrupt your peace.”