Paradis 0

Shizue in Paradise

Shizue Yamada grew up in a small village in Ragako. Her family wasn't rich, but they weren't unfortunate either. Even if they had to tighten their belts most of the time, their mother made sure they can afford basic necessities.

The Yamada family lived in the middle of the forest, and their father was constantly away.

Shizue was only eight years-old when she first caught sight of blood. All she could hear was the sound of her mother, crying as three soldiers of the scout regiment delivered what was left of their father. The pink haired girl could only hold her brother's hand, telling him that everything will be alright. Her eyes told a different story.

Everything changed after their father passed. Their mother had a hard time coping with his death that Shizue took it upon herself to take care of them and her younger brother. At a young age, she was begging her neighbors of some left over food or stale bread, anything that can fill their stomachs.

A few years passed, Shizue learned to earn money, whether be it cleaning stables, taking care of soldier horses, anything that can help her provide for her family. One thing Shizue learned as she grew up, is that money is everything. From then, she made it her personal goal to enter the military and use it for a for stable income. However, a part of her was a bit reluctant, because she didn't want to leave her family, especially her younger brother.

One day, an angry butcher went to their cabin holding her younger brother by the back of his collar. "Oi Yamada!"

"Your damn brother is trouble! He's causing havoc in the market for weeks!" Shizue's eyes hardened as she rushed to her brother after he threw the kid at her. The young ravenette tried his very best to put on a brave face in front of his sister.

"He's just a kid," Shizue calmly spoke. She couldn't let herself be any more upset, because she knew she wouldn't be able to do anything if this escalates.

The butcher spat bitterly. "He's a thief. Do something about it before he grows up a criminal."

The girl didn't say anything, she just held her brother. He wiped the dirt off his face and stood up, but still refused to meet her eyes.

"I'm sorry, Shizue. But mom needed the food, she's sick." Shizue unknowingly clenched her fists.

"It's my fault, we barely had enough money. Its just... the medicine was expensive than I expected, I'm sorry." She apologized.

Her brother felt incredibly guilty. He didn't want to be any more of a burden to her, but stealing was the only thing he knew how to do. He always saw his sister passed out in exhaustion and if there was any food left, she always gave it to him or their mom. For once, he just wants to be the one to take care of her, even through small things such as an apple on the table when she gets home from her jobs.

Shizue's little brother was only eight years-old, when he was murdered.

His body was found in the woods, with both his hands missing. Blood oozed off its body, he wasn't breathing anymore. She couldn't do anything, never did she ever felt more weak, and powerless.

Her eyes landed on her mother's figure who sat in front of the window, no emotion was seen in her face, not one word was spoken, there was just...nothing.

Words spread through out the city like wild fire. Their local butcher was murdered the other night, his severed head was missing. Shizue only kept walking until she reached the market to buy the stuff she needed.

Once reached the appropriate age, she enlisted in the cadet corps for one goal only, to earn money.

Not once did Shizue felt the warmth of a family after the incident, she was okay with that. She didn't try desperately to have that kind of relationship, but, unexpectedly, she found it anyways.

She met a certain blonde man together with the brunette, as as far as she could remember, they stuck by her eversince.

And then, Shizue met him.

Levi never liked her in the first place. She was always beaming, smiling at everyone, yes she was reliable in the field but it annoyed him how that girl stayed positive almost all the time. Although, it was one of the reasons why she became Isabel's favorite person.

She was calm, and always looked out for the new soldiers, especially the younger ones. Levi forced himself to be patient when the three of them was placed in her care. Though she tried to get to talk and get to know him, he always found a way to avoid those questions. Even going as far as hiding from her.

When Farlan and Isabel died, she didn't shed a tear. But Shizue made sure that Levi was never alone during those times. Though Levi always acted rude towards her especially after that mission, Shizue learned to ignore it.

He was a little surprised to hear no motivating bullshit escape her mouth. Nothing. She just let a cup of tea on his table every night, and left.

One night, Shizue heard Levi speak, it was the first time in days.

"Thank you," He said, without any mockery in his tone. She smiles at him as her heart swelled up.

"No problem," Just as she was about the reach for the door, she looked back at Levi who was sitting on his bed. His eyes were tired but he had no urge to sleep. Shizue pulls out a chair and sets it down in front of Levi. His dark grey orbs gazed at her as she sat in front of him.

"Would you like to talk about it?" She ask politely, he didn't respond. No time has passed that he didn't thought about them, just this once, he wanted to think of something other than them. Levi was exhausted.

Shizue got the feeling that he was still uncomfortable talking to her but, he didn't want her to leave.

"I don't. But maybe, we can talk about you."

It was the start. Shizue felt comfortable talking to him, and at the same time, Levi was a good listener. Thinking he only used this to distract himself from his thoughts, it resulted quite the opposite as Levi found himself deep within the conversation, he listen to her story and unexpectedly, he felt it was just as right to tell her about his.

The years have passed, both Levi and Shizue were promoted as captains and was able to pick the soldiers for their squad. They trained them well, day and night. Though they were busy with their own tasks and missions, somehow Shizue and Levi's paths always crossed. They remained good friends.

"Would you stop being so stubborn?!" Normally, Levi would be the one saying this. But today, the tables have turned. Shizue just managed to drag Levi back to the hospital bed after insisting his leg is fine which was clearly a lie.

"Its just a minor injury now can you just let it go?" He scoffed. Just then, Shizue took a step back, and kicked his injured leg. This made him growl as he tried to suppress a scream.

"See? You're hurt." Shizue sweetly says.

"That's because you kicked me you witch!"

"Lightly kicked." She corrected. "And if you're really uninjured you wouldn't be whining like a baby."

Levi knew he had no way out of this, not when she's guarding him like a hawk. The man bitterly crossed his arms as he buried himself on the cushion. Shizue smiled victoriously and shoved herself beside him, the ravenette only rolled his eyes.

Later on, Levi felt a soft hand caressing his hair. He was caught off-guard, but at the same time he didn't the energy to swat them away. Though he didn't want to admit, it felt nice.

He opens his left eye to glance at the person beside him. "What are you doing?"

"Caressing your hair,"

"why?"

Shizue gazed at him and softly smiled. " Because its what makes me feel better when I'm hurt,"

"Now go to sleep." She ordered, making him knot his brows.

"It's 10 in the morning, Shizue."

Levi felt his day was slightly incomplete. He just realized he hasn't talked or even seen the strawberry blonde girl for a whole day. A few days have passed and Shizue returned to the headquarters, but something felt different. Levi chose not to say anything.

The next expedition took place, and it became on of the most brutal missions they've ever encountered. Countless of soldiers were injured, and many lives were lost, including Shizue's whole squad.

The following day, Levi just learned that she's been removed from her position and Erwin was going to transfer her to another squad. Upon hearing Levi's colorful remarks, Erwin made it clear that it wasn't a punishment for Shizue. It was her decision to step down.

That night, Levi took it upon himself to check up on her, but the moment he got to the sleeping quarters he saw Hanji standing outside her door.

"I don't think this is a good time Levi," They spoke solemnly.

"This isn't about the squad, I need to talk to her." Levi felt a slight tug on his arm, stopping him from his tracks. He looked back at Hanji only to see the dejected look on their face.

"Shizue's mother killed herself a few days ago," His eyes widened unexpectedly. He couldn't believe it, he noticed how quiet she'd been the paat few days but, how come he never knew?

Levi saw her figure lying on the bed with her body turned against him and covered with a thick blanket. He sighed and sat on the edge beside her. "I know you're not asleep,"

There was no response, Shizue only kept her blank eyes glued to the wall. The man turns to look at her, but she only hid her face underneath the blanket. She didn't want anyone to see her in this state, let alone him. "I wanted to know if you need anything."

The ravenette sat on the edge of her bed.

"I'm fine," She responded. Levi only rested his jaw against the palm of his hand and sighed. She is a terrible liar.

"I heard about what happened," He looks back at her covered figure. "I'm sorry you have to go through all that."

"It's not your fault, don't worry." Knowing her, there was no words you can possibly say that would make her feel better. Levi knows Shizue would only isolate herself from others until she's certain she can be the old her again. "about the position-"

"My decision is final. I don't want to handle soldiers anymore,"

"Then I'll take you," Shizue raised her head and saw the serious look in his face.

"what?"

"Are you deaf? I'll ask Erwin to transfer you to my squad." A small chuckle escapes her lips. He may not always show it, but he truly cared for her.

"Thank you, Levi." The ravenette man gave her a small nod before he raises his hand, and softly pats her head. Shizue found it really comforting after everything that went on.Levi didn't say anything and the two enjoyed the comfortable silence they shared, he didn't leave her alone that night either.

____

Levi was not one who gives gifts to his friends on their birthdays. He doesn't even keep track on them, and does he greet them when that day comes? No.

However, the case with a certain strawberry-blonde, was different.

As he was about to leave the city of Stohess, along the road he saw a market selling a variety of foods, gems, and jewelry.

He was not interested in any of those of course, but something from a certain stall caught his eye.

Levi couldn't be bothered to listen on whatever ass-kissing the vendor was giving, but he couldn't ignore the sparkling gold necklace with a small rose quartz diamond on the center. He wasn't into fancy things, but because of some reason, the diamond reminded him of a certain someone.

Upon asking for its price, it didn't even come as a surprise that the necklace was expensive, infact, it was thrice as expensive that Levi had though.

But nonetheless, he did purchase it.

As Shizue went to her office, she couldn't help but frown. Because she didn't even caught a glimpse of Levi, and what's more, he didn't come to greet her a happy birthday.

Levi may be a stoic man, he doesn't care about birthdays, he doesn't even celebrate his own. But Shizue always did. Whether it be a small get together with their friends, or a small gift. And even though she knew he doesn't like celebrating his birthday, Shizue always made sure he had a cake to blow every single year.

When she arrives at her desk, Shizue saw an unfamiliar velvet box. Her eyes grew curious as she went and opened the box, revealing a very expensive looking rose-quartz necklace that almost mirrored the color of her hair. She takes a look at the note beneath the box which had a familiar handwriting.

Happy birthday.

-Levi.

Shizue couldn't help but smile. Even the note sounds exactly just like him.

Not wasting another moment, Shizue ram out of her office and made her was towards Levi's, passing by Erwin and Hanji but didn't even bother stopping to greet them.

A loud thud echoed through Levi's office as Shizue went in while he was looking through the shelf. His eyed shot at the pink figure that was rushing towards him with an incredible speed, almost too fast, -she didn't bother stopping at all.

"Oi w-wait..!-" Levi had no choice but to let go of the books he was holding to catch Shizue who leaped towards him.

"Thank you, Levi! Thank you! Thank you! I promise I won't sell it!" She smiled  as she continues to smother his cheeks against hers through a bone crushing hug. The man only groaned in response.

"Whatever."

Seeing how happy Shizue was with his gift, Levi felt it didn't matter how expensive it was. Only thing is, even though her birthday was weeks ago, Shizue did not wear the necklace, not even once.

The day finally came, Levi had to ask. As Shizue was cleaning her desk, he caught a glimpse of a certain velvet box.

"Why don't you wear it?" He asked, masking his curiosity.

"I don't want to lose it."

Levi furrowed his brows. "It's a necklace, its purpose is to be worn."

"Yeah but it's.... important." Shizue smiled before placing the box on rhe orgnized drawer, keeping it safe. Levi only looked away, pretending he wasn't listening to every word she just said.

"Do what you want."

_____

It was a quiet day for the whole squad, while the others were ordered to clean, Levi and Shizue were in the office buried in paperwork.

The man was rubbing his temples, his eyes were starting to grow tired, and he knows it wasn't just him. Though no one spoke, it still felt comfortable. Yes there were huge stacks of files on their desk including the floors but they developed a system.

After signing the paper, Shizue passes Levi the ones needed his signatures. And if not, she immediately takes them to the right side of the desk. It was that peaceful, until she decides to break it.

"Why on earth can't we do anything that's fun." Levi heard her complain. He was listening, but didn't bother to look at her.

"That's because we're soldiers, vice-captain." He spoke as if it was a matter of fact.

"So lame." She shook her head before putting down her pen and looked at the ravenette male. "Hey why don't we go out Levi. That's right! Let's go on a date."

"Why would we go on a date?" He spoke still not looking at her. "I cannot stand your chattiness and we do not like each other that way."

Shizue frowned. "Well I do! So come on!"

That made Levi pause to look at her. "What did you say?"

"You deaf? I said I like you. So, do you have any dietary restrictions?" That was the thing that made Levi drop his paper work.

Did she just confess to him?

The ravenette man shot her a glance, but it was as though she wasn't kidding at all. Shizue didn't even hesitate once.

"Well, I don't like you." Levi had nothing against her but, he just doesn't see her that way. And even if he did, there's no way he'll even act on it. Any relationship had no place in this cruel world.

"Hm, okay. I'll just make you fall for me then." Shizue smiled sweetly. Levi only ignored her as he got back to his work.

"Goodluck with that."

"I bet you'd be a good husband." Shizue watched as his ears flushed red with her flakiness.

"Stop that now."