Tantamount

Long time no see

Songs: The View between Villages - Noah Kahan // Imagine Dragons - Follow You // A troubled mind -Noah Kahan

Our horses kept walking as the sun rose, providing us with some light. My heart kept pounding as we got closer and closer to our destination. A part of a wooden house caught my eye, and my heart felt like it was about to explode. Not thinking clearly, I lightly kicked the sides of my horse making it run towards the house. I heard a faded version Levi's voice but I ignored it. As I got closer to the house I heard a few voices saying my name, and my eyes watered. My heart was beating loud and fast, leaping as if saying, 'your home, youre home, youre home'.

As soon as my feet hit the ground, I was surrounded by several pairs of arms, many small ones and one pair that wasn't small and was crushing my whole upper body.

"Mike.. I love you but I can't breathe."

He laughed and loosened his grip on me. "You're here."

"Of course I am."

A little pair of arms that had been hugging my leg tightly let me go for a second, only to now start pulling on my shirt. "(y/n)!! Mikeeee let her goo I wanna hug her too!"

"But you have the whole leg! you are hugging her!" Mike said, teasing the kid

I looked down instantly, meeting those little brown eyes I've missed so much. I let go of Mike and picked Charlie up. At the underground, Charlie was so light and skinny. I was afraid I would break him, but now he had seemed to gain some weight. They all looked healthier, and I couldn't help but smile. I may have made the right choice. Charlie's arm went around my neck, and once again, I couldn't breathe, but it was Charlie. The kid could ask anything from me, and I wouldn't have the heart to say no. The other kids started to protest, and now they all wanted to be picked up by me. I laughed, and my eyes landed on my favorite Captain, who had led our horses in a nearby stable and was walking towards me. I let Charlie go and promised everyone I would carry them for a bit before I left. Once Levi was closed enough, I walked towards him, making everyone look at me.

"Everyone, this is Levi."

A chorus of little voices said, "Hi Leviii" and I laughed at how cute they all looked.

Levi nodded and slightly smiled at them. He looked somewhat uncomfortable, and I felt sorry for putting him on the spotlight. His shoulders were stiff as if he didn't know how to let go and relax. As if it was unnatural to him.

By now, more people were approaching us and attacking me question after question. They didn't let me answer. Peggy raised her voice. "Will you leave poor (y/n), none of you are letting her speak! Now, I made some food (y/n). How about we all sit down to eat and hopefully everyone will let you answer all their questions." Everyone had gone quiet, and I took it. She had taken the lead of the group. That's unexpected. I smiled and asked, "Please tell me you made your famous soup."

Peggy laughed "oh dear, I have something better in store! We have actual food!"

We started walking towards the house.

I frowned a bit. "Soup is food."

She smiled. "You're going to love everything, I promise."

I knew she was right. The kids kept asking me about my clothes and how They had many straps, matched Levi's clothes, etc.

But my chest felt warm.' I'm home' My face now had a permanent smile, and I enjoyed every bit of it. Levi followed closed behind me as we entered a big wooden farmhouse. It was spacious and already filled with life. I caught some drawings made by the kids and what I assume was an attempt to not get the house dirty with muddy shoes lined up. Everyone greeted me, and my heart could barely contain how proud I was of them, of how healthy they looked in such a short time. I would face Titans for the rest of my life if it meant they would stay like this. Happy, safe, and healthy. The men talked about farming, and the women added their struggles and learning. Despite the new unknown environment and its challenges, they were motivated. As we sat down, Levi took his place to my left, and one of the kids ran as if his life depended on it to sit on my right side, gaining pouty looks from all kids, but they settled.