Life of Maverick: In the Land of Giant Man Eaters

-Chapter 31: The Ripper and the Slayer-

Another day of relative peace inside the walled cities. Summer was slowly coming to a close, as the once lush and green leaves of the land had begun to shift to more yellowish hues, and the weather was shifting from scorching highs to cooler lows, signifying the autumn season was just around the corner. To many, Autumn was a welcomed season, both to enjoy the wonders of nature and the fact that the titans would soon slowdown in their never-ending advances to humanity's last bastion.

Though nowadays such sightings were becoming rare, at least for those who were stationed around central Shiganshina. This of course brought a sense of ease to the people, especially to a certain seven foot tall being, who was currently sleeping the day away.

-oOo-

Inside Maverick's Room, Barracks

Maverick slept peacefully, blissfully unaware that the time was close to six. But who could blame him? After many a night spent drawing designs from his ever-expanded memory can drain an individual, even a demigod. Thankfully someone was there to awaken him, as his door opened to reveal one of his comrades, who proceeded to poke his large shoulder. As Maverick's eyelids slowly rose and fell, he breathed a sigh as his markings began to glow bright, just as the sensation of his shoulder being rubbed was felt through the rest of his body.

Slowly turning he was met with a still blurry figure, though it was clear enough to know it wasn't his dear eccentric Squad Leader. Closing and opening his eyes once more his vision began to clear up, revealing the visitor.

"Morning Mav." Came the calm voice of a blonde-haired woman, holding a steaming tray of meat her hands. The man's brows raised slightly in surprise, as her appearance was most unexpected.

"Nanaba..." He muttered in a still very drowsy tone, earning him a chuckle from the young woman.

"You expected someone else?" She spoke, giving a coy smile as she leaned towards his tired face. While her appearance was a bit unexpected, it was certainly not unwelcomed. She gave an understanding look, seemingly reading his thoughts and pulled back from his personal space.

Taking a gifted pocket watch from his nightstand he squinted, looking at the time and giving his comrade a narrowed look before placing it back down and closing his eyes again.

"Five more minutes..."

An amused smirk formed on her face, as she couldn't believe the childish behavior from the man that could decimate monsters ten times his size. But she wouldn't be deterred as she began to shake his broad shoulder again with more force.

"Cmon big man, up an at' em." A guttural moan was her response. That was until she brought the plate of steaming ham closer to his resting figure, which seemed to do the trick almost instantly as his nose smelled the wonderful aroma.

"Food..."

"Yes Mav, the most important meal of the day." She tried to contain her laughter as she saw his bottom lip begin to water. Seeing she had his attention she set the tray down on the nightstand, not forgetting his massive utensils as well. "Thank you..."

His still drowsy but sincere tone brought a smile, and a sudden warm feeling inside her, that remained as she gave an appreciative nod and gave him space to get up from his reinforced bed.

"Make sure to eat up quick, Erwin wants you in the plaza as soon as you can." He gave an understanding nod as he took the tray and began to dig into his breakfast, stabbing his fork and lifting the entire ham. She took a few absentminded moments to look at his at his muscled physique, staring at his bare chest and arms, marked with undecipherable runes and writings. It was something truly bizarre, yet...captivating to her still after all this time.