This cruel world [Levi Ackerman x Neko reader]

27.

"I say we go with light blue!"

"No, deep red is clearly better!"

"Guys-" desperately trying to calm down the heated teens I waved my hands in attempt to hush them. "We're not here to buy children's' clothes-"

"But look at it!" Krista lifted a cute baby blue dress decorated with white lace. "It would fit them perfectly!" 

"You're not wrong but," awkwardness stiffening my body, I waver. I didn't want to exactly just blurt out that I can't afford it. Not for every child.

Not when I had yet to receive payment for my last mission.

And any inventions.

Or secretary work.

"Look at the price, Krista." Whispering into her ear, Armin saves my skin. Luckily enough the clothing she's holding is extremely overpriced and so there's no need to explain further.

"Let's go search the market for sowing materials instead, okay?" Petting the golden locks, I smile at the teen.

"Fine~" pouting, Krista puts back the dress and finally stomps towards the door. This shop truly was just a place to get ripped off, so there was no point in searching for anything we need here.

Following the girl I bow to the unsatisfied cashier who flops into their fancy chair. A fresh breeze of air once again meets us, as a soft ring of a bell echoes behind. Trying to look for another spot we could shop at I hum.

It was such a fortunate day, warm sun grazing our skins as soft breeze danced through the streets. It truly felt like we had gone back to the cosy meetings in the evening. In that moment there were no titans and there was no Fredrick or Erwin. It was just us enjoying a lovely day with each other's company.

And so when the hairs on my neck stood up, sudden rush of adrenaline knocked the air out of my lungs. Knowing better than to ignore my instincts I turn to the side and there it is. A panting beast locks its panicked eyes right with me. 

The loud snorts ring danger bells in my head as all I can think about in that moment is the blonde girl casually stepping into road, ready to cross over to another shop. And so without a second of hesitation I leap forward. I quickly grab the sulking girl by her shoulders, making her crash into my chest and hold my breath.

Loud heartbeat echoes in my ears as a reckless carriage zooms past us, with a big wind almost blowing away my cape. Ignoring the fact I turn Krista around, checking whether she'd gotten injured. Was I too rough with the pull,  or did I accidentally sink my nails into her arms?

"You okay?" I check in with the baffled girl who's still processing what had just happened with a blank stare. Concluding that there are no injuries I sigh in relief. "You scared me."

"God that scared me," a careless laughter escapes her lips as she scratches the back of her neck.

"What survey even corp are you, if you can't notice a giant horse running to you?" a passer-by mocks Krista as thick blush covers her cheeks. Feeling my gaze shift I can't help but click my tongue at the annoying comment. The girl got to relax for the first time in months, cut her some slack, drunk.

"Got something to say?" not missing a beat Eren quickly steps up in front of the friend group, as Mikasa's hand latches onto his shoulder. And yet, she herself also looks ready to throw hands. However, the douchebag with a build big enough to overshadow Eren's only scoffs in disbelief.

"Eren it's fine, it's true, I was reckless," trying to defuse the situation, the girl grabs his arm and gives him an awkward smile. "Just let it go, okay?"