In Love with a Devil

Chapter 38 - Duties and Promises

Looking back from a year ago, when you first walked on Marleyan grounds, you couldn't help but feel hopeless. Marley hated the people of Paradis... even if they never found out you were an 'island devil', their hatred was as plain as day. Though you can't say you imagined you'd be where you are today if none of that happened...

The boat swayed on the waves as you lay in one of the beds. Time passed seemingly slower for the new reality you and the others face now: The Rumbling has reached Marley, and time is running out for the remainder of the world.

The others were spread out among the ship, aside from you and Levi. he was at your side with a solemn look on his face and his good hand in yours. You were nearly 5 months along now, and knew tapping out was the safest option for yourself.

Your head perks up at a knock on the door and Hange steps in, softly closing the door behind them.

"We're about to make port in the Hizuru hanger. Yelena says she knows where Eren's next target is." Hange says, turning away and leaving.

You nod in response and feel the boat come to a stop, sitting up slightly but a hand stops you from getting up. You look at Levi with a furrowed brow and he sighs.

"You will remain on the ship with Lady Azumabito and the children after this meeting. You are benched from this mission, is that clear?" Levi says in a stern voice.

You scoff slightly and cross your arms. "And you're going? I thought we were sticking together" you say, offended by his words.

"I know what I said... but that shit-head is with Eren. I won't stop until I kill that fleabag for what he's done." he seethes.

"You're wounded, Levi. You should be resting, not throwing yourself into battle. What about your hand?" you say, your voice trembling.

Levi holds his hand up, looking at his missing fingers before wielding his sword. He fiddles with the levers and clenches his hand tightly.

"Two fingers is all I need. You should know, Lieutenant." he says, putting the sword away.

You feel your cheeks flush and he kisses you softly, holding your face before pulling away.

"I will come back. I promise you both." he continues.

You hug him tightly and walk with him to the ship's hallway, parting ways as you step into the kid's room with Pieck. Falco was sobbing hysterically and Gabi was standing silent with tears in her eyes.

Pieck looked terribly distraught, and her face was numb.

"What are we supposed to do now??! There's no one left!!!" Falco cries.

"I'm sorry... I just don't know..." Pieck says softly.

Your eyes soften and you sit next to Falco, taking his hands in yours.

"I cannot imagine how you feel about your homeland and family... but everyone on this ship will do everything they can to stop Eren." you say, wiping the tears off of his face. He sniffles and buries his head into your arm, holding onto you tightly.

You look at Gabi, her eyes darting away as you catch her glance. "I am not angry at you for what happened on the airship during the attack on Liberio. You're just a child... you shouldn't have to go through any of this" you say, holding out your arm to her.

She sobs and kneels at your legs, clinging to your skirt as she cries into it. You lay a hand on her head and let both of them cry on you.

"Thanks for saying all of those things... I'm not much of a comforter, but you're a natural. You'd be a great mother" Pieck says, placing a hand on your shoulder before walking out.