A Rose In The Storm (Rivamika)

Christmas, 1934, New York City (Part 1)

 December 23rd, 1934

Christmas music filled the air as Connie and Sasha swayed around the living room, Eren sat on the couch and sipped his wine, enjoying the rich taste now that the prohibition was over. A clamor arose from the kitchen and Jean walked out, fuming, soon followed by Levi who had on an apron and was holding a pair of oven mitts in his left hand.

"I'm through helping you Levi, God, you're a dictator when it comes to these things."

"Tch." Levi scoffed and turned back to the kitchen, silently glad that Jean was no longer helping him. The brat didn't know how to cook, the only reason he had been helping him was because Mikasa would be arriving soon and he had figured it might look good go her if he were able to show her that he could help around the kitchen. The idiot.

Levi checked on the cake that he was baking, they were going to have their Christmas dinner on the evening of the 24th, a tradition that they had started a few years back as they didn't really have enough money to buy everyone gifts, so instead they had decided a gift to them was sleeping in on Christmas. They had all pitched in a small amount of money and Levi had made a wonderful meal that Christmas Eve, thus starting their tradition of how they spent every Christmas. Levi, being the only one of them all who knew how to cook or bake, didn't have time to bake on that day as he had other things that called his priorities so he had to do all of the baking the day before hand. It wouldn't be quite as good as fresh baked goods, but none of his other friends knew how to bake or cook very well so he would not entrust this task to any of them.

Voices sang out in greeting from the next room over, Levi peeked his head out the door to see Mikasa entering the apartment, white snow flakes dressed her hair in stark contrast to her black locks. Hugs were given and Jean pulled her into a huge bear hug, after a few moments she simply stood there limply waiting for him to disengage. He did and she then looked around the room, noticing that there was one person who hadn't been there to greet her. She saw his head poking out of the kitchen and smiled, dropping her bags and throwing her arms around him. He smelled nice, like vanilla and sugar, with small traces of bleach lingering on his clothes. He returned her hug and only held on for a moment, but in that moment he couldn't help but feel that it felt right to be here with her, holding her in his arms. They let go and she noticed his apron.

"Nice apron." She teased.

Levi mockingly rolled his eyes, knowing she wouldn't take it the wrong way, and headed back into the kitchen to retrieve his cake from the oven.

Eren bounded to Mikasa, excited that she was there to be with them over the holidays. He hadn't had enough money or time to head back home this year but Mikasa had been saving up to travel to be with him for Christmas. Their parents understood, and secretly were enjoying a holiday with just the two of them, having the ability to relax and not worry about entertaining or watching their children.

"So, Mikasa, we were thinking about going skating tonight down at one of the big rinks. Whatdya think?"

She nodded, "That sounds lovely," She paused for a moment and looked towards the kitchen, "Is anyone helping Levi?"

"I was," Jean piped up, "Before I was basically thrown out of there."

"Well you probably can't cook," She retorted as she walked to the room where Levi was scurrying around trying to finish everything before they were going to head out.

Jean scowled.

"Need any help?" She asked as she entered the kitchen.

Levi pulled his cake from the oven and set it on the counter to cool. He turned to Mikasa who was standing with one hand on her hip and the other reaching for an apron that was hanging from a hook on the wall. He paused for a moment and then pointed at the bowl and ingredients that were before her on the small side table.