Equanimity » Levi Ackerman

7 | 𝔅𝔩𝔞𝔠𝔨 𝔥𝔬𝔫𝔢𝔶 𝔱𝔢𝔞

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Levi and Maria rode their horses into a small town near the old headquarters. The streets were filled with people doing their daily jobs. Small stalls were set out on the main road, displaying all kinds of fruits and vegetables.

"So, where would you like to go first?" Levi turned to look at Maria with a small frown. He didn't particularly like crowds, but he had to admit the company and fresh air were nice for a change.

"We could look for a tea shop? I was planning on bringing some pastries with us on the way back. Maybe some vegetables from the market and if we're lucky even some meat, so I can cook up some stew tonight."

The corner of Levi's mouth pulled up ever so slightly, it almost wasn't noticeable. Cooking was one of the things Maria naturally excelled in. She would always tell them to eat well to strengthen their bodies. She could be seen as the mother of the squad, a title she actually disliked.

"Let's find out if that tea shop is any good. We can run your errands after." Maria hummed. "Then we'll leave our horses right here and go further on foot." After that was said, Maria threw her leg over her horse so she could get off. She straightened out the fabric of her long dark-blue skirt.

"I've got a feeling we need to go this way." Levi dismounted his own horse and turned to the direction Maria was pointing at. "You have a poor sense of direction, just follow me."

"Oh, I forgot you're like a bloodhound, but for tea." She rolled her eyes. "Damn right."

Maria folded her arms behind her back as she started to follow Levi. Her curious eyes scanned the small stalls and what they had to offer. "Oi, keep up!" Her head shot up to the small man who was now walking in front of her. "How can you walk that fast?" She whined, referring to his short legs.

"I use my feet. You should too." "My legs are short..." "What are you insinuating, brat?" Not once did he turn to look at her, but she knew he was pestering her with the fact that he was almost an inch taller. "You're small." She pouted. "Tell me something I don't know."

"Oh, Levi look! A flower stall." Maria skipped forward to grab his arm and pull it into her chest as she pointed to the stand. Levi flinched at the contact. The soft skin of her firm bust pressed against the white fabric of his blouse. He tried to break away from her grip, slowly pulling his arm back.

"Sunflowers!" She beamed, giving him a toothy smile, her eyes almost fully closed. He couldn't come up with a witty remark, her sudden high-spirited demeanor catching him off guard.

"You should cover those up more." He muttered awkwardly. "Sorry? I couldn't hear what you just said." "Never mind, let's get going. I want to be back at HQ by sundown."

· · ─── · ·

The two of them had found a small tea shop not far from the main road. When they entered, they were greeted by an old lady behind the counter.

"You can go look around, I need to ask something," Maria whispered. Levi gave her a nod and wandered off to look at different herbs the shop had to offer.

Maria walked up to the counter and smiled. "Hello dear, how can I help you?" The greying woman asked. "I'm looking for a rare tea, can you recommend me something?" The woman gave her a mischievous smile as she looked at the raven-haired man who seemed to be studying some herbs. "Is it a gift for your husband perhaps?"

Maria's eyes widened at the woman's remark. She couldn't seem to get the words out. 'Husband?!' "Noo- no, you've got it all wrong." She stuttered. "Ah, just lovers then."