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bluesylveon2 · 2 years

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The Little Mermaid

Summary: Hange Zoe, princess of Eldia, is even more curious about the outside world after meeting Levi Ackerman.

Disclaimer: The Little Mermaid is an American animated musical fantasy film produced by Walt Disney Feature Animation and Walt Disney Pictures. Attack on Titan is a manga/anime series written by Hajime Isayama and published by Kondasha. Hanami (my oc) is owned by me!

A/N: Sorry for the wait! I hope that you enjoy the chapter!!!

Special thanks to @snudootchaikovsky for beta reading!

Link to Masterlist: Here

Chapter 4

Armin and Moblit huffed and puffed as they dragged Hange’s unconscious body to the shore. The past events from a few hours have been a blur to them. Reiner and Bertolt had finally released the two after Hange started struggling, so they immediately grabbed her and brought her to the surface before she drowned. They could still hear Zeke’s laughter resonate in their ears the further they got away from the lair.

“We,” huff, “are,” huff, “never doing that,” huff, “again,” Armin said and looked at Moblit, who carried the still unconscious Hange.

“I agree,” Moblit replied before he set Hange down on the sand.

Meanwhile, Hange felt herself regaining consciousness as the other two continued speaking to each other. Her head was pounding against her skull and she groaned in pain. She could feel the waves gently hit the bottom half of her body, soothing her. On the other hand, the bright light and the heat were not helping her at all.

Wait.

Bright light?

Heat?

Hange sat up in an instant, startling Moblit and Armin. Her sudden movement left her dizzy as the colorful world she saw spun in multiple colors. Luckily, Moblit shot an arm out to grab Hange before she fell.

“Easy there, Hange. You just became a human.”

“You’re right, Moblit.” Hange wanted to say, but nothing came out. Her hand immediately shot out to where her voice was supposed to be.

Oh right. She sold it to Zeke.

Hange groaned into her hands. Zeke mentioned using her body to get Levi’s attention, but Hange had no idea where to start. Heck, she did not have a lot of romantic experience with mermen back home anyway.

Armin and Moblit noticed Hange’s distress and smiled solemnly.

“Hey,” Armin began and placed a claw on top of Hange’s leg. “Everything is going to be okay. We just have to break the spell somehow so you can go back home-”

Hange became even more distressed because of Armin’s words. Armin noticed the change and sighed.

“Where you will go back to being miserable….okay. Let’s find your human and fix this mess.”

Hange grinned, scooped up Armin, and kissed the top of his tiny head as a thank you. Armin smiled after seeing Hange’s mood brighten up.

“Okay okay. You’re welcome, Hange. First, let’s find something to cover you up before we go searching for your human...wherever he is.”

“Heyyy! Hange is that you???” A voice called out from above them and Armin groaned in annoyance. He did not want to deal with that pesky bird now.

“Hey, Hange!” Eren greeted as he slowly landed on Hange’s legs. He looked over at her once and frowned. “Something seems off….did you do something different?”

Hange happily nodded and Eren tilted his head in confusion.

“Hmmm let’s see….” He thought out loud. Suddenly, the bird held his wing up like he had an ah-ha moment. “You used the dinglehopper didn’t you?”

Armin walked over to Eren and smacked his wing. “No, you idiot! She has legs! Human legs!”

Eren’s mouth opened in an O as he rubbed his wing. “Ohh. OH! She looks like those humans now!”

Armin rolled his eyes. “Yes, and she is like this because she got cursed by a sea witch-”

“Warlock.” Moblit chimed in.

“Whatever. Look, we just need to undo the spell.”

Eren nodded in understanding. “Got it. What’s the spell?”

“She has to kiss the human she saved before in three days.”

“I found something nearby that can work until we find Hange some appropriate attire. Give me a few minutes to grab it first” Moblit added before diving off. He came back a few minutes later with a tattered sail and some rope. Hange took the items and stared at them, unsure about what to do.

---

Levi was deep in thought as he took his morning stroll on the beach. The soft breeze that was gently blowing on his clothes and the waves washing his feet helped him think. The only he had to the mystery woman was her voice. It was not like he can just ask women around the kingdom to sing for him. That would be too tedious and a waste of time. What kind of prince would do that anyway? Definitely not Levi.

He continued walking until he noticed some footsteps leading from the water towards the shore.

“That’s odd,” Levi muttered suspiciously as he followed the footsteps. It seemed as if the mystery person was struggling to walk on the sand.

Probably a drunk. Levi concluded. He noticed how the footsteps went around some boulders. He decided to follow them but became alert in case anything goes south. Levi crept slowly around one boulder and his eyes widen in shock. In front of him was a woman with dark brown hair and eyes and wearing nothing but an old sail around her body. Levi would focus on her beauty if the woman did not look like she was ready to pass out. She was laying on the sand, but she weakly looked up to lock eyes with Levi. All thoughts of his dilemma were pushed away as he immediately ran to her side.

“Miss?” Levi asked and kneeled down next to her. He grabbed her head to place it on his lap and checked her forehead with the back of his hand. The woman looked like she was dehydrated. “Are you okay? Do you need some water?”

The woman’s eyes lit up and she slowly nodded her head.

“Where did you come from? Are you hurt?” Levi couldn’t help but ask. His eyes widen with shock when the woman raised a hand up to touch her throat. “I see.” He said sadly. “You’re mute.”

The woman nodded with a sad expression on her face. Levi looked down at her and knew that he had to help her. It was the right thing to do.

“Alright. I am going to pick you up on the count of three and I will bring you to my castle. I promise to give you all of the necessities until you are healthy again, okay?”

The woman smiled and nodded. Levi placed one arm on her back and the other under her knees.

“One. Two. Three.” He said and he lifted her up. The woman wrapped her arms around Levi’s neck to secure herself.

“I got you,” Levi whispered to Hange as he made his way back to his home.

---

Armin was not sure where he was. One minute he was with Hange, the next minute he was in an unfamiliar area. It was dark, wet, and surrounded by unfamiliar voices. Suddenly, he was brought up to the light before getting dunked back down into the soapy water.

“Did you hear about the girl the Prince brought?” spoke a girl with wavy, sandy hair.

“Yeah, I did. I heard she came from a shipwreck. Poor girl.” responded another girl with long, blonde hair. She was washing the sail Hange arrived in.

“Is the girl a princess? Do you think Prince Levi will marry the girl?” asked a smirking girl with freckles and dark brown hair.

“Beats me. I know plenty of women who are willing to marry the guy. I mean he has been single for so long and he is getting old. You would think he would be married by now but no!” exclaimed a brunette, throwing her hands in the air.

The maid’s voices go past Armin’s ears. He desperately clung to the "dress" Hange wore to not get dunked in the mysterious bubbles below. Armin sighed in relief for not getting dunked inside. That was short-lived when he found himself getting thrown into the air and on a rolling cart. He hit a metal surface with a bang and everything became dark.

"Oh no…"

---

"Les poissons, les poissons. How I love les poissons.~"

Armin had a bad feeling in his gut. It was still dark but he could hear a human singing somewhere. Now Armin had no clue what the human was saying but it did not sound good. He slowly lifted the lid to see what was going on, and instantly regretted it.

There in front of him was a blonde human preparing a fish by cutting out the head and removing the bones. Armin wanted to throw up right then and there. What did Hange even see in humans anyway?!

"With the cleaver, I hack them in two. I pull out what's inside and I serve it up fried. God, I love little fishes, don't you?"

Yes, but not in that way! Armin cried internally. He knew he needed to get out of there now or else he would suffer the same fate as the fish.

Armin eyed his surroundings. He was in an open area minus a thin green item (lettuce). With what determination he had, Armin made his move.

"Oh I love les poissons. Oh!" Niccolo stopped singing when he noticed the abandoned lettuce leaf he forgot to throw away. He picked up the item and his eyes lit up in surprise.

"I missed one!" Niccolo exclaimed and picked up the terrified Armin. "How could I miss a crab? His Majesty would be so disappointed." He tsked.

Niccolo grabbed some flour from nearby. He sang his song as he dabbed it on Armin, causing the crab to cough.

"Ahh!" Armin gasped before getting dunked into the bread crumbs.

"And into the pot you go!" Niccolo continued and tossed Armin into the steaming pot.

"No! No! No!" Armin cried. Luckily he caught himself on the rim before he was cooked alive.

"Sacre bleu? What is this?" Niccolo squinted and picked up the crab. He brought it up to his face to inspect it.

Armin did the only thing he could do in this situation. He pinched Niccolo’s nose.

"YAOWWWW " Niccolo screamed and let go of Armin. The crab immediately ran off to find shelter. Anywhere was better than here.

Niccolo, on the other hand, had other plans. He immediately grabbed the nearest and biggest knife he saw and chased after Armin. It was a game of cat and mouse (more like human and crab) between the two. Niccolo would get really close to catching Armin, but Armin would slip in between cracks to escape. That was until Armin was cornered on a beam holding some pans.

"I got you now." Niccolo laughed menacingly. Armin shivered in fear. How is he going to get back to Hange or King Erwin now? Armin looked left and right for an opening.

Ah-ha! Armin’s eyes grew in glee. He knew exactly how to get away from the human.

Niccolo jumped at the opportunity but it was already too late. One by one, Armin pushed the pans so they fell on Niccolo’s head. He then jumped down on a cart and escaped in the nearest platter of prepared food.

"Niccolo!" A woman's voice screamed. "Why are you yelling? Prince Levi is waiting for his food!" Niccolo groaned in pain and the yelling did not help.

"Hanami, I can explain. There was this crab and-"

"Save it." She interrupted and grabbed the food cart. "I do not want to hear your nonsense right now. Clean up and I will bring the food to the King." She lectured and walked off with the cart.

"Yes ma'am." Niccolo sighed in defeat. Armin smirked as he was rolled away. He began to formulate his next step.

Now how does he get back to Hange?

---

While Armin was getting chased by Niccolo and before Hanami’s intervention

“Oh, you poor thing. Here, just stay still while I apply this shampoo on you.” Hanami cooed as she washed Hange’s hair. The maid grabbed some soap to add to the tub, causing some bubbles to form. Meanwhile, Hange began to play with the bubbles and try to blow them. She was fascinated by these types of bubbles. They were very different from the ones in the ocean.

Hanami laughed. “You make it look like this is the first time you have seen bubbles.” she joked and poured a bucket of water on top of Hange’s head to clean her up. “Almost done, my Lady. The other maids should be here soon.”

“I am not a maid but I am here to check on our guest.”

In walked a girl with short, black hair and a stoic expression.

“Ah, welcome Princess.” Hanami bowed. She grabbed a towel and pulled Hange out of the tub to dry her off.

The princess smiled in reply. “Hello, Hanami. How is our guest? No issues?”

The maid shook her head. “None at all. The lady is very fascinated by the bubbles though.” She giggled. Suddenly, the door opened again to reveal two other maids, Annie and Ymir. Hanami stepped back to let them finish off drying and covering up Hange. Mikasa and Hanami watched as the maids brought Hange out to get ready for dinner.

“Speaking of,” Hanami started. “I thought you were your brother coming to check up on our guest.”

“No, he is busy preparing the dinner. How is the girl?”

“She is doing well. I have Annie dressing her right now.” Her expression shifted to uncertainty as she nervously glanced toward Mikasa. “Listen...this might sound personal, but do you think that maybe there might be something between the two.”

Mikasa looked at her with confusion. “What do you mean?”

“I mean have you seen the way Levi looked at her? I think he might have a crush on her.”

Mikasa laughed and smiled fondly. “I just hope this woman is good for him. I want my brother to be happy.”

"It must be an instant spark then," Hanami concluded. "Let's see if it will grow." Mikasa hummed in agreement.

"Your Highness!" A voice interrupted and the girls turn to find Annie at the entrance. "I think I may have discovered something about the mystery lady."

---

“She needs glasses?” Levi asked with genuine concern. Mikasa nodded. She was sitting at the dinner table with Levi, both of there were waiting on their uncle and the guest.

"One of the maids noticed how she had trouble navigating around the castle. Of course, any new person would, but would a regular person walk with their arms out? Or almost trip on the stairs?" Levi opened his mouth to speak but Mikasa held a hand out to stop him. "Multiple times."

Levi sighed. “Alright. I will let her see the doctor in town tomorrow and he can make a diagnosis.”

Mikasa raised an eyebrow in interest. “In town? You’re going to show her around?”

“Don’t think too hard about it, Mikasa.” Levi glared at her, a faint blush on his cheeks. He looked away from Mikasa’s knowing smirk. “I just want to be courteous and show her around. That is all.”

“Alright. Suit yourself. Does Uncle Kenny know?”

“Does Uncle Kenny know what?” A new voice asked. Kenny swaggered past his family, lazily pulled his chair out, and sat down with a plop. He pulled out his pipe from its case and inhaled the smoke. “What am I not supposed to know?” He drawled and eyed the siblings. A cloud of smoke came out of his mouth.

“Nothing,” Levi muttered and quietly sipped his tea. Kenny narrowed his eyes and stared at Levi. Suddenly, his eyes lit up after a few minutes of silence.

“Hahahahaha!” He laughed boisterously. Levi and Mikasa glanced at each other in confusion. Maybe their uncle was going crazy again. “I knew it! You found yourself a wife!”

Levi choked and began to cough. Mikasa joined in on Kenny’s laughter.

“Oi. What the hell are you talking about, old man?” he asked after recovering from his coughing fit.

“Oh, you know exactly what I am talking about, nephew. You want to marry the lady you saved huh?” Kenny smirked. Levi blushed profusely and cursed him out with an irritated expression. Mikasa was laughing so loudly that she even snorted a bit. “I didn’t hear a no.”

Levi immediately stood up with a loud screech from his chair. “Why, you-”

“Ahem.” Hanami’s voice stopped Levi from kicking his uncle’s ass. “The guest has arrived.” She steps out of the way so Hange can enter. Levi felt all his anger melt away the moment he laid eyes on Hange. She wore a yellow long-sleeved gown, flats, and a simple pearl necklace adorned her neck. Her hair was tied up in a slightly messy ponytail (probably from all the tripping). It was a very simple look for most people, but Levi was not like most people. He was mesmerized by how much the dress color complimented Hange’s skin tone and it brought out the color of her eyes.

“Woah…” he said breathlessly, completely unaware of his uncle rolling his eyes.

“Not wanting to marry the lady, my ass,” Kenny muttered and Mikasa giggled behind her hand.

Hange stared at everyone nervously. Why did everyone react like that when she walked in? Was there something on her face?

“You may sit, my lady, while we set the table.” Hanami coaxed, breaking Hange out of her trance. She turned to the girl and smiled sheepishly before walking towards the only available chair for her. Kenny, who sat across from her, smiled.

“Welcome Miss…What is your name?”

“The lady is mute, Uncle. Even I don’t know her name.” Levi spoke and thanked the maid who set down his food.

“Darn.” Kenny sighed. He then turned to Hange. “Can I at least get the first letter?”

Mikasa shook her head. “Absolutely not.” Kenny shifted his attention away from Hange to his niece. “Levi and I both know that this would turn into hours of a guessing game and our dinner will get cold. We can ask her at another time.”

“I have to agree with Mikasa here.”

Kenny rolled his eyes. “Fine. Suit yourselves. Now tell me, Levi-” He said and turned to his nephew. “Any plans for tomorrow?”

“He is going to be spending it with our guest.” Mikasa snickered, causing both Levi and Hange to blush.

Levi glared at his sister. “His question was to me and not to you, brat.”

“Oh ho ho.” Kenny laughed. “I am interested in what else Mikasa has to say.” Thus starting some bickering between the royals.

Meanwhile, the cover on Kenny’s dinner opened slightly. Hange eyed the plate suspiciously until a familiar pair of eyes found her.

“Help me.” Armin mouthed out. Hange immediately opened her lid so Armin could scurry over. The Ackermans were too busy to notice Armin running across the table or when Hange skillfully hid him in her dress.

“I hate you all,” Levi mumbled while the rest of his family laughed from all the teasing.

“Sure you do, kid,” Kenny replied nonchalantly. “Alright,” he said while clapping his hands. “Let’s eat!” Kenny opened his dish only to find mostly greens and no crab.

“Didn’t Niccolo say that he was making his crab specialty today?” Mikasa asked, eyeing her plate and her uncle’s. One of them clearly had a crab.

---

“Oh what to do? What to do?” Armin mumbled as he paced around the top of Hange’s bed. The candle illuminated the woman combing her hair and smiling to herself in the mirror. A certain prince filled her thoughts.

Meanwhile, Armin was trying to figure out how tomorrow would go. First off, he is alone. There was no way he or Hange would drag a merman (aka Moblit) around the palace. Armin did not even bother to ask Eren. He would be the last person Armin would ask if they were the only people on the planet. Armin could already feel the headache forming by the bird’s constant yapping.

“Okay. I have a plan! First, you have to look at the prince. Make sure to bat your eyes and--” He stopped when he heard Hange’s soft snores. Armin smiled and crawled over her body to get to the candle.

“Goodnight, Hange.”

---

Hange could not believe what she was seeing. Everything was so much clearer now after she and Levi left with her new glasses. The tests took some time, but they fascinated Hange. She was hoping to ask the doctor more about them once she gets her voice back. She was surrounded by a multitude of colors and smells. It was nothing like back home where she mostly saw blue and could only smell the salty air. No, the human world was bright with different colors as far as the eye can see. Hange grinned from ear to ear. These glasses have really changed her perspective of the human world.

(It took Hange exactly 2 hours, a few punches, and Levi assisting for Hange to finally finish the eye exam and buy the glasses. She thought that the eye doctor was trying to dissect her eye.)

Maybe this could work back home? She thought as she eyed the bright blue sky. The wind blew past her hair and the sun felt warm on her skin. Hange could not stop her happiness from showing as she waved to everyone as the carriage passed them. Even Levi smiled at the sight.

“Let’s stop right here for a bit.” Levi hit the reigns and stopped at a nearby market. It was a huge square with vendors around the sides and a beautiful fountain in the middle. There was a lot of hustle and bustle from everyone shopping for groceries. Hange could hear things such as children’s laughter to adults negotiating prices. Levi hopped down and went around to help Hange.

The pair began to explore the place. Levi led her to a stall full of skewers with a variety of meats. He talked to the vendor, took some of the meat, and paid.

“Here.” He said and held out a tender one. “Try it.”

Hange tentatively grabbed onto the stick before taking a bite into the food. Instantly her tongue was filled with a variety of flavors. The meat was so soft and juicy. There was even an unfamiliar taste and a tingle in Hange’s tongue after she swallowed. It was unfamiliar to her, but she loved it the moment she took a bite. She began to scarf it down like it was her last meal.

“Woah, slow down. You remind me of one of the maids.” Levi chuckled. “I don’t want you to eat too much because there is still more food to try.”

(Sasha sneezed from somewhere in the castle)

The pair continued to try an array of foods after that. Hange felt as if she was in heaven by the multiple flavors in her mouth. According to Levi, some of the food was from the country and others were from foreign countries. Some were spicy, sweet, bitter, and savory. Hange could not decide which one was her favorite because she had tried them all and left the market with a full belly. Levi decided that they should take a stroll in the park to help digest their food faster. Now, Hange was sitting on a park bench and Levi was tending the royal horses parked nearby.

Hange lazily dragged her shoe along the soft grass when she felt a pair of eyes watching her. She looked up to find one of the palace’s horses staring at her curiously. Hange shyly waved at the animal. Eldia did not have horses like on the surface. The only horses that Hange is aware of are seahorses and they are nothing like the one that is watching her.

“Jean wants you to feed him.” Levi’s voice broke her thoughts. Hange turned to Levi to find him gently shaking a small sack that was closed with a drawstring. “Watch.” He said and pulled the string. He then stuck two fingers inside and pulled out a small, white cube. Levi placed the cube in the palm of his hand and held it up in front of the horse. Hange watched as the horse ate the cube and she immediately jumped up with excitement.

Levi chuckled. “I had a feeling that you would want to join. Here.” He handed the sack over to Hange. “Do what I did with (horse’s name). He really wants one.”

Hange nodded and stuck her hand inside to grab a few grainy cubes. She kept eyeing the horse as she carefully walked closer to the animal, the sugar cube gently resting on her palm. Hange slowly held her hand out and she smiled as the horse happily ate the food. It was like an instinct when Hange started to gently pet the horse with her other hand. Jean neighed in contentment and he nudged her to pet him more. Hange giggled and moved up to scratch behind his ear. Levi smiled at the sight, as if recalling something.

“You know, my mom, the queen, was gentle with the horses like you. She loved them so much that she would always sneak me and my sister out to the stables to tend to the horses.” Levi started to say as he walked towards Hange.

Hange glanced over at Levi’s expression. He still had a smile on his face, but his eyes were downcast as if the memory made him depressed. She remembered how Erwin and Nanaba shared a similar look when they talked about their mother.

Levi’s eyes widened when Hange placed her hand on his shoulder. He looked up to see her smiling empathetically at him. He placed his hand on top of hers and took a deep breath.

“She was the perfect queen: intelligent, kind, caring. Not only that, but the people adored her. My sister and I looked up to her. She taught us the history and ways to be a great ruler of our land. Yet, she also treated us like normal children. Always allowed us to have fun and be able to play. My mom would read bedtime stories to me and my sister. I remember one was about a kingdom under the sea and the people who lived there. They were called mermaids-

Hange’s breath hitched slightly and she stopped petting the horse. Luckily, Levi was too busy reminiscing to notice.

“We would go out on trips to the ocean just to see if we can find the people who live there. My mom claims that her father saw one, so she wanted to see one for herself. That was until she passed away from pneumonia. I never went out to sea unless it was for political matters. I actually went a few days ago, but I almost ended up in a shipwreck. I can hear my mom say that it is a sign from the mermaids to not search for them.”

Hange stayed quiet as she listened to Levi’s story. She continued to pet the horse while thinking about how much Levi might know about her world. It sounded limited but she suspected that he held a small belief that mermaids were real. Hange let go of Levi when an upbeat tune went past her ears. She knew that sound from anywhere and she immediately runs off. There, around a giant fountain, were some musicians playing their songs. A crowd of villagers was also listening along and tapping their feet to the beat. Hange heard delightful laughter next to her. This gave her an idea.

Meanwhile, Levi had finally caught up to Hange after finding the coach to watch over the horses. He did not expect her to be dancing along with the other villagers. Hange moved like a natural, even with her eyes closed. Her dancing and her attitude attracted more people to join her. That was until she opened her eyes and stared straight into Levi’s.

Hange grinned mischievously as she beckoned Levi to join in. Levi immediately shook his head to decline, but Hange does not give up. She decided to march over to him and drag the prince to the dancefloor instead.

“Are you crazy? I already said no!” Levi whispered (or another word) but Hange ignored his words. He reluctantly agreed, realizing that there was no point in arguing with the way she refused to let go until they got to the dancefloor. . Hange started by holding Levi’s right hand out and placing her right hand on his left shoulder. Levi sighed in defeat and they began to dance along to the music.

Levi took the lead by falling into step with the song. It was a huge contrast to what Hange was used to. There were some humans playing instruments off to the side, but the music sounded very different. It was light and jovial that there was an unspoken pull to dance along to the song. The additional lower tunes helped amplify the higher notes and combine both into a beautiful melody. It wasn’t something that Hange is a stranger to, but she noticed a clear difference between music being played underwater against the music on land.

Maybe it has something to do with the medium? Hange thought as Levi moved her as gracefully as him. The two continued dancing until it was time to do a twirl and switch partners. Hange laughed cheerfully as she clapped along to the beat. She felt at ease dancing and it felt like when she was a teenager. Back to a time when she and her sisters would sneak out to a club to have fun. That was until Armin found them, but that was another story for another time.

Hange continued to dance with many local men, women, and children until it was almost sunset. She had almost missed the cue to switch when a pair of arms grabbed her and brought her body close to theirs. Her back was against the stranger’s chest, and she tensed up at the closeness.

“I got you.” A familiar voice whispered from the shell of her ear. Hange immediately felt at ease as she knew the voice. It felt as if the world slowed down around them and it was only Hange and Levi. The only thing that was moving fast was her heart rapidly beating against her chest. Hange prayed that Levi would not notice, yet he maintained his hold on her as she turned around to face him. Suddenly, Hange felt a hand leave her waist and tangle itself in her brown locks. She was gently pulled closer to Levi that their foreheads touched and Hange could not help but blush.

“I want to show you something before we go back to the castle.” He whispered and Hange nodded. She knew at that moment that she was falling for him hard. It felt as if she swam deep in the Mariana Trench and there was no way back up.

Unknowingly to her, Levi shared the same feelings.

---

It was quiet and peaceful at the river. Levi rowed the rowboat while contemplating his recent revelation. It has only been one day. What if this woman is the one who saved him? What if she is not? Meanwhile, Hange, oblivious to Levi’s internal battle, watched the fireflies. She was amazed by how something so small can produce light that looked like dancing stars.

“Argh!” Levi groaned and facepalmed himself. Hange said nothing and tilted her head in confusion. “Sorry. I just realized that I never asked for your name before and it was rude to not ask yesterday.”

Hange smiled and waved a hand out to let him know that it was fine.

Levi set the oar down and pulled a handkerchief and a pen out of his pocket. “Here.” He said and began to hand it over to Hange. “I know that you are mute but you can just write it on here-” the boat suddenly lurched and Levi threw everything to grab Hange to keep her safe.

“Holy…” Levi muttered and looked at the woman in his arms. “I am so sorry about that.” He let her go and returned to his original spot. Hange slightly frowned at the loss of Levi’s hug. “Do you know sign language?” He asked and began to sign a few letters. Hange stared at him as if he grew three heads. “Maybe not…” Levi sighed in defeat. He decided to row again and think about other ways to communicate with Hange. The atmosphere was tense.

“Oh, we’re doomed!” Armin whisper-exclaimed from his rock. He and Moblit were far away from Hange to see her but not the other way around.

“You might have to move closer,” Moblit suggested, briefly glancing at the crab.

“Don’t remind me.” Armin groaned.

“Step aside everyone,” Eren said as he landed next to Armin.

“Where did you come from?!” Armin asked.

“Obviously I was watching Hange and her prince,” Eren stated and he turned to look at the couple. “It is time for the love expert to step in.” He smirked.

“The love expert?” Moblit asked, surprised.

“The love expert?” Armin repeated with a monotone.

Eren nodded. “I will have you know that my intervention helps a lot of couples get together, so I know what I am doing. Watch and learn.” Eren immediately flew off and landed on a branch near Levi’s head. He cleared his throat and began to sing.

“What the…? Is someone dying?” Levi asked, glancing around for the source.

Hange immediately knew who was “dying'' when Eren winked at her. She buried her face in her hands out of embarrassment.

Meanwhile, both Armin and Moblit grimaced.

“We’re doomed.” Moblit sighed. Armin frowned and grabbed a nearby pebble. He pulled his arm back and positioned himself, aiming for the bird.

“Follow my lead. When you can’t get things done right, you have to do it yourself” He threw the pebble right at Eren’s head, causing the bird to stumble and fall to the ground in a dazed state. Armin cut off part of some grass, held it up with his pincer, and signaled to Moblit. The merman nodded and swam off to recruit some animals.

“Percussion.” He said to the ducks and the turtles while Moblit went to the next group. Hange immediately perked up at the sound low beat. That definitely was not coming from Eren, so it must be from…

“Strings.” The grasshoppers began their tune. This confirmed Hange’s suspicions.

“Winds,” Armin said as he swung to the reeds.

“Words.” Armin gestured to a flamingo to bring him closer to the couple. He leaned as close as he could to Levi without getting caught.

“Yeah, you see that girl. She cannot say a lot, but there is something about her.” He started off by attempting to ease Levi’s mood. The man looked up and stared at Hange. “You don’t know why, but you want to try to kiss the girl.” He said into his ear.

“Did you hear that?” Levi spoke up and Hange shook her head. “It must be all in my head.” He said to himself. Hange just looked at him with confusion. An awkward tension filled the air and that was when Levi decided to break it.

“Hey, do you mind if I try to guess your name? Since there is no way for you to write it now. You can give me some hints”

Hange smiled and nodded. She looked up in thought about how to say her name. Suddenly, she had an idea and held her arms up in the air as if she was hanging off something.

“Hmm, are you reaching for something?”

Hange shook her head.

“Grabbing?”

Another no.

“Stretching?”

Another no.

“Hanging?”

Hange nodded excitedly, smiling brightly. Without a thought, she grabbed Levi’s shoulders as she nodded. She immediately realized how close she was when she stared into Levi’s metal gray eyes. Yet, he made no move to push her away. Meanwhile, Armin continued to sing with everyone’s help. The smooth melody and the glowing fireflies helped set the mood. To Hange, Levi looked ethereal and she wanted to take a closer look for herself. She began to close her eyes and lean forward.

“Go on and kiss the girl.” Armin sang but Levi gently pushed Hange away. He was still contemplating everything and he freaked out when Hange moved. Again, the same tension filled the air.

Armin facepalmed. He had the urge to math over there and pinch Levi, but he decided not to just yet. He sent a signal to Moblit.

“We need to look for some more help.” He mouths out and the merman nodded his head. Moblit scanned the area and noticed some frogs curiously watching the scene. He quickly swam over to explain the plan.

“Sha la la la la~” Hange’s eyes widened moments later when she saw some more animals join in. On the other hand, Levi was still trying to guess Hange’s name.

“Well it must have to to with the word ‘hang.’” He said aloud and stopped rowing, leaving the boat to just drift on the water. “Is it a common name?”

Hange hummed in thought and shook her head. Levi tapped his chin with his finger in thought. He was silent for a few minutes before sighing in defeat.

“I honestly can’t think of anything. Maybe I’m just missing a letter?”

“Han-ge! It’s Hange!” Armin whispered-yelled while hanging off the boat.

“Hange? Is it Hange?” Levi asked and quickly gleefully grabbed one of Hange’s hands out of excitement. Hange nodded and Levi grinned. “You have a beautiful name.” He said breathlessly and gazed into Hange’s brown eyes. The light from the full moon enhanced her beauty. He placed his other hand on top of Hange’s and it fit like it was meant to be there.

Armin grinned and signaled to everyone to continue the song. The boat had drifted off to a secluded area which was perfect for Armin to set the mood. The fishes swam around the boat to keep it in one spot, the fireflies glowed more brightly, and the birds harmonized with Armin. The plan was foul-proof at this point.

Until Eren magically showed up, perched on a tree, and sang off-tune. Luckily, Moblit was nearby to grab the bird before he broke the mood. It did not matter to the couple though. They were lost in their own little world to notice the animals singing or the new visitors coming closer. Armin and Moblit watched with anticipation as the two moved closer. Both of them had their eyes closed just for a second, and they were creeping even closer to each other.

Then the boat tipped, and they were thrown into the water.

A/N:

Did anyone spot the reference I made to the Little Mermaid prequel

You might recognize my oc from my Mamma Mia fic. She has a small role, but her being there is important.

Thank you for reading! I'm working on the next chapter now. Hopefully I have it out soon!

#levihan #levihan fanfiction #attack on titan

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