HO HO HO-HOPE YOU HAVE A JOLLY READ

PLEASE STAND AS MY SANTA THIS XMAS AND DROP OFF A VOTE

I also wish to say Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays and Have a Cheerful New Year's! 

As well as a Merry Christmas Eve Eve!

https://youtu.be/2EH0EZdrYo4

Mikasa has never truly known what she wanted for Christmas. She knew that no matter what she might ask for it could be impossible or worse, possible but soon lost. 

They were fighting a war that never seemed to end, a new enemy always arriving and stealing their full attention. More battles, a longer war with no end seeming near. 

So many were dying that none of them knew they'd still be about time Christmas arrives or how long they'd still be about to cherish their presents after Christmas. 

Christmas scared Mikasa because she wasn't sure if she'd be able to find any good cheer once the day arrives. The future was always the biggest unknown to all but during war it always seemed much darker than joyful. 

If left her sighing and trying to keep away from any Christmas chatter happening between her friends or any other soldier close by. Skipping on the topic without catching any attention over it and running away like a coward over the merry holiday. 

But maybe she was as subtle as she thought she was over avoiding mentions of Christmas because she was clearly caught by a certain captain over her behaviour towards the upcoming holiday. 

She soon found herself having a staring contest with the shorter man in a mostly empty corridor the next day. She wasn't sure if he was searching for a fight, extra shared training between them or was finally going to try and accept his feelings out loud. It was such a struggle to watch that it could be any of them. 

"Plans for the 25th?" Levi snaps back with an raised eyebrow, moving to cross his arms over his stomach and looking more like he wanted to seal her fate in this war than be on friendly terms with her like they were. 

"Most likely spending them with the squad" Mikasa answered honestly, grimacing a little since she knew she wouldn't be drinking on the 25th but caring for those that do drink. 

"My birthday falls on the 25th. I've decided to put an effect into celebrating my birthday this year and my office will be open for those wanting to join me" Levi announced firmly as he looked her dead in the eyes, knowing she'd catch on to what he was offering her.  

"Are you inviting me to your birthday party?" Mikasa asked back in surprise, a faint smile on her lips as she caught on to what he was doing. 

"I'm an adult, I don't have birthday parties" Levi scoffed back as he rolled his eyes. 

"No one's too old for a birthday party" Mikasa argued back as she placed her hands on her hips, fully prepared to throw him a birthday party out of spite. 

"Don't make me regret inviting you, damn cheeky brat" Levi grumbled back as he started walking off, having said what he wanted to her. 

And with the new plans Mikasa had for the 25th, she found herself rather looking forward to Christmas day. Searching for a present that would suit her favourite captain who was secretly as kind as he was handsome. 

No longer worrying over not surviving until the day or long afterwards. The stress of feeling like she needed to find peace and joy thrown out of her mind and replaced with excitement to celebrate another year of life in this never ending war. 

Having to bite back her smiles whenever she see's Levi, knowing she couldn't catch the wrong attention otherwise everyone would want to be apart of his Birthday and he'd be forced to deal with all the drunks on a day about him. 

Keeping to finding an comfortable and casual outfit to wear for the day instead of panicking over needing something new and nicer. 

Christmas wasn't as scary as it grew to simply be about someone's birthday. 

Humming a song her Dad would sing, lyrics long since forgotten by her, as she baked in their squad's castle kitchen. Dancing a little like her mother would whenever she cooked, assuming no one was watching her. 

Pride fluttering in her stomach like proud butterflies as she admires her finished cake left on a plate on the counter. Knowing it'd be as good as she could bake with the little practice she had. She did think over buying a cake but she remembered how much he complimented her food the few times she did cook for the squad. 

She knew he'd like a home baked cake much better than a bought one. Not caring if it didn't look fancy or done by some named chef. He'd want something baked with him simply in mind and cooked by someone taking the time to do something nice for him. 

She just hoped he wouldn't grow embarrassed or bashful and use his curt words to hide behind. She'd prefer no compliment to his half compliment half insult that he uses to hide behind whenever he was growing emotional. 

She had as much of a fire as he did and neither wanted to cause a forest fire on Christmas day. Not when Commander Armin had already threated to force them to do patrol together during the next known storm. Wet traps were awful to fly with. 

Reaching his officer as the rest all grow ready to go out drinking and celebrating Christmas together. Politely knocking on his door, remembering the manners her parents and Carla taught her as a child. She might purposely forget them to bug the shorter man when he deserves it but it was their love language sometimes. 

Smiling softly as she entered, holding the cake up cheerfully with one hand. A lot of practice as a soldier and eating between battles stop her from dropping it or losing balance. 

She waited until his gaze lifted from whatever he was doing at his desk to her walking towards him. Striking at the perfect moment when he couldn't run or order her to stop before she even began. 

Happy birthday to you.
Happy birthday to you.
Happy birthday, dear Levi.
Happy birthday to you.

Placing the cake down before him, no candle insight as she knew the smell of smoke only made him picture battlegrounds now. And she wasn't going to let their survival ruin a good day for them both. 

It's been some time since she sang and she knew she didn't hold the best voice but anyone could sing the birthday song as long as they knew it. So, she left him to admire her wonderful birthday cake while she returned to close his door, stopping any unwanted guests joining them this afternoon. 

"I've never had a cake before" Levi quietly confesses as he stares down at the cake placed before him. Knowing he held no childhood memory where he was given one, no matter the reason, he never had one. 

"I kept it simple. It's a Sponge cake. I knew you didn't often accept a sweet treat and wanted to not overpower you when strong flavours" Mikasa admitted with a small smile as she walked back over to his desk, office door locked behind her. 

"I like it" Levi admits as he chews a bit he pinched between his fingers to try, watching Mikasa slip into a chair in front of his desk. 

"I'd make sure to bake you one for all your birthdays to come" Mikasa replies with a warm smile as she rests a hand on his desk, meeting his gaze with her own soft gaze. 

"I'll make sure to still be here to accept them" Levi tells her with an gentle expression as he takes her hand in his own.

It wasn't a full promise but the best they could give each other in the moment. Knowing they've lost enough to not trust fate to steal away the most important thing they held left. Each other. 

They'd act on their feelings someday, gain a future together if they survive the war. But neither would dare risk heartache as they watch the other die by confessing too soon. Fate was cruel, loved to dance them all to her tune and break them with her own hands. 

Neither would survive losing the other if they held their hearts in their palms as they were stolen from them. 

So, for now, they sat in his office, a private and precious moment shared together as they celebrated his birthday. 

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A/N: Might not be my most Rivamika romantic oneshot but I finally gave writing Levi's birthday a try for a Christmas special. Normally I struggle with his birthday but I thought I'd try pushing myself out of my comfort zone this year. New book, new try. 

And I must say, I'm rather pleased with it. Might not be the greatest oneshot ever written but I'm happy with the attempt.