Levi knew that something was wrong the moment he neared the three-storey mansion of a fraternity house. Girls from their partnered sorority- ΓΘΣE (Gamma Theta Sigma Epsilon) and their previous fraternity Sweethearts lined the sidewalk in front of the mother chapter's house, assisting the guys with carrying and organizing their stuff from the rush last week. He pulled over in front of the pavement that will lead him up to the house situated atop a small hill, and he was immediately recognized by his jet black Ducati and the bold VP letters emblazoned on the arm of his ṦO∆R (Saker Omikron Delta Rho) jacket, his fellow brothers walked up and greeted him with brotherly hugs and pats on the back while the girls waved and greeted him- with some giving him flirtatious looks.

He returned their gestures with nods before twisting the handle bars and turning his bike towards the direction of the house. As he slowly made his way up the small hill, he took the liberty of observing his surroundings. If anything, it was all too good to be true. Some of the guys along with Erd and Gunther, raked the red, orange maple leaves that fell from the trees lining the property and onto the evenly trimmed front lawn. There was even that new kid Connie and some of the other guys mopping and wiping at the front porch. While Auruo and a few others washed the stone statue of a Saker falcon- decorated at the center of the fountain in front of the entrance that also displayed a plaque engraved with their house proverb.

"Soar high with The Wings of Freedom.

Fly high towards the endless blue sky that is one and only.

And let the shadow cast upon the journey."

- ṦO∆R, 1902

He drove passed the parking lot and through the where one of his brothers kindly pulled up the door for him and parked at his space beside a couple of other motorcycles. Unclasping the strap of his helmet and pocketing his gloves, Levi hang his helmet on the hanger with a few others before making his way inside the house. As he exited the small hallway and peeked into the foyer, the scent of detergent and wax wafted through the air- exuding from the newly-polished mahogany furniture, marble floors, and leather chairs. He never thought he'd see the carpet look so clean without him washing it himself. For a measly second, he could've smiled but it immediately died as he scowled at the thought. Then he thought he was dreaming and if he pinched himself he would be back in the apartment he shared with his with foster siblings during the break. Yes, that must be it… except... it wasn't.

The walls were scrubbed, the floors were waxed, and even some of the flags, banners, and curtains were washed thoroughly and replaced with new ones. Seeing this setting wasn't much of a surprise since they have a general rule to keep the house clean, and conduct an all-out cleaning spree whenever a new semester starts. Though as much as it pleased him to find the members of his brotherhood, going about their way and actually do something productive- and hygienic (without him to actually order them around to clean their own filth), he just can't help but feel that something's off… really off.

"I smell a rat," he cringed his nose just in time to see a brunette walk down the steps, two full garbage bags in each gloved hand.

"Oh Levi! You're here, welcome back!" he said, pulling down his mask to avoid obscuring his welcome of his senior. Levi only gave him a quizzical look.

What was this kid's name again? Ah right, Eren Jaeger. He was a freshman that just started last semester who dared and persisted in joining the ṦO∆R brotherhood. For what Levi could only say, is that he's an annoying brat- well, he always refers that to everyone. The boy just kept on popping in their frat house like a lost dog begging to be taken home.

Well, he can't blame him. Saker Omikron Delta Rho or ṦO∆R for short, is the top fraternity in the entire Trinity University. They have gained their reputation since its foundation and has housed some of the most prominent, respected, and top-notched men of international society since its wake. Their primary goal is to achieve excellence not only in academics but also in sports and arts, among other things. They even named hallways after successful brothers who had passed away, and dedicated a Legends Room filled to the brim with memorabilia and pictures of their praise-worthy brothers since its foundation up to date.

But of course, being an esteemed fraternity residing in the Rose sector of the university, means that they live up to their reputation. Meaning that becoming a member is not an easy task, even if they do not discriminate based on race and nationality, and that the mother chapter currently houses at least fifty brothers and not accounting those from the other chapters. Every year, hundreds are denied and cruelly rejected for their lack of determination- never mind the fame. Saker Omikron Delta Rho is a brotherhood. Not just a house full of college boys that give free golden tickets to fame.

Eren Jaeger however, was one of those rejects. ṦO∆R holds out a very strenuous recruitment process for PNMs (Potential New Member/s) that will test them mentally, physically, and psychologically, through the assortment of tasks given to them. The boy was nothing else but determined and passionate. He has no special talent, can barely lift weights and only has average grades- but he was not rejected by those trivial reasons. As per every Greek, ṦO∆R also has their own recruitment process. Even though he was rejected, he kept on persisting and it was only by some divine-intervention when Erwin, president of Saker Omikron Delta Rho, sent him a bid and accepted him in. But then again, the boy did prove his worth when he kicked them that last second goal against the Titans of New World University in the last soccer game of the season. Plus, he is a very loyal character.

Levi narrowed his eyes at the brunette's attire. His casual clothing covered by an apron, equipped with rubber gloves, a mask, and a hair clip keeping his bangs from falling to his eyes. He lightly flicked his head in acknowledgement from his greeting.

"Where's Erwin?"

"I think he's in the kitchen," Eren tilted his head towards the direction. "I'll just take these trashes out."

"Hn," was Levi's only response as he moved out of the way for him before making his way to the kitchen.

At the foyer, there was another statue of a Saker Falcon with its wings spread open in a position ready to swoop in and snatch an unsuspecting prey. With his closed fist, he lightly bumped his knuckles on the falcon's open claws as a greeting before doing the same as his other brothers came up to greet him. He passed by the chapter room where more of his brothers welcomed him as they set about rearranging the many sofas and tables, and pinning up new flags and oversized picture frames of their alumni from previous classes.

"Welcome back, Levi," came a booming voice that greeted him as he entered the dining hall before he was enveloped in a brotherly hug. Levi patted the old man's back awkwardly before they pulled away.

Darius Zackly, a retired navy Major that now dedicated his time back to the brotherhood and serve as their House Father. Mishaps and accidents are bound to happen every now and then, and it was his job to not only keep the mother chapter's house in check but to also supervise them and ensure that all the rules are being followed. He also served as an advisor for them when they needed.

"Your stuff's already in your room but before you unpack, you should go meet with Erwin. He needs to tell you something important," he informed.

Levi's eyes narrowed at the suspiciousness behind his words but nonetheless, he nodded his head and proceeded to the kitchen without another word.

"What the fuck?" Levi sneered, eyes narrowing like he's just witnessed something horrendous- which isn't entirely implausible.

He stared at his trusted friend and president, poorly scrubbing the kitchen sink while wearing the same attire Eren has on.

The blonde turned and greeted the newcomer, "Hey Levi, you're back just in time."

Levi scoffed, making his way towards the tiled counters and skimming his fingers under the edges. He clicked his tongue disapprovingly before cleaning his dirty fingers with wet wipes where he kept a packet in his pocket.

"How's Farlan and Isabel?" Erwin asked.

"They're fine," Levi replied in monotone, eyes shifting around the well-equipped kitchen and finding nothing much out of the ordinary. The countertops could use a little bit more shine though.

Farlan and Isabel are his foster siblings. Levi lived with his mother until she died when he was around eight. With a bastard father and no other relatives to take him in, he was eventually taken to a foster home where he met Farlan and Isabel- both abandoned by their parents. Luckily for them, they had a very nice caretaker who stood as their new mother. Unfortunately, none wanted to take them and give them new homes so when finally grew up, they moved from Paris to America where they decided continue their studies. Levi's foster siblings attended a different university and come together every semester break- and they'd often check on their foster mother to see how she's doing.

"You look like a spoiled brat being forced to do his chores," the raven crossed his arms and leaned his back on a granite counter.

"Is that a compliment?" Erwin cocked a brow at him before straightening his spine and smiling in satisfaction at his work. The kitchen sink looks sparkling new.

"No, it was an insult."

"I thought as much," the blonde only chuckled before going over to wipe the counter.

"What's going on here?" as usual, Levi doesn't beat around the bush as much. Especially when he knew that something feels really off. "This isn't exactly what you'd call a welcome party."

"Is it that obvious?"

"Well I think this is the best house welcome party I've ever had," he played along with a sarcastic tone of his own.

Erwin only laughed before finally giving his friend his full attention, "Unfortunately, Levi, this clean-up is not for you. Even though I know you'll be very pleased in seeing us finally do something like this without you telling us to," Levi rolled his half-lidded eyes before meeting the serious look on the frat's President, "we'll be having a guest"

"A guest?" he parroted, not sure if he heard him right.

"Yes, a guest," Levi squinted his eyes on him more, silently prodding him to continue. "A girl"

"A new Sweetheart?" he hoped, but knew that the probability is really low since they haven't held the event yet.

"No," Erwin answered, setting down the rag next to the sink and wash his hands before climbing up the countertop across from the raven Vice President. "She's not from the monthly inspection either. We've been asked to take this girl and let her stay in the frat house for at least an entire semester or two."

"Are we a dormitory? This is not a Day Care Center," he hissed between closed teeth, not liking this at all. "You know that this means we'll be breaking the rules. This fraternity made it clear about No Girls Allowed- except if she's the frat's Sweetheart."

"Of course I know that. It's my job of keeping those rules."

Levi crossed his arms over his chest, "But it seems that you'll be breaking those rules yourself."

Erwin threw him a glare. Even though he only knew the blonde for no more than a year, he already knews which buttons to push to get the blonde all riled up. Erwin Smith is a natural leader; he is a person fit for the high ranks and he doesn't like others questioning his authority since he holds full well the power he has with great responsibility. The blonde matched Levi's scowling mask until he eventually gave up, shaking his head- knowing that no one, not even him, can match the faces he makes head-on.

"Don't think I didn't refuse," he sighed. "It's not like I didn't fight about this. It was the director himself who asked."

Now that's something to make the ruthless engineer to widen his eyes a bit. The director? The director? For all he knew, the director holds the highest authority in the entire university. Why would he ask them something like this? Things had become ugly when he took in the position considering that he is an older brother of the ṦO∆R brotherhood and was suspected of being biased, but that issue was over a long time ago. He did his job respectfully and he never used his power over the fraternity.

"Why?"

"I honestly don't understand it myself. I was surprised as well when he called me over in his office yesterday. He was once the president of ṦO∆R so he knows full well that it's against the rules of keeping- much less invite, a girl in the frat house. But apparently he's asking us this one favor for him as an older brother. I asked the rest of the Alumni board and they said that they're willing to grant him this favor."

"This girl… is she what? His legacy?"

"I don't think so," Erwin shook his head, "He said he'll owe us a big, personal favor if we let this girl stay. Something about complicated family matters on the girl's side. It was pretty vague but it was also a last minute decision for him. He promised that we'll just provide her room and board until she gets a place of her own."

Levi raised a delicate eyebrow, his features remained stoic and unimpressed. This just means there'll be more brats around. "What's so hard in finding her an apartment near campus? He could've also thrusted the problem to a sorority. That'll make it at least a little more sensible than asking us."

"I asked that too but he was against it. Said that she doesn't have anywhere to stay at the moment and you know he's not so corrupt to do something like that. He's pretty persistent. Besides, he said that one of our members is the girl's brother."

If only this girl turned into a boy, then she would've been a legacy and there'd be no need of this talk.

"Really now? Which one?" Levi asked, already cracking his knuckles

"As if I tell you," Erwin rolled his eyes, "You'll know who it is later anyway. I've already talked to the other guys about it and they were okay with it."

Levi shot him a glare at that. So he had the decency to tell him of the news himself but what was the point if he already told the guys about it?

"Because this isn't really a big of a threat to the brotherhood. The Alumni Board and even Sir Darius gave us their consent," Erwin answered as if he just read his mind. "Besides, if I tell you first, we'd be talking about this issue for weeks."

"Fine," Levi spat, his scowl deepening even more as he headed for the kitchen door. As much as he's still uncomfortable with the idea, it's not as if he could do anything about it anymore.

"I knew you'd come around," The blonde beamed at him with unabashed glee and watched his retreating back, no doubt he would go up to his room to take out his magic bag full of his arsenal of cleaning equipment.

.

Levi Ackerman nodded in satisfaction as he stood by the front door of the fraternity house. Now that the compulsive clean-freak of the brotherhood has returned, he's been barking orders from left to right. He had all the members in gear and has assigned each one a task, some in pairs. As much as it annoyed them, they knew better than to talk back to him. They learned long ago how frightening the short brother could be. Which was why he was elected as the Vice President in the first place. Plus, it was fun to see the uncanny president following orders from someone of lower than him- both in title and literally.

They may be brothers but no one really knew why the raven's such a clean-freak but they assumed that it was because he had a sort of OCD. By the time they finished, the sun was already dropping on the horizon and a beautiful blend of orange-red, to purple-midnight blue, painted the sky. Everyone gathered at the dining hall and slumped their tired backs, arms, and legs, on the chairs and tables, finally refreshed after a nice shower and feeling satisfied with themselves.

"Man I'm beat!" Jean let out an exhausted sigh (another new brother who was initiated along with Eren and Connie), propping his feet up on the long table to which Levi glared.

"Don't put your damn feet on the table we eat on, brat. Show some respect." Levi hissed and out of fear, Jean quickly retracted his feet and planted it firmly on the waxed, wooden floor. To which it gained him snickers and stifled chortles from the others. However Eren's stifled a laughter is what popped a vein on his forehead.

"What are you laughing at you damn prick?!" he shouted, grabbing the brunette by his shirt.

"I'm looking at him, you overgrown jackass!" Eren countered. Even though they're fraternity brothers now, they're still at each other's throats since their first meeting. Normally, such an act against another brother would get them into serious trouble but everyone had already grown used to it and their 'fights' were never really serious and never went outside of the usual bickering and unoriginal name calls. Even Levi had grown used to them but he tends to breaks them up when he finds them too noisy to bear. At least that's how they display their friendship. Also, they're roommates.

Before Jean could counter a comeback, the president entered the room.

"Nice to see you two miss each other," they both made gagging sounds that made the others laugh. Erwin clapped his hands to get their attention as he raised his voice, "Nice work today everyone! Unfortunately, our chef isn't back yet so I guess that means it's take-out for dinner!"

Shouts erupted in a chorus of suggestions, some agreeing and disagreeing while some debated over the other's preference of food. Erwin instructed their treasurer- Erd, to make a list and have someone help him make the call to order.

.

Levi rode on his black Ducati- a present given to him by a ṦO∆R Alumni upon his initiation, who also happened to sponsor his studies, and went out of the campus to pick up some books he ordered from the state library. Good thing his motorcycle's fast enough. He made it on time before they closed. When he was just finished securing the books on his bike, he could see a flash of red out in the darkness of an alley.

It's none of his business, but he could hear drunken laughter and snickers in the darkness. He clicked his tongue, he really should get back to campus but he wouldn't want to witness someone get robbed on his first day back in school. He's had enough of those when he lived in the slums of Paris as a child. Deciding to hell with it, he cautiously peeked inside.

There was a girl, cornered by at least five burly men. Their stench, a mixture of cigarettes and booze hit his nose and he made a face of disgust.

'Great, a rape,' he rolled his eyes. Just then, one of the men grabbed the girl's arm. He's no hero, in fact he survived through violence, but he could never stomach any atrocious act against women and children. When Levi was just about to step in, the man grabbing her arm already hit the wall beside him. His mind went blank for a moment as he processed what just happened. Unfortunately, the others suddenly came charging at the girl but in just ten seconds, two of them hit face-flat on the dirty pavement, another hit the opposite wall, and the other who was thrown in a dumpster.

Levi only stared. His façade expressionless but inside he was… dare he say it, impressed. Her technique just now, it was too fast to be seen by normal eyes, was seem perfectly by his eyes. Her stance was perfect, arms strong yet flexible, and her body moved in practiced rhythm within a confined room. It's obvious to say that the girl was quite familiar with Krav Maga. He snapped from his stupor when the girl moved forward, the street lamp giving him more of her visage.

She was tall, at least 10cm taller than him. She wore a pair of jeans and her cardigan and shirt underneath matched her black hair- which was loosely cut lik few centimeters down her shoulder- a lock of hair framed across her nose. The blood-red scarf fluttered lightly by the slight breeze but his eyes remained transfixed on her dead, dark gray eyes.

They stared at each other for a long moment before she broke their contact by moving forward and walk down the road, casually taking out her earphones from her pocket. Levi didn't move much from his position as he watched her walk away casually as if nothing happened.

Most of his thoughts wondered who she was. Girls attending self-defense classes are very common but it's rare to find someone who can actually perform what they learned. His phone buzzed and he clicked his tongue to see 'Shitty Blonde' on the caller ID. Deciding not to answer, knowing he's just asking where he is and if he won't hurry up, they're gonna eat his share of the food; Levi hopped on his bike, clasped his helmet in place, and sped off back to campus.

He made it just in time to see their hands launching on his young chow. He ate in silence as his mind continued to wander to the girl with dead eyes. Levi wouldn't call himself sympathetic, in fact he was deprived of a lot of things during the early years of his life. So it wasn't surprising that people gave him the impression of someone aloof, detached, and with a bit of anger management issues. He's heard worse. But that's only because he couldn't really relate to them. He didn't know the joy and nostalgia of childhood, the annoyance of sibling rivalry and overbearing parents- he didn't even knew what having a family felt like until he came to live with his foster family. They the closest to him as a family as he got.

Though he was deprived of what was common, he made up for knowing the most uncommon. And as much as he hated to pry, in fact he considered it overly uncharacteristic and beneath him to meddle in the lives of others, even if the probability of meeting them again is highly unlikely. Still, it didn't stop him from envisioning those eyes again. The same, sad eyes he knew all too well- eyes that resembled his sometime long ago. It was the look of someone who had lost greatly and was unsure of where to go.

Lost.

He never thought he see those eyes again.

SOAR (ṦO∆R)

Saker Omikron Delta Rho

I am not from America so I don't really know much about their college ways, especially since it's about fraternities but I'll do my best!

Reviews and Criticisms are highly appreciated! Requests and suggestions are also welcome!

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Ciao~!

Edited: [6/11/18] I am not part of any Greek so if you are, I apologize if I made any mistakes and corrections are highly appreciated.