JULY 3RD, Day 1: Fruity (e.g. Black currant)

"So what exactly is in this Sasha?"
Mikasa spied the concoction before her. It was red with several different things floating about in it.
Sasha grinned, pouring the suspicious liquid into a glass and said, "Taste it and see if you can guess."
Mikasa took the glass and smelt it. It had a sweet and fruity fragrance. She reluctantly took a sip and was sure she could taste cranberries. But something else overpowered the cranberries by a mile.
"There's alcohol in this." Mikasa did not ask Sasha, but stated it. Sasha giggled in response.
Mikasa shook her head, "How did you even get your hands on it?"
Sasha lowered her voice, "Well you know those potatoes that went missing…" One of Mikasa's eyebrows rose, she already knew where this was going.
"See, I know this guy in Trost District that makes the most awesome moonshine. This particular brand of his is called Titan Tears. He brewed it up especially for the party!"
The Survey Corps had been doing well in the last 9 months or so. Trost District had been reclaimed from the titans and there had been a reduction in the number of deaths sustained to the Corps. There had not been time to celebrate Eren's sealing of the wall in Trost District at the time, and Commander Erwin had decided that by having a time for the Scouts to socialise could raise morale.
"Don't you think people might notice?" Mikasa asked.
"Well I've made up a few bowls of this stuff, some with Titan Tears and some without – for those that don't want any." Sasha replied. "Plus I'm letting people know so that there are no nasty surprises."
"What about the officers, like Commander Erwin and Captain Levi. Don't you think they might have something to say about this?"
"Well…I wasn't planning on telling them. They might want to unwind and relax just like the rest of us – and I'm pretty sure both of them drink. If they start asking questions about who snuck some booze in there, everyone will keep their mouths shut." Sasha finished with a wink.

The Survey Corps Headquarters was beyond the walls of Wall Maria deep in the forest and very secluded. Mikasa was standing in front of the mirror in the girl's dormitory. All of the girls were getting dressed up in dresses and dolling themselves up. Mikasa felt out of place. She only had one dress, it was simple and blue but it would have to do. It fit nicely, but compared to the other girls she didn't feel as pretty like the other girls looked.

"Mikasa?" A quite voice asked. Mikasa turned to see Krista in a lovely mint green dress.

"I was wondering if you wanted me to do something different with your hair for tonight?"

"I'm relieved that you asked Krista. I have no idea what to do with myself right now." Mikasa smiled. Krista had always been kind since they first met as recruits in the 104th.

"How about if I pin your hair up?" Krista asked, "It'll show of how pretty you are"

Mikasa didn't know how to respond. "I'll let you decide with whatever you think will look best."

The dining room had been rearranged to accommodate to the party. A spot for the musicians had been set up in the corner of the room and their instruments were being set up. The dining tables had been pushed to the side and were being used as a makeshift bar. Drinks were laid out on the tables as well as some snack food. The room was packed full of the scouts of the Survey Corps, although Mikasa did have trouble recognising them without their uniforms on.

She scanned the room, trying to find Eren and Armin. She hadn't seen them all day. After a while of trying and failing to find them, she gave up looking and decided to get herself a drink. Sasha had let everyone know that the punch with the Titan Tears could be identified by the limes in the bowls. Mikasa poured herself a glass and took a seat by the window. As she sipped her drink she watched the band set up their equipment, and tried once again to scour the crowd to find her friends.

"Finally! We found you!" It was Eren, Armin, Jean, Sasha, Connie, Krista and Ymir. "We've been looking for you for ages." The boys were all wearing suits, and the girls were in the dresses.

The group of friends all sat down, drinks in hand, and Mikasa felt that she could finally begin to unwind. Music began to play and suddenly the air resonated with upbeat melodies.

"Let's dance guys!" Krista called. The other girls stood up apart from Mikasa. Out of the boys only Jean stayed behind.

"Umm…Mikasa?" Jean said nervously, "I just wanted to let you know th-that, I think you hair is really pr-pretty tonight." Jean's stammering made her nervous, but Mikasa replied casually, "Oh, thank you."

Mikasa looked away not sure what to say. Jean was a nice guy, and a competent scout, but she suspected that he liked her in a more romantic way.

"How come you're not dancing with the others Jean?"

"Well… to be honest, I wanted to stay here and talk with you. " Jean's cheeks were red, and he couldn't quite meet her gaze. They talked for a while, making polite chit-chat, like talking about the weather. But Mikasa got the feeling that Jean was trying to lead up to something.
"Mikasa… there's been something I've been wanting to ask yo-"

Mikasa feeling uncomfortable quickly said, "Oh look, my drink is finished. I had better get another."

She stood up quickly before Jean could say another word and headed towards the punch bowl. She had to weave in between dancing couples who, by now, were quite tipsy thanks to Sasha's refreshments.

Mikasa began to once again fill her glass making sure to get some from a bowl with limes in it. She downed the glass and its contents in one shot. I'm going to need plenty of this to deal with Jean, she thought to herself.

"You might want to pace yourself Ackerman." A voice said coolly from behind her. She turned around to find Levi, his eyes showing nothing other than stoicism. "I don't want to have to pick you up off the floor just because you can't hold your drink." Levi filled up his glass with the Titan Tears punch.

"I assure you, Captain. You do not need to worry about me. I can drink most men under the table." She replied a little too curtly. Plus this statement wasn't entirely true. Mikasa had only drunk alcohol once in her life before tonight. Even then, it was some contraband wine that Connie had found while cleaning out the cellar in the Scouts Headquarters.

"Really?" Levi replied in a monotonous tone. "Well I guess I could take up that challenge."

Mikasa was wild eyed. What is he saying? Is he challenging me to a drinking competition? Mikasa stood there, bewildered.

"Unless you're too good to have a drink with your Captain?"

"Of course not, Sir."

Levi led the way to a small table with two wine barrels, which she assumes was being used as chairs. Mikasa looked at Levi as he sat down. He was wearing a three piece suit, with a white shirt and his trademark white cravat. His trousers, suit jacket and waistcoat were a dark colour, but Mikasa couldn't quite place the exact colour in the dark light of the dining room.

Levi and Mikasa both took their seats. Levi took a sip of his drink and looked past Mikasa to the dancefloor where the majority of scouts were dancing and swaying to the music. Well this is a little awkward. Why isn't he saying anything? Maybe I should break the ice.

"That is a very smart suit you're wearing Captain." Mikasa started. Levi turned his gaze away from the dancing scouts to Mikasa. His face was slightly inclined to one side. "Do you only save it for special occasions?" Mikasa finished, her voice slightly faltering at the end because of her Captain's stare.

"It's not often that we have the chance to dress in civilian clothes." He replied and paused, his eyes slightly narrowed as he took in her image. "Your hair is different tonight. It suits you."

Mikasa was stunned but she tried her best not to show it. She could not ever recall Captain Levi ever paying her a compliment. Well, it wasn't that much of a compliment. He didn't say my hair was nice. He just said that it suited me.

Mikasa began sipping her drink, but before she knew it she had nearly drained the glass. Levi watched her across the table and took this as his cue to finish his glass also. Suddenly he stood up and took both glasses in his hands.

"I'll get us some refills." He said simply and was gone.

Mikasa sat there on the wine barrel, confused at the situation she found herself in. Out of the corner of her eye she saw Sasha approaching with Connie. They looked like they had been dancing, their faces slightly red from their exertion.

"What are you doing all the way over here by yourself?" Sasha asked.
"Yeah, Jean has been looking for you." Connie said with a grin on his face. "I think he wanted to ask you to dance."

Not if I can help it, I don't want him to think that I'm stringing him along. I'm going to have to nip this in the bud. Mikasa mused.

"I'm not by myself I was –"

"She was with me" Mikasa knew that voice anywhere. "Here's your drink Ackerman."

Connie and Sasha were open mouthed though neither of them spoke. Levi and Mikasa sat down at the table. Mikasa didn't know where to look.

"Sasha – I've been looking for you! I've brought us drinks." Krista and Ymir were carrying a tray with glasses of the Titan Tears punch. Eren, Armin and Jean followed close behind them, with glasses in hand.

"How about a toast?" Krista proposed. "To Eren Yeager, and how he makes the Titans cry."

Eren blushed, and everyone raised there glasses. A chorus of "To Eren" followed. Levi downed his drink in one go, and Mikasa - not to be out done, followed suit. The rest of the gang looked on in disbelief. Levi took another drink from the tray Ymir had set on the table, and began drinking it. Mikasa almost at the same time took a glass as well.

"Ahh..I see what's going on. They're having a drinking competition." Ymir stated.

"Yeah? Well count me out. I don't really see the appeal of hangovers." Connie said.

"I don't get hangovers." Levi said coolly.

Armin turned to Krista holding out his hand, "Would you like to dance?"

Mikasa noticed Ymir eyes suddenly flicker with something. Was this jealousy?

"Of course Armin!" The glee was overflowing in Krista's voice.

Mikasa could see Jean approaching her in her peripheral vision. Oh, I really hope he doesn't ask me.

"Would you like to dance, Ackerman?" Surely it couldn't be the Captain asking her. But his hand was outstretched in her direction, and he was waiting for a reply. Mikasa nodded and took his hand. She could feel the hard callouses that occupied his hand. It was evidence of his life of fighting and his time in the Survey Corp. As they approached the dance floor, Mikasa was sure that other scouts were turning their heads, doing double takes to make sure what they were seeing was real. Captain Levi was not only dancing, but dancing with a subordinate. Mikasa could feel heat rising in her cheeks, not sure if it was from the Captain's hand in hers or because of Sasha's punch.

They finally reached the dancefloor when the band began playing a new song. It was slow in its tempo, and something about the morose melody made Mikasa's chest feel strange. Levi lightly placed his right hand on Mikasa's waist, and instinctively she placed her left hand on his shoulder. They found their rhythm as they moved their feet in time to the music. Mikasa couldn't quite meet Levi's gaze.

"You look uncomfortable. If you would prefer not to dance, then I understand." Levi said so quietly that Mikasa wasn't sure if he had actually said it.
Mikasa's eye finally met his. Levi was slightly shorter than she was, but that did not bother her. She could feel his toned shoulder muscles even under the layers of his suit.

"It's not that Captain." Mikasa finally replied. "It's just that, I've never danced with anyone before, let alone you." One of Levi's eyebrow arched.

"What I mean to say," Mikasa said quickly, "Is that I haven't really danced with a man before - let alone someone who I respect and work with. On the contrary Captain, I am enjoying our dance immensely." Mikasa felt the smile on her lips, though she did not intentionally mean to do it.

Mikasa wasn't sure what was happening to her. Is that punch finally starting to kick in? Mikasa had always carefully orchestrated her feelings. She showed the emotions that others expected of her. Like politely smiling when the occasion called for it, or laughing when others did, so no one would think of her as an emotionless bitch. But now it felt like all of her inhibitions were subsiding, not completely, but it was ebbing slightly.

"Well if it confession time, I guess it is my turn." Levi said while twirling Mikasa, "The truth is Mikasa, I think you look radiant tonight." Levi's eyes did not leave Mikasa's as he tried to gauge her reaction.

Mikasa giggled before she could stop herself. "Captain, I think you might be a little drunk."

"As for my second confession, I never get drunk." Captain Levi said drawing out his words slowly. Mikasa could almost swear that she saw a flicker of a smile. "Now it's your turn for one more confession."

Mikasa's mind felt cloudy, her feet felt light and her chest felt warm. She peered into her Captain's grey eyes and thought that she would be swallowed whole by their depth. Mikasa wasn't sure what she was supposed to say. What do people say in these sorts of situations? Something funny and witty I suppose, but I can't think of anything.

Instead of saying anything, she moved in closer to him, pulling his shoulder closer and his body followed. She could feel his warmth radiating from his chest. Mikasa's mind felt hazy and her eyelids heavy. She rested her head on Levi's shoulder, and she could smell soap and mint. Maybe he drinks a lot of mint tea.

"You know Captain, when I first met you – you beat the living day lights out of one of my best friends. I swore to myself that I would make you pay." Mikasa said.

"What changed?"

Mikasa was quiet, her head still resting on his shoulder. But the song ended and an upbeat song started. Mikasa didn't think she had the energy to stand up anymore.

"Can we sit down for a while?" Mikasa asked.

They pulled apart, Mikasa feeling like someone was sitting on her shoulders, and her body had a heaviness to it. Levi held out his arm, and Mikasa obliged. They walked arm in arm, and Mikasa was glad for it.

They sat down at the table where the Levi had led them before. Mikasa sat down on the familiar wine barrel as Levi took off his suit jacket, revealing a dark waistcoat. He neatly laid it down across he lap as he sat down.
"You didn't answer my question Ackerman. What changed?" Levi asked, his eyes penetrating her own.

"I guess I got to know you better. Not that we have ever really spoken that much before. But, I guess it's the way people talk about you. Your presence is revered whenever we find ourselves in battle with the titans. Without you, humanity would not stand a chance. Plus I know what you did to Eren, was ultimately what saved him in the end. Who knows what would have happened to him if the Military Police got their hands on him." Mikasa said finally drawing breath.

"You don't give yourself enough credit Ackerman." Levi said not taking his eyes off her, "I've seen you plenty of times in the battlefield up against the titans. You have more natural talent and skill than some of the Survey Corps veterans. And believe me when I say I do not throw compliments around when they are undeserved."

Mikasa could feel something in her chest fluttering. The pace of her heartbeat quickened and she could once again feel heat travelling to her checks.

"Thank you Captain. You don't know what it means to me, to hear you say that."

They talked for a while before being joined by the rest of the gang. Armin and Krista had danced for several songs together, and Mikasa did not miss the way Ymir threw daggers in Armin's direction. There is definitely something going on there.

One by one members of the Survey Corp began heading to their quarters. Sasha's Titan Tears had gone down a storm, even with the officers including Commander Erwin – though he could not overtly say it. The supply of Titan Tears had been completely consumed and Sasha said she would be sure to get more, once she found a new supply of potatoes.

When Connie left, it was just Mikasa, Levi and a couple who were still dancing (with the absence of music) who were left in the dining room. It made Mikasa slightly uncomfortable, watching the couple slow dance to their imaginary music together. When she saw them lean in for a kiss she knew she better get going.

"I guess the party is over. I think I'd better go to bed Captain." Mikasa said.

"Yes, I think that is a good idea. I will escort you." Levi's voice wasn't it usually monotonous self, instead it sounded strained. Levi again offered his arm, and Mikasa accepted and they headed towards the exit of the dining room, and away from the embracing couple.

"Well to be honest with you, you did last longer than I anticipated. I'm impressed." Levi commented as they walked down the corridor.

"Did you really mean what you said earlier?" Mikasa asked.

"Yes," Levi said, "I think you looked radiant tonight."

Mikasa blushed, "Umm…I actually meant about you not being able to get drunk."

"Oh" This seemed to have caught Captain Levi off guard. "Yes – that was true also." Mikasa knew that she was definitely tipsy if not drunk, but Captain Levi really did seem unaffected by all the alcohol they had drunk that night. They walked in silence until they got to the girl's dormitory.

"Well I'd better go." Levi said.

"One more confession, Captain?" Mikasa found herself asking in between her giggling. Now she was almost one hundred percent sure that she saw him smile. If only she wasn't tipsy then she would know for sure. "You first!" Mikasa added.

"Hmm…" Levi pondered, looking at Mikasa. Her eyes were so glassy you could almost swim in them. "I would say that you're pretty drunk, so there is a chance you won't remember this in the morning. So I might as well say it." Levi drew in a long breath before saying. "If you would allow it, I would like to give you a good night kiss."

Mikasa felt like she could have flown to the moon if she wished it. Her heart started pounding against her rib cage, and she guessed her face must have resembled a tomato.

"My confession Captain, is that I would like that too." She said with a smile on her lips.

Mikasa took in her Captain's dark grey eyes, and she was sure that there was softness about them, that she was not sure that she had ever seen before.

Mikasa was standing against the door of the girls dormitory, as Levi took several steps forward. She closed her eyes, not believing that this was real life. She felt Levi's soft lips against her cheek briefly, and then they were gone. Mikasa opened her eyes to see Levi taking two steps back.

"Goodnight, Mikasa" he said as he began walking down the corridor, no doubt towards his own quarters.

"What was that? You call that a kiss?" Mikasa called down the hall, almost shouting it.

Levi turned around; a grin plastered all over his face, so much so that it almost looked fake.

"Maybe when you're sober Ackerman." And then he was gone.