p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.1199998855591px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""Are you just going to continue to gawk?" Hange asked wryly snapping Mikasa out of her gaze. The brunette was leaning over her shoulder as she picked something up off of the table. It was an apple from the basket. Once she stood erect she readjusted her glasses on her face./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.1199998855591px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"A few tables over Mikasa had been looking at Erwin sitting with Levi and a few of the other squad leaders. They had maps out and were discussing strategies over dinner. Which was a common occurrence. Mikasa had watched as the Commander's chin tightened, eyebrows furrowing in stern concentration...the way his lips would purse...Mikasa becoming absorbed again./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.1199998855591px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"The bench seat next to her shook as the eccentric scout sat down. Hange's back to the table and her legs crossed. A foot on the floor. As she pulled out a pocket knife to skin the /"I guess you are then." Hange murmured to no one in particular. But then sighed and turned herself around erratically to sit properly next to Mikasa. "You really like him, huh?"/p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.1199998855591px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""Hm?" Mikasa asked her still only half listening. "Like who?" She asked trying to seem nonchalant. As if the man's eyes didn't seem to flare with intensity, how his smile didn't make her stomach flutter, or how his voice didn't play like a song in her head. Doing anything at all to play this off. As she watched them gathering their things, roll the maps up, and go their separate ways./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.1199998855591px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""Oh ho ho." Hange chuckled as she moved on to dissecting the apple into slices. A piece at a time."We are going to go that route, eh? I see." She smirked./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.1199998855591px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""You see what?" Levi looked at her rather annoyed. Neither of them had noticed him approaching the table. Then again you couldn't really blame them. That would be like asking to find a rabbit in tall grass./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.1199998855591px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"Hange had to cover her mouth with the back of her hand, as she continued chewing, "How Mikasa is on her monthly and that just doesn't go well with white pants. What we can do to..."/p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.1199998855591px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"Levi's eyebrows raised before he held up a hand for her to stop. A look of disgust etching it's way across his usually bored features. "Just no. I don't give a damn to know. Never mind I asked." Then he ran a hand through his hair. "I just came over here because Erwin asked me to. He wants Mikasa's advice on a few things in our strategies."/p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.1199998855591px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"If Mikasa didn't give off any inkling before that she was holding her breath. She did so now. As she looked into the bored face of Levi and the flushing face of Hange./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.1199998855591px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""Umm..yeah. Sure..when?" Smooth Mikasa. Really smooth. She chastised herself and offered up a half smile. Ignoring the near inaudible snicker coming from beside her./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.1199998855591px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""Now. If you wouldn't mind. It will just be the three of us." Levi said giving Hange a look as if to finalize it. That she wasn't invited. "But would you please hurry Ackerman. I fucking hate dawdlers." And there it was. The man could not have a conversation without adding some color to it./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.1199998855591px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"She was about to empty her tray, when Hange intervened saying she would handle it, and shooing her off before giving her a wink of encouragement. Along with a thumbs up. Mikasa thankful Levi was already about face. Quickly heading toward the way they needed to go. Otherwise she would have been mortified./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.1199998855591px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"Mikasa walked with Levi in silence. A few times she had tried to make idle chit chat with him in the past. But he seemed thoroughly uninterested. Always preferring to tune her out until she became quiet with embarrassment./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.1199998855591px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"It wasn't long before they reached the door to Erwin's quarters. Levi knocked once, a loud, resounding thud with his fist./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.1199998855591px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""Come in Heichou." Erwin's voice said in response. Already knowing from that sound alone who it was. Levi opened the door, waiting for her to enter ahead of him, before closing it./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.1199998855591px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"Erwin sat in his overstuffed leather chair, a leg masculinely overlapping the other, both of his hands laying calmly on his lap. Mikasa found it impossible to breathe. She was practically alone with Commander Erwin! Aside from Levi occupying the room as she kept her outer appearance as composed as possible. Erwin smiled at her and mentally she lost it. "Ackerman. It is always good to see you." His voice was smooth. Pronounced./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.1199998855591px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"Mikasa saluted him as she was spoken to. But he waved her off. "The reason for our meeting may seem formal, but I assure you it is far from it. Just relax and take a seat Ackerman." The commander waved his hand at the chair in front of his desk./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.1199998855591px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"Levi had already taken to precariously fitting himself on the windowsill. One leg along the ledge of the sill. The other one bent in an 'A' shape next to it. He looked out of it. As if it held something more intriguing. So as not to seem rude or slow to respond to an order. Mikasa took the seat offered to her./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.1199998855591px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"Another smile came from the Commander and the poor girl's insides had practically become putty. If only the man knew how she felt. What she didn't know was even though her face remained a mirror of indifference. The skin around the tips of her ears flushed pink. Erwin finding this amusing, but not saying a word as he continued on./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.1199998855591px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""The strategies I would like to discuss involve Eren. I would like to ask him myself. Yet I would like to make sure what I am asking is something he can handle. Instead of him blindly agreeing to it just to appease me. As he usually would. Does this make sense?" The Commander asked her. Giving her a warm look along with another grin. Noticing how every time he did so those spots of pink would flash. Levi seeing it too out of his peripheral. But acting as if he were busy being blaise./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.1199998855591px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""Yes. I believe that I do." She said dipping her head in acknowledgement. "And what specifically are you wanting to know?"/p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.1199998855591px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"The commander shifted his crossed leg to settle next to his other before standing. Then strode over to her. Where he took the top of the back of his chair in his grip, tilted it slightly, and moved it to face the desk. Mikasa could feel her inside becoming jelly. Her breath freezing like ice in her throat. Not knowing how to react to that. So she just swallowed. Deciding to go with it./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.1199998855591px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"Soon Erwin was leaning over her from behind the chair, his broad shoulders stretching as he unfurled a map - beginning to name off points as he went, where Eren would be, what they expected him to do. Mikasa heard none of it. She heard his voice. Sure. Yet did not comprehend a thing. All she could concentrate on was the heat coming from him. The way he smelled. She imagined how his muscles were stretching and contracting under his clothes as he maintained that position. It was maddening./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.1199998855591px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"But not as maddening when he leaned in and asked her, "Did you get all that?" The hairs on the back of her neck raised from his proximity./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.1199998855591px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""Uh huh. I sure did. I think that all of that will be fine." She said trying to bluff her way through being distracted. Pretending she had been fully a part of the conversation./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.1199998855591px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""Funny. I don't think you did." Erwin whispered tentatively in her ear. Making sure to accentuate every word with a breath of warm air. Mikasa could not fight the shiver of desire that went through her at that. "I even asked you what you thought of Levi's height. Yet no response. Not even you giving me a shocked expression."/p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.1199998855591px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"Mikasa could feel her throat becoming dry./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.1199998855591px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""What were you thinking about?" Erwin asked her making his voice thicker. More alluring on purpose./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.1199998855591px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""I-I I'm sorry commander. I just haven't been feeling well. Maybe you could please go over everything one more time?" Mikasa asked him trying to stay relaxed./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.1199998855591px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""Is it your monthly?" Levi asked her with a hint of a chuckle in his voice./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.1199998855591px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""Not that it is any of your concern corporal, but yes, yes it is." She managed to get out./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.1199998855591px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""In that case. Let me repeat myself and then you are free to be dismissed." Erwin told her calmly but she swore there was a smirk in it./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.1199998855591px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"Erwin went over the plans once more. This time Mikasa gave her full attention. Once all of the details were figured out. Erwin dismissed her as promised. Mikasa made sure to leave like a proper scout, but she couldn't get out of there fast enough./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.1199998855591px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"Levi dropped out of the window, running a hand through his hair as he strode to the door, gripping the handle, "You know Ackerman has it for you bad, right?"/p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.1199998855591px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"The commander chuckled as he sat back down in his leather chair unphased, "They don't call me a keen observer for nothing. I have known for quite a while now."/p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.1199998855591px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""Well. If anything comes of this. I would keep it under wraps. Or else you could have your fucking goose cooked." Levi told him with an impassive expression./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.1199998855591px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""Just get out of here already Heichou." Erwin told him, putting an end to their discussion. Watching as the corporal slipped out the door, shutting it behind him./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.1199998855591px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"In the next few weeks that passed nothing worthy of incident happened. But that was also due to putting those strategies she had went over with Erwin to use. They left the encampment at dawn and were coming back well into the night. There wasn't room for much else. The only things left to think of were surviving, caring for the wounded, and mourning the dead. Not necessarily in that order. Now and then she could get a brief respite to steal a glance at Erwin. Who still even after that moment in his office. Paid her little to no attention. Which she found comfort in. Yet it infuriated her at the same time./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.1199998855591px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"He knew. After that night. He knew. Erwin was many things, but stupid that man was not. The commander knew that she liked him. But he still could not fathom the depth to which she did. Either he didn't reciprocate and had been toying with her. Or he did. Just putting getting around to those feelings off. The anxiety of wondering which it could possibly be. Ate at her./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.1199998855591px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"After a few days of down time. Mikasa had decided to run some laps to burn off her pent up energy. As well as her frustration to her dilemma and thinking over what she could do. But she couldn't settle on an option. She never could. They could all die tomorrow. She would still be partially content taking her feelings to the grave. It meant not making things awkward. It meant not being rejected./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.1199998855591px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"When she bumped into Erwin as he came running the opposite direction. Apparently he had the same idea she had and had taken to running some laps. As she stared up at him. She wished that she wouldn't have. Sweat gleamed on him like diamonds in the setting sun, his shirt stuck to him, and his breathing caused his chest to heave in the most distinctive way./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.1199998855591px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""Ackerman." He rasped as he bent forward to help her up. Offering her his hand. She took it. With one fluid motion she was on her feet. The commander stepped back to look her over. Make sure she wasn't hurt./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.1199998855591px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"Mikasa wasn't in her usual outfit. She was wearing her boots with a pair of shorts, a form fitting shirt, and her scarf was tied around her waist like a sash instead of about her neck. The girl was dedicated. She refused to go anywhere without the red cloth. Even if it meant incorporating it some other way into her outfit./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.1199998855591px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""Are you okay? I didn't see you there. You aren't usually out here for this sort of activity." Erwin told her. Still inspecting her./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.1199998855591px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"How did he know that? Unless he took the time to notice./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.1199998855591px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""I swear. I am fine commander." She said trying to wave off his concern. A bit flustered that he would know such a thing about her./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.1199998855591px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""You can call me Erwin. Mikasa. But only in private. Such as this." Erwin said as he gauged her expression./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.1199998855591px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"Mikasa's face flushed involuntarily. Starting to feel uncomfortably flustered./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.1199998855591px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""Thank you for your concern. I should really head back and shower." She told him then proceeded to walk off. But Erwin caught her arm and she felt the pull in her shoulder. Mikasa turned around to meet his gaze. There was something in his eyes./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.1199998855591px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""I know." He said simply watching as her eyebrows furrowed. Her lips pouting trying to process what was coming next. "I know that you like me. I have known for awhile. Usually how straight forward you are. I expected to get a confession by now."/p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.1199998855591px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"Mikasa couldn't think of a coherent thing to say to that. Her head and ears were ringing too much to do so. Because her heart was beating so fast. All she could manage to think is, "Is this really happening?"/p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.1199998855591px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"Not knowing that she had spoken her thoughts aloud to Erwin. Erwin whom she liked. Erwin who was telling her that he knew. But where was this going?/p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.1199998855591px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"Where indeed./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.1199998855591px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""Yes. This is really happening." The commander's head cocking to give her a grin that said 'silly girl'. Erwin still holding her wrist used it to bring her closer to him. Where he leaned so he could whisper in her ear, "Now the next question is. What do we do, if I like you as well?" The color drained from her face and she could feel her belly flip./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.1199998855591px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""K-kiss me.." She said shakily. Erwin more than obliged her as his lips brushed against hers teasingly. Before gently pressing against them. Feeling her sigh as he did so./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.1199998855591px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"A few tables over Mikasa had been looking at Erwin sitting with Levi and a few of the other squad leaders. They had maps out and were discussing strategies over dinner. Which was a common occurrence. Mikasa had watched as the Commander's chin tightened, eyebrows furrowing in stern concentration...the way his lips would purse...Mikasa becoming absorbed again./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.1199998855591px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"The bench seat next to her shook as the eccentric scout sat down. Hange's back to the table and her legs crossed. A foot on the floor. As she pulled out a pocket knife to skin the /"I guess you are then." Hange murmured to no one in particular. But then sighed and turned herself around erratically to sit properly next to Mikasa. "You really like him, huh?"/p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.1199998855591px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""Hm?" Mikasa asked her still only half listening. "Like who?" She asked trying to seem nonchalant. As if the man's eyes didn't seem to flare with intensity, how his smile didn't make her stomach flutter, or how his voice didn't play like a song in her head. Doing anything at all to play this off. As she watched them gathering their things, roll the maps up, and go their separate ways./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.1199998855591px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""Oh ho ho." Hange chuckled as she moved on to dissecting the apple into slices. A piece at a time."We are going to go that route, eh? I see." She smirked./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.1199998855591px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""You see what?" Levi looked at her rather annoyed. Neither of them had noticed him approaching the table. Then again you couldn't really blame them. That would be like asking to find a rabbit in tall grass./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.1199998855591px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"Hange had to cover her mouth with the back of her hand, as she continued chewing, "How Mikasa is on her monthly and that just doesn't go well with white pants. What we can do to..."/p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.1199998855591px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"Levi's eyebrows raised before he held up a hand for her to stop. A look of disgust etching it's way across his usually bored features. "Just no. I don't give a damn to know. Never mind I asked." Then he ran a hand through his hair. "I just came over here because Erwin asked me to. He wants Mikasa's advice on a few things in our strategies."/p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.1199998855591px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"If Mikasa didn't give off any inkling before that she was holding her breath. She did so now. As she looked into the bored face of Levi and the flushing face of Hange./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.1199998855591px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""Umm..yeah. Sure..when?" Smooth Mikasa. Really smooth. She chastised herself and offered up a half smile. Ignoring the near inaudible snicker coming from beside her./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.1199998855591px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""Now. If you wouldn't mind. It will just be the three of us." Levi said giving Hange a look as if to finalize it. That she wasn't invited. "But would you please hurry Ackerman. I fucking hate dawdlers." And there it was. The man could not have a conversation without adding some color to it./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.1199998855591px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"She was about to empty her tray, when Hange intervened saying she would handle it, and shooing her off before giving her a wink of encouragement. Along with a thumbs up. Mikasa thankful Levi was already about face. Quickly heading toward the way they needed to go. Otherwise she would have been mortified./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.1199998855591px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"Mikasa walked with Levi in silence. A few times she had tried to make idle chit chat with him in the past. But he seemed thoroughly uninterested. Always preferring to tune her out until she became quiet with embarrassment./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.1199998855591px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"It wasn't long before they reached the door to Erwin's quarters. Levi knocked once, a loud, resounding thud with his fist./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.1199998855591px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""Come in Heichou." Erwin's voice said in response. Already knowing from that sound alone who it was. Levi opened the door, waiting for her to enter ahead of him, before closing it./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.1199998855591px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"Erwin sat in his overstuffed leather chair, a leg masculinely overlapping the other, both of his hands laying calmly on his lap. Mikasa found it impossible to breathe. She was practically alone with Commander Erwin! Aside from Levi occupying the room as she kept her outer appearance as composed as possible. Erwin smiled at her and mentally she lost it. "Ackerman. It is always good to see you." His voice was smooth. Pronounced./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.1199998855591px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"Mikasa saluted him as she was spoken to. But he waved her off. "The reason for our meeting may seem formal, but I assure you it is far from it. Just relax and take a seat Ackerman." The commander waved his hand at the chair in front of his desk./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.1199998855591px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"Levi had already taken to precariously fitting himself on the windowsill. One leg along the ledge of the sill. The other one bent in an 'A' shape next to it. He looked out of it. As if it held something more intriguing. So as not to seem rude or slow to respond to an order. Mikasa took the seat offered to her./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.1199998855591px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"Another smile came from the Commander and the poor girl's insides had practically become putty. If only the man knew how she felt. What she didn't know was even though her face remained a mirror of indifference. The skin around the tips of her ears flushed pink. Erwin finding this amusing, but not saying a word as he continued on./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.1199998855591px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""The strategies I would like to discuss involve Eren. I would like to ask him myself. Yet I would like to make sure what I am asking is something he can handle. Instead of him blindly agreeing to it just to appease me. As he usually would. Does this make sense?" The Commander asked her. Giving her a warm look along with another grin. Noticing how every time he did so those spots of pink would flash. Levi seeing it too out of his peripheral. But acting as if he were busy being blaise./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.1199998855591px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""Yes. I believe that I do." She said dipping her head in acknowledgement. "And what specifically are you wanting to know?"/p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.1199998855591px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"The commander shifted his crossed leg to settle next to his other before standing. Then strode over to her. Where he took the top of the back of his chair in his grip, tilted it slightly, and moved it to face the desk. Mikasa could feel her inside becoming jelly. Her breath freezing like ice in her throat. Not knowing how to react to that. So she just swallowed. Deciding to go with it./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.1199998855591px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"Soon Erwin was leaning over her from behind the chair, his broad shoulders stretching as he unfurled a map - beginning to name off points as he went, where Eren would be, what they expected him to do. Mikasa heard none of it. She heard his voice. Sure. Yet did not comprehend a thing. All she could concentrate on was the heat coming from him. The way he smelled. She imagined how his muscles were stretching and contracting under his clothes as he maintained that position. It was maddening./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.1199998855591px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"But not as maddening when he leaned in and asked her, "Did you get all that?" The hairs on the back of her neck raised from his proximity./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.1199998855591px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""Uh huh. I sure did. I think that all of that will be fine." She said trying to bluff her way through being distracted. Pretending she had been fully a part of the conversation./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.1199998855591px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""Funny. I don't think you did." Erwin whispered tentatively in her ear. Making sure to accentuate every word with a breath of warm air. Mikasa could not fight the shiver of desire that went through her at that. "I even asked you what you thought of Levi's height. Yet no response. Not even you giving me a shocked expression."/p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.1199998855591px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"Mikasa could feel her throat becoming dry./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.1199998855591px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""What were you thinking about?" Erwin asked her making his voice thicker. More alluring on purpose./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.1199998855591px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""I-I I'm sorry commander. I just haven't been feeling well. Maybe you could please go over everything one more time?" Mikasa asked him trying to stay relaxed./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.1199998855591px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""Is it your monthly?" Levi asked her with a hint of a chuckle in his voice./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.1199998855591px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""Not that it is any of your concern corporal, but yes, yes it is." She managed to get out./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.1199998855591px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""In that case. Let me repeat myself and then you are free to be dismissed." Erwin told her calmly but she swore there was a smirk in it./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.1199998855591px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"Erwin went over the plans once more. This time Mikasa gave her full attention. Once all of the details were figured out. Erwin dismissed her as promised. Mikasa made sure to leave like a proper scout, but she couldn't get out of there fast enough./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.1199998855591px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"Levi dropped out of the window, running a hand through his hair as he strode to the door, gripping the handle, "You know Ackerman has it for you bad, right?"/p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.1199998855591px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"The commander chuckled as he sat back down in his leather chair unphased, "They don't call me a keen observer for nothing. I have known for quite a while now."/p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.1199998855591px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""Well. If anything comes of this. I would keep it under wraps. Or else you could have your fucking goose cooked." Levi told him with an impassive expression./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.1199998855591px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""Just get out of here already Heichou." Erwin told him, putting an end to their discussion. Watching as the corporal slipped out the door, shutting it behind him./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.1199998855591px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"In the next few weeks that passed nothing worthy of incident happened. But that was also due to putting those strategies she had went over with Erwin to use. They left the encampment at dawn and were coming back well into the night. There wasn't room for much else. The only things left to think of were surviving, caring for the wounded, and mourning the dead. Not necessarily in that order. Now and then she could get a brief respite to steal a glance at Erwin. Who still even after that moment in his office. Paid her little to no attention. Which she found comfort in. Yet it infuriated her at the same time./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.1199998855591px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"He knew. After that night. He knew. Erwin was many things, but stupid that man was not. The commander knew that she liked him. But he still could not fathom the depth to which she did. Either he didn't reciprocate and had been toying with her. Or he did. Just putting getting around to those feelings off. The anxiety of wondering which it could possibly be. Ate at her./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.1199998855591px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"After a few days of down time. Mikasa had decided to run some laps to burn off her pent up energy. As well as her frustration to her dilemma and thinking over what she could do. But she couldn't settle on an option. She never could. They could all die tomorrow. She would still be partially content taking her feelings to the grave. It meant not making things awkward. It meant not being rejected./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.1199998855591px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"When she bumped into Erwin as he came running the opposite direction. Apparently he had the same idea she had and had taken to running some laps. As she stared up at him. She wished that she wouldn't have. Sweat gleamed on him like diamonds in the setting sun, his shirt stuck to him, and his breathing caused his chest to heave in the most distinctive way./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.1199998855591px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""Ackerman." He rasped as he bent forward to help her up. Offering her his hand. She took it. With one fluid motion she was on her feet. The commander stepped back to look her over. Make sure she wasn't hurt./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.1199998855591px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"Mikasa wasn't in her usual outfit. She was wearing her boots with a pair of shorts, a form fitting shirt, and her scarf was tied around her waist like a sash instead of about her neck. The girl was dedicated. She refused to go anywhere without the red cloth. Even if it meant incorporating it some other way into her outfit./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.1199998855591px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""Are you okay? I didn't see you there. You aren't usually out here for this sort of activity." Erwin told her. Still inspecting her./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.1199998855591px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"How did he know that? Unless he took the time to notice./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.1199998855591px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""I swear. I am fine commander." She said trying to wave off his concern. A bit flustered that he would know such a thing about her./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.1199998855591px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""You can call me Erwin. Mikasa. But only in private. Such as this." Erwin said as he gauged her expression./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.1199998855591px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"Mikasa's face flushed involuntarily. Starting to feel uncomfortably flustered./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.1199998855591px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""Thank you for your concern. I should really head back and shower." She told him then proceeded to walk off. But Erwin caught her arm and she felt the pull in her shoulder. Mikasa turned around to meet his gaze. There was something in his eyes./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.1199998855591px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""I know." He said simply watching as her eyebrows furrowed. Her lips pouting trying to process what was coming next. "I know that you like me. I have known for awhile. Usually how straight forward you are. I expected to get a confession by now."/p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.1199998855591px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"Mikasa couldn't think of a coherent thing to say to that. Her head and ears were ringing too much to do so. Because her heart was beating so fast. All she could manage to think is, "Is this really happening?"/p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.1199998855591px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"Not knowing that she had spoken her thoughts aloud to Erwin. Erwin whom she liked. Erwin who was telling her that he knew. But where was this going?/p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.1199998855591px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"Where indeed./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.1199998855591px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""Yes. This is really happening." The commander's head cocking to give her a grin that said 'silly girl'. Erwin still holding her wrist used it to bring her closer to him. Where he leaned so he could whisper in her ear, "Now the next question is. What do we do, if I like you as well?" The color drained from her face and she could feel her belly flip./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.1199998855591px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""K-kiss me.." She said shakily. Erwin more than obliged her as his lips brushed against hers teasingly. Before gently pressing against them. Feeling her sigh as he did so./p