A step forward
Thank you so much for finding your way to my story. This a follow up story to A new Life. You don't have to read the first one to necessarily follow this one but it might be helpful. Any comments/ feedback is greatly appreciated. If you feel like chatting please hit me up on
Chapter One
People around the Survey Corps' base prepared for fall harvest and the feast days that came with it. It was an exciting time of year because not only did they get a week off for fall harvest but it would soon be time to celebrate winter solstice and the New Year. The New Year was the time when those who choose to retire did so without dishonor. Due to the nature of their jobs, it was rare that anyone actually got to 'retire' from the Survey Corps. Even still there was one last expedition before retires could safely plan their retirement. Promotions were also made at New Year; including the impromptu promotions that were made for the leaders who lost their lives throughout the year. Soldiers were busy around base wrapping up loose ends. Everyone except Levi.
Levi tossed his dagger at the back of Erwin's office door. It had been a few months since they Royal Games incident and life rolled into a new normal. Levi already moved his possessions from the barracks to the dormitory where he would share a room with John; already threatened John about any and all future messes, and nearly cut off his hands for touching Isabel's possessions. There was little left for him to do for the next few hours and somehow he ended up in Erwin's new room. A wooden plank Erwin nailed to the back of his door offered a square target for practice. Sitting behind the former thief, the soon to be major jerked with each thud from behind his desk.
"Levi," Erwin said as another dagger struck the door. It appeared he was going to have to replace the wood panel again. The dark haired young man turned to look at him.
"If you are bored, I'm sure Clare or Hange could use some help?" Erwin continued. Levi walked over to the door to retrieve his knives. Clare and Hange were two of the candidates for promotion at the New Year. The Survey Corps got a surprisingly high number of rookies from the graduating class so they could afford to promote some of their deserving corpsmen. They chose John and after much protest, mostly from him, Levi, as their sub-squad leaders. Levi was sure Captain Erwin would tell Hange no, but surprise surprise, the big ass blonde not only signed off on Levi's promotion but added a few praises of his own to the shit pile Hange started. Levi didn't know why four-eyes chose him anyway. He never listened to what Hange had to say. The soon to be sub-squad leader sighed as he cleaned off his knives refusing to tell Erwin that he tried to help his new squad leader only to be run off with nothing to do.
"You could help with the barrack clean up?" Erwin continued when he didn't get a positive reaction. Levi took a handkerchief out of his pocket to clean the already polished metal. The former criminal already cleaned his little space in that 20 man group house and refused to touch the filth left by those other slackers.
"Is Ember ready for his stay with the Garrison?" Levi took his time returning the daggers to their sheathes. The Garrison offered to tend the Survey Corps' animals so all soldiers could spend the time with their families without worrying about their horses. Of course Ember was ready for the move, Levi thought. Ember's stall was as clean as Levi's dorm room and he was brushed to a shine.
"I also have a few errands …" Erwin was running out of ideas. He had a ton of paperwork to clear up before he got a chance to take care of his horse or even think about unpacking the handful of boxes that sat in his new dorm assignment. As a major, he would have five squads, including Clare and Hange's, to worry about. Erwin also decided to take the five squads that would be filled with the rookies and first time squad leaders. Wayne, the other major candidate, didn't argue one bit. It meant Wayne would have more seasoned soldiers and hopefully less work in the long run.
"What kind of errands?" Levi asked disinterested.
"Just a few letters to drop off." Erwin said relieved. Levi walked around the desk. When he reached for the stack of letters, Erwin placed his hand on top of Levi's. He rested his larger hand there for a moment before wrapping his fingers around the slender digits giving them a gentle squeeze. "You are able to read, correct?" Erwin asked.
"Why would you ask me that?" Levi growled. His hand stiffened beneath Erwin's.
"I just want to make sure," Erwin said with another gentle squeeze. Since they returned from the capital, Levi was distant on all fronts. It was almost as if Erwin was starting from the beginning. Only this time Levi was already above ground, and at the moment, by his side. Erwin also felt partly to blame for the distance. Since they returned he had no time to solidify the bond he created with Levi. There was the matter of Marshall's dismissal and reassignment of his squad. There were also the political repercussions Commander Shardis had to deal with and Erwin had to be there to help smooth out the waters. Once he finally returned to the base it was time to prepare for harvest and the final expedition of the year.
"Then don't ask questions you already know the answer too," Levi barked. He slipped his hand from beneath Erwin's taking the stack of letters with him. Most of them were addressed to other officers on base. There were a few that needed to go to the Garrison base. At least I'll get to ride Ember for a bit, Levi thought. Get out of this stuffy ass building. Ever since he finally accepted his life above ground he hated being cooped up in any place he couldn't see the sky.
"Is this all of it?" Levi asked fanning the letters between his fingers. Erwin nodded. Levi turned to leave.
"Don't forget your cloak," Erwin said. Levi paused with his hand on the door knob. He opened the door pulling it shut behind him leaving Erwin in peace.
000
Levi grabbed his cloak from his dorm room before heading to the stables. He would deliver the ones on base last. For some reason he felt antsy, pent up in the confines of this normal life. The Survey Corps took care of his basic needs. They fed him, clothed him, and kept a roof over his head. Money was no longer an issue either. His monthly pay was more than enough to cover his basic expenses. He even picked up a few luxuries with coins to spare. Levi was bored. Underground you always had to stay alert. Someone who was your ally the day before would slit your throat for the right price. Scarce resources meant out thinking the last guy to get what you needed in order to survive. On the surface the only time he really had to think was when they were outside the walls. As much as he hated to admit it, Levi couldn't wait to go back outside the walls. Far away from this monotonous military life.
He passed unnoticed into the stables past people busing themselves making sure there was enough hay and treats for their horses while their masters were away. Unlike the Garrison or Military Police, the Survey Corps were always pushed to the limit. Time spent with loved ones was even more precious because any mission could be their last. They couldn't ask a soldier to sacrifice precious time tending to the animals.
Ember was a good horse as far as Levi could tell. Before joining the Survey Corps Levi hadn't ridden a horse. The only animals he dealt with were rats and random stray cats who found their way underground. Ember licked his hand when he pet him. Levi doted on his horse. People were filthy; animals were natural. He ran his fingers through Ember's mane. He felt a familiar presence behind him.
"What do you want Mike?" Levi asked still doting on his horse.
"Where are you headed?" Mike asked from the stable doorway. Levi turned around to face him. I've been with the Survey Corps damn near a year. Why would I runaway now?
"I'm running errands for Erwin," Levi replied. To prove his point he pulled out the stack of letters from his jacket. He sorted through the letters until he found the one he was looking for then handed it to Mike. The insanely tall man looked it over before putting it in his jacket pocket. Levi waited for the dog to either sniff or give him some smart ass comment. Since the Royal games Levi and Mike formed an alliance of sorts. Mike gave a sniff.
"A couple of us are taking Erwin out for his birthday. Want to tag along?" Levi looked up at him curious.
"You, want me to go?"
Mike shrugged. "Erwin would want you to go. It's a surprise so don't say anything," said Mike. He brushed his fingers through Ember's mane. Not everyone was allowed to touch Ember without being bitten. The horse didn't seem opposed to Mike's attention, and let the tall man pet him without snapping.
"Alright," said Levi. "I'll go" Mike nodded again before walking away.
000
"Did you get all of the letters delivered?" Erwin asked once the younger man returned. Even though Levi took his time delivering the letters he only managed to waste a few hours. When Levi returned Erwin was still sitting behind his desk but only had a few things to go over. The tall blonde took the distraction as a time to stretch. Levi grunted his response. He sat down in a chair across from Erwin still wearing his cloak. "Are you cold?" asked Erwin.
"It's almost time for dinner," Levi replied. The distance between the dormitory and the mess hall was far enough to warrant a cloak against the cool night air.
Erwin took a look at his pocket watch. "Very true. Would you like to join me?" Levi shrugged.
"We both have to head there anyway."
"Actually," Erwin said slyly. He folded his hands on top of his desk. "I was wondering if you would join me off base for a while?"
"Why?" Levi looked up at him.
"I have a sinking suspicion Mike has plans for me tomorrow…and I would like to have a quiet dinner with you."
"What? Why?" Levi asked. "Wait, you knew Mike was planning something?" Erwin shrugged
"Mike's not very creative," Erwin said with a smirk.
"Why do you want to have dinner with me?" Levi asked suspicious. He crossed his arms over his chest.
Erwin shrugged again. "We haven't really spoken lately and I would like to check your progress."
"My progress?" Levi leaned back in his seat.
"Last week was the anniversary of you joining the Survey Corps, I wanted to see how you are adapting."
"You could ask me that now," said Levi. He narrowed his gaze suspicious of his superior.
"Are you opposed to the idea of sharing a meal with me?"
Levi paused. "No."
"Wonderful." Erwin rose to his feet. "I know a nice little place that is a short walk from base. We could talk, have a glass of wine…"
"What are you up too?"
"Why?" asked Erwin. He turned away as he put on his cloak so Levi wouldn't see his smirk. He let the smaller man think. Finally, Levi rose to his feet and shrugged.
"I have to stop by my room to get some money." They walked out of Erwin's quarters.
"No you don't," said Erwin.
"Is this some half as attempt to court me?" Levi snapped. Erwin stopped walking.
"If I were to court you sincerely there would be no question," Erwin said. When his shorter companion glared at him he brought his hands up defensively. He was tickled by the confusion that played in those smoky gray eyes.
"Then I am going to my room to get my money," Levi said determined. He turned to the stair case that led to the dorm rooms. Major candidate Erwin ran in front of him. He placed his hands gently on Levi's shoulders.
"Consider this a thank you for all your hard work," Erwin said smoothly. His blue eyes sparkled in a way that made Levi forget why he was arguing.
"Fine," Levi said finally. "I will pay you back."
Erwin laughed. "That defeats the purpose. "
000
The walk to the restaurant was a peaceful one. Erwin was a master conversationalist so he easily engaged the quiet you man in small talk. It wasn't long until they arrived at the humble shop. The owner gave Erwin the smile most women gave when they saw the tall, handsome blonde. She guided them to a table toward the back. The sun was setting through the windows so the waitress lit lanterns giving the small restaurant a soft glow. Levi looked around the little shop. It was definitely nicer than any of the places he ate underground. By surface standards, it wasn't very fancy and instead had a homey feel. They draped their cloaks on the backs of their chairs as they sat down.
The waitress was a plump middle aged woman with rosy pink cheeks. Wasting no time Erwin ordered.
"Black tea and a bottle of red wine," he said with a smile.
"What's the occasion?" asked the waitress.
"His birthday," offered Levi. The birthday boy looked away shyly.
"Dinner with a friend," Erwin replied.
"Oh, well if it's your birthday I have to make you something special," the waitress said as if she hadn't heard Erwin speak. She spirited away from the couple.
"Dinner with a friend?" Levi said
"I like to think we are friends," Erwin brushed his fingertips against Levi's. The smaller man looked up at Erwin before bringing his hands to his lap.
"Why would you think that?"
"Are you saying we're not?" Erwin rebutted. Another waitress, this one a young girl, carefully balanced a tray with a steaming tea pot, two cups, a bottle of wine and two glasses. Levi watched the girl's unsteady fingers place the items on the table while Erwin watched Levi. He was definitely guarded but Erwin wondered why?
"We're not friends," Levi said once the girl left. Erwin reached for the tea kettle to pour for Levi. As Levi sat back in his chair, crossing his arms over his chest. When he didn't slip his fingers beneath the jacket for his dagger Erwin knew it was just an act of defiance.
"Do you still blame me for their deaths?" Erwin asked as he poured his own cup. He heard the chair across him scuff moving back. When he looked up he saw Levi's fingers disappear searching for the handle of his knife. "I understand if you do."
"That's old shit," Levi growled. His eyes told Erwin that he hit too close too quickly. Unraveling the puzzle that was Levi was always on Captain Erwin's priority list. There were a few bumps as he took apart the pieces of the puzzle but so far the captain managed to Levi back. Erwin picked up his tea and blew over the cup. The smaller man fidgeted so slightly that only Erwin would notice. It was a triumph that Levi hadn't taken his cloak, cursed Erwin, and walked back to base.
"It's also understandable if you are upset since we are so close to an expedition," the strategist continued.
"Shut the fuck up," Levi said dangerously low. Erwin knew he was testing the waters. If the incident in Sina taught him anything it was that Levi's trust was given only when he was ready and would definitely let you know when you went too far. Erwin sipped his tea. It was too early in the evening for him to scare his stray away.
"I apologize," Erwin said. "So what does Mike have planned for me tomorrow?" Levi relaxed his grip on his knives.
"I thought you already knew?" Levi rebutted. Erwin shrugged.
"Sometimes he surprises me,"
"Well, he didn't tell me anything." Levi relaxed a bit more and reached for his cooling tea.
It was soon after that the two waitresses returned with hot plates of food. Thick cuts of meat surrounded by a garden of vegetables teased their stomachs. When Levi gave his commanding officer a questioning look Erwin gave him an apologetic one in return. "I may have eaten here more than once," was all he would say. Their meal was a quiet one, much like the time Levi spent in Erwin's office it was a kind of quiet that was naturally peaceful. Every now and again Erwin would look at his dinner date while he ate. Over the course of a year the smaller man had picked up a healthy amount of weight. He no longer looked like a scrawny teenager but twenty-some year old man Erwin knew him to be. He would always be mistaken because of his size but Erwin knew the lines on Levi's smooth face were earned with age. When Levi thought no one was looking, the barrier he put around himself would fall away. Erwin liked catching him in those moments. There was still the current of unbreakable strength there but without the layers of pain that came with completing the tasks presented to him.
After dinner Erwin decided to take the long way back to base. Levi followed without question. It wasn't like he had anything to do when they got back to base anyway. The major candidate stopped walking in front of one of the closed storefronts. Levi stopped walking a few steps after to look at the taller man confused. Levi knew enough about the look in those bright blue eyes that Erwin was thinking.
"I wonder if this is the only entrance," Erwin said off-handedly. Levi looked at the building. It was pretty standard; shop on the first floor with three or four levels for apartments above.
"The door is too small to handle something bigger than a person," Levi observed the bulky bags of grain stacked near the merchant's counter. "There's probably a receiving door in the back."
"You think so?" Erwin said. The tall man took long strides between the buildings. Levi automatically looked for witnesses before following.
"Erwin, what are you doing?" Levi whispered as they walked down the alley. He prepped one of his knives. The alley led to a wider alley that was big enough for a wagon. His idiot leader was busy staring at back at the building. There were two doors; a smaller one for people to walk through and two larger wooden doors that would open to the back of the shop for shipments.
"I wonder how difficult it would be to get inside?" Erwin asked the air. Levi tsked. He took his knife and quickly picked the lock.
"I thought you brought me to the surface to not do illegal shit?" Levi said as he pushed the door open.
"Who told you that?" The tall blonde walked into the empty store as if they weren't committing a crime, leaving the small thug to stand watch. It reminded Levi of when he, Farlan, and Isabel broke into the Military Police store house looking gas. He kept watch then because he was the only one strong enough to hold off the cops for the other two to escape. Levi was starting to get antsy by the time Erwin stepped out of the empty store. Levi pulled the door closed, wiping the lock clean of fingerprints with his cloak. The two men quickly made their way back out of the alley to the main street.
"What were you doing anyway?" Levi asked when they were safely on base.
"Preparing for the expedition," Erwin relied. They walked to the dormitory together. Levi still had another flight of steps to get back to his hallway. Erwin still confused him. What did breaking into an empty store have to do with the expedition? He turned to make his way upstairs but a large hand on his shoulder stopped him. Levi turned to look up at his leader.
"Thank you for having dinner with me," Erwin said softly. His eyes seemed to darken in the flickering candles that lit the foyer.
"It's fine," Levi replied. He turned away from Erwin and headed to his dorm room.