Sheltered
It has been a good while since Oluo left out the gate of Shiganshina District. Early that week she received his letter. He was returning home. Despite her not joining the military, he still went ahead with it. He joined at aged 10 and graduated at 15, and ultimately joining the Survey Corps. Who would believe that the buffoon Oluo would be brave enough to join the front lines? Still, Petra was proud. He was fighting not just for her but all Eldians freedom; to go beyond the Walls that were more like a prison than a safe haven.
The summer sun was cruel that day. Sweat was pooling on her neck, the crowds of people pushing around her, didn't help the matter. They were all there for same reason she was; to welcome home their loved ones. The ones who came back anyway.
The bells rang and everyone backed away from the gates and street. Slowly the old, heavy doors swung open. At the front was Commander Erwin Smith, the face of the Survey Corps. Ever since he was promoted the lives lost have grown fewer. He was truly a blessing. People around cheered and welcomed him home. He was never one for showing off so he just nodded to those who yelled thanks to him. On either side of him was Captain Hange and Captain Levi. The two weren't as well received, with Captain Hange being known for being eccentric and Captain Levi giving off vibe of being unapproachable with that scowl always painted on his face. Commander Erwin had chosen those two however, and the people trusted their hero's decision.
Not too far behind Levi rode Oluo. Petra's face lite up. He returned. She placed her hands around near her face and drew in her breath. "Welcome home, Oluo!" She was unsure if he would hear her over all all the other voices, but he turned his head to her and though he was trying to keep serious face this entire time, seeing Petra, he couldn't stop the wide smile on his face.
Though the two were the same age, Oluo, appearance wise, could easily be mistaken to be her father. Stress from the battles and the burden of his comrades on his shoulders lives have caused wrinkles across his face and bags under his eyes.
"Oi! Petra! I'll meet you at the usual place!" He waved at her from atop his horse. Everytime he returned home he thought she grew more alluring every day. This was why he fought; for her. That smile, it took so long for it return after what happened that day that seemed almost an eternity ago. If it meant his own demise, he would gladly risk it all just to keep her that light in her eyes.
"Oluo, quit ogling," Gunther reprimanded him while trying to calm his horse, who had been spooked as his comrade's own steed veered too close for comfort. "You're going to cause us to look like a bunch of fools. We're supposed to be heros, not starry eyed romantics."
"Oooh? Could you be jealous that I have a pretty lady to gree-" Blood sputtered out of his mouth as Oluo bit his tongue.
Eld, the one riding nearest Captain Levi turned his head to the two. "Both of you, keep your eyes on front. It's too hot for games. We'll soon be approaching the stables. After the debriefing we'll finally be out of each other's hairs." He sighed, three months of nothing but constant bickering between those two. He understood what Oluo was so eager about though, heart swelling with the thought of his fiancee. If she were in the crowd he doubt he would be able to stay in formation.
The crowd began to dispersing, buildings more sparse and aside from the occasional banter the ride was to the large fort in this situated in this district was rather silent. Wall Maria, along with Shiganshina was the more rural area of the remnants of the Eldian Empire. While most military meetings happened behind Wall Sina, when first arriving from being deployed troops spend few days within the calm countryside to adjust and relax.
Commander Erwin addressed his troops. "We have lost many of our comrades. They gave their lives so that the rest of us may see to it that we Eldians are not vanquished. Do waste your time mourning. Honor them by giving your hearts for the cause died for. Dismissed!"
Each team one by one separated into smaller groups with their respective captains until just Hange's, Levi's and Commander Erwin himself was left. "Levi, Commander, you should stop by my office later. The amount of research to be done on Marleyan technology is sure to be yield some interesting results." She was practically drooling.
"When was the last time you cleaned your place," sniffing the air, Levi grimaced slightly. "And yourself for that matter?"
"Oh come now, you know none of us have had a proper bath in more than any of us would like." An irritated grunt was her only reply. Their horses were led away by the stable boy "Well Commander, Levi, my squad and I would love to stay and chat, but as I said, the loot from this last expedition will surely be more informative than anything we've ever seen before. Say what you will about Marley, but the technology they've achieved is truly exquisite." Lifting their hands to their hearts, heads held high to Commander Erwin, the squad trailed after their captain who was shaking with excitement. All was that left was the five men.
Only three people were apart of the shorter man's squad. Erwin knew why as well, but he will have to encourage his subordinate to select more. Even though for the time being it seemed Eldia had the upper hand in the war, that most likely will won't always be the case. Marley has been holding back, he just knows it. Soon a battle bigger than they have seen in past hundreds years will come, and more men and women will be have to make the ultimate sacrifice.
"Quickly debrief your team and meet me in my quarters; we have much to discuss." Dark eyes trailed the Commander until he went around the corner, out of sight. Gaze returned back to his gang of misfits. The three men stood in attention, awaiting for their next orders. A sigh escaped from his lips.
"Good work keeping yourselves alive the past few months. Take the remainder of the day to be with your families, but I expect you to return to the barracks before the sun is fully down. Dismissed." He began to walk before the onslaught of complaints came to his ear. Surprisingly from Eld first, his second-in-command,was the first to speak up.
"Excuse me, Sir, I was hoping to be able to spend the night at home, it's been awhile since I've seen my girl." The blonde was hoping his wording wouldn't come off as disorderly. He respected his captain and while he knew that there always a reason for Levi's decisions, it's been too long since he spent a night with his fiancee in his arms.
"Same here, Captain," Gunther chimed in. "My father is elderly and I want to spend what time I can with him."
"And Captain, I also had plans for a date," he hadn't meant to come across like he was sulking, but he missed Petra too much. For months he had been planning, and now he finally has the courage to express how he feels.
The Captain brought his hand to face, putting pressure on his temples. The lot was sounding like a group of whiny brats. "Which is why I'm giving the day. Just because we are in the wall, the war still goes on. The chance of an all out Marley invasion is always looming over us. We must alway be ready to counter." Levi turned to face them, he features deepened into one of almost disgust. "Or would you rather to see your precious people taken away before your eyes?" The three of them remained silent. "Now go. Just don't come back smelling like shit."
Waiting seemed to be a common thing with Petra. Time wasted on the hope of her mother marching proudly down the streets back home and Oluo, waiting on his letter of return and the anxiety of the growing fear that she would one day not receive any. Now, he was home and still making her stand in the burning afternoon. She fisted her hands on her skirt. Soldier or not, this was not how one treats a lady. When she regained her composure and looked up, she saw his goofy face heading her way.
Lifting herself from the bench, she marches toward, cheeks puffed out and reddened. "Oluo. Do you know how long I've been waiting!" Her voice, while not overly bearing, is loud enough to draw the attention of some nearby onlookers.
Hands out in front of him hoping to put slight distance between the two. "N-no, Petra, I was just getting out of uniform and freshening up." In most cases, her being so close would be welcomed, but he could hear the whispers around them. Last thing he needed was rumors of him messing with a woman to get spread, it could very well cost him his career.
"I don't like waiting." The way she pouts causes his own face to redden slightly. He looks away from her, trying his best keep a neutral to keep his lips from curling upward. "And since when did you care about that stuff. Before you would be covered in from head to toe in grass and dirt. And what that around your neck? It doesn't even look good on you. Are you trying to imitate your captain again?"
Oluo looked down at her has he straightened his cravat, face now set in scowl. It was true for the most part. Levi was a man he admired. He was strongest amongst all the troops, even when compared to the Commander. Oluo hoped by taken on the older man's mannerisms, he too would find the secret to invincibility. Yes, he would gladly lay his life on the line if he had to, but he still wanted a future with the woman he loved.
"Whatever, I've hadn't eaten all day," her delicate hand took his wrist and dragged him along. "I haven't seen you in a while. I want you to tell me everything you saw over a good meal. My treat." Oluo wanted to object to this, but soon realized he didn't even bring any money with him. He had hoped to turn this outing into a date, but he already blundered.
Inside the small cafe' were rowdy men and women hollering. So much for their peaceful "date". Some he recognized from the battle fields. He personally never interacted with soldiers outside of his own squad, aside from occasionally Hange's, and no one here was from her her sqaudrant. Good. He didn't want it going around to those he acquainted with to see what possible after he confesses to Petra. He decided, after seeing many of his comrades falling before his eyes, a look of regret, things they wish they done but now never will be able. No matter what her answer was, he would lay it down once and for all.
"Oluo, you're zoning out," her voice brought him from his thoughts. The waitress had already and was awaiting their order. "Black tea for me." Eyes regarded with confusion across the table. "What?"
Petra sighed and ordered herself a cold lemonade, making sure to request a tad bit more sugar mixed, despite the increase on tax for such condiments, along with blueberry cheesecake. "Did you now notice how hot it is today? It's the middle of summer. And you want tea?"
"Will you stop your nagging? You're acting like like we're an old married couple."
"And that look on your face. I understand you admire your captain, but honestly, I wish you would just be yourself."
"What are you talking about?" Oluo only deepened the grimace on his face.
"That! That face. Maybe if you didn't force a frown so much you probably wouldn't look like you're in your 40s." His frown became genuine. Before he could get a word in their drinks arrived. He wouldn't argue with her, not this time. He wanted to look at her like a man, not the kid who she grew up with; and looking older than his actual age could be seen as a good thing. It showed his maturity.
Petra matured as well, and unlike him, the years were kind. Gone were the freckles she that once covered adorned her features. Her cheeks have lost their baby fat and have become more slender and womanly, being complemented by amber locks. "Your hair has gotten longer," he lamented out loud.
"Ah, yes," dainty fingers absentmindedly played with a loose strand. "I really should cut it. It gets to hot in summer."
"No. I like it longer." His gaze was soft on her, making her cheeks blush ever so slightly.
Time for a change in subject. "Tell me, Oluo, did you see the ocean this time? Tell me! You must have. You were gone an awfully long while this time around, so you must have covered more ground." If the table wasn't in between she probably would have launched at him and shake him down for the answers she wanted.
"Calm down. You know my group specializes in swooping down in our 3DMG from trees and-," he cut off. Telling her about how bloodied his hands were wouldn't be wise. He would keep the war far from her as possible, even in her thoughts. "Anyway, we are usually grouped in dense forest. Don't know if you read it in your books of you, but I highly doubt there would be much to grapple onto there." She slouched back in her her seat, disappointment evident in her gaze. "But I promise, once we win this, we will see it together." Her eyes seemed to brighten up that.
The conversation went on for hours, even after their cups and plates were empty and taken away. Most of patrons. She told him about how his mother would drop by her place frequently to bring extra food she just so happened to have lying around. He tells her about Gunther and Eld and how the former was always trying to one up him. When he brings up the fact that Eld wedding was coming up and he was invited, and was willing to bring her as his plus one.
"Of course I'll go! I've never been to one." She goes on asking questions about what to wear, and what kind of gifts should she bring. He didn't know the answers himself. He respected Eld, would even consider him a friend, but at this moment in time, that wedding wasn't the one on his mind.
"So have you thought of settling down?" He studied her carefully, eyes slightly hooded. Could she hear his beating heart from where she sat? It felt like the whole room could.
"I don't think I ever have, now that you mention it."
This was it. He was going to tell her. "Petra, I-"
"Oh! Oluo!" She was looking toward the window. "It's already dark. Father is probably expecting dinner. I'm sure you have other things that need to be done, it is your first day back. Sorry I took most your time. Even though you were the one who was late," she added the last part under her breath. She placed the coins on the table and began walking to the exit, not looking back at the man who was hurrying after her. She knew of the feelings he had for. He was painfully obvious despite trying to act cool and collected; subtle glances, nervous voice. His mother even mentioned it to her, that the two of them would be a perfect pair. Maybe they would. Growing up together, there was little the other didn't know about the other. If she would only give him the chance, the two of them would happy. So why doesn't she turn around and accept him? Because she wasn't sure she felt the same. She's known what love is, she feels it for her father, her mother, and yes, Oluo. However, remembering back years ago, the looks her mother gave her father, there was something deeper. So she keeps walking.
Firm, calloused hands grab her wrist, while reaching to push the wooden open. "I have to tell you now." She turned around to face him, his voice too desperate to ignore, but she didn't couldn't give him the answer he wanted to hear.
"We can talk another time," removing herself from his grip. She turned and was just inches away from bumping into someone. "Ack! I'm sorry," was all she could muster out before she felt the very breath of her leave her being. Midnight irises regarded her with disinterest, before diverting to Oluo. Her friend straightened up in a heartbeat.
"I thought I told you be back at barracks before it got dark." His voice was like silk, though slightly raspy, annoyance seeping with which syllable. Though he was not speaking directly, she felt a little intimidated just by being in his presence. This was Captain Levi, the strongest soldier in the ranks of the Eldia Empire, standing in front of her.
She stepped to the side, pressing her back against the wall, to allow access for Oluo. "I-I lost track of time," he stumbling over his words. "I just need to do one more thing, and I'll head back."
"Bozado, I am not looking for excuses." There was no point in explaining. The only reason the Captain wasn't knocking him about was because Levi probably didn't see it worth dirtying his clothes over, which Oluo was a relief to him; Petra didn't need to see that. He looked at her, she seemed in a trance staring at the man in front of her. He did not like the wonder in her eyes.
Eldia's strongest was hardly ever seen up close in public. Of course she would be a little taken aback. There wasn't a need for jealousy, and yet Oluo could feel the bitterness in the back of throat. "I'll see you another time. Okay, Petra?"
The words Oluo spoke only registered when she heard her name leave is lips. "Yeah, sure." Her eyes never left Levi. It wasn't until they all left the building, and the two men were long down the street, their silhouettes swallowed by the night, that she realized she was staring the whole time, and he barely seemed to register her existence.
The windows were dark, a good sign. She brought the key to the door and slowly turned the knob, opening just enough to peer inside. Her father was already in bed. Taking two steps inside, she removed her shoes and locked the door. She was going to make her way back up stairs to her own bed, when Mr. Ral rounded the corner from the kitchen. "Petra?"
"Here we go." She screwed her eyes tight and forced a smile. "Oh, Father, I thought you would be in bed by now." There was no avoiding being lectured.
"How could I sleep? You said you would be back for dinner. Did you walk home by yourself?" Since his wife's death, Hugo Ral made it his mission to shield Petra from the harsh reality of their broken world. Was he being over protective? Of course, but he didn't want to lose his little girl the same way he lost the love of life.
"Oluo walked me home," the words came out too fast, too forced, but he sighed in relief. Lying wasn't easy for her, especially to her father. She wasn't very good at it anyway. Her mother would used to catch on before any words would leave her mouth. Luckily, Hugo was not her mother and was a gullible man, who only saw his daughter as an innocent lamb who knew nothing of the sins of the world.
"Oh, he did? That's good. He's a good man you know." In the eyes of Hugo, Oluo was the epitome of who he wanted his daughter to be with. The soldier was loyal, strong, and held the same principal of wanting to preserve the golden light of youth and chastity in Petra. He knew the boy who he watched grow alongside his daughter wished to court her and form and family, and he was not against the idea in the bit. Petra was however. Everytime the subject was brought up Petra got distracted with some other subject matter. At their age, he and his own wife were already married, so were Oluo's own parents. A slow exhale left his lips. As much as he tried to push his own ideals onto her, she would always be defiant in anyway she could control.
His sight set on the family portrait above the fireplace, painted when Petra was still quite young and his wife still lived. They weren't the perfect family. There were fights and misunderstandings, nights spent in tears, but it was a good family, his family. Was it wrong to wish his daughter to have what he once had? "You look like her, you know?"
Those words, so many time have been spoken to her, by her father, by relatives, those who she never met before but seemed to know her mother would sometimes stop her in town and comment on her. No matter how often it was spoken it would swell her heart with so much joy. Looking to the painting now, it was very much true, the same reddish-blonde, wide eyes, and so many other small details, yet there was clearly something lacking. Even in a simple painting that could never truly encapture the deceased woman's charm, her mother was depicted as strong-willed, a force unbending, whilst her daughter was someone others saw to shelter, as if she was porcelain that would shatter at the slightest touch. "I know, Father."
"And she would want you to be happy. I know Oluo isn't what girls your age consider when thinking of potential husbands, but at least give the boy a chance." Petra looked at the ground, guilt creeping in. She felt that she was in some sense leading her friend on tonight, unable to hear him out and give him a yes or no answer. She was standing on the right at the edge not ready to dive in. He would catch her, he always would, but maybe she didn't want to be caught. She wanted to fly on her own.
Hugo sighed. It didn't seem she would talk anymore tonight. "Mrs. Bozado dropped by with some dinner. It's probably gotten cold by now, but should still be just as delicious."
The two of them said their good nights. Once the door of his room click shut and few ticks of the clock, with final glance to the woman above the mantle, Petra proceeded to her own room. She didn't have much of appetite that night.
Within the confines of her bedroom, she opened the shutter to let in the night along with the summer night breeze. Before sleep fully embraced her, she had only final thought. Captain Levi, a man who was only ever seen from a distant and only on horseback, was unexpectedly short.
A/N: So I was doing a lot of research on reviews with Isayama to find out more about the characters, and discovered that Hange's gender has never really been revealed. Was debating on whether to keep it a mystery in this as well but I think for the most part the community sees Hange as female. Either way I thought it was interesting.
Big thanks to the two guest who reviewed and followed. It really made me want to post this chapter despite my nervousness and shyness. I can't express how much it meant to me. I'm still not good with transitioning perspectives and wording things correctly, but even just one review will encourage me to keep writing and practicing.
