A/N: Thank you for following and favoriting this story! It makes me happy that you're liking it so far.
Disclaimer: I don't own Shingeki no Kyojin. If I did, rivetra would soooo be canon by now (as well as farisa).
Chapter 1 - Winds of Change
"When the winds of change blow, some build walls whilst others build windmills." - Chinese Proverb
17 years later
Mitchel Field, Long Island
January, 1941
The loud roaring of the two planes flying overhead drew the Major's attention. His eyes narrowed, eyebrows drawn in a frown as his head turned to the sky, quickly spotting the two planes that were still moving about when he specifically informed them that the training had just ended. Maybe they hadn't heard it? He quickly shook that idea off. No, it couldn't be; eight of the ten First Lieutenants were making their way to him, which meant they had received the information. All of them were looking up at the sky to where their fellow comrades were. He gives a quick once-over of the lieutenants approaching, his frown deepening when he finally sees who is missing.
"Where are Ackerman and Church?" his booming voice startles them and they quickly salute their Major. Only when his gaze hardens does he get an answer.
"Up there, sir! Still flying," Bossard seems to debate with himself for a moment, before quickly adding "Sir"
"What the fuck are they doing?" he asks, looking up at the sky again, where both planes are flying in opposite directions.
"We have no idea, sir" it's Gin who answers this time, his eyes never leaving the sky, curious as to what his comrades were planning.
Just then, when they are a good distance from each other, they turn around and start doing an aileron roll. Everyone's eyes widen at the stunt, amazed that their rolls were nearly symmetrical, but at the same time worried for their safety, since their planes were getting closer and closer with each flip. When they all thought they were going to crash, each do a chandelle to their left, putting some distance between them once again. Releasing a breath they hadn't realised they'd been holding, they all throw their flight caps in the air, whooping and whistling for their friends and their amazing performance.
"Do you think that was impressive?" the Major shouts at them, clearly angry. Their cheers die out, serious faces now present.
"Not at all, sir" Darlett answers, looking straight forward with his arms tightly glued to his body.
"An entirely unnacceptable use of military aircraft, sir" Berner finishes off, copying Darlett's stance.
Major Shadis doesn't answer them, his eyes following the two planes that were now landing. Akerman and Church jump out, the latter wearing the biggest grin they had ever seen. Levi had a passive face, as always. They started walking towards them, the Major fuming at each step they took.
"After three fucking years, you think military aircraft is to be used for your amusement?"
"Sir!" they both salute him.
"Well, let me tell you something. It's NOT!" Major Shadis screams, spluttering their faces. They can all see Levi's eyes narrowing, a disgusted look on his face. Farlan seems to notice it as well, as he takes a step forward in front of him.
"Yes, sir! I promise we won't repeat it. Ever" he salutes again, looking the Major straight in the eyes. With a growl, Major Shadis turns around, shouting a 'Dismissed' over his shoulder and stalking away.
Farlan sighs in relief, his hand falling to his side, "Levi! You can't do that! Do you want to get grounded for the rest of your life?" he scolds him.
"If I want a shower, I can use the bathroom" it's Levi's only answer as he turns around and trudges towards the barracks.
"Tonight is the night!" Ian exclaims to his reflection in the mirror, straightening his tie for the nth time. His comrades were next to him, each occupying their own mirror in order to get ready as well.
"Nurses be waiting for us at the dance, guys. We have to look good" Dita winks at them and they all laugh.
"As long as you keep your hands off of Isabel, you can make your move on whoever you want" Farlan shrugs, walking over to Levi, who glares at them as if to further prove Farlan's point.
"No worries, we know she's taken"
"Damn well you do"
"You should stray from Petra, as well" Eld says, swinging an arm over Auruo's shoulders, "Our Auruo here has had eyes for her for quite some time, now"
Auruo narrows his eyes at Eld, a tinge of red creeping up his cheeks as he vehemently denies what his friend just said, eventually biting his tongue in the process. Gunther shakes his head at them, a knowing smile on his face.
"Are you going with us, Levi?" Moblit asks, turning his attention to the raven haired male sitting in the corner with his arms crossed over his chest. He only shakes his head in response.
"What? Why?" Eld asks, stopping his teasing.
"I don't like dancing"
"You don't have to dance" Gunther points out.
"There's too many people. I don't like crowded places"
At that, Farlan finally decides to intervene, "Come on, Levi! Isabel misses you. Whenever we have these social events and you don't go, she gets worried. It's been over two months since you last saw each other"
Levi looks at his best friend, pondering his words carefully. It is true that he hasn't seen his little sister in too long, now, and he definitely misses her. But having to go to these kinds of things just so he could be with her was a pain in the ass.
"And besides, you'd be with us! What more do you need?" Eld says jockingly, patting him on the shoulder.
"Believe me, if you don't go this time, Isabel will kill me" Farlan informs him, remembering his girlfriend's words on their last date together.
They were all looking at him expectantly, eyes full of hope. Levi tries to look away, but after some more pushing, he finally sighs and agrees to go, to which they all cheer happily.
"I promise, you won't regret it. Besides, when was the last time you've been with someone?" Farlan asks, placing his hand on Levi's shoulder, "Just give it a shot. Change can be good," with a small smile, he lets go of him and walks to the others, joining them on teasing Auruo.
Levi stands there, pondering Farlan's words. It's not like he was looking for someone, he's used to being alone and he doesn't need those kinds of things. But Farlan was right. He does need to get out more and he doesn't want Isabel to worry about him.
"Hey, let's go! The trucks are waiting,"
"And you know what they say" Ian grins, hopping inside the truck "Nurses can't dance by themselves"
And everyone cheers.
"I really love it when they organize these kinds of events" Nanaba said, turning her attention to her fellow nurses, sitting next to her on the train.
"Yeah, they're so much fun!" Anka squealed, grabbing Petra's arm excitedly and squeezing the life out of it. The golden haired beauty laughs at her, she herself dying in anticipation. Personally, she really enjoyed these parties just as much. It was their way to have fun, to laugh the night away with their friends and forget, even if for a little while, that the world outside is at war. Living day by day in fear of the war finally reaching them and having to prepare physically and mentally for so was exhausting. But at the same time, there was a ray of hope. It might be selfish, but they hoped against all odds that they were safe and that they wouldn't have to live the horrors other people were living. Since it hadn't reached them yet, why would it reach them now?
"Isabel," Anka singsongs, finally letting go of Petra's arm in order to lean over, getting closer to the girl. Isabel raises an eyebrow, a small smile on her lips.
"What is it?" she asks innocently, pretending not to know what they were getting at.
"Oh, you know what," Rico waves her off, smirking "How are you and Farlan?"
The red-haired girl laughs, her green eyes shining with amusement, "Oh, we're just fine,"
"Come on, we want the details!" Anka presses, a childlike wonder present in her voice.
"Yeah. You can't leave it at that," Rico agrees, curiosity shining in her eyes.
"Please, girls," Ilse pipes up, "You needn't tell us if you don't want to, Isabel,"
"There's no problem," Isabel smiles at Ilse, thankful for her help, "We went on a date the other day. It was amazing. He brought me flowers, magnolias to be exact" every girl sighs at that, their chins resting on their hands as they listen carefully, "He's just so sweet and caring,"
"I wish I had such a loving boyfriend," Anka pouts, and they all laugh.
"Well, you and Gustav are on good terms" Nanaba hums, and Anka starts blushing furiously.
"It's not like that!" she shakes her head rapidly, brown strands flying about. They all smirk at her and she ends up hiding her face in her hands.
"I wonder if Big Brother is coming..." Isabel muses out loud, a hopeful look on her face.
"Oh, right!" Rico snaps her fingers, "You have an older brother, right? He's Farlan's best friend, isn't he?"
"Yeah, the three of us always got along pretty well. But ever since Farlan and I started dating, I fear that he's feeling left out"
"Is he hot?" Anka goes back to her cheery self, her face no longer red.
"Anka!" Petra scolds, a disapproving look on her face.
"What? A girl can hope,"
"Yes! My big brother is really handsome," Isabel smiles proudly.
"She's his sister, of course she would think he's handsome," Rico points out, adjusting her glasses.
"Hey!" Isabel pouts, "I'm not saying that because he's my brother. He really is!"
"I think we should be the judges of that, Isabel dear," Anka declares, a determined expression on her face "My ladies, get your eyes ready, we have an evaluation tonight!"
"I don't even know if he's coming! I told Farlan to bring him, but big brother is really stubborn,"
"Don't worry, Isabel" Petra reassures, smiling softly "I'm sure he'll come. For you, at least,"
Isabel grins, hugging Petra, "Thank you!"
And just like that, the train comes to a stop.
"We're here!" Anka quickly gets up, grabbing her coat an putting it on. The others follow her example, tightening their coats around their frames and preparing to get out of the train.
Petra's stomach stirs nervously, making the petite woman frown. Why would she be nervous? She's been to these events countless times, and tonight wouldn't be any different. Except...
They step out of the train, quickly spotting the group of First Lieutenants waiting for them at the station. In the midst of well-known faces, an unknown man stands out. His gray eyes lock with hers, and her heart skips a beat.