"What do you mean you're staying here? Why does Captain Levi need you to carry a sack of money?" Oruo huffed as he followed Petra around like an irritable duckling trailing its mother. She felt pecked by questions as she negotiated the Survey Corps' bustle. The inn courtyard was frenetic with bodies loading themselves onto horses, soldiers arguing with one another about who'd danced better last night, new recruits still reeling from all the drink at the ball.

"Oruo, I told you, the Commander ordered us to stay." Petra tried to keep her voice annoyed and easy, like nothing was unusual. She hoped Oruo didn't notice her flushed cheeks, or the grin she couldn't always suppress. Three days here with the captain. With Levi. Commander Erwin was the most wonderful man. No wonder Levi was so devoted to him.

Oruo slipped around in front of her, and Petra nearly barreled into his chest. She peeked up at him, a bit nervous. Oruo crossed his arms, and furrowed his brow. He wasn't letting this go.

"But Eld's second in command. Tch. Makes no sense."

Petra tried to think fast. In the end, all she could manage was, "Right. It makes a lot more sense to have one squad leader with you all, and another up here. Why would the Commander keep both of them in Mitras? It'd be pointless."

Oruo appeared mollified, but then frowned again. "Still. Why you?"

She was ready to murder him, which meant things were pretty normal between them.

"Because we need to count up the funds, and I'm better at math than you. That's why."

"You are not!"

"What's five times seven?"

"Fine." Oruo raised an eyebrow. "But Gunther's better at it than both of us."

Well. True.

"And the Commander didn't pick him. I don't know why."

"Tch. Figures you'd get picked. Three days of hanging around the capital, sleeping in." If Petra had her way, there wouldn't be much sleep, but she wasn't going to tell Oruo that.

"I guess I'm just lucky."

"Yeah. I guess." Oruo's mouth dipped into a frown, deepening the lines around his mouth. Honestly, how could someone so young look so old? She'd never been able to figure it out.

"Are you worried about something?" Her heart picked up pace as he gave her a look that was almost…sad.

"Tch. About what?" he said defensively. Oruo scuffed the toe of his boot on the ground. "Suppose I don't like it when we're all not together. If you're staying, I feel like we all should."

"And spend more of the Survey Corps' money on rooms?" But Petra's heart constricted a little at the disappointed look on Oruo's face. He thought they were all parting for the next few days. He didn't know that soon, they'd never be a team again.

Never again. The idea struck her like an arrow to the heart. Petra jolted with the thought of it. She'd still be in the Corps, but she'd be assigned to Hange or Mike, or maybe Dirk. She'd no longer be at Levi's back, protecting him. And…she'd no longer spend all those hours laughing with the boys, jeering at something stupid that Oruo said, playing cards with Gunther and working on new ODM techniques with Eld. They weren't just her squad; they were her family. And soon, she'd be parted from that kind of connection. They'd still get a drink at the tavern together, still swap stories in the mess, but that closeness would dissipate over time, naturally. Someone else would take her place, be Levi's fifth. The fingers on a hand, that's how he described them. Levi had been adamant that he would only ever have four on his own personal squad.

Someone else would be his fifth, and Petra would be his lover. That feeling of complete unity would be lost forever.

And what if…what if, somehow, this affair fizzled out? If she lost her home and family for a few weeks of good sex, only to realize that she'd sacrificed what they had—what they truly had—in the name of lust.

"Petra? Whoa, Pet?" Oruo rarely used her childhood nickname. He touched her shoulder. "Are you…crying?"

Petra felt the tears streak down her face. Shit. Idiot, to let him see something was wrong. Petra hurriedly wiped her cheeks.

"Uh, I guess I just feel kind of guilty," she mumbled, hoping he wouldn't ask more questions. "About…about staying here."

"Tch. Eh, women. So emotional." Oruo, the pig. He was trying to get a rise out of her, get her angry at him. Make her feel better. Well, it worked. Giving an indignant noise, she elbowed him hard in the side. That, at least, calmed her. "Ow! Well, don't worry. You'll be home soon."

Home. Yes, she would be home soon, but she'd also left it behind forever. After last night, there was no going back.

Afraid the tears would come again, Petra stood on her toes and hugged Oruo around the neck. He gave a surprised grunt, but then returned the hug. He gave a small chuckle, and Petra closed her eyes tight as she pressed her cheek to his shoulder.

"Just promise me we'll always…" She didn't know what to say.

"Always what?"

"Petra! Stop trying to jump Oruo's bones." Eld chortled as he and Gunther strode over, belting their military trench coats against the chill. "I know you two can't bear to be apart." The blond, handsome young man stood beside Oruo, and grinned at the both of them. Gunther, as usual, stood in Eld's shadow and said nothing.

"How'd you know I was waiting for the opportunity?" Petra drawled, releasing Oruo.

"Yeah!" Oruo said, though his voice broke and he snuck a glance at her. Oruo, of course, would've been delighted if Petra were secretly trying to get closer to him. Again, her stomach dropped at the thought. Oruo would soon be disappointed in that hope. Petra'd known, in a quiet and unspoken way, that Oruo had yearned for her since they were kids. Her heart sank to think of it. Everyone would be so shocked, and disappointed, and hurt…

"Don't stay away too long." Eld clapped her on the shoulder. "Also, try to get the captain out to see the sights. If he has his way, he'll be drilling you in the courtyard until the money shows up. Remember, you can never afford to slack off." Yes, one of Levi's favorite sayings, though Eld had removed all the profanity.

"Maybe the captain'll relax while we're here," Petra said. Or, at the very least, drill her in private. Even now, with the heaviness of leaving the squad weighing on her, the simple idea of being alone with Levi made her body flush, her thighs clench. Petra sighed and shut her eyes. She was hopeless.

"Be safe on the road. We'll see you in a few days." Petra narrowed her eyes at the three men—the three boys on her squad. Didn't matter how many expeditions they'd been on together, they'd always be boys to her. Just as she'd always be "their girl," as Eld had called her once. Their girl. Not for much longer. Petra felt her chin wobble. Shit, she couldn't cry. "Listen. Eld. I."

"What?" Then, he made a surprised noise when Petra hugged him. She gripped Gunther by his shirtfront and dragged him into the huddle. Oruo hovered on the edge. "Petra, what's going on with you?"

"She just started crying." Oruo sounded increasingly worried. "Are you sick, Pet?"

"I'm." She had to think fast. She shut her eyes tight. "Um. It's my…time of the month."

Collectively, the boys made a horrified sound. At least they softened up on her, though. Eld returned the hug, Gunther patted her shoulder, and Oruo blustered behind her. Petra made sure not to cry when Eld set her down.

"Relax. I know you hate to be away from me, but we'll be together again soon." Oruo sniffed and fluffed at his cravat.

This is the last time we'll be a team. A family.

"I know." Petra smiled, and studied them all standing in a circle together. Still squad mates, at least for this moment. "You'd better get going. The captain'll kill you if you're the reason the Corps is late."

"She's right." Gunther squeezed her shoulder. "See you soon, Petra."

Gunther, of all of them, might have been able to keep her secret and have a conversation. But she couldn't, not just yet. Levi had told her that they were to get this mission done, talk to Erwin, and then, only and finally then could they tell the squad. It was fair, but it still hurt. Petra watched the boys walk away from her, Oruo saying something loud and obnoxious while the other two talked over him to each other. Petra tried to smile.

It was hard to say goodbye.

"Where were you this morning?" Petra started as Nifa sidled up to her, and whispered in her ear.

Oh, it was going to be impossible to keep this a secret from Nifa. And besides, Petra had told her enough already…

"I was out. Doing things." Petra smiled slyly.

"Does this thing have a name?" Nifa grinned, and clapped her hands over her mouth.

"I didn't say yes."

"When are you going to tell me everything?"

"When I get home. I have to stay here for a few days on a mission for the Commander."

"Anyone else staying with you?"

Petra raised an eyebrow. "I'm helping Captain Levi."

"Yes, I'm sure you'll give him a real helping hand." Nifa made a vulgar gesture, but she did it discreetly. Petra snorted, and bit her own tongue. "Don't worry, no one else is going to know."

"Good. Because right now, there's nothing to know."

"And when is that going to change?"

"I'll see you in a few days," Petra said in a singsong voice, and walked away. She grinned to hear Nifa cackle behind her. All the pain of goodbyes, all the questions of what came next, that could all wait. What mattered was that she and the captain—Levi—were going to be alone soon enough. Petra saw the captain and Commander Erwin standing in the inn's doorway, discussing something. Levi had his arms crossed, and the commander noticed Petra. He nodded at her, his face neutral and unreadable. Petra smiled at him and nodded back, hoping she didn't blush too hard. Erwin Smith moved away, and Levi gazed at her as she drew nearer.

"Petra. Everyone loaded? The rookies ready to go?" He spoke to her with the clipped efficiency of their everyday working relationship. She hadn't expected anything else, not with everyone around them.

"Yes, sir."

"Good." He looked around at the courtyard, his demeanor as impartial and cool as ever. Petra's stomach twisted a bit as she watched the others leave. The Commander, astride his white horse, gave the signal, and as one the Survey Corps got into formation and poured out through the inn's courtyard gate. Petra waved as Oruo and the other guys whistled a goodbye. Soon, the last of the stragglers had gone. It was her, and Levi. Just them. She turned to him, wet her lips. He continued to look at the gate, watching as the Corps left them behind and made their way down the capital's main boulevard.

"What should we—" she began, but he cut her off abruptly.

"Come on. We need to check about the money."

Petra tailed him into the inn's lobby, up to the desk. There, a well-coiffed woman with a bright smile calmly discussed the situation with the captain. Yes, Commander Smith had left instructions with them. No, the captain was not expected to collect the money himself. The bank would bring it here, and then the captain would be permitted to inspect it, count it, and take it away. No, Captain Levi had nothing left to worry himself about. The money was supposed to be there in two days or so, but until it arrived he was at complete liberty.

"Also, per the Commander's instructions, your new room is ready." She smiled at Levi. New room? Petra'd assumed…

Well, that they'd still have their old rooms. Sneak between them.

"Would you both come with me, please?" The woman's eyes latched onto Petra for one mere second, then darted away. She came out from behind the desk and gestured for the two of them to follow her upstairs. "Your luggage has been brought from your old rooms. We hope you enjoy your stay," the woman said coolly. She stopped outside a door, producing an iron key from her front apron pocket. Levi said nothing, so Petra followed his example. The woman opened the door, handed Levi the key—giving one quick, surreptitious glance at Petra—and walked back down the hall.

Petra followed her captain inside the room, and her mouth dropped.

It was large, probably the inn's largest. To the left, an entire sitting area was arranged, two armchairs, a sofa, a coffee table. Directly in front of them waited a large, four poster bed. Unlike Levi's bed, which had been a bit cramped for two, here they'd have ample room to…sleep. Someone had laid a fire in the hearth. The room actually came with its own hearth. Petra's fingers and cheeks tingled after the cold half hour she'd spent outside, and she stepped up to the fireplace to warm her palms. Levi closed the door behind him, scanning the surroundings with an impartial expression. There were three large bay windows, the curtains drawn. The day was bright, lightening the cream-papered walls. Petra saw a wardrobe to her right, and a door beside it. She opened the door, and found a wash room with a large, claw-footed bathtub in the center.

They had their own washing room. This was an extravagance beyond anything Petra had ever known.

"The Survey Corps funds shouldn't be used for this," she breathed, feeling lightheaded. Her voice echoed.

"Trust me, Erwin wouldn't. He paid for this out of his own pocket."

Petra shut the door and turned back to her captain. He stood before the fire, hands in his pockets, and gazed into the crackling flames.

"Why would he do something so…amazing?"

"If you really knew him, you wouldn't ask that question." It wasn't an admonishment. Levi was just distant, thoughts speeding somewhere far away from this room. Levi was many things, but not dreamy. Seeing him like this was almost unsettling. Petra imagined that his thoughts had followed after the Commander, trailing the man and his horse down the long road back to Wall Rose. She felt suddenly alone in here. And very shy.

"So," she murmured, and stepped nearer. Only one step; she didn't want to be too forward. Levi finally turned. He did not smile, or beckon for her.

"So," he said. "The woman said we've got two days off."

"Yes."

"How should we spend the time?"

His gaze held hers. Did he want her to answer? Petra hoped she didn't appear confused. As the seconds ticked past, she was less and less sure of what to do with her hands, her body…

"Come here," Levi said. Petra moved on instinct, obeying the order. She walked over, and he grabbed her. His arms locked tight around her body, and his mouth was hard on hers. Petra gasped with the shock, opening her mouth to him. Their tongues clashed. Petra shut her eyes and embraced him him, one hand teasing at his undercut, the other firm around his shoulders. Levi broke from her violently, gripped her by the collar of her jacket to hold her still. Then, he slid it from her shoulders, immediately folding and placing it by a chest at the foot of the bed. He turned back to her, still unsmiling, and unbuttoned her shirt with all the focus of a man in the heat of battle. Petra stood, dazed, as he stripped it, undid her bra. Then, when she was naked from the waist up, he kissed her lips, her cheeks, every inch of her face that he could get. There was nothing tender and fumbling like this morning. He was a man who always fulfilled his objectives, and right now he wanted her.

Petra could tell, from the urgency, that he wanted her a lot. She moaned against his lips, and he grunted in reply. She quickly started stripping him as well, fumbling with his buttons and cravat. She had to make certain to fold everything, though; even in the heat of passion, Levi would not allow clothes to be strewn all over the place.

His eyes, flat and gray, gleamed as they fully undressed. His body in the harsh light of noon was a miracle, every inch sculpted and solid. Soon they were standing in front of the hearth with the fire warming their bare skin, twined in each other's arms. Petra threw her head back, guiding Levi. His mouth journeyed all along her body. When he knelt in front of her, she shook from sheer anticipation. Her teeth chattered, and she clenched her jaw. Chattering was far from an erotic sound.

He dug his fingers into her hips, and kissed the juncture of her thighs. Petra's nerves seemed to explode with the slightest contact. She wound her fingers through his hair and gasped. Her legs trembled when he stood in front of her again. There was wildness in his gray eyes now, and his lips pulled back in an unconscious sneer. He was some kind of creature, his perfect control slipping away.

"Get in bed," he grunted. He pressed her backwards, and she flung the blankets aside and slid onto the mattress. Levi crawled after, practically throwing himself on top of her. She lay pinned beneath him, their hearts beating wildly in unison. His cock was hard and ready against her, but he did not move. Instead, he stared deep into her eyes, not with tenderness but with challenge. His right hand cupped her cheek, and then his fingers trailed along her face and down her neck. He stopped there, and his hand wound about her throat. Petra whimpered, bucking against him. She was terrified; she never wanted it to end.

Who was he? Who was this man?

"What are you going to do?" she whispered. She moved her body, bringing her sex flush with his. Levi hissed through his teeth.

"I. I don't know." He squeezed a bit tighter, and Petra gasped. It felt far better than she could've imagined. "I don't know where I am. It's like I'm falling, like…like my ODM didn't latch." He swallowed.

"What are you feeling?" He lessened his grip. His hand moved down to clasp her breast.

"I hate you a little," he growled, then kissed her roughly. His thumb circled her nipple. Petra bit his lower lip, and he snarled in reply. Breaking the kiss, he whispered in her ear. "I didn't want to feel this."

"I know."

"I've lost everything I ever had. If I lose you, too…" He paused, and kissed her temple. Some of that tenderness returned, mixed with the rage.

"I promised you once I'd never leave without a fight. I still promise that."

"Yeah, but we don't always get to choose." He yanked her head back by the hair. Petra winced with the force, but let him. She liked it, even as her eyes watered. She gasped when she felt him hard and ready, and when he shoved to the hilt inside her. Her back arched, and she tipped her head back. She'd been ready for him, and he fit perfectly. Levi gave a great cry as he sheathed himself. He still wasn't used to it.

"If you're upset, then take it out on me," Petra moaned. She started to move against him, urging him deeper. Levi hoisted himself up on his elbows, and gazed down at her. His black hair fell into his eyes. He bared his teeth once more.

He moved inside of her, hard. Petra dug her fingernails into his arms and held on as he started to ride her. Levi was confident in his movements now. Early this morning, he'd been tentative, rocking back and forth. But he was a genius with the physical, and sex was no exception. He seemed to have already come to understand what she needed, and what she wanted, and where she wanted it. Petra's breasts bounced as he thrust, and she pressed back against him, feeling him start to rub high against her clit. Her body began to tighten with the oncoming orgasm, even as her eyes watered with the violence of his thrusts.

Again, and again, and again he pounded into her. Occasionally, he'd lower himself to kiss her, his lips claiming hers. Nothing gentle. She loved it, and also felt the first thrum of fear. Levi moved harder, grunting as he fucked, going so deep that he struck her cervix over and over again. The bed began to wail beneath them as he went faster. Sweat glistened on the ends of his hair, and Petra dug her fingernails into the mattress. His eyes burned, his teeth were bared. He leaned over her like a predator nearing its kill.

"Levi. Levi." She moaned his name, but then whimpered it. "Levi. Ow."

Instantly, he stilled on top of her. Panting, he lowered himself. All the madness had leached out of his expression. Now, he looked almost frightened.

"Shit. Petra, I hurt you?"

"No, it was just…getting too rough. I'm fine. Really." She stroked his cheek, but he looked away from her. A muscle in his jaw ticked. Anger, but turned inward. At himself. She'd seen it countless times after they'd return from a mission. He'd sit at the table by himself, and she knew he was going over all the lives lost. All the ones he couldn't save. The ones he'd failed.

"I'm a real piece of shit. I'm sorry."

"No! No, you're not. It's good." She kissed his cheek, turning his chin so he'd face her. "It's the best I've ever had. We just need to practice, that's all. You know how important practice is." She hoped that her light, teasing tone would help. Levi's mouth twitched—his version of a smile—but he did not come back to her entirely.

"I just…I want to get this right. If anyone fucks it up, it'll be me."

She'd only ever seen him in control, at the head of their squad, at the Commander's side. As a fighter, he was unsurpassed. No one could hope to teach him anything, and any mistake was someone else's. It had to be. The captain was a legend, and perfect in what he did. Now, she realized that he was facing a situation where he would be judged, and learning. She had such power here.

Petra had never guessed that she'd have power over a man like this. The responsibility left her breathless.

"You are getting it right. We're going to keep it right, the two of us. Here. Kiss me." He did as she asked, and Petra slid her hands down his back. She pulled him forward, guiding him in a steady, rocking motion. This time, through touch and whispered words, she told him not to simply thrust. Instead, it should be an almost liquid motion, his entire body involved in going in and out, in and out. As she'd expected, Levi adapted to it almost at once. When he began to speed up again, she encouraged it. Petra wrapped her legs around his waist, and her eyes fluttered shut to feel the growing pressure inside of her, the tension building at that perfect spot between her thighs.

"Please. Harder," she whispered.

"Yes," he growled. Once again, the bed moaned beneath them, but this time she felt only pleasure. Her climax drew nearer, and she could see from the tight, hyper-focused expression on his face that Levi was closing in on his end as well.

"Wait. Stop," she gasped. He came to an instant halt on top of her, panting rapidly. Sweat trickled down his neck, and his face was flushed.

"I hurt you again?" he rasped.

"I want to finish you on top," she whispered. He blinked, clearly not understanding what she meant. Levi made a surprised noise when she rolled over, taking him with her. Petra straddled him, adjusting herself and slipping him back deep inside of her body. On top, the air was wonderfully cool on her skin. It was such a different feeling, this way. The feeling of being under a man was wonderful because of its surrender; on top of him, it was control and pure taking. Petra loved both. Needed both. "Is this okay?" she asked. Levi's eyes widened, and his brow furrowed.

"I'm not… I like it when you're under me," he muttered at last. He gripped her thighs. "I like feeling all of you."

Yes, Levi was not much of an adventurous sort in his personal habits. When he liked a shirt, he ordered twelve of the same cut and color. When he liked a type of food, he ate it whenever possible. He might not want a lot of variety in his sex life. Petra had anticipated this.

"It's fine to have a favorite position. But I'd like to experiment a little with you." She leaned forward and kissed him. "Could we at least try?"

"If you want it, we'll do it."

She placed his hands on her hips, and let him feel the rhythm. She moved back and forth, increasing the pace, swirling her body whenever possible. Levi's mouth fell open as she rode him. He stroked her as she fucked, played with her breasts. His fingertips traced her stomach until they came to the hair at her sex. Then, for a moment, his hand fell away and she watched him watch where they were joined. A fierce light kindled in his gaze. He watched his body move in and out of hers with total wonder.

"You're inside me because I want you there." Petra's end was approaching, and she spoke in a breathless voice. "I don't want anyone else. Only you."

"Yes," he moaned. He pressed his thumb against her clit as she rode. The world became awash with light. Petra threw her head back, shaking as she neared the climax.

"Levi." She kept calling his name as she took him deep, felt him strike against her cervix one last time. The pressure inside of her released, the building excitement exploded throughout her body, shattering her and remaking her from one second to the next. Petra moaned as she fell forward atop him, her cheek pressed against his chest as Levi wrapped his arms around her and thrust hard a few more times before his entire body tensed beneath her. With a cry, she felt him come inside of her, ride his orgasm out. Then they were left holding each other, trying to steady their breathing. When Petra rolled off, she felt the stickiness between her thighs. She was relieved they had their own wash room.

They lay side by side in the giant bed, both gazing up at the blank ceiling. Finally, Petra giggled.

"Eh?" He looked at her.

"In the back of my mind, when we started, I was a little afraid it was so good this morning because I was just excited. Now I know it's just good."

"Well. Good," he grunted, but she knew he was pleased. He rolled over onto his side, placed a hand on her stomach. He set his jaw. "You got a plan to keep from getting pregnant?"

She nodded. "It'll help with our own bathroom. I just need a small sponge. I'm sure that they have one here. In fact, I wouldn't be surprised if there's one in there already."

"What makes you think that?"

Petra lifted an eyebrow. "The woman who brought us to the room gave me a certain look."

"Women. It's all looks with you."

Petra scoffed, and lightly batted at his arm. They both froze, staring at each other aghast. She had never, ever, ever struck a blow playfully at him. She'd never crossed any line of respect. For a full minute, no one spoke.

"I'm sorry," she whispered. But Levi shook his head.

"Pretty sure I've given you worse in training. We'll call it even." He kissed her, then whispered against her lips, "Brat."

Petra grinned through the kiss. When they broke apart, she batted her eyes in full fake innocence.

"If you'd like to make me suffer for it, I can think of a few ways."

"Huh?" His eyes narrowed in suspicion. "You mean…you like being smacked?"

"I've never tried it, but Nifa told me that it can be fun. I mean, if it's done right."

"And you want to try it?"

"Like I said. I want to experiment with you." She cupped the back of his neck and pulled him down into a kiss. "Orders, sir?" she teased.

"I think you're giving the orders right now, Ral." He kissed her again. "Fine. If you think you'll enjoy it."

As it turned out, Petra did enjoy it. Levi didn't as much, she could tell, but she loved him for trying. The rest of the afternoon passed in a blur of tangled sheets. Levi went out to get some food (he would not ring the bell cord and request service; he did not want to add more money to Erwin's bill), and when he returned they ate before the fire. After lunch, they made love on the hearth rug, and soon after tried out both armchairs and the sofa as well. Even when she grew sore, Petra wanted to keep going. She did not want to miss a single second of this time, and became lost in her captain's arms, wrapped her legs around his waist. Simply touching the silken warmth of his skin was enough to speed her climax. Levi did not tire, either. He was practically a machine, content to grapple and couple with her in every inch of the room. They discovered a shared favorite position, him sitting up and her straddling him. It allowed her to feel every inch of him, and for him to hold her close.

Finally, as the sun dipped behind the buildings and the blue shadows lengthened, they were spent. Petra lay on her back in front of the dying fire, her nipples tingling, her limbs heavy and exhausted. Levi got up from beside her, and padded to the bathroom. She closed her eyes as she heard him turn on the water.

"I haven't had a bath in years," she murmured.

"Only time I ever had one was when my mother gave me one in the laundry bucket." Levi rubbed the back of his head as he came to lift her to her feet. Petra's legs were rubbery.

"In the underground?" He'd mentioned it once, but she couldn't help wanting to pry. "What was that like?"

Levi let go of her hand, his gaze wary. "Not now. Someday."

Someday. It wasn't a lover's suggestion, but an order. Petra decided not to press it. She had to let the relationship breathe a bit more first. She knew it instinctively. Instead, she let him guide her to the wash room, smiling to feel Levi kiss the back of her neck on the way. They took a few lit candles inside, then Petra tested the water. Steam wafted from the surface, but it wasn't boiling hot. Tentatively, she entered and eased herself into the bath. She let out a low, breathy moan at the feel of the hot water.

"Fuck, you sound like you almost came." Levi sounded impressed and, judging from how erect he was growing, aroused.

"Come in. You'll feel the same." She grinned, and inched forward to give him space. He sat down beside her, making the same surprised, ecstatic noise as she had. The water lapped back and forth as they adjusted their positions, with Petra lying against his chest and his arms around her. The surface stilled, and Petra drowsed. She'd never been this comfortable before.

"We need to have a bath tomorrow as well," Levi murmured. He kissed her temple, and her ear.

"One in the morning, and one at night."

"I always liked how you think, Petra."

She tilted her head and kissed him. Petra felt him growing hard against her backside, and reached down in the water to give him some help. A few breathless minutes later, she'd turned around on her knees. They kissed deeply, her hand clasping the back of his neck and her thumb idly stroking up and down his throat. Levi gave a contented growl.

"I think this is what being happy feels like." He sounded sated, like he'd just pushed away from a large meal.

"You think?"

"It feels different than usual. Nothing hurts."

"In here, it's hard to believe everything that's going on outside." Petra pressed her cheek to his, and thought of titans and galloping horses, blades and the Commander's shouted speeches. Blood, and death. How could all of that exist in the same world as this moment of peace? It felt like she'd dreamed all the titans, and the military.

Levi wrapped his arms around her, pressed her close to his chest.

"How the fuck did I find you?" he mused. He spoke low, and looked at the window fogged by steam. A hazy moon peered in on them. The candles were starting to gutter; soon, they'd be in near darkness. The water, now cooling, sloshed as Petra sat back on her knees. Levi looked at her, his arms slung on either side of him along the tub's edge. He looked relaxed, the bags under his eyes all the more pronounced in stark contrast. "How the fuck do I deserve this?" he muttered.

"You do." She brushed some damp strands of hair from her face. "Just trust me."

The slight flicker of light across his face, and the twitch of his cheek; they happened before he said, "I do."

Her heart sank a bit. He did, but he didn't. He trusted her to a point—more than most people, perhaps, but not all the way. He didn't trust her with his past…

No. Petra shook her head lightly. All that had to be earned. He was a locked room, and she was searching for the key. She'd find it. She would.

"Can I ask a favor?" She stretched out, and kissed his lips. Levi grunted yes. "Tomorrow, let's go out."

"Out?" He frowned. "What's outside that you want to see?"

Petra grinned and nuzzled his cheek. "I've never been to the capital before. There are parks, and taverns, and museums…"

"I've never been to a museum." He didn't say it like he was curious. Petra sighed.

"We need to get to know each other outside of this room."

"Hell are you talking about? We've known each other for years."

"Not like this. Not…not in this kind of relationship." Petra bit at her lip. Her instinct screamed to obey him at once, to stay in this room and fuck him for hours. He was her captain, and she simply did as commanded. At least, that was what their relationship had been. Her body wouldn't have minded staying and screwing, to be fair, but it wouldn't be wise. The Commander had given them three days together. He likely wanted to see how they'd get along. To know that, they had to do more than fuck.

They had to talk. She told Levi as much.

"I talk a lot," he muttered in reply. Petra waited until she knew for sure she wouldn't laugh, then spoke.

"I want to know that you like me, not just having sex with me." She said it more shyly than she thought she would. She shivered as he looked fully at her.

"You really think that? Tch. Thought you had more sense."

"I want to make sure we can be together in lots of different places."

"All right." He touched her chin. "We'll go out. We'll see the museums."

Petra grinned. "We don't have to go to those."

"Well, thank fuck."

They drained the tub, and an hour later Petra lay nestled in Levi's arms. He was deep asleep already, his face slack and expression gentle. The fire had burned down to embers, and the inn was quiet. Petra felt how heavy her naked body was in this warm, silent world. She listened to Levi's steady, rasped breathing, and curled against him. He did not stir. A full day of sex had knocked him out entirely.

Good. He needed his rest. She kissed his forehead, his hair tickling her nose.

"I love you," she murmured. It felt good to say those words, better to mean them. The captain did not reply—she hadn't expected it—but he reached out in his sleep and pressed her near. She closed her eyes, and slept soundly.

"What about a tour of the palace? I've always wanted to see the inside." Petra laced up her boots, and settled her long skirt. Thank the goddesses themselves she'd brought two extra changes of clothes. Levi had grumbled she'd packed too much, but she was happy not to wear her Survey Corps uniform today. She wanted to be anonymous.

"We can get a private look anytime you want." He slipped into his dark jacket, and Petra smiled. He'd also gone with civilian clothes. No Wings of Freedom today. Everyone knew of the bold Captain Levi, but most didn't know what he looked like. They could wander the streets, entirely free.

"The fun's in being like everyone else."

"Tch. Well, if you wanna spend all day fawning over the nobles and their merchant pets," he muttered. Levi dusted at his sleeves, his back to her. Her captain had never much cared for the rich and powerful. If he came from the underground, Petra could understand why.

"Then how about a walk down to the fountain square? It'll be turned off in winter, but I hear it's the most beautiful place in the city."

"Yeah. Sounds good." Levi ushered her out the door, locked it behind them, then walked down the stairs by her side. "Wonder if there are any good tea shops," he mused. Petra laughed, and slipped her arm through his as they walked into the morning. The sun was brilliant, and her breath steamed in the cold air.

It was amazing to walk on Levi's arm, amazing to pass out through the inn and into the city with no one to gawk at them. They looked like an ordinary man and woman today. Just an ordinary couple, enjoying the sights.

"Thank you." Petra squeezed his arm. Levi touched her hand briefly, squeezed her fingers.

"Don't thank me until you're sure I'm not a pain in the ass."

"All right, then." She kissed his cheek. Levi paused, and Petra halted beside him. "What is it? Levi?"

He did not answer, only turned in a circle. He wore the hard, focused look he always got out beyond the walls, whenever he was waiting for an attack. For a minute, he looked in every direction, up and down. The hair on Petra's neck stood on end. Then, finally, he returned to her. "What was that?"

"Nothing. Sorry. Thought someone was watching."

Watching?

"You're Humanity's Strongest. It must be odd to walk outside and not have people falling over themselves to meet you," she teased. He wrapped an arm around her waist, and pulled her close.

"You brat." He kissed her. "Come on. I want to see what's so great about this damn city."

Well, now. He hadn't expected that.

He watched from the alley's shadows, watched the runt and the little red-haired vixen on his arm as they paraded themselves through the streets. When Levi'd turned around, the man feared he'd been spotted. But no; the runt's gray eyes scanned the area, and then he turned away. The girl on his arm—oi, she was a child, that one, good on Levi, the horny devil—she tugged at him, took him by the hand, pulled him after her. She led the way, Levi content to do as she asked.

To think, that midget let her paw at him like that. Used to be Levi'd kill a man for so much as brushing past him without tipping his hat.

Must be love.

Fucking moron.

The old man grinned, coughed once, then flipped up his collar against the cold. Ah, yes. He trudged out of the alley and looked up at the inn where the runt and his little piece of fluff were staying.

Oi, oi, he thought to himself. This would be more fun than even he'd anticipated.