Envy, Part 1

Levi needed to punch something. Or someone. Either would do, really.

His anger wasn't immediate. It had started with mere frustration - a twitch of his finger, a sharpening to his already cold glare - but had steadily built up and was now simmering just below his surface. He was barely able to keep his cool, collected exterior, and that only ticked him off even more.

It was because of her. Or, rather...

Ella seemed to spare no second thoughts to her closeness with some of the males of the Scout Regiment. She appeared oblivious to the wide grin on Eren's face as he would wave her over to his table at mealtimes, or the way Armin's cheeks would tint just the slightest shade of pink when she ruffled his hair. And then there was Jean.

It was obvious that the young man harbored some affections for Ella. He took every chance he had to touch her - an arm slung casually around her shoulders, fingertips on her elbow when they spoke - and she didn't bat an eye. She just smiled and played along, upholding her bubbly personality, as always. It was infuriating.

Make no mistake - Levi held no claims upon the girl, nor did he pretend to. But the thought of Jean's filthy hands on her made his blood boil.

The very fact that the idea of the brat remaining oblivious to the boy's attention bothered him only succeeded in making him even more angry. He had been visibly more irate than usual; barking orders at cadets, sending sharp glares to anyone who looked his way, and snapping at those closest to him.

Levi realized that he was unjustly taking out his irritation on those who didn't deserve it, but, then, he was never very good at controlling his anger.

Now, watching Ella eating with the newest soldiers, Jean shamelessly seeking out any innocent physical contact he could get as they spoke and laughed, Levi felt his veins flare up with fire.

Jean caught his stare and smirked, leaning in close to whisper something in Ella's ear. What ever he said made her blush profusely, cheeks burning red at either his words or his proximity, or perhaps both.

Levi's stomach churned, his fists clenching beneath the table.


"Captain Levi is staring at you."

Cheeks reddening at Jean's teasing whisper of a remark, Ella turned to face the young man, blush deepening when she realized how close he had brought his face to hers.

"H-hey! Don't say such silly things, Jean!"

Supporting himself with his elbow on the table, Jean swiveled on the wooden bench to face her, chin resting on his open palm. "Why so worked up, Ella?" He leaned in closer. "Are you embarrassed?"

"N-no way!" She pushed her arms out in front of her, forcing a bit more distance between them. Her ears prickled red.

Jean grabbed her outstretched hand with one of his own, letting out a loud chuckle. "Say, you're cute when you blush, Ella."

"J-Jean-!"

A loud clatter followed by the screeching of chair legs scraping against the wooden floor echoed through the mess hall, interrupting their banter. The room quieted.

Ella looked towards the source of the outburst, olive green eyes wide and startled.

Levi stood, demeanor darkened and eyes cast downwards, hands splayed across the wooden table. His cup of tea lay broken and abandoned on its side, contents spilling and seeping out onto the floor.

Recovering quickly from his shock, Erwin put a hand on his friend's shoulder. "Levi..."

The raven-haired man yanked his arm away, glaring at the Commander with sharp gunmetal irises.

"Tch."

Horrified, Ella watched him stride quickly out of the room, slamming the wooden door behind him.

She paled.

"I wonder what his problem is..." Eren muttered, scratching the back of his head.

Jean smirked, watching the spectacle nonchalantly. "Something's got the Captain's panties all in a twist."

Coming back to her senses, Ella yanked her hand from the young man's grip, cheeks flushing once more. "J-Jean!"

"Levi's been on edge all night watching Jean flirt with you, Ella."

She turned around to face her dirty-blonde friend. "Aubrey, w-what...?"

The girl smirked at her, folding her arms across her chest. "He couldn't stand the sight of Blondie's hands all over you." An evil giggle left Aubrey's lips.

Ella's blush deepened, and she turned to pound her fist on Jean's chest. "Jean!"

"H-hey!" His cheeks tinted light pink, and he rubbed the back of his neck with one hand. "Sorry, Ella. I just couldn't help it." He chuckled nervously.

Ella sighed in resignation, slumping over the table, "As if the Captain didn't hate me enough already..."

"There, there, Ella..." Eren patted her on the back tentatively.

"Yeah," Armin joined in. "I'm sure he doesn't hate you, Ella!"

Her eyes glistened with the beginnings of the build up of tears. "How do you know?"

"W-well, that is..." Eren smiled nervously. "I think that's just how he is with everyone."

The auburn-haired woman groaned, letting her forehead fall down to make contact with the wooden table with a thunk and the slight clatter of the dishes jumping with the sudden movement.

"E-Ella! Your head!" Jean panicked, reaching out to put an arm around her back.

"Hey, Ella." A feminine voice resounded from near her face, breaking her out of her wallowing.

Hange stood across from her at the table, leaning down on her elbows so that she was eye-level with the young woman.

"Hange?" She looked up at the friendly face of her previous squad leader.

Hange grinned sweetly at her. "Don't be so hard on yourself. I think Levi's just feeling a little jealous."

Ella's eyes widened. "Jealous?"

"Well, duh." Aubrey stated from behind her. "That much was obvious." She leaned back against the wall, smirking coyly.

Ella stared dumbly between the two.

"He would never admit it, but I think Levi really likes spending time with you, Ella." Hange stated cheerfully, holding up a finger. "Plus, he likes being the one with your attention."

"D-don't be silly." Her cheeks flushed red once again. "The Captain treats me like a nuisance. He acts like he doesn't even want me around..." She stared down at her lap.

Hange giggled. "He's just bad at expressing his feelings."

"Really bad." Aubrey scoffed.

Ella frowned, rubbing the back of her head. "Still..."

She couldn't seem to get his icy glower out of her mind.