Chapter 3: Longing

Levi turned over in his bed for what seemed like the hundredth time, now having a staring contest with the wall. His legs were tangled in the sheets from his restless movements, causing a light sweat to break out along his creased brow. He sighed, his eyes sliding closed, as he tried to remember what it was like when every night was like this.

It was raining, and the pitter-patter of raindrops on the roof kept drawing Levi from sleep. The air was cold and still in the room, making goosebumps break out along his skin beneath the sheets. A soft knock at his door made him flinch, but he quickly sat up as he heard it creak open.

A small figure slipped into the room, disappearing into the darkness after they slowly closed the door. Levi immediately knew who it was just by how the moonlight filtered through the window, illuminating the intruder's golden hair.

"Petra," he whispered, his voice somewhat hoarse.

The figure hesitantly walked towards him, making Levi sit up straighter. He fumbled for her hand in the dark, pulling her closer until she fell onto the bed beside him.

"What are you doing here?" He knew his voice sounded harsher than he meant it to, but his exhaustion was getting the best of him.

Petra shook her head, her eyes darting away. "I know that you said we ought to stop visiting each other since we moved into the castle, but I…"

Levi sighed. He knew exactly what she meant. Tugging at her wrist lightly, he brought her against his chest, wrapping his arms around her. Petra easily melted against his firm body, snaking her arms around his waist.

"I know what I said, but I was wrong. I can't sleep without you," Levi murmured against her soft hair. Petra felt a blush coming on, and she was grateful for the darkness so that he wouldn't be able to notice.

"Isn't that why you came here?" Levi asked her.

Petra nodded, raising her eyes to look at him. "Can I…stay here tonight?"

Levi nodded without hesitation, laying her down beside him. He tucked her head securely under his chin and held her flush against him so he could feel her heartbeat pounding in time with his. Levi gently traced circles into shoulder with his thumb, now awake and unable to fall asleep now with her by his side.

Petra began fiddling with the edge of his shirt, inhaling the intoxicating scent she could only identify as Levi. Her fingers danced over his ribs, causing him to let out a low growl in contentment. He just wanted to flip her over that second and fuck her into the bed, despite the risk of waking everyone else in the god-forsaken castle. Levi couldn't keep his hand from straying up her leg, slowly pushing her shirt up. He layered kisses up and down Petra's swan neck, squeezing her waist lightly as she shifted even closer. He felt Petra's hot breath wash over him as she sighed against him. In response, she tightly gripped the front of his shirt in reassurance that he was really there.

Levi lifted her chin with his index finger so their gazes met, staring into her moistened eyes. "I'm here. I'm not going to leave you, okay?"

Petra nodded silently, kissing him softly on the lips, pouring all of her love into the gesture. Levi returned the kiss with even greater fervor, disregarding whatever consequences they may face in the coming morning. Right now, she was his and he was hers. That was all that mattered.

–

"Good morning, Captain," Petra said with a smile. She automatically handed him his usual morning cup of coffee, the tips of her fingers lightly grazing across his knuckles.

Levi only grunted in response, giving her a short glance in her direction. Although the exchange was brief and formal, the glint in his eyes was the only thing that gave away anything hinting at their affair.

Petra sat to the side of him, sipping her own cup of coffee. The two of them sat in silence as Levi read over a stack of papers, Petra simply enjoying the moment's silence. A half an hour later, the rest of the squad all made their way into the room, Petra immediately rising to fix their coffee. Not long after, Eren stumbled in, his eyes still glazed over from sleep.

"Didn't sleep well, kid?" Erd asked him, cocking an eyebrow. Gunther chuckled while Auruo rolled his eyes.

"Yeah…. This castle sure must be old. It sure creaks a lot at night," Eren muttered, rubbing his eyes.

Levi cast a sidelong glance over at Petra, who redirected her gaze down into her coffee as she took a long sip from her cup. Erd suddenly burst out laughing, startling Eren to the point that he jumped in his chair. Even Petra began quickly snickering, and Levi couldn't help the tiniest smirk against the rim of his cup.