"Ackerman!"

"Yes, Corporal?"

"Come here."

Mikasa obeyed. That isn't to say she did it gladly, because the first thing she noticed when he spoke was that his voice had dipped into his older drawl, his accent from his previous village and life, and that only happened when he was upset with very good reason.

"Have you cleaned the dining hall floors yet?"

"Yes, sir."

"To perfection?"

"I believe so, sir."

"We'll see about that."

Tch.

"Anything else, sir?"

Mikasa's previous softness for her Corporal's height was fading quickly to impatience. There was a real chance that the Corporal would not approve of her cleaning and demand more, and truthfully her hands were still pruned and stinging from the exposure to so many abrasive liquid chemicals.

He seemed like he was about to dismiss her, but something lit up in his eyes; Mikasa felt an instant concern.

"Yes," Levi replied slowly, thoughtfully. "Yes. About your scarf."

Mikasa thought to run, as the look in his eyes was foxlike and screamed of danger, and it was always a bad sign when he began to smile, but he was too quick. Her Corporal's hand shot out like an arrow and grabbed her by the tail of her scarf, pulling it taut and yanking her far too close to his face. Suddenly, Mikasa felt the warmth of his breath, could see the intense detail of the grey freckles in his eyes, the crease of his cheeks where he faintly smirked. His volume dropped to a low hiss.

"An accessory like this would normally be in your way during battle. However, fortunately for you, I believe red suits you, Ackerman."

The words hung in the air, the proximity between the pair seemingly feeling or becoming smaller and smaller. The intensity of the Corporal's words were powerful, and Mikasa felt uncharacteristically flustered in the face of such intimidation - it faintly crossed her mind that from this position, he could both break her neck or kiss her if he so chose, and Mikasa deftly began shifting into a more advantageous position... all whilst biting her lower lip softly. His gaze moved from her own to her mouth, and quickly back again.

"I've graciously decided to let you continue wearing it."

The look in Levi's eyes was indescribable, but dark. Dark, dark, alluringly dark. It seemed to be hard for him to say this. It was almost like he was compromising, though what for she did not know. Mikasa was not given much time to think about it, as he then released her and immediately strode out the door and away towards the dining hall.

Goddamnit.

Mikasa shut her eyes, and released a long, shuddering breath she hadn't even realized she'd been holding.