Hanji walked the halls of the barracks with a cup of hot tea in her hands. She had just brewed a fresh batch that morning and wanted to get Levi's opinion on the taste. He made it a point to her that she needed to work on getting better on brewing the best cup of tea.
No one else has to go through this approval process, thought Hanji grudgingly. She had passed by Levi's room first and noticed that he wasn't in there. She had already checked the mess hall and figured he must be outside somewhere. She knew all of his usual spots and headed for the training area.
Levi was in the middle of running the obstacle course, which consisted of wooden platforms of various heights. Steel bars were also scattered to allow flips and climbing.
Hanji watched from a distance, not wanting to disturb the Captain, knowing he liked to stay fit. It was not only for his personal lifestyle, but to prevent him from getting killed or injured easier. Although it was still early morning and the weather was cool and overcast, Levi performed his tasks shirtless and had built up a good sweat, causing his upper physique to glisten and his hair to stick to his face.
Hanji approached close enough to get a better look. His body was like that of a chiseled art piece, for the world to admire. His muscles moved appetizingly as he alternated from pushups and situps. As he flipped off his back to switch to his situp sets, he landed badly on his previously injured leg. He grunted out a cry of pain and stumbled forward. He paused for a moment to catch his breath before resuming his workout.
Hanji noticed a group of younger female cadets had gathered nearby to watch Levi. They giggled and did a horrible job hiding their prying eyes. Levi made a noise of annoyance and made an attempt to walk away out of their immediate eyesight. He stopped instantly when he spotted Hanji.
She had noticed Levi turning to head towards her. Before he had the chance to spot her, she immediately moved her eyeglasses to rest above her head.
"Enjoying the show, Four Eyes?" he asked her, a tone of amusement in his voice. He felt his chest swell at the thought of Hanji watching him.
"Oh Levi!" Hanji greeted, playing dumb. She feigned absent mindedness and placed her glasses back in the proper position, adjusting them on her nose. "I thought that was you. Without my glasses on, I wasn't sure! Good for you being in top form this morning!"
Levi looked dejected and asked with a disappointed tone, "What do you want?"
"What else?" Hanji stated, more than asked. "You should know by now. I made some tea this morning."
"Right right," Levi answered, taking the tea from her. He took a sip slowly. It took everything in Hanji's power not to skim her eyes up and down the Captain's body as he remained shirtless in front of her.
"I've had worse," Levi said, his eyes moving from the tea to Hanji's pleased expression.
Hanji smiled. She already knew Levi's way of speaking and she took it as praise to her tea-making skills this morning. "Well, thank you Levi."
They began to walk together back to the barracks. "Have you had breakfast yet?" Levi asked her. He made it his personal prerogative to check on Hanji, knowing she was prone to skip meals, baths, and sleep. Moblit, as Hanji's personal assistant, did the same.
"No, but I guess I'll head to the mess hall now." Hanji replied. "You?"
"Yes, but I want to clean up first." He said with disgust. "Worked up a sweat this morning."
"I can see that," Hanji said playfully. "You going to throw on a shirt before we go back inside? Many of the girls are going to be up by now..."
"Tch. What do I care?" Levi answered, throwing his hands in his pockets. "Besides, I don't want to get my shirt dirty."
As they entered inside, Levi and Hanji continued to walk together until it was time to go their separate ways. Levi inconspicuously made quick glances towards Hanji, wondering if she would notice his bare torso. Unfortunately, whenever he looked, Hanji's attention was either straightforward, or elsewhere.
Levi recalled her assistant Moblit's words from a long time ago asking if Hanji would notice Levi, even if he brought her shopping items to her personally. Levi frowned, wondering if Hanji would notice him more if he was at least a 3 meter titan.
As they passed the kitchen, Hanji let Levi know that it was her stop and that she was going to help prepare the morning meals. Levi nodded and made his way back to his room grumpily. As he passed some of the female soldiers walking the halls, he rolled his eyes as he heard them gasp and giggle.
Would they just shut up already? he thought sourly. Moreso because Hanji had not made any indication of attraction to him.
Once Levi had bathed and gotten dressed, he headed down to the mess hall. Breakfast had already begun and many of the soldiers had already filled the seating area. He spotted Hanji up ahead, putting some of the selection on her tray. Levi looked ahead and noticed that this morning's options had some fruit. But there weren't many left.
"Oi Hanji," Levi called as he placed some eggs and toast on his plate. "Save me some fruit, would you?"
Hanji had turned to talk to Armin, who approached her from the side. In that moment, the soldier behind Hanji had taken the last saucer of fruit.
"Tch. Typical," Levi said. He went to go sit down at an empty table, already coming to terms that today was just not his morning. A group of female cadets from earlier approached Levi. One of them asked, "Excuse me Levi Heichou, would you like some company? We noticed you were sitting alone..."
"No thanks," Levi said shortly. "I want to be alone."
The girls turned and walked away rejected. Levi let out a sigh of relief and began to eat his breakfast. Damn Four Eyes, he thought grumpily. She never notices me...everyone else seems to revel in my existence due to my reputation...his mind considering those annoying female cadets...but do I get that one person as a fan? A sudden CLANK made him look up from his food. There was a saucer of fruit placed in front of him. He looked up to see Hanji smiling at him. He thought she had given him hers and was about to reject it politely when he noticed that she had one already in her tray.
"Snagged an extra one from the kitchen." Hanji mock whispered playfully. "One of your favorite things to eat in the morning, right?"
Levi was taken aback. He didn't know Hanji had heard him when he called to her earlier. "Y-yeah," he answered quietly, looking back down at the fruit, pulling it towards him. As he looked back up at Hanji, his eyes softened. Her smile and demeanor was like a lighthouse piercing through the thick fog around him and he immediately felt his mood brighten. "Thanks."
She sat down next to him. "Do you mind?"
"Knock yourself out." Levi answered as he began to eat.
"So, I heard an interesting story this morning in the kitchen..." Hanji said after a few moments of silence from them busy enjoying their breakfast.
Levi looked at her but didn't answer. She smiled, knowing she piqued his interest and continued, "I met a lovely young girl who was cleaning named Mary."
"What's your point Shitty Glasses?" Levi answered, bored.
"Apparently, Captain Levi had punished her and her boyfriend for being too friendly," she finished, still amused at the story, herself.
Levi made a snort of disgust. "They were kissing like 2 lovesick dogs. Distasteful."
"No one was around," Hanji retorted softly, siding with the poor girl.
"It's not a way for soldiers to behave." Levi scolded Hanji lightly. "This isn't a single's resort."
"I'm sure you were young once," Hanji teased. "You know how when you want to show affection to that special someone you kiss them all the time."
Levi set down his mug with a CLINK. There was a long pause between them as they stared at each other. Hanji tried to read him and waited for what he was going to say. It looked like he was struggling with something. Levi finally broke eye contact.
"I wouldn't know," he said poker-faced, looking away from Hanji.
"Huh?" Hanji said, confused. "Does that mean that you've-"
"Interpret it as you will, Four Eyes," Levi said dismissively. He stood up to make his way towards the trash bins. Hanji took notice of his behavior. He was obviously uncomfortable and didn't want to get into more detail in public. Levi proceeded to go back to his room but Hanji was on his tail.
"Beat it Shitty Glasses!" he growled as she caught up to him. "I don't want to talk about it."
"Oh, come on!" she pleaded. "I never knew this about you!"
"Would you shut up?" he growled, looking around to make sure no one was nearby to listen.
"Please?" she begged. "Just tell me!" They were at the Captain's door.
"No," he said firmly.
He was in the middle of opening the door when Hanji began pleading again. "Please! I won't tell anyone! I promise!" Some soldiers were approaching and Levi didn't want to have Hanji make a scene.
He grabbed her by the front of her shirt and tugged forcibly, throwing her into his room before slamming the door behind them.
"Dammit Four Eyes!" he shouted, tearing his gaze away from the door to glower at her once he felt the coast was clear. "I already told you, I'm not comfortable talking about it!"
He walked over to his desk and sat down on his chair, pinching the bridge of his nose. "But if it will get you off my back for the day, I'll let you ask me..." he held up three fingers. "Three questions and that's it!"
"Just three?" Hanji asked. "But-"
"Take it or leave it," Levi snarled, folding his arms. Hanji sat down on Levi's bed and pondered for a moment.
Levi groaned, casting his face towards the ceiling, knowing Hanji was wording the questions in her head. He could practically hear the gears turning inside her mind.
"So, you've never kissed anyone," Hanji began.
"No," Levi snapped. "Thats one."
"Uh uh uh," Hanji said, waving one of her fingers from side to side. "That wasn't a question, I was just stating the fact."
"Dammit!" Levi shouted, his face coming down to glare at her once again. "No more of that! Ask your stupid questions!"
"Ok," Hanji said, wiggling in her seat in excitement. "Why haven't you? You're so cute!"
"Would you stop calling me cute?" he asked annoyed. "It's not exactly what a shorter man like me wants to hear to boost his self esteem."
"You don't need to," Hanji answered matter of factly.
Levi's eyes widened in shock as she blinked at him innocently, waiting for him to continue. What does she mean? He began to feel a blush when he remembered her question, snapping him back to reality. "My life never had time for romance. It was all about survival."
"Have you ever wanted to kiss anyone?" she asked earnestly. Levi eyed Hanji, his face hard to read, as always. Deep down, Levi knew Hanji could read him well but he didn't know how to answer her without further digging himself into a hole. His eyes lowered to stare at her lips for a moment. He hesitated, swallowing quietly, unsure of himself. "I-I don't know. I never thought about it too much." He looked back up at her, his face returning to a stern countenance. "That's two," he warned.
"Well I gave you your first hug," Hanji added playfully. "Maybe I can help you with your first kiss."
"That's disgusting," Levi spat, even though he felt heat rising to his face, the thought of Hanji's lips pressed against his.
"Not me!" Hanji pleaded. "I can help you-"
"I don't want to kiss anyone!" snapped Levi. He raked his hands through his hair in frustration. "Gah, this is such an inappropriate conversation to be having right now!"
"Wait..." Hanji said thinking. She looked at him with a coy smile. "Wait wait wait..."
Levi sighed in exasperation. He began to take a sip of his tea to calm his nerves. This particular batch was made by someone else. He made a mental note as he sipped that the morning tea Hanji made was much better in comparison.
"If you've never been kissed," Hanji continued. "...then you've also never slept with anyone either have you?!"
Levi sputtered, choking on his tea. Annoyed, he grabbed his cravat and began wiping down the tea he spilled on himself. Now pissed off at the further humiliation he was enduring, he glared at Hanji, his eyes burning dangerously. She shrank down, sensing the upcoming danger.
"I've fucked plenty of women!" he lied. "And I don't need your help NOR do I want YOU to be one of them!" He stood up and marched over to Hanji, gripping her arm to pull her up.
"We're done here!" he growled. "Leave!"
"But I haven't asked you my third question!" She protested as he dragged her to the door.
"That was your third question, idiot," he said angrily. He pushed her out the door. "This conversation is over!" He slammed the door on her stunned face.
The next day passed awkwardly. Levi avoided all conversation and eye contact with Hanji. Not only was he pissed beyond comprehension about her prying questions, he felt humiliated that in regards to his personal romance life, he was as inexperienced as a young boy in high school.
Even during their morning Eren's Titan Hardening practice, Eren noticed that the two weren't really communicating as usual. Levi was especially nice, handing Eren one of his handkerchiefs when he had started bleeding. Eren noticed that Levi seemed to have been upset with Hanji, but it was not his place to ask such things.
After Eren's training was over, Levi returned to his room and he sat down on his desk chair brooding, head in his hands. Not long after, there was a knock on his door. Hanji's knock.
"Go away!" Levi snarled.
The door opened and Levi growled, "Dammit Four Eyes!"
"Hey if you really wanted no visitors, you should lock your door," Hanji commented, walking inside.
"I'll do that starting now," he said, picking himself up and storming over to her.
She held out a teacup and the most recent batch she made. "Relax," she said, walking over and placing the tea atop his desk. "I'm just following your orders on my tea approval."
"Oh that you follow," he said sarcastically. He began to pour himself a cup.
"Levi..." Hanji began slowly. "I'm sorry about the other day."
Levi began to sip the tea in his cup. He hummed in approval. "Not bad."
"I made sure to pay special attention to this batch" she explained. "...as a means of apologizing."
"You can't pay special attention the other times you make it?" Levi asked.
"Levi," she protested.
"Ok Hanji," Levi said holding up his free hand. "It's forgiven. Just drop it."
"Alright," Hanji said, giving him a slight smile. "Want an apology hug?" she asked, opening her arms invitingly. Levi continued to sip his tea, his eyes locked on hers, showing no indication that he wanted one. Hanji shrugged her shoulders, turning to the door. As Levi watched her, a pang of loneliness hit him, not wanting her to leave him so soon. He realized how much he would miss her if he let her go.
He set his tea cup down and walked towards her. "Wait."
She stopped and turned around. Levi had his arms open slightly. He was looking away from her, embarrassed. "Tch. Make it quick."
Hanji smiled and embraced him tight, causing Levi to "oof". Immediately, her warmth surrounded him and Levi relaxed. As his head was pressed onto her shoulder, he smiled. There was a sensation in his chest that felt as if his heart was melting. It seemed like forever since their last hug. But it wasn't in Levi's nature to approach Hanji and ask for one. Plus, there was no opportunity to call for it. They haven't been in any battles lately, or parting from each other in a while.
Levi's thoughts suddenly shifted to Hanji's recent questions and then the image of her lips. If I ever wanted to kiss anyone...he thought. His heart began to hammer in his chest as the thought of Hanji's lips pressed against his played in his mind. He pulled away from her slightly. Hanji took it as a hint to break the hug and made the motion to pull away. However, Levi's hands caught her arms, holding her in place. "This feeling," he said quietly. He shyly met Hanji's eyes, then cast his glance down to settle on her lips once more.
"About your question before," he said hesitantly. "...about wanting to kiss someone..."
"You want me to help you kiss somebody?" she blurted out, excitedly.
"Idiot!" he growled, pushing away from her. "Way to ruin the mood!"
"Huh? You wanted to kiss...me?" she asked confused, as Levi stormed off towards his chair and threw himself down on it, arms folded and sulking.
"It's obvious you don't feel the same," he grumbled.
She stared at him as the realization hit her. Her cheeks blushed as she cried out in embarrassment. I didn't know Levi felt that way about me, she thought. "But...I...didn't think I'd be the type of woman you liked."
"What do you know about my type?" he snapped angrily, still pouting in his chair, feeling turned down.
"I don't know...someone clean?" Hanji asked, unsure.
"Tch. That's why I'm so animate on making sure you bathe." he explained, annoyed at how dense she was.
"So that's the reason you're so strict on me," she muttered to herself.
"That, and because you're probably the only person here who forgets to bathe regularly." he quipped.
Hanji laughed.
Levi looked up to observe her, then glanced away. "I like your laugh too," Levi whispered, barely audible. He recalled all the times he would be in a bad mood and for some reason, just hearing the sound of her laughter alone would be enough to pull him out of his funk. Although he wouldn't laugh in return, all her attempts to try to make him laugh were enough to amuse him for days on end.
"But I'm not exactly what you would call feminine," Hanji continued to reason. "or beautiful..."
Levi shook his head, staring at the ceiling in thought: You don't realize how beautiful you are. "I don't care for feminity. Your brilliant mind...crazy even...look," he snapped, looking back at her to meet her confused stare. "I'm wasting my time." He wore his usual expression. However, it was ridden with rejection and being too ashamed to admit it, he turned to face away from Hanji. "Tch. You've never noticed me anyway..."
Hanji's heart continued to drum in her chest as she focused her attention on this cold faced man she knew for so long. It's true that he was never one to openly display his feelings and yet, here he was, confessing his fondness for her. "What are you talking about? I've always noticed you, Levi." Hanji answered, her cheeks still flushed. "Ever since you joined the Survey Corps, you've had my attention. But I never thought someone like you...with me..." she paused. Levi turned back to face Hanji. He noticed her blushing, fumbling with her words and took that as a good sign. Oh? Levi thought as he stood up from his chair and began to approach her slowly. Hanji continued to ramble her excuses: "Of all the other girls in the Survey Corps..."
"I don't care for any of them," he said, taking hold of her hands softly.
"Having a romantic relationship during this time seems pointless," she said softly. "Now I understand how you could've avoided all the nonsense of first kisses and such."
"I don't want my first kiss with you to be nonsense," he said softly, hesitantly cupping the side of her face with one hand. Don't screw this up, Levi thought nervously. Slowly, he caressed his hand downwards until his fingers lingered, gripping her chin gently to pull her face down towards him.
His eyes stared intently into Hanji's, searching for her approval. Although he put up a strong front, inside, he was terrified. He's never done this before but wanted so badly to claim those lips of hers. "Show me," he murmured, his mouth inches from hers.
"I really don't know much of what I'm doing either..." Hanji protested quietly. However, the feeling of Levi's hot breath brushing against her lips set them on fire and she obliged. Hanji's eyes fluttered closed as she pressed her lips softly to Levi's. She remained for a moment before pulling back. She noted how stiff and nervous he was, merely standing there, arms at his sides. Hanji smiled how cute he looked, lips somewhat puckered, waiting for another kiss.
"You just press your lips together like that." she said. "Relax your jaw a little," she continued, noticing that his jaw was a bit clenched.
"That's it?" he asked, basking in the moment of their faces still within inches of each other.
"Well, there's no guide to kissing." she explained. "You just do whatever comes natural to you. You'll know what to do."
Levi smiled and reached towards the back of Hanji's head, pulling her close. "Let me start this time," he said, lips brushing over hers delicately.
As he went in for the actual kiss, his nose collided with hers. As he wriggled his nose in frustration, Hanji giggled softly, taking his face in her hands, and tilting it to the side gently to guide him to her better. Levi pulled her close and pressed his lips to Hanji's, appreciating their fullness. He began giving her small smooches, noticing that both his and Hanji's breathing had increased. Hanji had wrapped her arms around Levi, pulling him closer to guide his mouth deeper into the kisses.
It was like a hidden door had been unlocked inside Levi. He became suddenly overwhelmed with the amount of suppressed affection he held for her. So this is how to tell her without words, he thought. "Hanji," Levi whispered, barely audible. He ran his tongue softly along her lips, relishing her taste. Hanji moaned, causing a tingle to run down Levi's spine.
God this woman turns me on, he thought, reaching for her rear end and grasping her firmly, lifting her up with ease. He wrapped her legs around him and sat her on the edge of his desk, not caring for spilling some documents onto the floor.
"Levi," protested Hanji but he captured her lips with his once more. "Hanji," he whispered as he kissed her deeper and continued to embellish her with kiss after kiss, only allowing her to breathe as he whispered her name over and over. "Hanji...Hanji...my Hanji."
MY Hanji? Hanji thought curiously. She opened her eyes to take in Levi's passionate assault on her lips. One arm braced himself against the edge of the desk while the other wrapped around Hanji, his hand running up and down her back affectionately.
Feeling the familiar sensation in his lower region only felt during the late evenings when he was alone, Levi began to press his lips urgently to Hanji's. Desperate for more contact, Levi continued to crush her lips with such passion that he didn't realize that she was struggling to break from him.
He opened his eyes and looked at her confused, breathing heavily. He pulled back as she sat up straight. "What's the matter?"
"You're being too rough," she explained, bringing her hand to her lips, her fingers brushing against her lips. "You'll bruise them."
Levi stepped away, rejection starting to build inside him once more.
"It's OK," Hanji said, trying to comfort him. "There's a certain mood that-"
"Get out." he ordered.
"Eh?"
"Out!" Levi shouted, turning away from Hanji, his cheeks red from the shame he was feeling.
"Levi, you did fine, it's-"
"GET THE FUCK OUT!" he shouted.
Hanji cringed but hopped off the desk. As she walked towards the door, she took one final glance at Levi. He still had his back to her, his shoulders squared in anger. She closed the door quietly and walked back to her room.
"Shit!" cursed Levi as he kicked the chair away from his desk, sending it flying to the other side of the room.
Hanji gave Levi some space. She knew he wasn't angry with her, nor took his actions to heart. She knew Levi better than anyone and knew that what he needed was time, more than anything. As a man, she knew Levi didn't want to feel inadequate or inexperienced, especially since he made it known that he chose Hanji to be his partner.
I should have taken control before it get out of hand, thought Hanji. I knew it was getting too heated but I guess deep down I was enjoying it. Oh well, best to let him be the one to come to me, this time.
Levi was heaving angrily in his room. He was so angry at himself for losing control. That was one thing that he's always had. But with Hanji, she always found some way to break that. She always caught him off guard with her comments or way of doing things. He began to pace anxiously, his thoughts flooding his mind. Well what does she expect? I'm new to this and she knows it! He ran his hands through his hair in frustration, trying to calm himself. I know she's not mad at me because she knows me too damn well.
He paused in his step and smiled, amused at the fact that she was enjoying his kisses at least before he went too wild. That means she felt it too...
"I'll have to make it up to her," he muttered. "But how?" He stopped pacing when he recalled Hanji having a sweet tooth. "I'll just make her something in the kitchen. She loves when I make her things." He smiled fondly at the memories of Hanji gratefully smiling and thanking Levi whenever he brought her something like that. Of course, he always played it off as no big deal. Deep down, it meant a lot to him that she appreciated the little things he did to show her that he cared for her.
He didn't want to make Hanji wait too long. He immediately headed down to the kitchen to make his famous chocolate cookies for her. He made a batch small enough so that no one could confuse him for making the entire barracks treats. He could at least play off that they were for him and that he was having a craving of some sort.
Levi had just finished and was allowing the cookies to cool. The sweet aroma of chocolate and sugar filled the air. He began cleaning up any mess he left during his baking session when he heard someone humming in approval.
"Mmm mmm," one of the new male cadets said, entering the kitchen. He froze upon entering the kitchen and Levi recognized him instantly. It was the same cadet he had punished that morning for being intimate with the other female cadet. "Francis," Levi greeted curtly.
"Oh!" Francis cried out nervously. "Levi Heichou! I didn't know it was you!"
"No matter," Levi said dismissively, continuing his cleanup.
Francis went over to help with the cleanup. "I-I didn't know you baked."
"I wouldn't expect you too," Levi said shortly. He had retrieved a small burlap pouch to put the cookies into.
"Boy, when you want sweets, you sure don't play around." Francis said, trying to ease the tension and be polite.
"Ah," answered Levi. He was annoyed that he had no privacy and decided to take the cookies up to his room. At least, he could tie them with a rope he had in his office and write a note. This way, he could give Hanji the gift and let her be the one to return to him on her terms.
He briskly left the kitchen and headed to his office once more. He found some spare rope in one of his desk drawers and tied it around the end to close the pouch. He grabbed a spare piece of paper and sat down on his chair to scribble a note. He paused for a moment, quill in hand. What do I write? he thought. I'm sorry for being an asshole? No...
For a few moments more, he stared at the paper. Finally, he made up his mind and scratched out a quick message and affixed it to the pouch. Should I wait to bring it to her? he thought. It hasn't been too long since she took off. He cursed and decided to wait until later to deliver it to her.
After a few hours, Levi awoke with a start. He was sitting cross-armed in his chair and had dozed off. He shook his head of his drowsiness and checked the clock. It wasn't too late but he did manage to kill some time. He glanced atop his desk and the pouch was there waiting to be delivered. Levi took a deep breath to calm his nerves and stood up. He left his office and began heading to Hanji's.
Levi suddenly felt a bump when passing another soldier in the hall with enough force to send the pouch flying out of his already nervous and loose grasp. "Oi!" growled Levi as he scrambled to pick up his pouch. A pair of hands came down to pick up the pouch first. Levi looked up and noticed that it was the same exact soldier from before: Francis.
"Are you kidding me?" Levi cried in exasperation. "What are you, following me?"
"Ah sorry!" Francis apologized, handing over the pouch to Levi.
Levi's eyes widened in horror as Francis' eyes glanced over the note.
Hanji,
I'm sorry. Can we try again?
-Levi
Francis began stuttering out an apology before Levi snatched the pouch out of his hands. Even though he was shorter than the cadet, his darkening aura was causing Francis to cry out in terror.
"You speak a word of this to ANYBODY, and there may be an 'accident' on your first expedition beyond the walls. Are we clear?"
Francis let out a terrified cry and nodded profusely. He scampered off, leaving Levi alone in the halls. He gave a sigh of annoyance and began walking over to Hanji's.
Once in front of her door, he knocked. No response. The door even gave way a bit so Levi peeked inside. She wasn't in. He took the opportunity to walk inside quickly. He felt a wave of relief wash over him, knowing he avoided an awkward conversation with Hanji. Instead, he could leave the cookies as a surprise. And that's exactly what he did. He placed the cookies on her desk, on the clearest spot he could find. He took a step back and took note that it was almost impossible to see in the mess of junk on her desk. That woman, he thought with a twitch of affection. He picked up the pouch and decided to leave it on her chair instead. God I hope she doesn't sit on it, Levi thought. Well, at least she'll find it.
He took off and made sure to close the door behind him. He didn't want any other visitors to get the chance to accidentally see his gift to her, even though it was well hidden.
Levi returned to his quarters and decided to lie down and read a book. He anticipated Hanji getting all emotional and bursting in, thanking him for the gift. Levi smirked to himself and flipped to the page he had left off on that particular book he was immersed in.
Minutes had passed which soon seemed like hours. Levi had read the same paragraph again and again to the point where he memorized it before he even read it again. He scowled. "Where the hell is she? Did she not get them?" He put the book down and began pacing the floor again, debating on returning to her office to confront her.
The whole ordeal was exhausting him and causing a headache. He groaned, massaging his temples. "That's it!" he snapped. "Can't believe Shitty Glasses is making me wait like this!"
He stomped over to her door and knocked loud enough to hopefully startle her out of any research she may be doing. After a few moments, Levi raised his fist again but stopped when the door creaked open. It was Hanji. Her hair was wet and she was currently drying it with a towel.
"Levi?" She asked, glasses off, squinting at him.
"Ah-Hi Hanji" Levi greeted quietly. He took in her appearance and gave her a surprised look. "Did you-did you just take a bath?"
"Shocking isn't it?" she replied and Levi cringed. Her voice lacked it's usual spunkiness. Crap, she's probably still pissed. "Wait here, I'm going to put some clothes on."
Levi grew flustered. "Idiot! Why would you answer-"
Hanji closed the door on his face. Levi's mouth hung open mid sentence. I guess I deserved that, he reasoned, albeit annoyed. Arms folded, he tapped his foot impatiently for a few minutes before Hanji opened the door again. "Come in."
"Thanks," Levi muttered, walking past her. As he did, he took in her fresh soap and shampoo scent. He inhaled quietly, enjoying the aroma. Although he loved to have her clean, he still enjoyed the scent that was just 'Hanji', which was something that he was relieved that she couldn't wash away. Levi stopped a few feet from her desk and noticed her cookies were on top of it, already opened.
He paused, anger brewing inside, knowing that she had seen his gift after all. "I see you found the cookies."
"Yes," Hanji replied. "Thank you." Levi turned around to look at her. She was fidgeting with the ends of her night shirt. She's nervous, Levi thought. Poor thing. He approached her and she instantly took a step back. A shot of rejection pierced Levi's heart like a dagger. "Hanji..." he murmured sadly. "I'm not going to hurt you."
"It's not that!" Hanji replied. "I just don't want to get too close."
"Why?" Levi asked, ego bruising more by the minute.
"Because," she said blushing. "I'll be tempted to kiss you again and I don't want to put you through-"
"Hanji!" Levi protested, preparing to explain himself.
"I'm sorry!" she cried.
Levi's eyes opened in shock. "You're sorry? I came here to apologize to you!"
"I should have been a better teacher instead of just criticizing you," Hanji continued to blurt out.
"Hanji...stop," Levi said patiently. He reached out and took one of her hands. He brought it to his lips, giving it a fond kiss, his eyes never leaving hers.
Hanji's cheeks burned as Levi stepped closer. He also, was starting to develop a blush. He nervously looked down and then back up at her. "Did you read the note?" he asked. She nodded. "Well?" he asked, anxiously.
"I'm fine if you want to keep trying." Hanji answered quietly.
"I'll be gentler this time, I promise." Levi said softly as he cupped the side of her face with his hand. Hanji sighed and leaned her face into his hand, earning a warm smile from Levi. His thumb brushed over her lips as she tilted her head towards him. In a quick motion, Levi stood slightly on his toes to capture her lips in his. As promised, he was gentle and gave her short, sweet pecks, as he pulled her closer to him.
Hanji took the opportunity to tease him with her tongue in hopes of guiding him. Hopefully, she thought. He wouldn't be too turned off by this. Her tongue ran from both his top and bottom lips, Hanji appreciated how pouty Levi's lips were. Her tongue danced deeper inside his lips and Levi took the hint, parting his mouth open slightly, allowing her access. Levi hesitated as Hanji's tongue explored his mouth. It was surprisingly bewitching to Levi and he, in return, did the same to Hanji. Their tongues entwined with each other. Levi again began feeling intense desire pool inside him. It took everything in his power to control himself from grabbing Hanji and throwing her on the bed to ravish her. Instead, he focused on her lips and touch as Hanji's hands ran along the short undercut of his hair.
As they pulled away to recuperate, Levi breathed out "Thank goodness you brushed your teeth."
Hanji let out a laugh. "Now who's ruining the mood?"
"You still are," Levi joked and caressed her face affectionately. Hanji blushed and Levi awkwardly stepped away, not familiar on where to proceed from there. He took note of how late it was, his headache still quietly pulsating in the background. He took a moment to look at Hanji's inviting bed and then back at her. "Can I sleep with you tonight?"
Both their faces turned scarlet immediately the moment Levi's words left his mouth.
"Ah! I didn't mean it that way!" he panicked, looking down at the floor. "I meant-"
Hanji's laugh interrupted him. She felt relief. "I know what you meant. You can stay here for the night. It's not like you haven't slept over before."
There were countless times when either one or the other would find themselves wandering to the other's rooms when they couldn't sleep. Levi would suffer from insomnia and seek solace in watching Hanji in her research. Hanji, needing someone to rant to with her findings, would seek Levi. Even though he was rough around the edges, he really was the only one who actually seemed to listen to her. So, very often, they would find themselves asleep at the other's desk, or even close to each other on the couch or bed. After waking up next to each other, they would often not speak of it to avoid any awkwardness.
"Thanks," Levi sighed. "All the events today have me exhausted."
Hanji went over and pulled the covers back on her bed and lied down on her side. Levi climbed over her and did the best he could to spoon her. He wrapped his arms around her waist, pulling her towards him. Hanji startled in surprise as he nuzzled his head into the back of her neck and gave quick chaste kisses on her shoulders.
She blushed and stammered, "I didn't take you for a cuddler."
"I didn't either," he murmured softly into her skin. "Another first." He took a moment to recall their previous argument. "Hanji."
"Hmm?" she answering, slowly drifting off to sleep.
"About what I said earlier...regarding being with other women...that wasn't true." He yawned, feeling the sleep taking over.
Hanji smiled and snuggled into his hold, having turned out the lights. "I know," she murmured. Goodnight Levi."
He yawned again. "Goodnight Four-Hanji...sorry,"
"You can still call me Four Eyes or Shitty Glasses. Don't make it weird."
She felt his lips smile against her as he continued to give her soft kisses until she could hear his breathing deepen from sleep.
And there you have it! This Chapter was written to cover first kisses between the two and all the awkwardness and angst that comes with that. Also, I wanted Levi to be the one to make his feelings known to Hanji, being frustrated from her being so clueless to his advances. Hanji obviously feels the same but probably repressed her romantic feelings for him due to her uncertainty. Levi could be a complicated character, even with Hanji being so keen at reading him. So, she probably didn't want to jump to conclusions regarding his 'friendly' behavior towards her. So, up to this point, the Chapters are rated T for language and some adult situations. However, the next Chapters will be rated M for sexual scenes. I'm not too good at writing those, so don't expect 50 Shades of Shingeki from me.