Chapter 9: Gala
Disclaimer: I do not own Shingeki no Kyojin
Previously: There is a gala coming up. Kenny reads the gossip column about them. Petra decides she wants to learn how to use the 3D gear and ropes Levi into helping her.
The stationary gear had arrived and was installed Sunday evening, exactly one week after Petra declared her desire to learn how to use the 3D gear, much to Levi's dismay. He had managed to avoid teaching her, claiming it was a serious and challenging process and he had to leave in an hour so they should postpone it until next weekend. He was hoping she would lose interest by then. She didn't.
Now he was trying to stall once more. "The gala is next weekend. Isn't it more important to focus on that? You don't need to learn how to use the 3D gear. Not like you have to put it and go fight Titans," Levi pointed out. He was sitting on their bed, watching Petra bite her lip, holding the training outfit she had picked out. "The gala is more important. We should be more focused on it since everyone will be scrutinizing us. After all, it is our first public outing as a married couple." He knew she couldn't fault that logic.
"I suppose you're right," Petra relented. She had been really looking forward to using the stationary gear. Levi had made her promise not to try anything without him around. "We can push it until the day after the party."
Levi nodded and took the opportunity to change the subject. "How did you even manage to get the equipment anyway? Even for someone of your station, I find it hard to believe it only took a week for you to get permission to buy machinery permitted only to and for the military." He narrowed his eyes suspiciously. "Unless the method through which you acquired it was less than legal."
"Don't be silly, I went through all the proper channels. The 3D gear and the stationary equipment are regulated by the Military Police and you will be punished severely for having it without a permit, which is almost impossible to get unless you're an institution." Petra smiled mischievously. "But, when you're the head of an influential noble family and your husband is Humanity's Strongest, the most well-known user of the aforementioned gear, it's not too difficult."
"So," he said, crossing his arms, "it's only because of both of our positions you were able to get it?"
"That's right. Don't we make a great team?" Petra put away the clothes. He thought he had safety averted the topic until she spoke again. "You can start teaching me next Sunday. I'll make sure to clear out the entire morning and afternoon."
She looked at him expectantly and he realized he didn't need to dissuade her. That would happen automatically once he did what she wanted him to. She wanted him to train her so train her he would. "We'll start on Sunday morning." She beamed. "But you can't jump straight to the stationary gear."
"Doesn't it come before the 3D gear? Isn't that where trainees start?"
"No. They start by building up their bodies first." It was a lie. The stationary equipment was about testing aptitude, to determine a person's knack for the 3D gear. Being physically fit was unnecessary as long as the person wasn't ridiculously out of shape. Levi fudged the truth a little. "You need to be in semi-good condition to be able to hold up your entire body," he said with a straight face.
Petra nodded, not doubting his words at all. "Okay." She looked down at herself. "I'm not at peak condition, I can tell you that."
"You'll have to start by running because it has to do with breathing and you need to build up muscles in your legs, and doing sit-ups to develop your adnominal muscles for balance." He was pleased to see she didn't look too thrilled about that. "And if you want to learn to use the 3D gear, well, that requires even more physical conditioning. It's a lot of work."
Petra wrinkled her nose slightly. "I'm not interested in learning complex maneuvers." She shrugged. "I just want to learn the basics."
"It'll still take a lot of time and effort."
But I really want to learn how to fly. Ever since she the idea had come to her; it had refused to leave. Her curiosity was piqued. She mulled the pros and cons of learning how to use the 3D gear vs. the exercise needed to get there. "I was thinking about getting into better shape so, why not?"
Her answer startled Levi. Most nobles detested the idea of physical labor. Although he shouldn't have been too shocked. His wife was an oddity. "Since you've made up your mind, we'll begin next week." He was convinced once they began she would throw in the towel quickly.
"I don't see why this is necessary."
Petra grinned. "You need to be able to dance well. It's one of those things that's expected of nobles." He scowled petulantly and she found that rather cute of him.
The room they stepped into was open and tiled, with red velvet couches off to one side and a black music stand nearby. It was where Petra often practiced her violin. Sometimes he would sit and listen to her play or watch as she learned a new song. A black grand piano sat on the other side and two small golden chandeliers hung from the ceiling. The candles in the wall sconces weren't lit as plenty of light came through the large windows, courtesy of the afternoon sun.
A nicely dressed man with a gray beard stood with a small group of musicians behind him. "I hope we didn't keep you waiting too long, Mr. Roth," Petra addressed him.
"Not at all, madam. Your servants let us in just now."
"This is my husband, Levi. As you can see, he's clearly very excited to learn." She smiled at the very unamused expression on his face.
"That is only because he does not realize the joy of a good waltz." Mr. Roth's eyes twinkled. "And I am honored to teach him."
Levi held back a sigh. If someone had told him a year ago he would be living aboveground as a member of the Survey Corps with a cheesy title, married to a noblewoman, and being taught how to dance properly at fancy soirées he'd stare them, deciding between scoffing at the ludicrousness of the statement or punching them for making fun of him for dream of leaving the Underground.
"We'll begin with a simple box set."
The dance instructor started the lesson immediately, taking Petra as his partner, showing Levi how to step. Doesn't look too complicated. He memorized the pattern and repeated it back to them. The musicians began to play a song and the two danced to it. Levi was already starting to feel self-conscious imagining him and Petra in the middle of a ballroom, surrounded by pretentious asses watching them and judging them.
"Remember not to stand with your feet pointing directly at your partner. You want to be a little offset so your feet don't bump into each other's when you move. Go ahead, get into position."
"Do you remember where to hold me?" Petra stood before him. "Put your right hand on my shoulder blade and hold your left one out."
"Good." Mr. Roth began to count as he snapped his fingers.
Levi kept his face carefully blank as they moved, his body easily adjusting to the rhythm. Petra's expression morphed into an impressed look. "You're doing it!"
"Well done," the elderly man praised. "You're a very fast learner, sir."
He shrugged nonchalantly. "Is that it? Are we done?" Levi asked his wife hopefully.
"No, there are two more moves you have to learn."
"The next step you are learning is the ladies underarm turn." Mr. Roth raised his hand and Petra joined him. "We'll start with the box step," they moved as he explained, "once you've made half a box, drop your right hand and raise you left, and step to the side, then side together." Petra turned as he brought his feet together. "Step forward and side together." He and Petra returned to their original position. "You move side, then forward, and we're back where we started."
"I think I get it."
The first one was awkward but he had it down after that. "How are you so good?" Petra was amazed by how easily he was leading her. "Have you had dance lessons before and never told me?"
It was such a ridiculous idea he almost laughed. "No."
"You're a natural, huh?"
Levi had been dreading learning how to dance but he had picked up the final move, face-to-face, just as quickly. It was his least favorite as it forced him to look at the people around them, he and Petra standing back to back, his left arm to the side and hand pressed against her palm. Still, he was glad it was over quicker than expected. But Petra had other ideas.
"I never thought you'd be such a gifted dancer. Since I've already paid them to be here for much longer, how about you learn some complex moves?"
"Isn't what I can already do satisfactory?"
"Yeah, but why stop when you can clearly do much better?"
"I'd rather not," he said, careful to keep his tone light. They couldn't be arguing in front of the strangers present. He guessed she had picked out basic steps he could master quickly. No one expected him to dance well. As long as he was proficient in those moves it was more than enough. Now that she thought he had a talent for dancing, she wanted him to be able to do more complicated moves.
Petra pouted. "If that's what you want." She was disappointed but not entirely surprised or bothered, shrugging it off. "I'll settle for you not squishing my toes on the dance floor."
"Now we'll have you two dance without me instructing you." Mr. Roth nodded to the musicians. "They'll play several songs with different tempos and you must adjust your pace accordingly."
Petra and Levi sat together in the carriage, on their way to the gala. He tapped his finger as she talked. "You haven't heard a word I've said, have you?" Her words snapped him out of his thoughts.
"Hmm?"
"Don't be so worried. It'll be fine."
"I'm not worried. It's just a waste of time. I'm irritated."
Petra smiled, patting his hand. "If you say so, dear." She had half expected him to flinch or yank his hand back. But he didn't even frown lightly. He'd grown used to her touch. She had a feeling he had been touched affectionately very few times in his life. It only made her want to hug and kiss him more but he liked his space so she held herself back.
Levi looked away, unable to understand the sweet way she was eyeing him. He pulled the curtain aside when the carriage slowed. "We're here." They stopped before the main door. Levi exited first, offering his hand to Petra and helping her down. The carriage pulled away and they drifted inside after showing their invitation to the servant out front.
"Hold on," Petra said, halting them in the hallway. "Do I look okay? Nothing messed up?" The dress was mostly dark blue with some silver and white as well as golden embroidery along the edges. It was flowy, elegant, and very flattering on her.
"You look fine."
"How's my choker? Is it centered?" Then she fixed his cravat. "You look great, too. You can never go wrong with a black tux."
"Quit that." Levi gently smacked her hands. "Why are you so nervous?"
"Sorry. Am I making you nervous?" Petra straightened, offering him her elbow and walking toward the ballroom.
If this is how some nobles live, what kind of luxury does a royal have? Levi couldn't even begin to imagine. Petra's manor was spacious and beautiful and exquisite. But this place was the definition of extravagant.
The ballroom was a large, rectangular room made of polished golden tiles, glistening chandeliers, and a fountain to one side that was flowing with red wine instead of water. Men in fancy tuxes and women in stunning dresses danced and made conversation as well-dressed servants moved through the crowds with ease carrying flutes of champagne and bite-sized snacks. Tables with pristine white sheets were loaded with all kinds of food that probably tasted as good as it looked. Soothing music permeated the air as a group of musicians dressed in black and white played in a corner of the large ballroom.
The feeling of not belonging was strong.
Levi felt very out of his comfort zone. Stealing, killing, surviving, he could do those any day. Mingling at a fancy party with nobles? Much as he hated to admit it, even if only to himself, that was more than a little nerve-wracking.
"You'll be fine." This time it was Petra assuring him, putting her hand on his arm and squeezing comfortingly. She led them to a few familiar faces.
Levi faintly recalled seeing them at the wedding. And just as he had done at the wedding, he let Petra do most of the talking, mostly nodding and adding something once or twice in every conversation.
"You've done well so far," Petra praised as the two wandered through the crowd.
"It's more boring than uncomfortable," Levi replied. The nobles rarely talked about anything interesting, most just complimenting on each other's outfits, gossiping about others, and some business talk. They were near the food when he spotted them. "I remember them," Levi said, eying the blonde-haired woman and the brown-haired man. "From our wedding. The drunkards."
"The Bergers."
"They were easy to remember. And they're coming over."
"Good evening," Mr. Berger said cheerfully, his breath stinking of whiskey.
"Evening," Petra replied.
"How are you two enjoying the party? Snuck off to the coat closet or a spare bedroom yet?" Mrs. Berger snickered.
"Oh, goodness, no—"
"It's okay, no need to feel embarrassed," she said, winking. "When we were newly married we couldn't keep our hands off each other either. From the kitchens to the living room to the stables!"
Mr. Berger squinted at Levi. "Huh, thought you were taller. But then that's not the size that really matters, right?" He and his wife giggled.
Then, much to Levi and Petra's complete mortification, Mrs. Berger brought her hands together and began to spread them. "Tell me, just how well—"
"Excuse me, I see someone we must speak to," Petra rushed out and yanked Levi away.
"And here I thought nobles were above such things," he grumbled when they were out of earshot. What a bunch of perverts.
"Well, I wasn't lying. I did see someone we need to talk to. Look, see that tall man standing with the woman in the purple and silver gown?" They slowly started making their way over. "He's a business associate. Theo's family owns a silk farm and has been our supplier for a very long time."
"Who's the woman?"
"His younger sister, Emilie."
Levi stood back silently as the three greeted each other. They're one of those, he thought when Petra introduced them to him as the siblings had been unable to attend the wedding. Some of the nobles were curious thanks to his title while others would get a certain glint in their eyes, looking at him he was worth less after they found out he wasn't born with a silver spoon in his mouth. Levi resisted the urge to roll his eyes. Petra would become very unhappy if he pissed them off by running his mouth.
While Theo pulled his wife into business talk, Emilie smiled at him. Levi prepared himself for subtle jabs at everything from his height to the Survey Corps to his former social status.
"So, how is everything going for you? I imagine it must be a huge change. How are you handling this new life?"
Levi knew she was referring to him going from rags to riches, as he believed was the term while pretending to be polite and he chose to pretend to be ignorant. "Marriage is a big change. But we're enjoying our new life quite well, thank you."
"You are a lucky man. I bet you're the envy of your friends."
"Yes, Petra is one-of-a-kind and I'm certainly lucky to have her."
"Going from a poor commoner to the husband of a noble. You've progressed well in your life," she complimented falsely.
"Make that dirt poor to nobility." He wasn't about to show his irritation to amuse her.
Emilie looked slightly annoyed. She made a show of looking him up and down, appearing unimpressed and asked, "How exactly did you seduce Petra?"
"With my charm and wit of course," Levi responded.
"It's just you're not really like some of the other men she's courted. You're a little…little."
"That's not the size that really matters," he repeated Mr. Berger's words.
"How vulgar," Emilie gasped, appearing offended but delighted internally to have something to exaggerate and gossip about.
"I was referring to the size of my heart. I'm shocked a noble lady such as yourself has such an indecent mind," he deadpanned and she blushed in anger and embarrassment.
"Levi," Petra said, oblivious to the exchange that had just happened, "we were—"
"Want to dance?" Levi held out his hand.
"Okay." She was pleasantly surprised by his initiative and they went to the dance floor. "I wasn't expecting you to ask me yet. I thought you'd wait until I had to remind you or drag you myself."
"I'm tired of talking to these people."
Petra smiled widely, genuinely enjoying herself. Levi quite liked dancing with her as well, his feet moving on their own after getting used to the rhythm. He didn't have to listen to more shit sprouted out of nobles' mouths. And his wife was very pleasing to look at so that didn't hurt.
Fortunately, the rest of the night passed uneventfully.
Petra crawled into bed, on her side, face in hand. "What did you like best about the party?"
"The ride home."
"That doesn't count."
"The food." He couldn't believe how much food there was. Levi doubted it was all eaten by the guests. He wondered where the rest of it went. The leftovers had to be enough to feed a small group in the Underground for three big meals.
"I was worried how you might handle the little remarks and jabs but you did great," Petra said happily. "You didn't get angry or curse anyone. I'm so proud."
"Wasn't easy, believe me." Levi joined her. "Bunch of shits that they were."
"Even more impressive, you didn't make any jokes!"
Levi shot her a pointed look. "And what's that supposed to mean?"
"Your brand of humor leaves something to be desired. Primarily humor."
He grunted, "Don't be ridiculous. My comedy is hilarious."
"Hilariously bad, maybe." Petra laughed, lying down. Levi reached out and tugged her hair, making her laugh more. "But, really, I'm glad you're not hurt by what they said."
Levi scoffed. "Why the fuck would I care what they think of me?"
"That's one of the things I like best about you. You don't care what people think of you."
"Hmm."
"Is there anything you like about me?" Petra asked eagerly.
"You don't snore."
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