A/N: Hey friends! How was your weekend? I went to Oz Comic Con and cosplayed for the first time - it was super cute and fun! Has anyone done this before who reads my stories? Please let me know as I have a huge interest in doing this now ha.
This chapter is a little OC - the reason being, that it isn't too conventional to put Juno in every moment in the manga/anime because realistically, why would she even be there? There will be more original content blended with manga/anime but in a realistic sense. I am now 200+ pages in and thinking about potential ending ideas... do you know how tough that is? It's tough because an ending needs to happen but whhhyyyyy...Anywho, it isn't anytime soon!
There are TWO song lyrics featured in this chapter because a) it really feeds into what Juno is feeling and b) it breaks away from how sad it can get in this world.
1st song - The Wolf by Fever Ray
2nd song - Supermassive Blackhole by Muse
We are also gradually entering into unknown territory - Levi emotions! So, wish us luck because interpretation is key and this is what I wrote and re-wrote until I was certain descriptions with little Levi dialogue was the way to go.
Enjoy, kiddies!
Chapter 8
"The Wolf."
At eight, I stepped out of the room and into the corridor. The air was cool, but not too cold – that nice Spring breeze that makes you consider whether you needed an extra piece of clothing, but turns out you didn't. You're nervous, chewing my lip, I peered out of the large window and down onto ground level. It was almost as if I was watching the arrival scene of a high school prom, only that the people attending were dressed in period clothing. The dresses, trousers, shirts and vests were all neat, tidy and a stark contrast to my modern special event or prom, but the colours and tones were muted. I could catch beaming cheeks and wry smiles as paired or groups of soldiers headed towards the entrance, some chatting amongst themselves whilst others linked in arms.
Riders from other regiments were arriving in various degrees of transport; some riding solo or paired up on one steed, others in wagons or higher-up's in carriages. It certainly was something I had never expected to see, based on the time I had spent running around with the Scout's, roughing it out in the wilderness or back at the old HQ. In comparison, I suppose it was like watching people arrive by foot, in a beat-up car or in a limousine.
Unexpected nerves uncoiled in my stomach and I ran my clammy palms along my sides, a fleeting thought crossing my mind. You literally don't need to carry anything, not even a cell phone, it wasn't such a bad thing – I hadn't had any withdrawals from my modern life, so perhaps this was a refreshing habit.
Eyes black, big paws and
It's poison and
It's blood
Swallowing back my giddy stomach, I decided it wasn't warranted to feel this way. Aside from the wild adventure I had already experienced and expected to continue so based on the track record, this was just like going-out with friends, right? At least seeing Connie and Sasha smiling from ear-to-ear on floor level eased me nerves slightly.
"Are you ready?"
Turning towards the familiar voice, Levi stood a few steps from me. I had half-expected him to make zero noise and possibly jab me in my side to get my attention, but I also wasn't sure how long he had been standing there while I stared off into the distance. Dressed in all black except for the grey cravat hanging from his collar, I was left involuntarily eyeing his appearance. I had only ever seen him in his soldier gear or, not as often, in a towel. For the most part, he looked good, real good.
Remember: He stabbed you with a needle. This means you can't check him out because he's a dick, and it made all the sense to think that way, however…
"You scrub up okay."
"Tch."
The little scoff noise barely escaped his lips, leaving me grasping at the faint noise. Instead, his steel gaze raked over my face, flickering down my body before returning to my face once more. My insides tingled at how bold Levi could be, but I tried to remain emotionless and unaffected – that's what grown-up's do, right? Levi spent an extra moment on the tattoos now openly visible to the world, something I had attempted to keep covered for the most part. His jaw clenched, brow furrowing slightly. A faint flicker of change on his smooth features and I was immediately intrigued by the difference.
And big fire, big burn
Into the ashes
And no return
Extending his elbow to me, I cautiously took it and we began down to the courtyard. The action itself seemed immensely outside of his usual stiff persona, but I wasn't going to stand there stunned, staring at him until he called me a 'moron' or an 'idiot'. Logically, it made sense to as he was my 'bodyguard' for the evening. I wasn't walking too close and there was a safe distance between us. Why did I care?
I could feel how tense he was as he walked, his eyes refusing to look at me. Had I disgusted him? How was I ever to know when his flickering facial expressions lasted half a second before he was back to aloof and not giving a flying-fudge about anything, a poker face beyond any level known to man. Sniffing, I decided it didn't matter. I had been through absolute hell. I was going to enjoy myself, even if it meant getting away from my bodyguard.
"Look at you!" Hange shouted with glee when she spotted us on ground level. "Nice to see you outside of civvies!" The tall brunette had changed into a deep blue gown that hugged tightly around her chest, waist and gathered in long drapes down to her legs. She had even changed her goggles to thin reading glasses.
"The corset isn't irritating your side wound, is it?" She asked, forcing me to turn so she could look at the suspected area.
"Not at all," I mused, sliding away from her as she tugged at my dress. "It's fine. Tight, but fine."
We took you out
From your mother's womb
Our temple, your tomb
Levi's jaw clenched again as I shuffled into him, muttering a 'sorry' and stepping back a few feet. Letting out a gasp of air, he turned his gaze to Hange and said, "Glasses, I see you've washed your hair. Why are your breasts so high up?"
Hange flicked her pony-tail to one side, a grin on her face. "You know it, Shorty! And I'm trying a new piece of clothing inspired by Juno."
The Captain's response was to shake his head, turn away and continue to the door. Shrugging, I followed closely behind him, keeping in mind not to accidentally bump into him again. I couldn't decide if he was grumpy or overall, the same. Rather not bother. We entered the hall and there was an immediate buzz. People chatted with one another, music played softly from the back of the room and fewer eyes fell on me. In the corner by a table of food, stood the newly appointed Scouts. Connie waved, Sasha by his side, stuffing her face with bread.
"Hey!" Petra chirped as she appeared in front of me, handing me a glass of liquid. "I'm so glad you're here. I was worried that you might not come because of the other regiments being here."
"A part of me didn't want to come, but Erwin insisted I needed to meet some people." I sniffed at the drink. It smelt faintly of fruit and perhaps vodka. "What is this?"
"Who knows!" Petra said loudly, cheeks rosy. "Hanji made it."
"I'm going to get a drink," Levi said blandly, his gaze moving from my face to peer past Petra. "Stay where I can see you, brat."
Petra's eyes became wide. "Captain, I'll come with you!"
I was left standing by myself as Petra trailed behind Levi into the crowd of people. Sniffing the drink again, I took a sip and was mildly surprised to find it was sweet like fruit tea, but with a bite at the end. Whilst sipping my unknown beverage, blatantly not caring if it would kill me due to how many this had almost occurred in the past few days, I studied the mess hall. Furniture had been removed, some remaining to support food and drinks. The beams had been decorated with sheets and someone had brought it cuttings of a lush, green plant, pinning them to the sheets as make-shift decorations.
Can be your pick
Not pawned
The poisonous blood
"Juno," Jean said as he approached me with a drink in hand. Standing tall, he smiled sheepishly, "you l-look, uh, different – I mean, nice!"
Beaming at Jean, he was quickly joined by the other familiar Scouts. The entire table of people I had met earlier had cleaned up in varying degrees of fancy clothes. Some wore dresses, whilst one taller female wore a female pant suit. I had learnt her name was Ymir and her little blond companion, was Krista. The boys (they were much younger than me, I felt I could call them boys), had changed into white shirts and either black, brown or navy trousers.
For a moment, I was surrounded by young people. I say 'young people' because I knew they were in their mid-to-late teens, but they didn't act like teenagers in the slightest. They stood in familiar circles, chatting about training and maybe topics of interest, nothing along the lines of gossip or banter that I had engaged in at that age. It felt unfamiliar and foreign, listening to them as they talked about the past or their personal experiences killing titans. Occasionally, I would nod in response or answer a question directed towards me, but my only consistent and comfortable action at present was to reach for more drink so I could keep my hands busy.
My nerves had arrived in silent anxiety at the beginning of the night, but as I built more and more liquid courage, it became easier to chat with the small group of people. Over time, people left and others arrived, asking me questions about my unique appearance and accent, to which I had creatively fabricated a history of my lineage. Thankfully, Hange had briefed me on what she knew of clans with unique traits, so I had taken elements and fed them information before turning the conversation back onto them; 'Five generations back, a recessive gene appeared in my father that resulted in super straight hair - Tell me, in what industry do you work? Oh, farming? What sort of farming? My dad was a farmer' or 'Oh yes, I believe that over time people adapt to their surroundings, which explains why I have a more olive completion thanks to working in the fields. How pleasant has the weather been as of late? I thought I spied the Spring birds out in the foliage earlier today'. In all honesty, I was talking complete bullshit and had it not been for the younger Scouts who seemed to be meeting me on my level of liquid courage, I may have appeared a fool.
And all the while I grinned and conversed with my new friends, I could feel Levi watching me from a far. Icy orbs pierced through my temple, watching my every move as I found a more comfortable stance as the evening went on. I had dared to peek towards him, bodies passing by and the brief image of Petra and Levi standing further back into the room with their fellow team mates. In true form, Petra was chatting away, only now she seemed more relaxed having had a few drinks, whilst Levi, also with a drink in hand, remained the same; impassive and occasionally replying to a question, gaze firmly planted on me with the occasionally survey of the room.
Hange took my hand and dragged me to the far-left corner of the hall. Sitting in a huge box was my iPod with a cord attached to a record player.
"I took the cord you brought and modified it to attach to the same device we use to read music coils," Hange explained, her words slurring slightly yet excitement adamant in her glowing cheeks. "And let me tell you, kiddo! How many times did I get electrocuted?"
"I don't know, you said you'd tell me."
Hange threw her hands up. "Too many times! There is no hair left on my forearms!"
We've been calling
Black paw who's soaring
Hange hadn't used the iPod in the hall yet. Instead, there was a cylinder-shaped object sitting in the player. Grooves ran along its exterior as a fine, tip needle ran through them, music sang out from the horn shaped cone. The music drummed throughout the hall, a variation of low, guttural beats as a girlish voice accompanied the base. Unusual, as I had half expected to hear a live acoustic ensemble that resembled classical musical. It was charmingly intoxicating.
Just like this drink. I snorted at my own joke and went back to the group of kiddies.
Ymir and Krista had begun dancing, the little blond girl laughing as the tall brunette spun her. Next to them, Mikasa and Armin twisted in playful circles, before Mikasa took Eren's hand to join them. Berthold and Reiner stood away from the dancing people, drinks in hand as they observed the hall. I watched them laughing, playing and their youthful faces brighten under the fire light and realised, they were kids for the first time in a long time.
You are the sound that I hear
You are the sound that I hear
We are not standing
We are falling
Squashing the feels welling up in my drunken chest, I strolled across the floor to join their group. I had only made it half way across the hall when an older man stopped me in his tracks, appearing in front of me with a side step from my right. Bald and wearing a high-quality grey suit, he held out a gloved hand. Immediate wariness washed over my body, sobering me up just enough to stiffen and stare at his hand.
"You must be Juno," he said, honey-coloured eyes scanning my face and a weathered smile tugging at his lips. "It would be impossible to think you were someone else."
I took his hand, shaking it lightly and decided that at present, old guy didn't appear to be a threat. "Yes. And let me take a wild guess who you are?"
His lips now turned into an amused smile, eyes glistening as if he were sitting in front of a fire, mulling over the old days.
"Commander Pixis," I said with a small bow of my head, unsure if this or a courtesy would have been more appropriate. I wasn't a soldier, or anyone for that matter, so a nod would suffice. "A pleasure to meet you."
"I'd been told about how lovely you were, but seeing you here right now," Pixis said in a gravelly voice, eyes planted on my face. "The words simply don't do you justice! I understand you are a guest of the Scouts?"
Whilst trying on dresses, Hange had run through my 'personal history' in case this would happen. I was, at current, the hot commodity, and as the newly acquired hot topic, I needed to have a convincing story. Now, this was always at a risk as lying isn't as easy as talking the truth, because a lie is something you should always check in on to make sure it remains consistent. Telling the truth is simple, because it happened and minimal thinking is required. At least I had had some practice earlier in the evening.
Thankfully, I was tipsy, which meant my brain was more than the average confident.
"I am, sir," I added a quaint smile. "You can probably tell based off my appearance and accent that I am from an entirely different section of Paradis. I come from a town that is miles and miles away, known as Clora."
"Clora, you say! I have heard of this town, but have never been – it must be very far away."
I nodded in agreement, allowing for the superior soldier to continue with his questions and observations. Similar to Levi, he held his gaze with extreme precision, but at least it wasn't as intimidating. In fact, he reminded me of my godfather, having that fatherly warmth – that person you go to for advice.
"So, tell me, Juno," Pixis guided me to the table of beverages, handing me another glass of the fruity drink. "What brings you to the Scouts?"
"Commander Pixis, I don't think boring our guest with business talk is the way to a memorable evening."
Recognising that drawl immediately, I didn't bother to turn to face Levi. The warmth from his body was radiating to my back and left side, telling me he was close enough that had the room been quiet, I could probably hear him breathing. Instead, I watched Pixis' expression rise with interest as Levi placed a hand on the small of my back.
"Captain Levi, I couldn't agree more," Pixis brought his drink to his lips, taking a hearty gulp and placing the glass back on the table. "The opening dance will be shortly. Will you be participating in the dance, Juno?"
"Well, I have no idea –"
"Juno will be participating in the dance," Levi interrupted with assertiveness. "We need to step away now because it will be starting very soon."
"Of course, Captain." Pixis winked at me as Levi gently but with enough force, turned me and guided me away at a brisk yet leisurely stroll.
The middle of the hall was clearing out and begrudgingly, the new members of their respective regiments stepped onto the open space. There were many faces I didn't recognise. A few of the friends I had made were heading towards the sides of the floor, some with smiles, others with expressions of nervous smiles. It was amusing to watch until I realised what was happening - Levi was forcing me onto the this very floor.
"Um, excuse me!" I hissed at him as he planted me on a spot and stood in front of me. "No one mentioned a god damn dance for me!"
"I needed to get you away from Pixis," Levi hissed back, right hand taking my own and his left sliding behind my back. Although I was glaring fire balls at the raven-haired male, I wasn't certain if the nerves rising in my chest were from the realisation of needing to dance or his sudden actions. "You're already tipsy and he would have gotten you so drunk, you would have slipped up – and not just your tongue slipping, moron. Pixis is a known sleeze."
"No, I wouldn't have! And, I don't know the dance, you idiot!" I was panicking. I had danced on many occasions with friends, in a night club or bar, when the atmosphere was the right sort of vibe. You know, the type of dancing that you think you look good bumping-and-grinding, but really, you likely look stupid? That sort of dancing. At least in that scene, everyone looks the same. This sort of dancing, the type you would expect to see in an 18th century ball, was not something I could do confidently. Not with so many people watching me and a dismissive, silvery-eyed male staring at me.
Narrowing my eyes more so, I turned my head away to amplify my annoyance. Forcefully using his left hand, he brought my body hard against his and I gasped, the action a complete surprise. From the sudden action, I had turned to look at him once more, only now that our faces were a hairsbreadth away. There it was again, that brick wall.
"Shut up and trust me." Stoic as ever, his tone rising a fraction outside of its usual drawl.
Taking a shaky breath, I swallowed hard and nodded. If Levi, someone I would never imagine in this scenario, dragged me away from another Commander to avoid an unfavourable situation, onto a dance floor he openly whinged about more than once, then I felt compelled to shut my mouth and trust him. The music started and Hange darted across the sideline of the room, reaching Erwin as they paired up to dance. A mystic rhythm of violins, drums and haunting cellos.
Oh baby, don't you know I suffer?
Oh baby, can you hear me moan?
You caught me under false pretenses
How long before you let me go?
Levi guided me to the right; one step, two step. Fearful as my skirts tailed behind my feet, I tentatively looked down to make sure I wasn't going to trip or stumble, only to feel his right hand tighten. Looking back up, Levi shook his head, indicating to keep my own gaze upwards. Another nervous inhale, I blinked in acknowledgement and peered slightly past his right ear. Jean was paired with a little blond girl, his feet awkwardly attempting not to step on her as they mimicked the same motion. Eren and Mikasa stood a few feet from us, Mikasa obviously leading the pair. Further sway, Armin was situated with a girl I didn't recognise. Next to him, Ymir and Krista danced together with no trouble at all.
Ooh
You set my soul alight
You set my soul alight
The violins became strained, quicker, faster. There was a side step, a sweeping motion and Levi spun me suddenly, releasing me with one hand and pulling me back in with the hand still holding on to me. I'd be lying if I said I was unimpressed but the air caught in my throat and the little yelp escaping my lips was an indication that this was definitely something worth the mention.
I'm not sure how I feel about this, I bit my lip, not daring to make eye contact.
"I would have never assumed you could dance." I said breathlessly as he held me against him, pulling me around so we were once again facing one another.
Levi remained determined in his expression. "Why? Because I'm a soldier?"
You set my soul alight
Glaciers melting in the dead of night
And the superstars sucked into the super massive
"No," I replied quickly, worried he had taken offence in my comment. It was hard to tell as he gazed back at me, aloof as his legs moved me around. "Because there was zero indication that you could. Heck, I had no idea soldiers did something like this. Don't you spend most of the time killing the bad guys?"
Levi continued to guide me, step for step. His brow furrowed lightly as he said monotonously, "My mother taught me, when I was very young. It isn't a skill I show-off, when yes, I am out killing the scum of the earth."
The back of my throat tightened. His eyes softened, a memory fluttering past. His hair, tumbling in shortened lengths, fell upon his eyes as he turned, pulling his stare from mine and peering into the distance at nothing at all. Levi blinked and it was gone; expression stern and concentrating.
I thought I was a fool for no one
Oh baby, I'm a fool for you
You're the queen of the superficial
And how long before you tell the truth?
"How old are you, Levi?" I asked blatantly and in interest. His attention fell upon my face again, a pang of nerves shooting up my back at the intensity. He wasn't even saying anything and yet, here I was, trying my best to match his poker face. What was happening to me?
"Hm," he looked away, thoughtful. "I think I'm thirty-three. I can't be sure. Why? How old are you?"
"No reason," I turned my gaze to the other people, youthful faces peering awkwardly at one another. "They're only young adults. That tells me you start them at a young age. And if you're a Captain and they're your soldiers, I figured you'd be in your late twenties or early thirties."
Levi leaned forward, forcing me to bend my knees and bend back in a big sweeping motion, sending my hair flying up and around. My torso coiled inwards as I was brought back up into a vertical, hair collecting around my left and cascading between both our shoulders. The action had resulted in my face near to his, air leaving my lungs once again. Spices collected within my nose, the smell of freshly brewed tea and citrus. As I stared warily into his steely gaze, his brow knitting ever so slightly, there was a huge thud, followed by a yelp. Sasha was on the ground, Connie hurriedly trying to help her up. Sasha was shouting at him, which soon turned into laughter.
I laughed, hiding my face against Levi's shoulder.
You set my soul alight
You set my soul alight
"Oi, you didn't answer my question," Levi pushed on, causing me to regain my posture and resume the calmer portion of the dance. We were now stepping in a waltz-style formation. "How old are you?"
"Twenty-seven." I was still chuckling, brain a clutter of comprehension and mild inebriation. It didn't help that he smelt so damn good. "Twenty-seven and a god damned mess."
Levi didn't respond, but rather studied my expression with his expertise stare. It was something he did to not only me, but other people as well. I had seen Levi remain 100% silent during intense conversations (which I probably shouldn't have been eavesdropping), his gaze the only indication he was paying attention. He would stare for long periods of time, watching the person currently speaking with either immense interest or severe disinterest – there was no in between. Instead, to diffuse his gaze poking two fiery holes into my head, I looked at the people dancing. The song was wrapping up, the tune slowing down and disappearing. Some of the recently graduated cadets were leaving the floor. Sasha clumsily exited for the tables of food, Connie trailing behind her.
I let go of Levi and clapped with the other people. The room was buzzing with delight, I was somewhere between mildly sober and somewhat intoxicated, but what my intoxication was spurred by, I couldn't decide anymore. He stood in front of me, not clapping at all, rather his brow knitting, jaw clenching once more as I slid one sleeve of my dress higher up. I did the only thing that made sense and that was to not make direct eye contact.
"You need this," Gunther said as he thrust a glass of amber liquid towards Levi, "because Erwin and Pixis want to talk to you." He nodded towards me, bowing slightly with a smile, "Lovely to see you again, Juno."
Smiling back, I excused myself and headed towards the youngin's parked at a long table in the back of the room. The air was cooler away from the center of the room and I accepted it with open arms. The dance itself had been a surprise and the movements were not strenuous, yet I was feeling warm and a little stunned by the entire encounter. Hange passed by, mumbling something about putting her play list on.
The music stopped and then suddenly, lyrics clear as day with a slight scratchy distortion, a very familiar song began to play.
"No way!" I shouted, grin rising on my face as I reached the table and its occupants.
"What is it?" Armin asked, concern on his dainty features.
Bopping to the beat, before I could control myself, I was moving my hips from side to side, arms up to my chest and swinging. Hange ran up beside me, her dress billowing around her long legs, exposing the worn out boots she hid under it.
"I saw this was played a total of 110 times," Hange hiccupped, expression of indignation. "I put this song on because it appeared to make you happy. Now, I expect you to show me how your people dance, kiddo!"
A glass of liquid was thrust into my hands. Cheers were had and down it went, fresh and cold, liquid danger and all the courage I needed. Before I could lower my glass to the table, another smaller glass was thrust towards me, a golden liquid glistening in the warm, halo of torches lined on the wall. Another cheers, my eyes falling on Jean who peered back at me with a grin as he brought the large shot glass to his lips and threw the alcohol down with little to no response. I did the same, my right eye twitching from the burn soaring down my throat and into my gut.
"We won't be able to do this again in a long time," Jean whispered into my ear, causing me to pull away from the tickle against my ear. "May as well enjoy myself before we all die!"
My response was to hiccup, a nervous laugh escaping my lips as Jean sat somewhere between amused and thoughtful. I shifted in my stance, feeling the effects simmer into my body and extend outwards into my limbs. Maroon 5's Moves like Jagger echoed throughout the hall and my heart sang with content. Hanji took my hands, pulling me to a corner a short-ways from the table and started to pump her arms into the air. I erupted into laughter, following her in a similar fashion as she repeatedly asked if the move itself would be accepted where I was from. A moment passed and a little blond head appeared beside me, large blue eyes half-lidded as a grin appeared on Krista's face. She also started dancing, hooting with glee as Ymir appeared next to her, bopping slightly while watching with amusement. The other guests appeared to be startled as they watched our little group bust moves in the corner but the buzz in the air, the louder chatter and rosy cheeks, told me this was fine.
"Screw it! I'm probably going to die soon, so may as well have some fun!" Connie slammed his drink down and joined us. I couldn't stop smiling as our awkward little group continued to throw out ridiculous movements.
It wasn't long until more people were dancing. Eren twirled me and I shimmied, causing the young man to blush deeply. Laughing, I forced Mikasa towards him and turned towards Sasha. The song had switched to Savage's Let me see your hips swing and Sasha was taking the instructions with full force. "This is so bizarre!" I concluded in a whisper, talking to no one other than myself. I looked across the room. Erwin stood with several men, their eyes watching the bundle of two dozen people dancing. Older soldiers frowned at their new regiment, bending their knees and 'dropping it low'. Erwin on the other hand, looked amused. For a man who did not smile a lot and was always switched on, I felt pleased to see him enjoying himself.
To the left of them, standing by a set of chairs, was Levi and his squad. He was leaning against a post, one arm across his chest and tucked under his opposite elbow, whilst his free hand held another ominous glass of amber liquid. Petra stood by his side, chatting between Levi and Ouro.
"Where did you learn to dance like that?" Jean asked, pulling away from a bubbly Hanji. He was swaying from side to side, if not but a fraction, cheeks pink and eyes narrowed in concentration.
I shrugged. "I didn't learn, I just made it up. Where I'm from, people don't dance to look good. We dance for fun, so you don't need to be good."
Jean's brow furrowed, eyes watching me carefully. There was a thin sheen of sweat on his forehead. He had been doing some sort of swing dance with Sasha a few moments before. Rolling my eyes like a child, I thrust a fresh drink towards him whilst taking one for myself. "You people need to stop staring," I threw the drink down hard and fast, "less starey-starey, more drinkey-drinkey."
The track changed to a mish-mash of Irish jigs, the type you hear when you travel abroad or enter an Irish pub. Flutes, acoustic guitars, violins and a rugged, Celtic accent entered my ears. Jean's face lit up and he snatched my hand, dragging me towards the group dancing. With a bemused smile, he said loudly, "Now this, I can dance to!" The others hooted with glee, pairing into two parallel lines and suddenly, I was being instructed to dance down the line, kicking our feet out and clapping loudly. I couldn't help but laugh as Connie and Sasha careened down the path in their partner dance, breaking off and joining the lines again.
"This is a very old style dance," Sasha said loudly over the cheering and music. "It's been done for many years – see!" She pointed towards the back of the hall and to my surprise, some of the older regiment members had paired up and were doing the same jig. Even Petra had been dragged into the dance by Eld, the pretty red head laughing with embarrassment.
I made sure to have Hange keep the music on this level, as it brought a happiness to the people. I had even spied a full, figured woman dancing with Erwin as a weathered male stood by, watching carefully. As the music and dancing continued, the older members of each respective regiment filtered out. Soon, it was only a few of the senior members such as the Levi squad, Erwin, Hange and Mike, along with the entire group of new Scouts and myself. Even the new Garrison and MP's had left.
I now found myself seated at the same table, shoes missing and one leg bent and pulled up against my chest so to wrap an arm around it.
"S-so, you're telling me," Reiner swallowed his large sip, eyes shifting with his movement. "That the m-music you have – people just swear and say offensive words, whenever they want?"
I shook my head, losing my balance for a moment. "Nah, not always. There is an entire genre of music that has a lot of swearing, but it's subjective to the musician themselves."
"You're s-saying," Connie hiccupped as he leaned forward to inspect me closer, "y-you're saying I could tell someone 'bitch, I frickin' love you' and it wouldn't be offensive?"
Hanji, who was sitting cross-legged on the table, burst into laughter. She rolled back into Sasha, who had also taken residence on the table, who was then steadied by Mikasa, who had the right mind to sit on an actual chair.
"Correct!" I shouted, then reached over to the bottle of spirits and poured it into my glass. My gaze followed the sparkling, joyous regret only to be swiftly removed from my hand, mid-pour. Lifting my gaze away from my glass, I peered incredulously at Levi.
"You better slow down," Levi placed the bottle down, out of my reach. He then pulled a glass up and poured himself a modest portion and sat down across from me. "All you brats are going to be sick tomorrow."
"Shooorty," Hanji slapped him on the back, "they cleared tomorrows plans because they knew this would happen. Lighten up!"
I rose a brow at Levi, who didn't reply. He took a sip out of the glass, eyes watching everyone as they continued to laugh, drink and joke. He was still dressed neatly in his jacket and cravat, not a single drop of sweat on his forehead. Not even the faintest trail of pinked cheeks or glistening sheen from drinking all evening. With a frown, I brought my glass to my mouth and looked away. He was either pissed-as-a-fart and good at hiding it, or better at handling alcohol than I was.
The night continued, slowly becoming the next day. Hange had relocated back to the iPod, Armin glued to her hip, as she drunkenly attempted to show him how it worked. I looked over at another table to see Petra asleep against Gunther. The older male was in conversation with Eld, who was seated next to a passed out Ouro sprawled out on the bench.
"Did Erwin go to bed?" I asked out loud, unable to see him in the dimly lit room.
"He's still talking with Pixis," Levi responded, pouring himself another nip, "he likely won't go to bed until the rest of us retire."
I turned my glassy eyes to Levi, who sat straight with his drink held in one hand. His long fingers gripped at the rim of the cup, not the center. He had been sitting there quietly for some time, finishing off the bottle of spirits. I had also seen him have at least half a dozen drinks, what I assumed was whiskey, neat, earlier in the night. Looking around me, everyone was in various states of inebriation. Armin and Hange were on the ground, looking at the iPod, Krista was half-asleep against Ymir, Connie was arm wrestling Jean, while Sasha was attempting to bring her drink to her mouth. Eren and Mikasa sat at the end of the table, their faces rosy and pink as they swayed, talking quietly to one another. But Levi? Nope, nothing.
"How are you still stone cold sober?" I asked, trying my utmost best to not let on that I was the complete opposite.
"Alcohol has no effect on me," Levi swirled the drink in the glass, eyes never leaving my face. "It never has."
Frowning at him, I pushed myself up to stand and reached over the table. Levi's eyes widened and I knew they had dropped to my chest, but I didn't care. He didn't budge when I took the glass from his hand, sat back down and sniffed it. Keeping my gaze on him, I brought it to my mouth and finished it. As I put the glass down, I saw his jaw clench again and a mild gloat rose in my chest. I'd probably regret this later.
"Why do you do that?" I asked, indicating to his tense composure.
"Why did you take my drink, brat?" Levi snarled back.
"Answer my question first!" My response had been a shout, only that I wasn't angry. I just wanted to know.
"Do what, idiot?" Levi glared at me but I couldn't have cared less.
I rested both elbows on the table, then lowered my forearms to rest against the table and my chest. His jaw clenched again; this time a muscle in his neck did the same thing. He surely wasn't disgusted by me, was he?
"That!" I pointed at him. "You get all randomly tense when we talk some –"
Levi stood, grabbing my forearm and forcing me to stand also. The strength and force was reminiscent of a previous experience in an infirmary, reminding me that the Captain appeared shorter than most males, but was ultimately stronger than anyone could suggest. I yelped as he dragged me away from the table, pulling me quickly towards the door, leaving the hall all together.
"Levi, what the hell!" I drunkenly snapped at him as he dragged me down a footpath to the right of the courtyard. "I can't walk fast in these –"
Turning swiftly, Levi pushed me up against a tree, pinning my hands above my head. The action had been entirely lost to me, I simply had not seen how quickly he moved and now, I was pressed against a tree, staring into his narrowed glare. I froze like prey to a predator.
"You need to stop," Levi scowled, his tone nothing but a hiss through clenched teeth, "whatever the fuck this is, needs to stop."
I didn't respond immediately. The warmth of his body was dizzying and the fact that he smelt like spices wasn't helping. He was so close, I could see every single eye lash, the slight curve of his perfect nose and the rise of his chest breathing heavily.
"Stop what?" I dared to ask.
Oh god, he's so close and he smells so good…
Releasing my hands, his expression remained fiercely attentive as coarse finger tips skimmed along my sides, lingering a moment on my hips before pulling back abruptly. I swallowed hard, terrified and immensely keen to hear his response. Sensations were running over my arms as I lowered them to my sides and my heart was beating hard enough, I swear he could hear it.
"Stop. I won't ask again." Levi growled, eyes glowing like orbs under the sun. He allowed for one more glance to my face, tense jaw releasing before turning and briskly walking away.
Standing in the early morning hours, barefoot and more confused than ever, I couldn't help but wonder what the hell that was and why Levi was so inadvertently unresponsive on an entirely inhuman level. The sensation of his fingertips played hard on my mind and I found myself running my own hands in the same area, reliving the feeling of finger snagging against material. Suddenly sober and pulsating from the confrontation, I spotted Hange and Mike leaving the hall and made an uncomfortable bee-line for the senior soldiers.
"I thought you left!" Hange said happily, leaning on Mike. "What did Levi want?"
I shrugged, giving a poor smile. "He was angry because I was too drunk."
Hange groaned. "God, he is the biggest pain in my arse."
I thanked Mike as he helped Hange into her bed. Closing the door behind him, I began to undress and readied myself for a potential hang over. Placing a bucket next to Hange, I drank as much water as I possibly could stomach, climbed into the bed and forced myself to sleep. There was no point dealing with Levi's weird reactions when I knew I would have to deal with even bigger hang overs within the next few hours.
